The Scandinavian concept of "friluftsliv" has been trending during the Covid-19 pandemic
We’ve all heard about hygge, the Danish word for creating cosy surrounds to facilitate happiness. Now another Scandinavian term is trending: friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv), which literally translates to “open-air living”. According to the BBC, the term was popularised in the 1850s by Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright and poet who first put the word in printed form.
In essence, friluftsliv refers to the Scandinavians’ deep passion for nature and an ingrained culture of going outdoors even in dire weather. One could look at it as a more extreme version of forest bathing as it encourages people to prioritise unwinding in nature and to take longer immersions in remote locations. Hiking and camping, of course, are par for the course.
Related: What is Forest Bathing? All You Need To Know About The Mindful Practice