Walking Post podcast 37: Linda Åkeson McGurk on friluftsliv

Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish‑American writer and journalist best known for her books There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather (2017) and The Open‑Air Life (2022).Her work explores Scandinavian parenting and lifestyle traditions, especially the cultural ethos of raising children outdoors year‑round.The Scandinavian philosophy of friluftsliv (literally “open‑air life”) is a cultural tradition that emphasises everyday immersion in nature — not as a sport or conquest, but as a way of living. Coined in the 19th century, it reflects a belief that well‑being, resilience, and harmony come from time spent outdoors, whether walking, skiing, or simply sitting by a lake. Closely tied to this is the right to roam (allemansrätten in Swedish), which grants people legal access to most land for walking, camping, and foraging, provided they respect nature and private property. Together, these traditions underpin McGurk’s advocacy for outdoor parenting and everyday connection to the natural world.While friluftsliv and the right to roam emphasise free access, and are not just limited to Sweden, many regions are experimenting with fees and taxes linked to walking and outdoor recreation. Examples include park entry fees: Some national parks, like proposals in the UK’s Peak District, consider small charges (e.g. £1) to offset funding cuts. There are also tourist taxes, as cities and regions across Europe are introducing levies on overnight stays, which indirectly fund walking infrastructure and landscape maintenance. In other places, trail charges have been introduced. In heavily visited areas, fees are being imposed, or considered to manage overcrowding and environmental impact.These measures are controversial: advocates argue they provide much‑needed investment in trails and conservation, while critics worry they undermine the tradition of free access and could discourage participation.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]