It also has several "honorary members", prominent people who have shown a keen interest in Norwegian nature and given the country publicity as a tourist destination, among them Kofi Annan and Katie Melua.

Together with local organisations all over Norway, it operates more than 550[4] cabins in Norwegian mountains and forest areas.

Olav Thon, a Norwegian real-estate investor and hobby trekker, has so far donated 55 million kr to the association.

Most self-service huts have solar panels, and therefore electricity, but no running water, so they are usually located very close to a river from which buckets may be filled.

Before leaving a self-service hut, it is considered good etiquette to carry in firewood, do the dishes, clean the floor and (if necessary) lock the door behind you.