The Norwegian Queen of Friluftsliv

To someone who is not familiar with Norwegian culture and the Royal family here, it might come across as a bit odd finding a statue of the current Queen dressed in hiking clothes, sitting on a rock looking up at the Royal Palace in Oslo. For most Norwegians this makes perfect sense. And this is why:

Norwegian Friluftsliv (Outdoor life)

To understand Norwegian culture there are two words you have to know. Those words are “Tur” & “Friluftsliv”. There is a Norwegian saying “Ut på tur aldri sur”, which means “Out on a hike, never grumpy”. It’s something Norwegian parents tell their kids when they take them for a walk out in the rain. A Tur is anything from a stroll in the park, to a climb up to a mountain top. It’s something that takes place outdoors and indicates moving from a to b. Gåtur (hike), Sykkeltur (bike trip), Seiltur (Sailing trip). When in many countries people go to see a psychologist when they need some mental help, Norwegians might as well just go for a Tur. It’s a part of what makes us feel good, a part of our well being.

The word Tur goes hand in hand with the Norwegian word Friluftsliv. Literally translated Friluftsliv means “Outdoor life”, and can best be defined as “recreation engaged in out of doors, most commonly in natural settings.” (wikipedia). It’s something that many Norwegians crave above anything else. To go tenting, hiking, sailing, canoeing, running and so on. A chance to connect with nature, with yourself or with your “turkamerater” (tur buddies).