Outdoor life and ecology
Do you want to have an active and meaningful year with trips in the magnificent nature of western Norway, canoeing, mountains and sea - and a train journey through Europe?
Outdoor activities and ecology - from fjord to mountain
At Outdoor Life and Ecology you get to experience nature, not just as a place you visit, but as a part of yourself.
We believe in the idea that we are nature ; that we do not consume it, but live in interaction with it. Here you learn to be outside in a safe, sustainable and mindful way, for your own sake and for all other living things.
Through trips, teaching, practice and collaboration you will gain insight into how nature works and how you can live in balance with it. You will gain enough knowledge, experience and reflection to develop your own view of yourself, nature and the world around you.
This is the line for those of you who want to be more outdoors, understand more and find a way to live closer to nature.
Learn to be in nature - for life
In collaboration with Bergen and Hordaland Turlag (DNT) you will learn safe and gentle travel in nature. You will gain experience with hiking, orienteering, first aid, camp life and how to travel in the mountains, in the forest and along the coast without leaving a trace.
Throughout the year, you participate in courses and activities with DNT. This gives you both benefits and community, and a network that you can take with you on your journey.
During the year we go on many trips in the nature of Westland – from summit hikes in the surrounding mountains Bergen for canoe and kayak trips in fjords and the coastal landscape.
We actively use nature as a classroom, and you will experience everything from nightly sunrise hikes on the Byfjellene to ski trips across Vidden from Ulriken to Fløyen when conditions permit.
The school is located right by the fjord and has its own boathouse with canoes and kayaks, so you can easily get out on the water both for lessons and on your own trips.
Knowledge from nature itself
The Arboretum and Bergen Botanical Garden (University Museum of Bergen /UiB) are the school's closest neighbors. Here you will find some of the country's leading academic environments within botany, ecology and plant science.
We collaborate on various topics, through teaching and practice in nature. You will learn about biodiversity, plant life and growth conditions, and how nature itself builds balance.
When you combine this knowledge with outdoor activities, nature becomes both a classroom and a teacher.
The Food Forest and Sustainable Lives
At the foot of Ulriken you will find Matskogen , an "edible forest" and part of the Sustainable Lives network.
Here you will gain practical experience with local cultivation, permaculture and nature's own food cycle. You will learn what grows wild in Norwegian nature and how to harvest with respect.
Through work in Matskogen, you gain both knowledge and inspiration to create small, sustainable changes where you live; in your garden, on your balcony and in your local environment.
From western nature to Europe
Throughout the year we go on several trips in the nature of Western Norway. On short and longer trips to fjords, mountains and the coast, you get to experience the seasons firsthand and learn about nature in practice.
In addition, we are planning a major study tour by train in Europe , where we will visit places that provide new perspectives on sustainability, ecology and lifestyle.
The trip could, for example, go to eco-villages in Germany , nature-based folk high schools in Denmark , or on a cycling and hiking trip in France .
Along the way, we meet people and environments that live close to nature in various ways, and gain inspiration for how we ourselves can live more in balance.
Practical info
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You don't need any prior knowledge, just curiosity, openness and a willingness to participate.
You will have to endure some rain and wind, but in return you will experience the silence, strength and joy that only nature can provide.
You learn to cooperate, take responsibility and contribute both in nature and in the community.
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Basic biology, ecology and understanding of nature
Outdoor activities in the mountains, forests and coast – trip planning, safety and guidance
Canoe and kayak technique (including basic course and wet card)
Safe travel in winter mountains
Sustainable nature use and local resource understanding
Botany and ecosystems in collaboration with the Arboretum
Cultivation, permaculture and nature's food systems in collaboration with Matskogen
Collection and preparation of edible plants
Practical first aid, repair and maintenance of hiking equipment
Nature enjoyment, community and reflection
What you get
A year at Friluftsliv og ekologi gives you more than just nature experiences. You get:
confidence in yourself and in nature
professional insight and practical skills that you will take with you on your journey
DNT membership and course certificate
friends for life and memories from mountains and fjords
calm, perspective and a deeper understanding that you are actually nature
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We work closely with BUA- Hjellestad which is our closest neighbor. BUA stands for Barn-Unge-Aktivitet and is a national non-profit organization. BUA offers free loan of equipment for everything from sports to outdoor activities. This way we have easy access to a wide variety of equipment, completely free of charge, both during school hours and free time.
Thanks to our collaboration with BUA, we can therefore borrow kayaks, skis, skates, SUPs, tents, sleeping mats, wetsuits and much more.
In addition, we of course have an axe, saw and knife, primus stove and boiler set. The school also has its own boathouse with canoes available and ready for use.
In addition, we have a gym with all the equipment, a well-equipped training room, and a dance hall with mirrors.
There is some personal equipment you must have on the course, but it doesn't have to be new. We can also help you buy good equipment when you arrive, so you don't have to get everything before school starts!
Mountain boots
Large hiking backpack (75+ liters)
Daypack
Winter or 3-season sleeping bag