André Horgen
University of South-Eastern Norway
This scientific essay seeks to spark debate among academics in the field of outdoor recreation, both in Norway and internationally. While many acknowledge the diversity of practices, motivations, and meanings associated with Norwegian friluftsliv (outdoor recreation), the academic discourse surrounding it remains surprisingly narrow, essentialist, and stereotypical. Dominant interpretations often portray Norwegian friluftsliv as simple and nature-friendly outdoor travel, rooted in a uniquely Norwegian spiritual and profound connection with nature. This perspective positions friluftsliv as a phenomenon that is unparalleled, culturally untranslatable, and even capable of addressing global environmental and climate crises. Such an understanding endures despite its origins in a curious blend of ecophilosophy, anti-capitalist nationalism, selective storytelling, and subjective preferences. These elements are further reinforced by a powerful rhetoric of depth, tradition, and naturalness, which demands reverence and conformity. For the academic field of outdoor recreation—particularly studies of Norwegian friluftsliv in higher education—to be taken seriously within the broader academic community, it must confront the blind spots and biases perpetuated by what I term “Norwayism” in this essay. Only by critically examining these assumptions can the field evolve and contribute meaningfully to global scholarly discourse.
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ANDRÉ HORGEN works as a Docent (Ph.D.) in Outdoor Studies at the University of Southeast Norway, campus Bø, and teaches bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Outdoor Studies. His academic focus is outdoor guidance, cultural-historical and sociological perspectives on outdoor recreation, as well as accidents, risk and safety within outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism.
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