The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day

by Linda Åkeson McGurk

A complete guide to Friluftsliv, the Nordic secret to unplugging and connecting more deeply with nature.

In The Open-Air Life, Swedish-American writer Linda McGurk introduces readers to a wide array of Nordic customs and practices that focus on slowing down and spending more and more of ones’ time outdoors. An outdoorsy cousin of hygge, friluftsliv is what Nordic people do outside all day before they cozy up in front of the fireplace with their wool socks on and a cup of hot cocoa.

From the pleasures of foraging for wild berries and birding to how to stay warm and cozy outside in the middle of winter, this charmingly illustrated, inspirational guide shows readers how to harness the power-of-nature to improve their physical and mental health, as well as their relationships with both other people and Mother Nature. Readers will learn:

Why and how they should spend more time outside
How to use friluftsliv to combat stress, anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout
Practical skills like making fire, cooking outdoors and cleaning water on the go.

For country and city lovers alike, this book will serve as an essential guide to slowing down in this modern, fast paced society and connecting with the natural world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Self Help, Parenting, Outdoors, Audiobook, Health

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and audiobook! This book was informative. It has recipes and how-to and advices about living the open-air life.

I feel inspired to go outside to enjoy nature. No hardcore hiking or anything but like one character mentioned in the story, I might only be afraid of it because I don't know how to navigate the outdoors.

I'm surprised to learn about how people relieved themselves when hiking. There are advice on cooking outdoors. Challenges on unplugging from technology as the family live off grid once in a while or several times a year to enjoy each other and nature.

I like learning about how nature heals sickness and relieve stress. I like advice on reaching out to others to join in group hike, group walk, group outdoors experience. It's interesting to learn about Sweden and the Nordic life and their eagerness for outdoors.

This book is excellent and I will definitely refer back to it often for advice because I don't go outside much on my free time.

Thank you TarcherPerigee for the opportunity to read and review. I also listened to the audiobook via Libby App.

[Kaelee Dewit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second book by this author. In typical fashion of this author she includes a lot of stats to convince you that spending time outside is good for you and a worthwhile endeavor. Personally I could do without all the stats because I already am convinced of the benefits of spending time outside. What makes this book valuable to me is the practical tips that she gives. As someone who doesn’t naturally gravitate towards spending time outside, I feel a little clueless at times. I appreciate that she gives practical tips like how to build a fire starting kit, what to pack for a backpacking trip, different types of fires you can build and what they’re good for, different cooking over the fire tools and how to use them. I also appreciate how she always encourages you not to be overwhelmed by the different gear options as well as the cost, to keep it simple, have a good mindset and get outside.

[Ashley Jane Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really resonates with me as a parent of a toddler and someone who loves the outdoors. This book really spoke to me and has compelled me to go outside more with my daughter and to also plan more camping trips. I also feel inspired to do more exploring of my local environment for good nature exploring/hiking.

[Kathryn Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has INSPIRED ME TO GO OUTSIDE MORE and practice my right to roam <3

[Tanya Knepp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this authors way of drawing you in with personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and vivid accounts of nature. Made me want to embrace the outdoors more. Particularly lovely as a relaxing bedtime read. I enjoyed the non-chapter format.

[Lydia VanOsdol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this & inspired to learn how to enjoy nature year-round, no matter the climate and weather! The friluftsliv way resonates with my deep love of nature & desire to be outside as much as possible ☀️

[Buck Wilde · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Nordic art of hiking without exerting yourself. It's also OK to exert yourself while hiking. You can roll around in the woods and base jump and fistfight an ocelot if you want, but that's not friluftsliv. Friluftsliv is when you just kick it in the woods, wander around, look at some moss, maybe touch a mushroom. It's also when you camp on top of buildings. It's mostly just getting off your damn screens and going outside.

So go on. Git.

[Ellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNFed it at 55% when author started sharing anecdotes insinuating that hiking and ice bathing can cure depression/endometriosis/etc, and that “natural” remedies are better than medications with “scary” side effects. I’m all for spending more time in nature, but don’t inflate the benefits so it sounds like a cure-all.

[Sarah Haynie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ • hard copy book • I love Linda Åkeson McGurk’s general purpose for her blog and books and I loved No Such Thing as Bad Weather, I found this one a bit harder to get through because of the format but I loved the research on her topics, the insight into Scandinavian friluftsliv culture, and the inspiration it get outside and explore! 🏕️

[Jennifer Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friluftsliv, loosely translated as “open-air life” or “free-air life,” is the Nordic ideal of embracing nature and enjoying outdoors as a way of life. The book is divided into sections covering Air, Earth, Water, and Fire and includes tips on everything from walking barefoot to building the perfect campfire.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the ideas of getting outside more. Especially in the wintertime. I kept texting my husband different ideas I wanted to do and it got him excited about it too. I even suggested we might go camping which made him say, “what have you done with my wife?”

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the outdoors. This book reminded me of all the walking, swimming, and exploring I did as a kid, and all of the times I brought my own children outside, and the cherished memories I have. It made me want to take the grandkids camping. I enjoyed reading this. The author tapped into that part of me that wants to be outside, and inspired me to make it more of a priority.

[Caprise Satterfield]

Get outside. Often!!!

[Pamela Mooty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Get outside in the elements for your physical and mental health. This book was full of great stories and benefits to mental health.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very appreciative of the beautiful place I live and this book reminded me I don’t need to travel far to get the most out of being in nature.
Also, a great reminder not to let the weather stop you from getting outside!
“Sometimes the greatest reward of being outside is actually coming back inside to the comforts of home. So why let the rain clouds stand in the way of a good time?”

[Ashley Finafrock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview
In this book, Linda Akeson McGurk demystifies friluftsliv, the Nordic way of life of embracing nature as a part of one's everyday lifestyle. Literally meaning "open-air" or "free air" life, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency explains that it's about "spending time outside in natural and cultural landscapes for personal wellness and to experience nature without pressure to achieve or compete." McGurk describes friluftsliv as

"It's the pleasure of going for a brisk walk right before a storm, feeling the sun on your forehead on a chilly spring day, and making food over an open fire in the company of friends. It's the joy of devouring a fistful of berries straight from the plant and the excitement of making the first snow angels of the season."

  • Reading McGurk's example of friluftsliv, I feel joy and connectedness like I did while reading Mike Wiking's Little Book of Lykke (happiness) and recalling my own happy memories with friends.
  • And I was also particularly drawn to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's idea of friluftsliv, as it connected to a dot regarding mindfulness and meditation.
    • Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus at University of Massachusetts Medical School, who professes a secular version of mindfulness and yoga, defines mindfulness as "paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, without judgement," and expands that there is no where to go while meditating, no competition, no need to get to a specific destination or achieve a specific state of mind.
    • Both friluftsliv and meditation involve not putting pressure on oneself to achieve or compete for a specific goal (unlike, say, an outdoor sporting competition, for example)



Core Principals of Friluftsliv
  1.) Be one with nature
  2.) Don't mind the weather (or the season)
  3.) Use your body + Propel yourself
  4.) Appreciate your nearby nature
  5.) Learn useful skills (natural curiosity about the natural world and hands-on experience)
  6.) Keep it simple
  7.) Do not compete
  8.) Disconnect to connect
  9.) Nurture your sense of wonder

What this book inspires me to do
  This book, as expected, makes me want to spend more time outdoors! And I am trying my best now to be less of a weenie when it comes to the cold. (which as a tan-very-easily, California native, is very rough, but I'm getting better...)
    • In Open-Air Life and also in the author's previous book's title (which I have not read), McGurk repeatedly says that, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing," and that folks in Scandinavian countries more readily embrace all weather conditions, not just fair-weather, sunny days. Which totally makes sense! Imagine only being happy on sunny days in countries that are so far north that have winter periods that do not even see sunlight; that'd be miserable.
    • I realize that living in Seattle I should make peace with the 9-month stretch of cloudy, grey days, and take action to be outside the house more while also making sure to get sufficient vitamin D (be outside more for UV rays while also supplementing; started using a HappyLight couple days ago after waking up for fuller spectrum light in cloudy Seattle--these things were not prescribed by the book, btw, but it's what I'm doing in addition to being outside more)
    • If I'm working from home, I intentionally sit outside on my deck for an hour or two while working
      • In the past I definitely would not have done this, unless it was a sunny day. But now I just bundle up, grab my laptop or book, and sit outside. The cool air feels refreshing and not abrasive, dagger-stabbing chilly (yet...we'll see how this goes once it's winter).
  • I've scheduled some small farm activities with my 4-yr-old daughter and some of her daycare friends. Yesterday we went to a small farm with a forested plot of land, giant bubbles, sensory bins of dirt and twigs, petting area of chicks, hens, and goats and the farmer had us try raw corn--something that we shouldn't do with typical store-bought corn, b/c of the weeks it takes for corn in supermarkets to actually get to us the consumers and tastes starchy without cooking, but the corn he provided us was just picked the day before and it was delicious! We bought a half dozen for $5, but now I'm thinking we should've gotten more (support the small farm and our tummies).
    • I realize that if I don't get over my aversion to non-sunny weather, that I will be depriving my daughter of some wonderful outdoors time, which we know to be something severely lacking in our society today at the detriment of both physical and mental health.
  • Our little family has made a fire in the communal fire pit 2 nights now, surrounded by towering trees from the wetlands that borders our home, chatting, roasting marshmallows, sipping hot chocolate, keeping the fire alive, stargazing, just being together...
  • With the endurance of a 4-yr-old in mind: I want to go camping again! I want to go hiking! I want to forage for fall mushrooms in the forest! I want to go for walks after work/school! I am oddly curious as to what it'd feel like to jump into a lake or beach during the autumn/winter even though I hate the cold?!

Why only 3 stars and not 5?
  McGurk does a great job of introducing the concept of open-air lifestyle and listing examples, however maybe it's the formatting of the book that makes consuming the book a bit awkward as a piece of text that you're supposed to read from cover-to-cover? It's not quite rigidly structured as a reference book, but also has enough branching and random examples where it doesn't quite feel like a narrative surrounding a uniting concept--she does try to break friluftsliv down into elemental sections of air, earth, water, and fire, but the concepts of what you can do with each elements feel very...list like and disconnected, almost like the format should've been different revolving around a specific scientific benefit rather than forcing into elemental boxes? idk...
  Also the plethora of examples means you sort of get a superficial down-low about a topic, rather than deep diving. So I suppose use this book as a primer into embracing nature, then look to other resources to get a deeper understanding, is a way I'd use this book
  Sometimes she expounds on Nordic history or mythology for a bit too long. It's good to know the history to see how something arises within a culture, but maybe where it's inserted or the duration for how long it's talked about makes it awkward to consume

[Alexandria Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abandoned about halfway. Just couldn’t get into it. I really enjoyed her memoir so I was hoping this would be of similar par. But really it was just a bunch of rambling about nature.

Personally I’m more of a practical life person maybe that’s why I didn’t enjoy it. I already know being outside is helpful and has many benefits. You don’t need to describe that to me in pain-staking detail. There just aren’t many real-life applications in this book, and it’s a little woo-woo. Air, Earth, Sky, Fire, on and on… Her first book was much better.

[Sage · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very easy to read book - covering a variety of different aspects of an outdoor life (though none in great depth). I had high hopes for this book based on its description - but for me, it fell short. I was hoping it would be heavier on practical advice for getting outdoors. Those sections unfortunately were few and far between, and much too generalized to be actually helpful in the everyday logistics of being outside more.

[Amy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it was very practical. I love how she touched on the relationship between nature and mental health and how to enjoy the outdoors even in your own neighborhood

[sav. · Rating 3 out of 5]

has some good information and ideas! not as "bookish" as "there's no such thing as bad weather."

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspires me to continue to be one with nature! Ever since the covid pandemic, I have been motivated to get my kids outdoors...But time has gone by and sometimes you get comfortable doing things inside more often than you should. I liked that this book was a kick in my pants to keep up the good work of touching the moss on trees and bringing my hammock outside to read instead of my comfortable couch. Since we aren't sports people and in addition we live in a rainy place, we as a family have to get really creative. But I am always looking for new inspiration, and this book was a fun read. Here are some of my favorite parts of the book:

“The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency contends that it’s about “spending time outside in natural and cultural landscapes for personal wellness and to experience nature without pressure to achieve or compete.”

“Just like there is slow food, slow parenting, and slow entertainment, friluftsliv is a form of slow nature. It’s about embracing simplicity, resisting consumerism, and living in a way that is sustainable to both ourselves and the planet.”

“When you are raised in a friluftsliv culture, you will forever have a little voice inside your head that cajoles you into going outside every day.”

“He summed up his feelings in the word friluftsliv—a compound of the Norwegian and Swedish words for “free,” “air,” and “life.””

“If walking is as close to a magic bullet for good health as it gets, why have so many people in the Western world come to view it as something you only do if your car is broken down?”

“From the national park movement at the start of the twentieth century to the push to combat global climate change today, friluftsliv has always been a reaction against modernity and the damage it has wrought on nature.”

“What friluftsliv does is encourage you to experience the outdoors in everyday life instead of thinking that nature is a destination to which you have to travel. It broadens our definition of “nature” and encourages us to find it closer to home, sometimes where we least expect it.”

About the forest cemetery... “And the tombstones, typically the focal point of a cemetery, are discreetly nestled, all the same size, among stands of gangly pine trees to highlight that in death, everybody is equal.”

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I very nearly gave up listening to the audiobook because of the breathy voice of the narrator, which, combined with the breathless admiration of the Nordic way of doing things, came across as quite insufferable. It starts out with quite a bit of gatekeeping: it's not real Friluftsliv if you're doing anything competitive. It's only because the book had a several-months waitlist at the library that I didn't return it after the first chapter.

But either I acclimated to the yoga-class voice or the book got more interesting, becuase I found myself reading it every spare chance.

Look-- a lot of this isn't groundbreaking: people live better when they interact, in varying degrees, in nature. Whether you live in a remote cabin with no electricity for a week or just take a lunchtime walk in the park, getting outside is beneficial. McGurk comes up with some novel ways to get and stay outside, like setting up a "cooking over a fire" dinner group, telling stories outside, or foraging for ingredients. To her credit, McGurk even addresses how other countries outside of Northern Europe bring their flavor to the out-of-doors life (although, admitted, not much of the global south).

Her ultimate goal, stated towards the end of the book, but probably better suited to the beginning, is to make friluftsliv the new hygge--a trendy lifestyle choice embraced by the pinterest crowd around the world. A collective move towards friluftsliv could lead to legislation to allow more wandering rights and get kids off screens in their critical years. Making getting outside a priority in all kinds of conditions can and should be a trend as much as coming back inside to a fire and a cup of cocoa.

[Genna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Our brains simply gravitate towards what we know and need, and from an evolutionary perspective, that is neither five-lane highways nor advanced cloud storage solutions."

Listened to the audiobook version of this, then purchased it in print for my library's collection and wished that I had read that version instead. The physical version of The Open-Air Life comes with lovely illustrations, recipes, and inset details that are certainly more enjoyable in the printed format. But that's neither here nor there. Overall, I did enjoy this, although there were definitely sections that did not hold my interest. This is something of a primer on engaging in outdoor activities, as well as an introduction to the cultural phenomenon of friluftsliv. I was inspired by many of McGurk's musings on our relationship with nature (particularly in regard to consumption) and how to be more mindful and ground oneself while participating in outdoor activities, but I did skim through some of the tips for getting started, being a seasoned hiker/backpacker myself. Most of interest were the scientific tidbits around ice, cold plunging/wild swimming, circadian rhythms, etc. Which did, in fact, inspire me to try a bit of cold plunging in a local creek this winter. So far, so good! Lovingly crafted and overall an enjoyable read, but you may find yourself skipping over sections if you're someone already comfortable in outdoor settings.

"There is a fine line between experiencing nature and consuming nature."

[Lauren (Bookquoth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Once you start to adopt the mindset that time spent in nature is never wasted, letting go of less meaningful or even toxic habits will become a lot easier. Keep in mind that not every encounter with nature needs to be an epic adventure; open-air life spans everything from observing the birds on your street to climbing a mountaintop.” ⛰️

This book is namely about the Nordic concept of friluftsliv (“FREE-loofts-leeve”) which aims to fill your life with more outside moments in a complete chill way. ⛰️

This was a very easy and encouraging read about getting outdoors and moving around and exploring. It’s also about training your mind to tune into nature wherever you are. It’s about using all your senses to notice everything in the outdoors and how that can be an antidote for bad moods. About walking in the rain and how there is no such thing as bad weather. About the *joy* of missing out (JOMO instead of FOMO!). ⛰️

I always enjoy books that are about getting outdoors and connecting with nature! While I did skim through a fair portion of this one, there were a lot of good pointers throughout. Aesthetically, I enjoyed that the whole text is in a dark green ink vs. black! Such a cool choice. Thanks again to @tarcherperigee for the copy! ⛰️

I’ll leave you with this book’s mantra: Live simply. Go outside often. Be kind to the earth.” ⛰️

[AngieA Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friluftsliv is a new word I learned while reading The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day. An informative book about being more attuned to nature and incorporating outdoor activities in your life. Divided into 4 four sections (Air, Earth, Water, Fire) McGurk gives us personal experiences as well as additional ideas for adding a little outdoor adventure into our lives often without leaving home. She incorporates the attitude of "There is no bad weather, only inadequate clothing" and gives information about preparing for the outdoors. There is lots of good info about family activities and including the youngest and oldest among us. There are specific games, activities, recipes, and how to toilet in the wild. This book was originally destined for my Little Free Library, but it will remain on my shelf for now as a reference to add the outdoors into future plans. 52-Book Club Challenge prompt #41 "A guide to..." Highly recommend.

[Annabel B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read The Open-Air Life by Linda Åkeson McGurk, and overall, I found it to be a really insightful and enjoyable read.

What stood out most to me was how practical and accessible the book felt. McGurk does a great job of weaving together personal reflections with actionable ideas, making it easy to not only understand her perspective but also apply it in everyday life. I particularly appreciated the structure of the book—it flowed well and made the concepts feel approachable rather than overwhelming.

The book really reinforces the value of spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature, and it does so in a way that feels encouraging rather than prescriptive. It left me feeling inspired to make small, meaningful changes in my own life.

That said, I would have enjoyed a bit more scientific backing or evidence to support some of the claims. However, I recognise that this isn’t the primary aim or style of the book—it leans more toward storytelling and lived experience than research-heavy analysis.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it to others, especially anyone looking to bring more time outdoors into their daily routine in a realistic and sustainable way.

[Ferna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good reminder of why we should get outside and appreciate nature as it is. The book was well written and I believe approachable to all folks, whether they are beginners to the open-air life or well seasoned. I learnt quite a bit of new information and tid-bits throughout the read, often sending me on further research to discover more. The book introduced me to ice singing, which is absolutely fascinating and worth going down a rabbit hole to discover. I am often inspired by the Nordic countries and their passion for getting out- and I often find myself wondering, how can that practice be brought to other places around the world? There are many ideas and ways to participate in the open-air life and I appreciate this book for being able to demonstrate that getting outside does t have to always be an epic adventure.

This is a great read for people who want to find ways to get outside and connect with their natural surrounding, for parents wanting to teach their kids about outdoor play and for just about anyone who wants to foster a deeper connection to the great outdoors. Highly recommend as an intro to getting outside and appreciating nature.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
There is nothing new or startling, but lots of reminders of the benefits of spending time outside in nature.
The author talks at length about the different elements of friluftsliv, a Nordic way of life that embraces time outside in a variety of ways.
I skimmed parts that weren't overly relevant to my life (i.e. the many different ways to build a campfire; it was interesting, though).
Some things aren't very realistic in the context of North American living. For example, she talks about how preschoolers in the Nordics are taught how to light fires and safely do all sorts of things in an outdoor capacity. Our society here (for better or worse, likely worse) DOESN'T function that way. So the main thing missing from this book (in my view) was discussion of how to incorporate some of these great principles in a different culture. Another example: she frequently talks about the Swedish law that allows anyone to wander freely on all private land. You can forage, camp, swim, ski, on anyone's property. That isn't the way it works in North America, so it's hard to reproduce some of the freedom and flexibility she is praising in my own environment.

[Landon Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Open Air Life” was a breath of fresh air to read (No pun intended). The read coincided with my renewed interest in and following of developments in AI, which is an overwhelming excess of information every day, which has me and everyone thinking about what the future economy will look like in a world where AI can ultimately do current knowledge work tasks better than humans.

In the midst of all that chaos, this book was a great reminder of the unique, sacred, even spiritual connection that humans have to nature; that the best way to reconnect with our humanity and our identity as people is to embrace the Friluftsliv way of life and enrich every day with outdoor activities.

MAJOR OUTCOMES OF MY READING THIS BOOK:

1. I successfully booked a summer campsite for my family in the Wasatch mountains during peak wildflower season!
2. We had our first family campfire in the dead of winter, which will be the first of many.
3. I was inspired by Scandinavian countries, their people, their culture, their connectedness with nature, and I was filled with an overwhelming desire to live in Norway, Sweden, and/or Finland someday!

[Haley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This took me such a long time to finish. I really liked hearing her personal journey in her first book There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, but this book just wasn't it for me. The thing I came away with was just appreciating the relative ease with which I can access incredible outdoor spaces here in Washington State and that I have always sought them out and will continue to value them no matter where I've lived. I value the school that my son goes to for the same reason, because I believe in the power of nature and the intimate connection humans have had with the outdoors for all of history. I didn't need to have my mind changed about the importance of getting outside, and so the practical information in this book was the only part that really gave me anything new and even that was just kind of boring/bland to read. I don't know. I really loved her first book, but I think maybe I'm not the target audience, because I already practice friluftsliv and have for a long time. If you live in a city and and/or are craving some practical tips and information about starting to engage more with nature, I would still recommend it.