How to embrace friluftsliv, the Norwegian art of living that reconnects with nature

Walking in the forest after work, having lunch around the campfire, escaping to nature on weekends… The inhabitants of the Scandinavian countries have a special relationship with the green areas around them. This art of living is called “friluftsliv”, a Norwegian term consisting of three words: free, air and life, which can be translated as “life in the open air”. Anchored in their daily lives for decades, the concept goes beyond the simple fact of being outdoors and could contribute to making Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden the happiest in the world.

The need to return to green in the 19th century

Invented by the Norwegian poet and dramatist Henrik Ibsen in the 1850s, “Friluftslev then described the reality that nature provides,” Helga Sinnevag Lovol, Volda University’s Freeluftslev course, tells us. is located in the fjords of Norway. At the time, Norway was experiencing industrialization and many farmers and villagers found themselves moving to the cities. “Friluftsliv then became a way for them to rediscover the connection with nature that they had lost,” continues Linda Akesson McGurk, a Swedish-American writer living in Sweden, whose book: Outdoor life (1) published March 2024. By the 1930s, the concept had become synonymous with free time. Since then, the residents of the city have taken advantage of their vacations to go to the forest, the mountain or the beach.

Everyday life is centered around nature

At the heart of many myths and stories told to children, the concept is passed down from generation to generation. “Friluftsliv is also part of the curriculum in Swedish kindergartens and primary schools, where outdoor play is central to outdoor activities on special days,” says the Swedish author. In Norway, a 1957 law (“Friluftsloven”) “codifies the rights of everyone to access and use the wilderness for recreation that respects the environment and provides a sense of well-being,” reads the government’s website. In all Nordic countries, friluftsliv also affects the professional sphere. “One hour per week for an outdoor walk is stipulated in the employment contracts of the employees,” assures Professor Helga Sinnevag Lovol.

It is important not only to be in a green space, but to try to understand how our environment works

Helga Sinnevag Lovell, teacher

“Friluftsliv is a lifestyle that consists of framing our daily lives around connection with nature,” summarizes author Linda Akesson McGurk. Every day of the year, regardless of the weather, he enjoys spending time in his garden or in the surrounding woods. “I love watching the seasonal changes and nature’s behavior over the months,” he confides. Because that’s what it’s about. immerse yourself in nature. “It’s important for us not just to be in a green space, but to philosophically try to understand how our environment works,” adds teacher Helga Sinnevag Lovol. We pay attention to places to connect with nature.” And everyone can feel it. Sometimes you just need to sit in nature and engage your five senses. By listening, for example, we will hear the song of birds… “It’s about wandering, curiosity, openness to what nature offers us,” invites the Norwegian professor. The more we are aware of it, the more we can feel that it is a part of us too.”

Different levels of application

Friluftsliv can be practiced on several levels. While some may choose to go berry or mushroom picking, others will also learn “practical survival skills like starting a fire, purifying water or building a shelter,” says author Linda Akesson McGurk. But to start, nothing could be easier, according to the expert. “The first step is simply knowing how to adapt to the weather to choose appropriate clothing for inclement weather.”

Then all you have to do is immerse yourself in a corner of nature, starting with the green spaces around us. You can just walk or sit, but any other outdoor activity can be part of friluftsliv (biking, camping, trail running, jogging, etc.) “provided the leisure is non-motorized and non-competitive,” the author notes. swedish Because it’s about limiting your impact and taking care of the environment.”

(1) Outdoor lifeBy Linda Åkeson McGurk (Les Éditions de l’homme), 304 pages, €21.