A leading group of Norwegian outdoor and hiking enthusiasts, Friluftsliv, has called for limits on the numbers allowed to hike to a number endangered or dangerous attractions.
The group, whose name translates to ‘Outdoors,’ is particularly concerned about Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen, above) and Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue, below), where numbers using the trails have skyrocketed. Pulpit Rock has gone from 60,000 visitors in 2009 to 300,000, and Troll’s Tongue has jumped from 1000 to 100,000 in five years.
Added to the concern about the wear and tear on the environment are safety concerns; Trolltunga in particular has been the scene of a number of deaths and injuries not only to people who act foolishly on the edge, but along the difficult trail. The group is also concerned about the safety of responders who go out to rescue those who ignore storm and safety warnings.
Photo: Steinar Talmoen/Wikimedia
