By embracing the spirit of “friluftsliv” and the principle of Allemansrätten in Västernorrland, the STANDOUT project continues its journey to shape European cities into Outdoor Cities for All.
Photo: Erik Engelro
From 1–5 September 2025, the STANDOUT consortium gathered in Sundsvall, Södra Berget and Trysunda (Sweden) for the fourth knowledge exchange of the Erasmus+ co-funded project.
The week combined inspiring local practices with intensive work sessions – all centered around one core idea: access to outdoor sports for everyone.
Access for All – Inspired by Sweden
Sweden provided a powerful backdrop, with its tradition of “friluftsliv” (outdoor life) and the principle of Allemansrätten – the Right of Public Access – ensuring that everyone can enjoy nature, regardless of background or ability. This spirit shaped the exchange as partners explored how cities across Europe can remove barriers and create inclusive, welcoming outdoor spaces.
Local best practices showcased this in action, e. g.:
- Fritidsbanken, a library with over 120 locations for sports equipment, enables people to borrow gear and go for outdoor activities without cost.
- Hej Främling! (“Hello Stranger”), a grassroots NGO, shows how open outdoor activities build integration, community-building and well-being.
- A dedicated work session with Sanja Kuruzovic (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency) focused on the annual award for “Sweden’s Outdoor Recreation Municipality of the Year” and its role in encouraging municipalities.
These initiatives demonstrate how access to outdoor sports can drive social inclusion while promoting healthier lifestyles.
Photos: Erik Engelro
Exchange Highlights
The program combined field visits with hands-on sessions:
- At the Friluftcentrum Södra Berget, participants experienced how a well-designed outdoor hub makes “friluftsliv” accessible year-round for hiking, skiing, biking, and family activities.
- A hike in Skuleskogen National Park provided insights into visitor management and the role of protected areas in promoting outdoor activity.
- On Trysunda island, participants explored the cultural heritage of Sweden’s High Coast while advancing the draft Standards for Urban Outdoor Sports.
- Other workshops addressed topics such as climate impact and carbon calculation, communication and dissemination activities, and learning from international certification models.
Evenings by the fire, shared meals, and moments in nature reinforced the value of outdoor spaces as places of connection and belonging.
Evenings by the fire, shared meals, and moments in nature reinforced the value of outdoor spaces as places of connection and belonging.
Photos: Erik Engelro
Moving Forward
This fourth exchange marked a turning point in the project: the review and refinement of the draft standards, ensuring that inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability remain at the heart of Standout’s vision. The Swedish partners offered an inspiring example of how outdoor sports can be a lever for lifelong learning, equality, and public well-being.
Take Part: Expert Survey on Smart Outdoor Cities
Alongside the exchange, the project partner Outdooractive launched a pioneering survey. The study explores how data can help cities become more outdoor-friendly.
By joining, experts in smart cities, urban planning and management, and outdoor sports can directly influence the development of new, data-driven indicators that make cities more livable and outdoor-friendly.
Your contribution will help the project bridge the gap between research and practice in urban outdoor sports, ensuring that knowledge translates into real improvements for communities. Your expertise can help shape the future of greener, healthier, and more inclusive cities across Europe.
The survey takes just 10–15 minutes, is completely anonymous, and will be used for research purposes only.
Learn more about the STANDOUT Project
Stay tuned for updates on the next stages of the Standout journey, and join the conversation on how we can make European cities more active, inclusive, and connected through outdoor sports.
The STANDOUT project seeks to integrate outdoor sports into urban planning, reshaping urban environments for community well-being. The project establishes standards through cross-sectoral collaboration, with a focus on inclusivity, diversity and sustainability.
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Disclaimer: Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.