Friluftsliv – the Norwegian national passion

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Norwegians have a special relationship with nature. We call it “friluftsliv,” and it’s more than just a hobby—it’s practically a way of life and a kind of national religion. Eight out of ten Norwegians go hiking in the woods and mountains every single year. And it’s no surprise. With the “Allemannsretten,” you can pretty much hike, paddle, or camp wherever you want, as long as you treat nature with respect and take your trash home with you.

Outdoor life is for everyone, from leisurely Sunday strolls in the local woods to epic summit hikes. Here are the most popular activities—with a touch of humor and some practical tips for those new to the scene.

Hiking and walking are the most popular outdoor activities in Norway.

This one’s definitely the most popular. You could take a leisurely stroll in the Oslo Forest, go on a day trip to Preikestolen or Trolltunga, or go on a proper multi-day hike in Jotunheimen or even on Hardangervidda.

• Let’s clear their heads.
• Eat a packed lunch and feel good about it.
• Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes, even when it’s pouring.

For those just starting out: Start with the marked trails and DNT cabins. Bring a thermos, a packed lunch, and waterproof shoes. A “Kvikk-Lunsj” is also a good idea. There are some great hikes, like Besseggen (with views of two lakes in completely different colors) or Kjeragbolten (the famous rock you can stand on), that are great destinations once you’ve built up some stamina.

Tip: DNT puts together guided hikes for all levels, which is great if you want someone to chat with without having to talk to people you don’t know.

Skiing – because winter is meant to be enjoyed, not just survived!

Winter is a big deal for a lot of Norwegians. Cross-country skiing on groomed trails is a national pastime, while alpine skiing and ski mountaineering offer more speed and excitement.

Cross-country skiing is a great way to get some exercise and clear your head. You’ll be gliding along, greeting people you’ve never met before, and feeling like part of the great Norwegian community. Ski mountaineering in the Lyngen Alps, Sunnmøre, or Lofoten, on the other hand, is for those who like a bit more action—but remember: this requires experience and respect for the weather and avalanche danger.

As we all know, Norwegians are born with skis on their feet. Or at least we act like we are.

Paddling is the perfect way to glide through adventure without making a sound.

Sitting in a kayak or canoe while the mountains reflect in the still water is pure magic. Western and Northern Norway are especially gorgeous for this.

If you’re new to the area, you can start with a guided tour of the “Nærøyfjorden” or “Lofoten”. You get to be close to nature, hear waterfalls, and might even catch a glimpse of seals or whales in the distance. With a drysuit, you can actually paddle almost year-round—like the Norwegians do.

Here are some other outdoor activities that Norwegians are really into:

• Fishing: You’ve got options when it comes to fishing. You could go fly fishing in a river or deep-sea fishing for cod or king crab in the north.
• Biking: Road cycling, mountain biking in the woods, or the legendary Rallarvegen.
• Stay outdoors overnight: We’ve got camping, hammocks, and DNT cabins. A lot of people start out with just a night in the woods nearby or their own backyard.
• Wilderness Adventures: Some of the activities you can do here include glacier hiking (with a guide), rock climbing, birdwatching, and mushroom hunting in the fall.

Here are some practical tips to get you started, especially if you’re new to Norway.

1. Keep it simple. Good waterproof shoes, wool underwear, and a backpack are pretty much all you need to begin with. The rest can be rented or borrowed through DNT or the Norwegian Outdoor Council.
2. Be sure to check the weather, let someone know where you’re headed, and download the “UT” app from DNT for maps and trip ideas.
3. Just a friendly reminder about the right of public access, “Allemannsretten”. You’re more than welcome to be out there, but please be respectful of the environment and other people.
4. Please bring something yummy to snack on. A packed lunch or a cinnamon bun (and a “Kvikk-lunsj”) at the top of the mountain always tastes better.
5. Don’t chase records. Outdoor life is all about unwinding, not about putting on a show.

Finally, get out there!

So there you have it. Outdoor life is really just a fancy way of saying “going out and pretending we’ve got life under control while we eat chocolate on a mountain.” We Norwegians have a knack for turning an ordinary Sunday hike into a little existential journey where the goal is to find both ourselves and a nice rock to sit on.

And the best part is that it works no matter your level. You can be a true hiking junkie who collects “happiness points” on 2,000-meter peaks, or you can be the type who gets out of breath just walking up the stairs to the cabin—nature welcomes both with open arms (and often a little rain shower in your face).

The most important thing isn’t how far you go, but that you actually get out there and remember what it feels like to get really hungry, really tired, and really happy.

Ultimately, outdoor life is about coming home tired, a little wet, and insanely satisfied that you still remember what it feels like to be human. The best trips are the ones where you forgot your phone, got blisters on your heels, laughed out loud at yourself when you slid down a snowdrift on your butt, and still thought: “This was worth it.”

So get out there. Bring a “matpakke” (packed lunch), bring a sense of humor, and bring a friend who doesn’t complain too much about the weather. Even if you just take a short walk in the nearby woods, you’re still better off than all those poor souls lying at home scrolling their way through life.
Have a good hike -and may the weather gods be a little less honest than usual.

(If you’re in the Bergen area, just let me know. I’ve got maps, cinnamon buns, and ready-made excuses all lined up.)

#Life In Norway