When the hiking gets tough: “New adventurers” and the “extinction of experiences”

Abstract

The last decade has seen growth in numbers of hikers to the iconic cliff Trolltunga, a spectacular peak hanging horizontally 700 m above ground in Hardanger, Norway, and to similar mountain attractions elsewhere in Norway. An increase in accidents and rescue operations followed, justifying this study that, applying perspectives from adventure tourism with the acceleration of the sublime , the performance turn in tourism , and the extinction of experience theories, supply new insights to reduce the problems. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with tourists and observations along the trail, supplemented by interviewing local municipality staff, service organisation staff, mountain rangers, rescue staff, and internet resources. Many visitors were “new adventurers”, often physically fit but otherwise unprepared for this hike and with a record of few if any previous hikes. Some interrupted their hike and turned back owing to lack of fitness, exhaustion, hyperthermia, and inappropriate gear. Many had difficulty walking the path and, although knowing the length of the hike (28 km), they did not understand its implications regarding its physical and psychological strain. Their comprehension of nature was vague, varying from a green city park to anything outside the town. From childhood and onwards, they lacked experience of doing, seeing, and feeling things while enjoying activities in nature. Exceptions to the above were a few well-equipped adventurers with hiking records dating back to childhood, primarily seeking wilderness with solitude and silence, who were less satisfied with the hike owing to crowding. Most hikers to the iconic mountain cliff Trolltunga were “new adventurers”, fit enough for hiking but lacking mountain skills. Most hikers had a limited comprehension of nature, causing inadequate preparation for the hike resulting in problems. Such hikers may represent future adventurers in nature. Lack of hikers' capabilities may be compensated for by multiple channel information, pre-hike courses, gear rental and shops, mountain rangers, and cabins for shelter. Basic interventions may be better access to natural areas and training in nature-based activities and outdoor living (“friluftsliv”) for children and youth. • The performance turn in tourism yields “new adventurers” who are “fresh” as hikers. • They lack hiking skills and comprehension of nature and mountain hiking. • They pay little attention to advice from guides and ignore signs and warnings. • They do not grasp the significance of information related to mountain hiking. • These problems may be traced back to the “extinction of experiences”.