What does nature mean to the Swedes?

Nature preoccupies much of the heart and mind of every Swede. Swedes have their roots and their real origin in nature. They feel it's absolutely essential to head off into the countryside every once in a while. There, in nature's free and independent embrace, they can find a path back to themselves from the chaos of everyday life. To reel in your own fish from the lake, collect firewood for the campfire and prepare your food nature's way, to pitch your tent and prepare for rest - that's life! In nature, Swedes can set aside their worries for a while and recharge their batteries so they can resolve their cares later.

The contrast with everyday routine gives them a new perspective on existence. In nature, Swedes meet themselves in a new and challenging situation in which they can fulfil themselves, not by the decision of any boss or customer, but of their own free will. They can immediately see the results of what they do, but nobody forces them to overachieve. They have no need to be efficient or generate profits. And instead of letting others live life for them in the media, they can live their own lives in communion with nature.

The Swedish right of common access makes it possible for Swedes and foreign visitors to roam freely through the countryside. If you show consideration towards the owner of the land and avoid damaging plants or animals, there is nothing to prevent you from stopping a while at some nice spot or having a swim in a lake.

The countryside in Sweden is for everybody to enjoy. But this does not mean that we own it. It is not primarily an economic resource. Rather, it's an emotional resource, perhaps even a spiritual one.

Swedes find energy and rest in nature. They can breathe freely. This contact makes Swedes feel healthier, both physically and mentally. Old people in hospitals recover more quickly if they can see trees outside their window. Children develop more rapidly and harmoniously if they can run around in natural surroundings.

Proximity to nature is one of the most fundamental of Swedish town planning principles. There are detailed regulations about the maximum permissible distance between a dwelling and the nearest green space. But the great forests too are within easy reach, even for those living in urban blocks of flats. Even people living in the centre of the capital city only have to go a few kilometres to find a lake or relax in silence and tranquillity among the trees.

Swedes have no age-old tradition of living in urban settlements. Only a hundred years ago almost everyone lived in rural areas, and it wasn't until the advent of large-scale industrialism around the turn of the century that people started moving into the towns.
The growing rationalization of agriculture was another reason why more and more people abandoned the country-side for the towns.

In Sweden, children come into contact with nature at an early age, regardless of whether they live in the country or in town. Most day care centres and pre-schools regularly take an interest in the doings of small animals and insects and follow the changing seasons. By joining the outdoor life promotion organization Friluftsframjandet, children can meet the forest troll Mulle and learn how to have fun in the open air and look after the natural environment at the same time. Friluftsframjandet also runs day care centres where the children are outdoors most of the day whatever the weather-so-called "come rain, come shine" pre-schools

Today the average Swede will be found working in an urban centre. Week in, week out, he will sit faithfully at his desk, drive his bus, or stand by his machine. He does his duty. Overtime is sometimes more the rule than the exception. Going out and having fun can wait.

So when the holidays come round, Swedes have a lot to make up for. They won't rest until they are behind the wheel of their car and heading back to nature - and freedom!