
A builder gave up bricks and mortar for a canvas tent and the open road, when he quit his steady job to travel with his beloved pet husky.

Henrik Vikse left his stable career in construction to pursue his dream of hiking through Norway's most beautiful landscapes.

But the 28-year-old doesn't do it alone - he brings his adorable husky four-year-old Akiak along for the ride.

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One man and his dog: Henrik Vikse, who quit his full-time job as a builder, and his husky Akiak take in the breathtaking view in Lofoten, Norway

Ruff and ready: The four-year-old canine loves nothing more than to experience life in the open and sleeping in tents with his owner

Akiak is described as having a nose for adventure on his popular Instagram page, which has over 350 posts from their escapades

Shooting stars: Akiak sits outside the tent which is lit up under a starry night's sky in Bergen

Helpful husky: Akiak lends a paw with transporting the equipment needed for their travels around dramatic terrain

Henrik said: 'I gave up a good building job with a safe income, but giving it up felt amazing. It gave me the feeling of freedom I needed. I like living on the edge, not planning every move I make.

'I had dreamt about doing it for years, then one day I decided to just go for it. I quit my job and decided to start on my own. It's the best decision I have ever made.

'To be honest, when I quit, I think my colleagues were shocked but also expecting it. They all knew what I loved to do - go on hikes and be independent.'

Henrik has shared over 350 stunning pictures on Instagram site Akiakthehusky, where he presents his incredible adventures from the perspective of his canine companion. The page currently has over 13,000 followers.

A trip to the beach: The builder is now self-employed, which gives him the flexibility to travel, but he draws the line at foraging for food in the wilderness

Winter wonderland: The popular pooch, who has over 13,000 followers on Instagram, looks right at home in the snowy landscape in Bergen, Norway

Joined by a visitor: Vikse's girlfriend Josefine Gulleksen, 22, sits on the side of a mountain with Akiak during a spectacular sunset

Room with a view: The pair visit some of the most beautiful places on earth, and regularly wake up to snowcapped mountains and lakes

He said: 'I started an Instagram profile because my girlfriend had more followers than me. We had a little contest to see if I could get more followers than her, just for fun. After a while, I won!

'I stopped for a while, but I got a lot of questions about not posting anymore. I realised that people were inspired and interested in my pictures, so I continued posting.'

Henrik usually enjoys hiking alone, but makes an exception for furry friend Akiak, who he's had since he was a puppy.

He said: 'When you hike a lot alone with your dog, you get really close. The bond you share is truly amazing, not to mention the memories. He's my best friend.'

Akiak's Instagram page was launched by Vikse with the aim of trumping the number of followers his 22-year-old girlfriend has - and it's been a success

Living the dream: Vikse says that his bond with Akiak has never been stronger thanks to the time they spend together in paradise

Akiak spends most of his days outside experiencing the incredible Norwegian landscape and enjoying the fresh air

Creature comforts: Vikse says he is not exactly Bear Grylls yet as he still gets all their food in supermarkets before they set out

However, Henrik isn't off the grid completely - he is now self-employed, which gives him the flexibility to travel - but he draws the line at foraging for food in the wilderness.

He said: 'Truthfully, I still buy all my food at the store. I'm not Bear Grylls yet, but give me a few years.

'Every day is different now. Some days I work from sunrise until dawn, and some days I hike up mountains and sleep under a billion stars with my dog.. The best days are when I put my head out of the tent and all I see is snow.

'Would I recommend it? Ask me in a few years and see how it's going! But for now, go for it. You only live once.'

Living life to the full: Leaving behind the grind of a full-time job, Vikse has been able to fulfil his dreams of exploring Norway

Leaping for joy: Determined to give his faithful pet the exercise and outdoor lifestyle he requires, Vikse is passionate about letting Akiak roam free in some of the most dramatic natural locations around

Vikse says that every day is different. Some days he works from sunrise until dawn, and some days him and Akiak hike up mountains and sleep under the stars. The best days are, he says, when he puts his head out of the tent and all he sees is snow

Curling up with a book: Vikse's girlfriend spends a relaxing evening reading in the sunset, with the couple's faithful dog keeping her company

Under the canvas: In order to keep costs down, spending a night under the stars is the cheapest way for them to keep on living their dream

Uncomplicated relationship: The dynamic duo are inseparable and regularly explore the great outdoors free from the confines of a back garden

Making friends: Akiak has met some other dogs also enjoying their freedom during his adventures