NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - June 9, 2008) - Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen first
introduced the word friluftsliv (free-looft-sleev) in print in 1859. The
word, which translates literally as "open air life," has since come to
represent a defining element of the Norwegian culture; an aspiration to
experience nature in its primacy. Marking the 150th anniversary of the word
in print,
Norway is offering
Americans a "
Passport to
Friluftsliv," announcing custom itineraries through partner tour
operators that allow travelers visiting Norway to personally experience
friluftsliv.
"We've noted with interest the discussion in America regarding the 'nature
deficit disorder' and research that demonstrates Americans are spending
less time outdoors connecting with nature," commented Kristin Dahle, region
director-Americas, Innovation Norway. "Living friluftsliv is an inherent
part of our national culture and everyday life. In fact, everyone in
Norway, visitors or residents, has the unrestricted right of free access in
the countryside. We want to share this lifestyle and its physical and
psychological benefits with Americans. With its unparalleled natural
beauty and resources, there is no better place to be empowered by nature
than Norway."
Friluftsliv offers the possibility of recreation, rejuvenation and
restoring balance among living things. Some of the intrinsic benefits of
friluftsliv include increased physical activity, reduced stress levels
through a connection with nature and quality time alone or with loved ones.
Whether it's hiking in the mountains, kayaking in the fjords, fishing for
salmon, whale or bird watching, people can connect with nature and
experience the true feeling of living friluftsliv.
Innovation Norway, a governmental entity that promotes Norwegian industry
and Norway as a tourist destination, is helping travelers embrace
friluftsliv by partnering with tour operators to promote "Passport to
Friluftsliv" -- travel itineraries for the 2009 travel season that connect
travelers with the natural beauty of Norway. Travelers can customize their
itineraries based on their interests and include a variety of options for
both nature travelers and adventure enthusiasts.
Sample Norway Itinerary for Nature Enthusiasts
The Northern region of Norway is truly an undiscovered treasure. In this
region of Norway (Nordland, Troms, Finnmak and Svalbard) travelers can:
-- See and taste the region's enormous king crabs through an Arctic
safari in Finnmark: National Geographic Adventure magazine named this
experience one of the 25 best new trips of 2008
-- Experience the Midnight Sun: In summer months, the sun never sets in
the northern regions of Norway. Set a tee time for midnight and enjoy a
round of golf in Lofoten
-- Set a date with "Miss Aurora (Borealis)" and enjoy the spectacular
show that the Northern Lights brings to a crisp and cold winter night in
Troms
-- Explore the Vega Archipelago: These islands have been named to
UNESCO's World Heritage list for their unusual geology and distinctive
animal and plant life
-- View the Arctic's last wilderness, go on a killer whale safari in
Vesterålen or a sea eagle safari on Sommarøy
Sample Norway Itinerary for Adventure Travelers
If a traveler is looking to add adventure in their friluftsliv experience,
Norway offers the following activities:
-- Stand behind 12 eager dogs as you dogsled through the Norwegian
Lapland
-- Embrace the horsepower of snow scooters as you tour the mountains of
Northern Norway or herd reindeer in Kautokeino with the help of the native
Sami people
-- Put on your snow shoes and go ice-fishing on a fjord or lake before
enjoying your freshly caught catch deliciously prepared by a master chef in
Tromsø, Norway's candidate to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games
-- Go Island hopping by sea kayak in Lofoten: paddle from island to
island on what many call the world's most beautiful coastline, stopping to
enjoy sandy beaches and spectacular views
-- Bike along a National Tourist Route on a beautiful coastal stretch of
the island of Senja: Experience the wild and rugged landscape, the unique
coastal culture in small fishing villages such as Husøya, an exotic pearl
where a Spanish siesta is a natural part of daily life
A number of partner tour operators, both Norwegian and domestic, are
offering "Passport to Friluftsliv" travel itineraries. Innovation Norway
recommends booking itineraries by December 2008 for travel in the 2009
season to ensure availability.
For more information about friluftsliv or "Passport to Friluftsliv" travel
itineraries through partner tour operators, please visit
www.visitnorway.com/friluftsliv.
ABOUT INNOVATION NORWAY (
www.visitnorway.com)
In 2004, Innovation Norway took over the tasks of the Norwegian Industrial
and Regional Development Fund, the Norwegian Trade Council, the Government
Consultative Office for Inventors and the Norwegian Tourist Board.
Innovation Norway offers products and services to help develop the regions,
increase innovation in industry throughout Norway, and promote Norwegian
industry and Norway as a tourist destination. With offices in all Norwegian
counties and in more than 30 countries worldwide, Innovation Norway's staff
has knowledge of local and international factors that help turn its
customers' ideas into business successes.