Friluftsliv – understanding the Norwegian everyday life

My Erasmus semester is slowly coming to an end…

The past few months in Norway have taught me so much. I tried to stay curious – about the culture, the people, the society, and everything this beautiful country offers. In this article, I want to take a moment to reflect and appreciate the journey I’ve been on, to share what I’ve learned and what has fascinated me the most about living in Norway. Even back in my motivation letter, I wrote about my fascination with the Scandinavian way of life – my personal “Scandi dream.” From the beginning, it was clear to me: Scandinavia or nowhere. Norway, in my mind, was a place of endless nature, calmness, and balance. Of course, I expected Oslo (as the capital and largest city) to bring with it the usual hustle and bustle of city life. But I was also curious: what is it about this country that makes its people some of the happiest in the world?

Over time, I found many of the answers I was looking for, about the culture, everyday life, and the social values that shape Norwegian society.

Friluftsliv – the Norwegian Art of Outdoor Living 

Friluftsliv – literally translated as “life in the open air” – is a uniquely Norwegian concept that expresses the deep connection between humans and nature. The term was first popularized in the 19th century, particularly by the famous Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen, who used it in a poem in 1859 to describe his return to nature. It emerged as a reaction to industrialization and urbanization and has since become a central part of Norwegian culture and national identity. Friluftsliv is more than just a word, it is a way of life. It reflects a philosophy based on simplicity, mindfulness, and well-being through intentional time spent in nature. When I arrived in Oslo, I quickly realized how deeply this way of thinking is woven into daily life. Although Oslo is a big city, nature is never far away. Just a 20-minute bus or train ride in almost any direction will take you to forests, lakes, fjords, or hiking trails. It’s surprisingly easy to escape the hustle and bustle of the city – if you can even call it hectic – and find peace in the great outdoors.

One of my favorite things to do during friluftsliv was to explore what Norwegians call hytteliv – cabin life. Through the DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association), I had the opportunity to stay in cabins on weekends or free days with friends. This lifestyle is not just about taking a short trip into nature, it is a cultural expression of slowing down, switching off, and reconnecting with yourself and others. The cabins are simple – no luxury, just basic comfort and a lot of charm. But that’s exactly the point. Our time in the cabins was filled with activities like grilling hot dogs over a fire (the Norwegian way, of course), playing cards, cooking together, watching movies, and having a guitar jam. One of the most magical moments was sitting by the fjord, watching the sunrise and talking about life. In these small, quiet moments we felt truly present. For us as students, it was always the perfect escape – a much-needed break from the stress of university and the daily routine. Outside: untouched nature. Inside: warm simplicity and connectedness. This is how I got to know- and love – the Norwegian hytteliv. It’s not just about where you are, but how you live while you’re there.

The slow life 

Speaking of peace and slowness, I would like to link this directly to another experience that has made life here in Norway so special and pleasant for me – and which, I suspect, may be one of the reasons why people here are among the happiest in the world. When I arrived in Oslo, I expected the typical chaos of a big city – noise, crowds, stress. After all, Oslo is the capital of Norway and, with a population of around 724,000, also the largest city in the country. But these expectations were quickly turned upside down. Even in my first few days here, I realized that the hectic city life is not to be found here. And this first impression has not changed. If anything, the feeling of peacefulness has only intensified over time. Although Oslo is a capital city, it seems surprisingly relaxed. People on the streets seem relaxed, their faces rarely tense or stressed. Traffic is light, honking is rare, and everything seems to move at a much calmer pace. It’s as if the city breathes a little slower – and invites you to do the same.

Oslo offers everything you would expect from a big city – culture, events, lively neighborhoods – but without the overwhelming noise and hustle and bustle. That’s what makes the city so unique in my eyes: you can enjoy the benefits of city life without losing your sense of calm. You don’t feel lost in the crowd, as might be the case in other big cities. Instead, there is space to take in the small moments, to live slowly and mindfully. And that has made all the difference for me.

The Meaning of Koselig: More Than Just Cozy

Another word that has become deeply meaningful to me during my time in Norway is koselig. At first, it might seem easy to translate as “cozy” – but that only scratches the surface. Koselig is not just about physical warmth or candlelight (although both help), it’s about a feeling – a sense of comfort, connection, and contentment. The word has its roots in old Norwegian and is related to the concept of emotional warmth and familiarity. It’s often used to describe moments that feel safe, pleasant, and intimate. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home with friends, sharing waffles and tea while it rains outside, or simply lighting a candle to make a grey afternoon feel a little warmer – that’s koselig. What fascinates me is how central this concept is in Norwegian culture. It’s not something people just say; it’s something they actively cultivate. Homes are often designed with koselig in mind – soft lighting, natural materials, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Even in everyday conversations, people might suggest doing something “koselig” together – like taking a slow walk in the park or enjoying a casual dinner at home. In a way, koselig reflects Norway’s values: simplicity, presence, and deep appreciation for the small, meaningful moments in life. And for me, discovering this mindset has added a whole new layer of beauty to my experience here.

Loneliness?

But alongside all the beauty and silence I’ve experienced here, I’d also like to reflect on the art – or perhaps the challenge – of being alone. The peace I’ve come to appreciate is there for a reason: Norwegians are known for being reserved and even socially distant. As an international student, it can be difficult to make proper connections with locals or if so it will take some time. At first, I found it difficult to understand this cultural trait. German culture isn’t the most outgoing either, but the level of social distancing I encountered here felt like a different extreme. Interestingly, almost everyone I spoke to – whether other internationals or Norwegians themselves – seemed to share this collective experience. Personally, I’ve been lucky enough to feel comfortable in the so-called Erasmus bubble, surrounded by others who are open and curious. Nevertheless, I sometimes find it difficult to fully grasp the social codes of this culture. This is something I think about all the time – and I recently read a fascinating article in the student newspaper of my host university, UiO, which offered a deeper insight into this topic. (Link:https://www.universitas.no/why-norwegians-need-your-culture/385377).

And with that, I’ve come to the end of my little love letter to Norway – and especially to Oslo. I hope I was able to share a bit of cultural insight and maybe even inspire you along the way. Now I’m curious: Would Norway be a country you’d love to visit someday – or maybe even spend your own Erasmus semester in? See you in the next chapter of my „Study Abroad Diary“ and greetings from Oslo! :)