Outdoor recreation is a fundamental part of Norwegian culture. Strong traditions are associated with enjoying nature and the outdoor activity, and with fishing, hunting and other ways of obtaining food in the countryside.

Active outdoor recreation is also important for health and well being.

The ancient right of access ensures the right to ramble, boat and ski, and to pick mushrooms and berries, anywhere in open country, and thus forms the basis for varied outdoor recreation throughout the year. This right is a valuable boon which, at the same time, brings with it an obligation to have regard for the natural environment and occupations that are being practised there.

In recent decades, access to areas that are suitable for outdoor recreation has been reduced in many places due to development projects and other forms of encroachment. An ever-more concentrated settlement pattern increases the importance of safeguarding areas of open countryside near cities and other built-up areas.

DN endeavours to ensure that the use of the countryside takes place within the limits which nature tolerates.

It wants to carry further the traditions of outdoor recreation by:

• Securing the right of access and opportunities to hunt and fish.
• Securing areas for outdoor recreation.
• Improving public access to the coast and shore zone.

It is also important to ensure that green spaces link housing areas with nearby areas where people may take walks, and that open areas exist in connection with children's nurseries and schools.