What is Friluftsliv?

Norway’s Fjellvettreglene, or “mountain wisdom rules,” are timeless principles that help you stay safe while embracing Friluftsliv—life in the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking, skiing, or simply exploring, these nine rules are your guide to responsible adventure:

Hiking is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life in Norway. Whether it’s a casual weekend stroll through the peaceful forest trails of the marka or a challenging trek across dramatic mountain landscapes, hiking is a beloved, year-round activity. With an extensive network of well-maintained and clearly marked trails, exploring nature is accessible to everyone—from toddlers in hiking backpacks to seasoned mountaineers.

Norwegians grow up with the rhythm of the outdoors, often heading out right after work or school for a quick dose of fresh air and movement. It's not just exercise; it's a way of reconnecting with the landscape, finding peace, and living the values of Friluftsliv.

Cross-country skiing, or langrenn, is more than just a winter activity in Norway—it’s a national tradition and a cherished part of the country’s identity. Often referred to as Norway’s “national sport,” langrenn is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, from schoolchildren learning their first glide to seasoned skiers tackling long, scenic routes through snow-covered landscapes.

On crisp winter days, it's a common sight to see families heading into the woods or across open plateaus, skis strapped on, with a thermos of hot chocolate and a Kvikk Lunsj chocolate bar tucked into their backpacks.

The experience is as much about connection—with nature, with each other, and with a slower, more mindful pace of life—as it is about physical movement. Whether it’s a quick loop after work or an all-day adventure, langrenn perfectly embodies the spirit of Friluftsliv: being active, outdoors, and in harmony with the natural world.

Camping—whether in a simple tent or a cozy mountain cabin (hytte)—is a beloved tradition in Norway and a cornerstone of Friluftsliv. For many Norwegians, escaping to nature is second nature, and cabins tucked away in the forests, by lakes, or high in the mountains offer a peaceful retreat from the pace of everyday life.

These getaways are often passed down through generations, or rented by those looking to unwind, unplug, and reconnect with the outdoors. Whether it's gathering around a fire under the stars, waking up to silence broken only by birdsong, or enjoying slow mornings with coffee and sweeping views, telttur and hyttetur represent a deep-rooted love for simplicity, solitude, and the rhythms of nature.

As summer fades into autumn, Norwegians take to the forests for a seasonal ritual that blends tradition, nature, and family time: berry and mushroom picking. Known as bærtur and sopptur, these foraging trips are a cherished part of life in Norway, where families spend hours wandering wooded trails in search of wild blueberries, lingonberries, and golden chanterelles. It’s an activity that connects people to the land and to each other, offering both the satisfaction of gathering your own food and the joy of simply being outdoors.

This tradition is made possible by allemannsretten—Norway’s “right to roam”—which allows everyone to access uncultivated land freely and respectfully. It’s not just about filling baskets; it’s about slowing down, observing the season’s changes, and participating in a way of life deeply rooted in nature.

Ready to discover friluftsliv for yourself? Join us on a journey through Norway’s wild beauty—whether it’s a magical Christmas cruise or a bold Arctic expedition, we’ll bring you closer to nature in its purest form.

By the nineteenth century, as the world around them transformed, artists, politicians, and everyday Norwegians began to consciously embrace Friluftsliv as a way to anchor their identity in changing times. Painters ventured outdoors with easels in hand to capture the majestic beauty of waterfalls and landscapes, while the Norwegian Trekking Association started marking trails with cairns to guide explorers. The explorer Fridtjof Nansen wisely urged, “Keep a little wilderness in your heart, or risk becoming too tame,” reminding everyone of the importance of staying connected to nature amid progress.

While modern times could have threatened Norway’s outdoor traditions, the Norwegian Parliament instead strengthened them by enacting allemannsretten, the right to roam. This law guarantees that anyone can freely explore the country’s wild landscapes, as long as they show respect for the land. Thanks to this, Friluftsliv, the love of life outdoors, has endured. Today, when someone laces up their hiking boots and sets out on a mountain trail, they’re joining a tradition that stretches back over a thousand years. Friluftsliv isn’t just a passing trend; it’s the timeless thread that connects Norwegian society to the nature that sustains and defines it.

Fridtjof Nansen’s 1916 book Friluftsliv reads more like a trail diary than a textbook, yet it remains a foundational work that helped define the spirit of friluftsliv—a relevance that endures to this day.

Drawing inspiration from ski tours across the vast Hardangervidda plateau, moonlit nights by the fjords, and quiet campfires beneath the Arctic sky, Nansen insisted that living outdoors isn’t just a weekend pastime; it’s a birthright for anyone seeking to truly feel alive. Long before “wellness retreats” became popular, he championed fresh air, expansive horizons, and just the right amount of challenge as the ultimate remedy for both body and soul.

Fridtjof Nansen captures it perfectly when he says, “To be out, truly out, is to find yourself again where the horizon is wide and the noise of the world is a distant echo.” This simple yet profound line explains why many Norwegians regard Nansen as one of the fathers of friluftsliv. He saw outdoor life not merely as recreation, but as a journey of self-discovery and a vital part of national identity.

At HX, we have a long history of sailing Norway’s coast that stretches back to the nineteenth century. Since then, we’ve been taking curious travellers on mindful expeditions to the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet. An expedition with HX offers the best of both worlds – expedition expertise and luxurious comfort, with the opportunity to change the way you see the world.