What do you think?
Rate this book
Friluftsliv: Connect with Nature the Norwegian Way
Embrace the great outdoors and see how spending time in nature can improve your mental, physical, and spiritual health with this beautifully illustrated guide to the Norwegian concept of friluftlsiv.
Translated from Norwegian as "free life air," friluftsliv highlights the basic need for humans to get outside and connect with the natural world. It’s not about conquering nature, as in climbing the highest mountain, or about camping and other it’s about truly finding harmony and becoming one with the outdoors. Whether you live in the city or out in the countryside, this inspiring guide will show you how to enter a friluftsliv state of mind. It explains how spending time in nature and feeling its rhythms, even when it’s something as simple as a magical Sunday walk in a local park, can improve our well-being and encourage productive self-reflection.
Translated from Norwegian as "free life air," friluftsliv highlights the basic need for humans to get outside and connect with the natural world. It’s not about conquering nature, as in climbing the highest mountain, or about camping and other it’s about truly finding harmony and becoming one with the outdoors. Whether you live in the city or out in the countryside, this inspiring guide will show you how to enter a friluftsliv state of mind. It explains how spending time in nature and feeling its rhythms, even when it’s something as simple as a magical Sunday walk in a local park, can improve our well-being and encourage productive self-reflection.
160 pages, Hardcover
Published March 3, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 3, 2021
I can't say I learned a lot about friluftsliv by reading this book - a lot of it was like extended fortune cookies. But the photography is beautiful, and there are some good ideas for how to be in the moment in nature. It took less than an hour to read, so not a major commitment. Overall, it was just OK.
January 10, 2021
A beautiful book with lovely photographs and ideas to about get you outside to find refreshment and comfort in nature. It’s about spending time in nature and following your desires to fully take it all in and embrace all that the landscapes and seasons have to offer. From a stroll barefoot through the grass, to soak in the sounds on a log in the woods, to being still and allowing fresh snowflakes to fall on your cheeks, a frolic through a meadow, to climb that challenging mountain peak, a swim in the cool water, to soak in the sunrises and sunsets, just allow yourself to connect to this gorgeous world.
April 26, 2021
There was so little about Nordic culture.....
December 19, 2020
A short and sweet book, with a selection of ideas for you to use to implement the Nordic art of Friluftsliv.
There is no ‘how to’, or any deep philosophical talks about what it is, just a simple set of suggestions.
There is no ‘how to’, or any deep philosophical talks about what it is, just a simple set of suggestions.
February 23, 2025
Liked the little book of Hygge much better. Each page was a collection of suggestions to create a connection with nature. Short and can finish in one day - two tops.
January 1, 2022
This is my new favorite coffee table book of all time. I want to keep it out where I can re-read it whenever as a reminder to live life outdoors as much as possible and in varying ways!
November 3, 2022
Okay, so:
I wasn't looking for high literature here. It's a cute little blurb-style coffee table/nightstand book, not War & Peace. Essentially a listicle, but in print.
So my expectations weren't high, really. And at first, I was more than satisfied. Little outdoor tips, beautiful photography.
But then the whole concept just exploded. We went from "how to live in the free air" to "STRAP ON YOUR SNOWSHOES AND GO TO THE NORTH AND SOUTH POLES", which, I'm wagering, aren't a part of general Norwegians' friluftsliv anyway. At least the photos were pretty.
But THEN this guy doubles down and brings up biking. Which I'm all for, and think it's a good "get outdoors more" type reminder. Until I saw this:
::blink blink::
Really? In 2022? REALLY?
(note for the author: fat girls also ride bikes. Check your presuppositions based on prejudice. Knock off the subtle fat shaming. Do better.)
You'd think that'd be all, but in a subsequent bullet point about striking it rich (which has nothing to do with friluftsliv, last I checked), the man actually says, AND I AGAIN QUOTE:
W. T. F.
W. T. ACTUAL. F.
Everything exists for YOUR pleasure and amusement? Everything and everyONE? Really? Did you REALLY just say that everything in the world is literally ALL ABOUT YOU? That people don't exist except for you to covet and preserve without autonomy or, y'know, the right to not be coveted by you since you do. not. own. humans.?
At this point, I think it's safe to guess that this author is, at least, an awful human who probably read some listicle about how to get rich on the internet using list-style books, or, at worst, an incel. Either way, I couldn't really see the rest of his "tips" because I was so pissed off that I spent actual money on this thing.
BUT THEN.... (sense a trend?)...I get to the end of the book. I persevered. I did not let it win. It's fine. I'm peeved at the way the book changed from a beautifully photographed bit of practical outdoors advice to some kind of beautifully photographed instagrammy aspirational content that most of us couldn't (and wouldn't want to even if we could) do. The fat-shaming and self-centric B. S. sprinkled over the top like jimmies on a sundae didn't help. But at least there were pretty pictures. The author is a good photographer, or at least hired a good one.
Except he didn't. The very last page has the picture credits, and they're literally *all* shutterstock.
So the whole book is a bunch of crappy listicle-style tips that don't even really stick to the subject, illustrated with stock photography.
Nope.
I didn't throw it across the room or light it on fire since no dogs appear to have been harmed in the writing of this thing, but...it was close.
Skip this one. Buy literally *any* other book on the topic.
Unless you need kindling for your outdoor adventures.
I wasn't looking for high literature here. It's a cute little blurb-style coffee table/nightstand book, not War & Peace. Essentially a listicle, but in print.
So my expectations weren't high, really. And at first, I was more than satisfied. Little outdoor tips, beautiful photography.
But then the whole concept just exploded. We went from "how to live in the free air" to "STRAP ON YOUR SNOWSHOES AND GO TO THE NORTH AND SOUTH POLES", which, I'm wagering, aren't a part of general Norwegians' friluftsliv anyway. At least the photos were pretty.
But THEN this guy doubles down and brings up biking. Which I'm all for, and think it's a good "get outdoors more" type reminder. Until I saw this:
"...remember that bikes run on fat and save you money, while cars run on money and make you fat."
::blink blink::
Really? In 2022? REALLY?
(note for the author: fat girls also ride bikes. Check your presuppositions based on prejudice. Knock off the subtle fat shaming. Do better.)
You'd think that'd be all, but in a subsequent bullet point about striking it rich (which has nothing to do with friluftsliv, last I checked), the man actually says, AND I AGAIN QUOTE:
"All living things -- animate and inanimate -- exist for your pleasure and amusement, to be relished and cherished, coveted and preserved."
W. T. F.
W. T. ACTUAL. F.
Everything exists for YOUR pleasure and amusement? Everything and everyONE? Really? Did you REALLY just say that everything in the world is literally ALL ABOUT YOU? That people don't exist except for you to covet and preserve without autonomy or, y'know, the right to not be coveted by you since you do. not. own. humans.?
At this point, I think it's safe to guess that this author is, at least, an awful human who probably read some listicle about how to get rich on the internet using list-style books, or, at worst, an incel. Either way, I couldn't really see the rest of his "tips" because I was so pissed off that I spent actual money on this thing.
BUT THEN.... (sense a trend?)...I get to the end of the book. I persevered. I did not let it win. It's fine. I'm peeved at the way the book changed from a beautifully photographed bit of practical outdoors advice to some kind of beautifully photographed instagrammy aspirational content that most of us couldn't (and wouldn't want to even if we could) do. The fat-shaming and self-centric B. S. sprinkled over the top like jimmies on a sundae didn't help. But at least there were pretty pictures. The author is a good photographer, or at least hired a good one.
Except he didn't. The very last page has the picture credits, and they're literally *all* shutterstock.
So the whole book is a bunch of crappy listicle-style tips that don't even really stick to the subject, illustrated with stock photography.
Nope.
I didn't throw it across the room or light it on fire since no dogs appear to have been harmed in the writing of this thing, but...it was close.
Skip this one. Buy literally *any* other book on the topic.
Unless you need kindling for your outdoor adventures.
April 13, 2021
A sweet ode to living life outdoors. A nice reminder of things I love doing: geocaching, identifying mushrooms or birds, or just doing absolutely nothing.
November 11, 2022
“Friluftsliv” is a short book that discusses friluftsliv which is the Norwegian concept of open-air living and provides ideas on how one can interact with nature more often.
The book consists of an introduction, five chapters, the concludes with a list of resources used throughout the book and list of photo credits.
In the introduction, Delorie shares the origins of friluftsliv then informs the reader of the great importance of the Scandinavian belief that everyone should have free access to walk or camp anywhere as long as they respect both locals and wildlife.
Delorie’s goal of this book is to help the reader align or realign their values and priorities and to use nature as a way to get in touch with the natural rhythms of body, mind, and spirit.
In part one, just be, Delorie shows the reader how simple friluftsliv can be by simply opening the door, stepping outside, and taking a deep breath. In the part of the book, Delorie also fifteen ways to used an an action verb such as sit still, take a grass nap, feel the breeze, watch the sun rise and set, and pack light.
In part two, play, Delorie provides the reader with several ways to reintroduce play into their lives while our in nature. Playful ideas provided by Delorie include gathering seashells, have a water fight, slide down a hill, skip stones, and build a sandcastle.
In part three, contemplate, Deloris encourages the reader to simply observe and appreciate what nature has to offer. Ideas regarding contemplation in this chapter include make a pilgrimage, go geocaching, pick up trash, and adopt a pet rock.
In part four, explore experience, Delorie provides ideas to encourage the reader to get outside and get a breath of fresh air. Ideas to help the reader explore experience in nature include sleeping in a hammock, sheltering yourself from a storm inside a cave or tree, growing your own food, and float in a boat.
In part five, simple pleasures, Delorie shows how nature is better when shared with friends. Simple pleasures highlighted by Delorie include play in the rain, jump in a pile of raked leaves, get friends and family together to meet and hang out, soak in hot springs, and skinny-dip.
As I read this book, I loved the combination of text with photos as well as seeing an occasional quote related to the chapter topic. I will admit I was slightly annoyed by some assumptions made by the author of the reader such as being a white person who has kids.
Despite my slight annoyance, after finishing this book, the ideas presented by Delorie stirred up in me an urge to establish a better relationship with nature as well being more mindful and take time during the day to slow down to hear what nature has to say.
The book consists of an introduction, five chapters, the concludes with a list of resources used throughout the book and list of photo credits.
In the introduction, Delorie shares the origins of friluftsliv then informs the reader of the great importance of the Scandinavian belief that everyone should have free access to walk or camp anywhere as long as they respect both locals and wildlife.
Delorie’s goal of this book is to help the reader align or realign their values and priorities and to use nature as a way to get in touch with the natural rhythms of body, mind, and spirit.
In part one, just be, Delorie shows the reader how simple friluftsliv can be by simply opening the door, stepping outside, and taking a deep breath. In the part of the book, Delorie also fifteen ways to used an an action verb such as sit still, take a grass nap, feel the breeze, watch the sun rise and set, and pack light.
In part two, play, Delorie provides the reader with several ways to reintroduce play into their lives while our in nature. Playful ideas provided by Delorie include gathering seashells, have a water fight, slide down a hill, skip stones, and build a sandcastle.
In part three, contemplate, Deloris encourages the reader to simply observe and appreciate what nature has to offer. Ideas regarding contemplation in this chapter include make a pilgrimage, go geocaching, pick up trash, and adopt a pet rock.
In part four, explore experience, Delorie provides ideas to encourage the reader to get outside and get a breath of fresh air. Ideas to help the reader explore experience in nature include sleeping in a hammock, sheltering yourself from a storm inside a cave or tree, growing your own food, and float in a boat.
In part five, simple pleasures, Delorie shows how nature is better when shared with friends. Simple pleasures highlighted by Delorie include play in the rain, jump in a pile of raked leaves, get friends and family together to meet and hang out, soak in hot springs, and skinny-dip.
As I read this book, I loved the combination of text with photos as well as seeing an occasional quote related to the chapter topic. I will admit I was slightly annoyed by some assumptions made by the author of the reader such as being a white person who has kids.
Despite my slight annoyance, after finishing this book, the ideas presented by Delorie stirred up in me an urge to establish a better relationship with nature as well being more mindful and take time during the day to slow down to hear what nature has to say.
January 25, 2025
I wasn’t expecting this one to be so brief and “fluffy.” (I should’ve read the online description more closely.) As others have said, it’s more of a quaint collection of poetic musings and nature quotes.
Here’s a quote that accurately captures the vibe of the book… from the musing entitled “Strike it Rich”:
“Whether you hike to the Klondike with pan in hand to stake your claim or luxuriate in the abundant natural beauty surrounding you, you will always strike a vein of gold when you recognize the riches around you.”
Though short (only about 100 words per two-page spread), it was a fairly pleasant read, and for the most part cleverly written, if a bit cheesy at times. If you’re looking for a more substantially researched and prescriptive guide for how to explore and embrace friluftsliv, McGurk’s “The Open Air Life” is an excellent introduction to the concept.
Here’s a quote that accurately captures the vibe of the book… from the musing entitled “Strike it Rich”:
“Whether you hike to the Klondike with pan in hand to stake your claim or luxuriate in the abundant natural beauty surrounding you, you will always strike a vein of gold when you recognize the riches around you.”
Though short (only about 100 words per two-page spread), it was a fairly pleasant read, and for the most part cleverly written, if a bit cheesy at times. If you’re looking for a more substantially researched and prescriptive guide for how to explore and embrace friluftsliv, McGurk’s “The Open Air Life” is an excellent introduction to the concept.
February 22, 2022
A brief introduction to the Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv, which basically translates to "open air living." It encourages going outside and connecting with nature. It is also the idea that humans have a need to connect with the natural world in order to achieve mental, physical and spiritual well being. This book gives some great ideas on how to friluftsliv in five different categories: Just Be, Play, Contemplate, Explore Experience and Simple Pleasures. Many of the ideas are very simple and accessible for the average person. These include things like "smell the roses" and "pick up trash." Others are more abstract like "make every day earth day." Overall, a nice introduction to the concept with some great ideas.
January 28, 2026
Writing 3 | Research 3| Understandability 5|Enjoyability 2
Rating: 3.25
I picked this up because I am studying Norwegian and culture and the concept of Friluftsliv comes up often, and I wanted to see talk of the concept.
This book basically explains what the concept is and what you can do to embody the concept. It's a short and easily digestible.
It has some cute photographs to it as well, if you want a simplified explanation this suits well.
Norsk people really appreciate the nature and I know it's a giant value in their culture enough so that there are laws to make sure you can visit nature and enjoy, which I find extremely great!!
I think I was just looking for something with a little more meat to it.
Rating: 3.25
I picked this up because I am studying Norwegian and culture and the concept of Friluftsliv comes up often, and I wanted to see talk of the concept.
This book basically explains what the concept is and what you can do to embody the concept. It's a short and easily digestible.
It has some cute photographs to it as well, if you want a simplified explanation this suits well.
Norsk people really appreciate the nature and I know it's a giant value in their culture enough so that there are laws to make sure you can visit nature and enjoy, which I find extremely great!!
I think I was just looking for something with a little more meat to it.
January 16, 2022
“For what you seek is seeking you.”
I randomly found this at B&N and decided to purchase it as I’m looking to be more “earthy” this year and I love “Norse” things.
This book is small, but it is so full of wisdom, healing words, and beauty.
My best spontaneous random buy and read so far this year.
I wasn’t looking for it, but it found me all the same.
I randomly found this at B&N and decided to purchase it as I’m looking to be more “earthy” this year and I love “Norse” things.
This book is small, but it is so full of wisdom, healing words, and beauty.
My best spontaneous random buy and read so far this year.
I wasn’t looking for it, but it found me all the same.
February 23, 2022
Ever since I first heard the word FRILUFTSLIV I understood how my heritage formed me. I love being outisde! This was a fun read, but I guess I expected it to be more educational. Maybe because I already practice all those things the author suggested - except ski! :) It is one of my coffee table books I leave out for inspiration.
July 18, 2022
A book with beautiful photos. Finished this in 30minutes because it’s essentially bullet points & every other page is a photo. On the back, friluftsliv is described as “an innate understanding” of how to connect with nature. The book describes nothing to that depth so in that sense it is a disappointment.
March 16, 2020
2.5 stars
September 10, 2022
Curated photographs from Shutterstock, with the opposite pages a call to action to enjoy birdsong, walking barefoot, or adopting a pet rock.
Charming
Charming
Read
August 19, 2023cute cover but I was not inspired by the content
February 1, 2024
Riconnettersi con la Natura, la Terra, l'Ambiente per sentirsi in armonia e in pace!
December 13, 2024
A lovely "coffee table" book to keep out and be inspired by often with a wide variety of ways to step into and enjoy nature where we will experience peace, beauty, joy, health.
January 3, 2025
Visually it's a good book,but can't connect with it when I'm stressed or want to unwind
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews