Norwegian Friluftsliv

This book is aimed at an international readership. Friluftsliv is a Norwegian form of living outdoors in harmony with nature. The book demonstrates how friluftsliv is central to Norwegian social and cultural practices in the outdoors. The purpose of this book is to provide you with knowledge, ideas and perspectives that can enhance your understanding of nature and help make your stay in nature more purposeful and meaningful. Key themes addressed throughout the book include: •Friluftsliv as a social and cultural phenomenon •Friluftsliv as an educational approach •Nature guiding and leadership in nature •Outdoor adventure education •Friluftsliv activities Annette R. Hofmann, PhD, Professor for Sports Pedagogy at Ludwigsburg University of Education in Germany, and head of the sport department. Main fields of research: ski history, history of women's ski jumping, German American sports, women and sport. Besides sports pedagogy her teaching includes downhill and cross-country skiing and outdoor education (friluftsliv) in Norway's Arctic. Dr. Hofmann, Annette R., Professorin für Sportwissenschaft an der Pädagogischen Hochschule Ludwigsburg, Vizepräsidentin des Deutschen Turner-Bundes (DTB), Präsidentin der Internationalen Vereinigung für Sportgeschichte (ISHPES), Academic Editor Europe des International Journal of the History of Sport.

Nature First combines the Scandinavian approach to creating a relationship with nature (known as friluftsliv) with efforts by Canadian and international educators to adapt this wisdom and apply it to everyday life experiences in the open air. The word friluftsliv literally refers to "free-air life" or outdoor life. A word saturated with values, the concept can permeate deeply and playfully into ones cultural being and personal psyche, thus influencing the way one perceives and interacts with nature on a daily basis. For centuries, the North American approach has been one of domination and bringing nature under control, in many cases abusing our natural environment in the process. The friluftsliv way of being on "talking terms with nature," developing an "insider’s" relationship with nature, offers the rich potential of allowing us as cohabiters on the Earth to recreate, rejuvenate and restore the balance among all living things. Nature First is the first English-language anthology to bring together the perspectives and experiences of North American, Norwegian, Swedish and other international outdoor writers, all friluftsliv thinkers and doers. Here, the thirty contributors’ use of history, sociology, psychology, philosophy and outdoor education writings blend to provide an understanding of how friluftsliv applies to everyday life. The book presents an alternative to much of the personal growth/adventure-based literature that tends to dominate our current approach to the outdoor activity. Folklore, heritage, adventure travel, crafts, place-based education and the daily outings of families all have a role to play in promoting an understanding of both the ordinary and the mystical importance of this Nordic tradition. Dedicated to parents, travel guides, educators and generally to participants in the outdoors, Nature First provides a compellingly fresh approach to life in the out-of-doors.

Nature sports in general and hiking in particular have become, in our urban and post-industrial societies, a growing phenomenon practiced by millions of citizens. The motivations and interests of this large group are varied, but they have a common element: to disconnect from stressful modern life and reconnect with nature. National parks and other protected areas are the preferred destinations, but they present an challenging contrast for land management: conservation versus tourist use. While once considered a romantic practice of escape and discovery, hiking is now a consumer product and a tourist experience. It promises experiences of disconnection, quiet and health; yet, natural spaces are increasingly scarce and more often than not they are crowded by other recreationalists. This book presents a multidisciplinary perspective on the latest trends and developments in hiking. In particular, the authors work from a European perspective with various outdoor recreation models represented and different conservation initiatives explored in the contexts of Spain, Norway, Poland, Germany and Lebanon. Collectively, the authors attend to hiking as a social phenomenon and economic opportunity, which has the potential to sustainably revitalize rural destinations, if managed properly.

The Seventh World Wilderness Congress met in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in 2001. The symposium on science and stewardship to protect and sustain wilderness values was one of several symposia held in conjunction with the Congress. The papers contained in this proceedings were presented at this symposium and cover seven topics: state-of-knowledge on protected areas issues in South Africa; traditional and ecological values of nature; wilderness systems and approaches to protection; protection of coastal/marine and river/lake wilderness; spiritual benefits, religious beliefs, and new stories; personal and societal values of wilderness; and the role of science, education, and collaborative planning in wilderness protection and restoration.

This book examines the relationships between the Nordic social democratic welfare system (‘The Nordic Model’) and physical culture, across the domains of sport, education, and public space. Presenting important new empirical research, it helps us to understand how the paradoxical blend of social democracy and liberalism in the Nordic countries influences physical culture, which in turn contributes to a quality of life that ranks highest in the world. Drawing on perspectives from sociology, cultural studies, history, education, political science, outdoor studies, and urban studies, the book explores topics such as dance education for sport students, doping in cross-country skiing, outdoor education, the active body, and the ideology of public parks. It includes research material from across the region, including Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. This is fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in physical culture, sport studies, leisure studies, or outdoor studies, as well as sociologists or political scientists with an interest in Nordic politics, culture, and society.

Hit the trails with naturalist and raconteur Bob Henderson in this four-book bundle! From folklore to heritage, with a hefty dose of the Scandinavian outdoor-living ethos of friluftsliv, Henderson fires the imagination, urging Ontarians to reignite their relationship with nature. Includes: Every Trail Has a Story More Trails More Tales Nature First Pike’s Portage