Norway: #1 Happiest country in the world, 2017

The world happiness report listed Norway as the #1 happy go lucky country for 2017!  Despite the price decline in oil and other challenges, Norway is the happiest country in the world. This report might not be a life changer, but Norwegians are always happy to beat Denmark (as a part of our friendly neighborhood competition) for the first place (they won in 2016)! Especially after all the "hygge" attention created around Denmark last autumn.With this happy occasion in mind we would like to give you some slow adventures, with Norwegian happiness as inspiration!

Hoemsbu

Fantastic experience at the Norwegian Trekking association's cabin 

Estenstadsmarka

A water break in the hunt for wild blueberries.

Agdenes lighthouse

Fresh Coley, cooked on a fire. Lemon and salt is all you need!

Nordmarka

Coming home to the cabin after a mushroom hunt. 

Aurland

Wrapped up and snoozing in a sled on the Aurland mountain. 

Hommelvik

First try for cod with Thea's new fishing rod. 

"The moon"

A walk to the "Moon", a viewpoint in Estenstadsmarka, Trondheim. 

A natural strong connection to the land

Norway is a country that still has a strong connection to the land. Most people use the outdoors multiple times per week and all children are sent outside despite the weather. 

Hoemsbu

Happy couple celebrating a happy birthday.

Rallarvegen

Happy campers cycling over the mountain to Flåm. 

Lærdal

For half an hour it snowed heavily on Christmas eve and covered the ground with white fluffy snow. 

Byrkjelo

Enjoying a big fire after setting up the tent. 

Uthaug

Happy couple at the beach in Uthaug

Lærdalsøyri

Climbing in Lærdal, next to the Sognefjord. 

Hoemsbu

Learning how to row using the boats belonging to the house. 

Dønnamannen

A good night sleep after a very steep hike. 

Happy Norwegians 

We can't say with certainty that being outdoors is what makes Norwegians happy, but for us slow travelers, a strong nature connection is an important happiness factor. Going outside and enjoying fresh air and spending quality time together. Let's Go (Happy) Slow!

If you didn't catch the wave of "hygge" last autumn see this video on visitdenmark.com to find out more.