Learn the secrets of “friluftsliv”

A life less ordinary

Norway is consistently ranked as one of the world's happiest countries, and some of the explanation might lie in the term friluftsliv. It was initially invented in 1859 by the Norwegian playwright and poet, Henrik Ibsen, who used the word to describe the value of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical wellbeing.

A mix of the Norwegian words for free, air and life, its best translated as an outdoor lifestyle. Today, this can be everything from a short hike or picnic in the woods to a canoeing trip or spending the night in a tent - as long as it's outside, since friluftsliv involves a connection with the healing powers of nature.

This connection was also one of the reasons why Mina and Alexander started their long-lasting adventure, back in 2018 when Alexander found himself without a job following a reshuffle at work…

Having spent a lot of time in the mountains all his life, he decided to turn the situation into a positive experience. He wanted to do something involving hiking and decided to go on an expedition with Mina, then only 2 years old.

“Due to work commitments, Mina's mum was unable to drop off and pick up Mina at kindergarten. It was clear from the start that if I were to go, Mina would have to come with me. And this made it even more exciting,” says Alexander.

They started with no less than an impressive 57-day winter trip from Vest-Agder to Jotunheimen.

“Suddenly I had a mountain guide who opened a gate to a magical kingdom I didn’t know existed,” says Alexander.

Two years later, they have dozens of expeditions behind them, several of which have helped raise money for charity. They have made documentaries and children's TV programs and have been nominated for several awards.

In 2019, they were named Årets Villmarkinger ('Wilderness people of the year').

You can follow the many expeditions of this father-daughter duo on their Instagram page, Mina og meg, where you can get a glimpse of everyday life in the mountains on their quest for magical hiking moments.

Someone else who always joins them …

The main challenge

Mina and Alexander have fought their way through winds of 20 metres per second and temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius below zero.

But the biggest challenge when travelling with children, according to Alexander, is something completely different.

“The practical arrangements have to be in place. The main challenge is when I can’t let go of being an adult. If I get tired because I don’t look after myself, I’m not able to be a part of Mina’s world to the same extent – and this ruins something fundamental.”

Because that's the whole reason for their excursions: Being together.

“Both Mina and I change focus when we are out travelling. we have the time to concentrate on the things that get a star in the margin.”

Alexander is referring to the Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss and his theory of childish pleasures:

Spreading the magic

Mina and Alexander have cycled from Åndalsnes to Beitostølen and crossed the Nordry ridge on skis.

Still, there is nothing the two rate higher than being at home on a micro-adventure with mum Kristin and Mina's one-year-old sister Lijle Olava.

“To forge a connection between nature and life, through short and long trips, is a choice Kristin and I have made together,” says Alexander.

“If Mina and I can get more adults and children to go outside and look for trolls, I’ll be thrilled.”

And you don't have to travel for two months in the mountains to do it...