SMART TRAVELLER


FRILUFTSLIV


STEP OUTSIDE


As winter sets in, the temptation to stay indoors grows. So, embrace the outside world like the Norwegians


When Norwegian poet Henrik Ibsen coined the term ‘friluſtsliv’ — loosely translatable as ‘outdoor living’ — in his 1859 epic On the Heights, he presumably didn’t know just how relevant his concept would be in 2020. But friluſtsliv (pronounced ‘free-looſts-liv’) has turned out to be something of a pandemic saviour, bringing us the soul-nourishing, mind-cleansing benefits of nature and solitude that Ibsen waxed lyrical about over 150 years ago. The Nordics have always embraced friluſtsliv in their


lives and travels and they’re all the better for it. In 2020, Scandinavia excelled itself in the World Happiness Report, with five of its cities (Helsinki, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo and Stockholm) found to be among the 10 happiest. The conclusion? Clean air, exercise and time spent in nature matter. Perhaps it’s easy in landscapes of fords and forests full


of berries and bears. But what about the rest of us? You’ll be pleased to hear friluſtsliv travels well. As coronavirus has reined in our personal freedom and


scuppered our travel plans, many of us have learned to see the world through a different lens. The outdoors gives us breathing space, purpose and perspective. Whether we’re closely observing the starry night sky, swimming in water so cold it makes us gasp, going for a lunchtime run in the park or wild camping with just some sheep for company, we’re moved and empowered. It’s not about who can climb the loſtiest peak, however;


it’s about familiarising yourself with root and rock, making the wilderness, however small, your own. So when your inner sloth tempts you to hide under


your duvet, instead, open the door and step outside. You’ll feel a million times better for it, Nordic promise. KERRY WALKER


THREE TO TRY: OUTDOOR ESCAPES


FOR AN OFF-GRID ESCAPE Aſter a Scandi-inspired adventure? Check out Wales’s new eco-conscious glamping retreats. By the Wye has luxe safari tents high in the tree canopy, while Welsh Glamping offers camping with views of the Abergwesyn valley. bythewye.uk welshglamping.com


22 nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel


FOR STARRY NIGHT SKIES For Milky Way magic with a dash of romance, head to Glenapp Castle in Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park in Scotland, where a two-night stargazing package (from £229 per person per night) includes a private ranger, boozy hot chocs and night binoculars. glenappcastle.com


FOR COASTAL HIKING In southwest Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula’s 111-mile Dingle Way is up there with the world’s best long-distance hikes. Go solo or book a seven-night self-guided hike with Macs Adventure (from £652, starting April 2021). dingleway.com macsadventure.com


IMAGE: GETTY


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