Abstract |
The presentation reports on a study and published paper from western Sweden with a focus on the development of outdoor recreation in the region during the Covid-19 pandemic. When the pandemic swept across Sweden and Europe in March 2020, it resulted in major changes in and consequences for outdoor recreation activities across the country. Quite abruptly, conditions for a normal life in Sweden changed in order to reduce the spread of the virus. People were recommended to not travel outside their own region or municipality, and public transportation became problematic to use. Citizens were advised to work from home and not socialize with others beyond their own social circle. In other words, the whole foundation of an active outdoor lifestyle changed. This had consequences for all citizens and, not least, outdoor organizations, many of which had to postpone or completely cancel activities. As a result, the basic conditions for outdoor recreation changed fundamentally. |