Friluftsliv: there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing
Spending time in nature is in the Norwegians' blood. It is instilled in them at an early age: letting babies sleep outdoors is nothing short of natural, even in the middle of winter when the mercury drops below zero. Friluftsliv, living outdoors, has been a rock-solid part of Norwegian identity for centuries.
As a philosophy, friluftsliv is basically about living a simple life in nature without destroying or disturbing it. In Norway, friluftsliv is a popular leisure activity in which more Norwegians participate than in any other sporting activity. It can take the form of extreme activities, such as skiing or hiking in the mountains, or leisurely activities, such as picking berries or walking the dog. But in essence, friluftsliv is not attached to an activity, but has a deeper meaning, something along the lines of escaping the daily grind for a while and being part of the “we culture” that gives people connection to each other as well as to nature.
This means that regardless of their age, physical condition or the weather forecast, Norwegians make a conscious effort to spend time outdoors. They are trained in a positive outdoor mindset, where staying indoors due to weather conditions is simply not an option. They have mastered the skill of seeing and seizing the opportunities of each season. "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" is not without reason a popular Norwegian saying (it rhymes in Norwegian). In Norway, you can even find government-sponsored “libraries” where you can borrow your outdoor gear.
Another great Norwegian saying: “ut på tur, aldri sur,” which means as much as “on the road and never grumpy.” It's a nice reflection of the down-to-earth Scandinavian approach: being outside makes everything just a little bit better, even when conditions are challenging.
