Friluftsliv
Scandinavian word meaning “Free air life” and used to describe the act of being outdoors
Outdoor activity is a key part of Scandinavian life. Even in winter, when the snow blankets the landscape and temperatures drop as low as -40°C many Scandinavians will continue to spend time outdoors in whatever way they can. Scandinavians are so enthusiastic about going outdoors that parents will even put their babies outdoors in the middle of winter for an afternoon nap.
With a culture of regularly connecting with the outdoors, it’s no wonder that many Scandinavians are happy to recycle, reduce their emissions and ride to work. Like most cultural traditions, certain laws, organisations, and technical innovations have helped to increase the popularity of this cultural element.
Cabin Culture
Spending time at a cabin is a big tradition in Scandinavian culture. Most Scandinavians would agree that a cabin offers the perfect environment to escape the stresses of life, live simply & connect with nature. For this reason, it is common for families to own a cabin be it on the top of a mountain, by a fjord or next to a lake.
Cabins are typically equipped with all the basic necessities (beds, stove, wood etc) and often more. Many cabins will also have a sauna, where for half an hour, you can pretend you’re lazing by a tropical beach and forget about the arctic winds blowing outside.
Freedom to Roam
Across Finland, Sweden, Norway & Iceland, access rights give you the freedom to pass through any land, public or private as long as it is uncultivated and you take care not to make any disturbances. These laws also give you the right to camp on any uncultivated land as long as you’re not within 150 metres of any occupied house or cabin and you don’t stay any longer than one or two nights. You can also pick wild berries and mushrooms at your freedom with the exception of protected and poisonous species.
With the liberty to go and stay where you wish in nature’s playground, Scandinavia’s access rights have made getting outdoors much easier and have increased accessibility for those who are adventuring on a tight budget.
There are some minor variations between the Freedom to Roam laws of the Scandinavian countries. If you are planning to take advantage of the Freedom to Roam rights, please check the laws for the relevant country before doing so.
Published 01/09/2013
Nordic Solutions 