The Danish Tradition of Friluftsliv Is One We Should All Embrace

In the mid-1800s, the Norwegian poet Henrik Ibsen used the word “friluftsliv” to describe the value of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical well-being. The literal translation is “open-air living.”

During the pandemic, artist Thomas Dambo decided to inspire more Danes to get outdoors by building a series of ten larger-than-life-sized trolls outside as part of a scavenger hunt known as The Great Troll Folk Fest. In an article for the BBC, writer Kristin Vuković describes troll-seeking and visiting island “dark sky” havens in a way that will inspire your wanderlust for new experiences.

The good news is, right now is perfect weather in many parts of the world for adventure. So this upcoming weekend, why not ditch your phone, head outside, and find a bit of friluftsliv for yourself?