Confession time: my longest hospital stay was during the births of my three children. Each time, I found myself crammed on a narrow bench next to a window while my wife recovered. Those hospital rooms always had a window, but they rarely opened and usually overlooked a dull view—either another wing of the hospital or a busy road. Not a single tree in sight! When my wife finally sat up after her first cesarean, she looked out and remarked, “Wow… a brick wall. Isn’t that lovely?”
With our third child, I took a brief stroll hoping to find a serene courtyard, but instead, I ended up walking alongside a noisy street, desperate for fresh air. Sure, hospitals are lifesavers, but they often lack comfort and connection to nature—at least in the U.S.
Every time I’ve spent a significant amount of time in a hospital, I’ve appreciated their cleanliness, yet I’ve always felt a strong urge to escape. The harsh artificial lighting, the sterile white walls, and the oddly unpleasant smells create a sense of urgency to leave.
Then I stumbled upon the concept of friluftssykehuset, a groundbreaking initiative in Norway that has me wishing we could have had our children there. According to an article from Treehugger, Norway’s two largest hospitals have teamed up with the Friluftssykehuset Foundation to create Outdoor Care Retreats. The term “friluftssykehuset” combines the Norwegian philosophy of friluftsliv—emphasizing the importance of spending time in nature—with the word for hospital, sykehus.
Research shows that time spent in nature can significantly enhance mood and optimism, which are vital for recovery. This makes the idea of an outdoor hospital not just innovative, but also logical. Jennifer Guay from Apolitical shared that Oslo University Hospital’s close proximity to nature has allowed child psychologist Lisa Berg to take patients into the woods for years. This practice led to the creation of a dedicated outdoor space where patients can heal surrounded by nature.
And just like that, friluftssykehuset came to life! This remarkable facility features cozy wooden structures reminiscent of treehouses, nestled among trees away from the main hospital. Instead of feeling trapped in a stark, artificial environment, patients can experience recovery in a charming log cabin setting. The facilities are wheelchair accessible with ramps, skylights, fire pits, and open windows that let in the fresh air.
During the day, the retreat is bustling with children who are recovering. If they feel up to it, they can fish, gather around a campfire, paddle in a canoe, or simply relax in nature. In the evenings, the space is available for adult patients. According to psychologist Lisa Berg, “Nature brings spontaneous joy and helps patients unwind. Being outdoors instills a sense of calm that they can carry back with them into the hospital. This Outdoor Care Retreat motivates patients to persevere through treatment and aids in better disease management.”
This initiative aligns perfectly with Scandinavian values, which prioritize the connection between mind, body, and nature, especially when raising children. Outdoor play is a cultural staple, regardless of the weather. It’s common to see babies napping outside in their prams, warmly dressed for the elements. The popular Norwegian saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Parents prioritize outdoor play for their children daily.
Moreover, the school system reinforces this connection. Unlike in my home state of Oregon, where schools often hold indoor recess when it rains, Swedish and Danish schools require students to have weather-appropriate clothes at school to ensure outdoor time is a regular part of education and health, regardless of conditions.
So, when will we see such innovative spaces in the U.S.? When can we look forward to a friluftssykehuset maternity ward? The Friluftssykehuset Foundation plans to expand their Outdoor Care Retreats near hospitals in Norway and internationally, but sadly, no plans have surfaced for the United States just yet. I remain hopeful that this concept will catch on because, if I ever find myself in a hospital again, I’d much prefer to be near a campfire.
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In summary, Norway’s friluftssykehuset represents a revolutionary approach to healthcare, prioritizing the healing power of nature and community, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional hospital settings.
Keyphrase: Outdoor Norwegian Hospitals
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