Let us introduce you to Friluftsliv – the newest way to embrace outdoor living

In 2016, ‘Brexit’ was declared as the Collins Dictionary Word of the Year, though ‘Hygge’ – meaning ‘a quality of cosiness and comfortable warmth’ – was also a popular phrase that year. But as we’ve entered a new decade, it seems the Danish concept of Hygge may need to move over and make way for the Nordic ideal of Friluftsliv.

What is Friluftsliv, we hear you ask? Friluftsliv is the concept of getting outside whatever the weather, and translates loosely as ‘outdoor or open-air living’. It’s a model that has been practised in Norway for centuries but is also applied in Sweden and Denmark.

Friluftsliv was an expression popularised by the Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen during the 1800s, and was a term used to describe the benefits that could be gained for our physical and emotional wellbeing by spending time in isolated, outdoor locations. Although today this practice may need a little preparation (due to the unpredictability of British weather!), we see no reason why we can’t give Friluftsliv a go in our day-to-day lives – during the cabin fever of lockdown and beyond.

So, where to start?

GET A LITTLE WILD

Ok, this is admittedly one for the more adventurous among us – wild swimming. Having seen a massive resurgence during the pandemic, the endorphin rush you get from an icy dip is said to be better than any drug. In Finland, there are more than 250 winter swimming ‘centres’ open to the public, often including changing facilities and saunas, which shows just how much the practice is valued in that part of the world. So if you’re dedicating yourself wholly to Friluftsliv, why not start your day with a quick dip?

WINTER STARGAZING

Winters nights are the best for stargazing. Looking up into the heavens on a clear night can awaken a sense of wonder and wanderlust in us all: taking our minds back to the people and places we’ve known before and helping us to dream about better times to come.

Here in the North East, we’re spoiled for choice with stargazing locations – once things open up again, why not venture to Kielder Observatory (or anywhere in Northumberland National Park to be honest), or a little south into the North York Moors? Both designated Dark Sky Reserves, you’ll be able to watch the night sky to your heart’s content.