Imagine your life where outdoor activities, open spaces, and the simple act of being in nature are not just your hobbies, but a fundamental part of who you are. In Norway it is a reality and part of everyday life, known as FRILUFTSLIV.
The mindset is simple:
get outside, embrace the elements, and find peace and joy in nature.
What makes Friluftsliv so special?
The word friluftsliv can be loosely translated to “open-air life” and is deeply connected into Norway’s national identity. It reaches way back to the 18th century.
The term “friluftsliv” came from the famous Norwegian playwright
Henrik Ibsen back in the 1850s. There he described the spiritual and physical well-being that comes from being in remote locations and spending time in nature.
Today though, the concept has even a deeper meaning, representing a way to disconnect from daily stress, digital life and tasks to feel a sense of connection to nature. It’s also closely tied to the Norwegian concept of “kos,” or coziness – finding comfort and happiness in shared, simple moments, and those are often outdoors.
Outdoor culture in Norway
Here are some examples on how visible this lifestyle is in Norwegian society:
- Friluftsloven: A Norwegian law that protects the public’s right to roam, so people have access to nature for recreational use. (more info in our Blogpost)
- It starts early : Many Norwegian children attend outdoor kindergartens, in Norwegian called “friluftsbarnehage”. Kids spend up to 80% of their time outside. Even lunch or naptime is outside, also in the wintertime.
- Access to outdoor gear: The Norwegian government sponsors places (BUA) where people can borrow outdoor equipment for free, making it more accessible to everyone.
- Dating is an adventure, literally: Don’t be surprised when your first date in Norway turns out to be a hike or other nature activity. Due to many Norwegians seek active partners who share their love for the outdoors.
- Big outdoor community: The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has over 260,000 members, for a country of just 5.5 Million people. It is the biggest outdoor activity organization in Norway. They offer courses, cabin rental, hiking maps, and community activities. Volunteers of DNT dedicate hundreds of hours each year in maintaining hiking trails and a network of 550 cabins, ensuring that the outdoors are accessible for all.
- Academic Pursuit: In Norway you can even pursue a career around it. Friluftsliv can be studied as a bachelors and masters degree.
The benefits of beeing outdoors
Norway has four distinct seasons and a lot of weather, which even on some summer days can change quickly.
Bad weather doesn’t stop anyone from getting outside. Even in the wintertime, by -5C (23f) you will find people cycling to work in the snow. As an old Norwegian saying goes: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!”
This mindset encourages a commitment to celebrating time outdoors, and that all year round.
There is proof that spending time in nature has a profound impact on both, your physical and mental health. Studies show that being in nature can reduce anxiety, improve cognition, and simply makes you feel happier.
The mindset of friluftsliv is that you don’t need to climb a mountain top to find some inner peace. Also a just quietly sitting in a forest, or walk in Nature can be just as beneficial for your health, as running up a mountain. The impact on you is just less visible in the first place. The simple act of paying attention to nature shifts your focus away from daily worries, and leaves you with a sense of well-being and calmness.
This connection to nature might explain why Norway consistently ranks among the top ten happiest countries in the world.
It’s a culture that reminds us to step outside, take a deep breath, and appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us.
It's about a deep appreciation for nature and spending your time outdoors, regardless of the season or weather.
FRILUFTSLIV or simply open the door, and step outside.
You can try to include this type of living even in small ways into your daily life. By preparing food outside once a while, getting to the next park and take a walk or just have a cup of tea outside, with a blanket even when the temperatures are on the colder side.
Or you can also join us for an authentic friluftsliv experience. We take you on our trips into the fjord and up the mountains. Our guided trips are all about embracing the Norwegian outdoors and are all beginner friendly.
