Norway doesn’t need guidance when it comes to sustainability. The country has a stellar reputation for keeping its air clean, landscapes green and seas pristine through renewable energies and sustainable resource handling. But despite their globally recognised efforts, there’s a factor they can’t completely control: tourism. With their yearly visitors in the millions, efforts must be made to ensure we’re travelling sustainably to help continue to preserve their natural wonders. Whether switching overcrowded hotspots for hidden gems or ditching the plane and arriving by sea, read on to discover how we’re eager to shed light on sustainable tourism in Norway.
- Undertourism in Norway
- Flight-free tourism in Norway
- Philantourism in Norway
- Indigenous tourism in Norway
Undertourism in Norway
You may not have heard of ‘overtourism’, but we’re certain you’ve experienced it. Think of turning up to a sought-after travel spot only to be met with tedious queues, frustrated residents and worn-down natural environments. Crowds congregating in places like Norway’s formidable fjords strains locals and Mother Nature alike, but luckily, there’s a solution. By promoting ‘undertourism’ and highlighting hidden gems, we can reduce the burden on heavily-visited areas in Norway while supporting local economies in less-visited regions. For example, swap the bustling Lofoten Islands for the lesser-visited, luscious landscapes of Senja Island to help support sustainable tourism in Norway.
Flight-free tourism in Norway
While we’re committed to absorbing 100% of the carbon from our clients’ flights through reforestation projects, there’s still plenty of merit in avoiding flying altogether. Swapping planes for trains (or ferries) reduces emissions while extending your journey from A to B, and who doesn’t love slow travel? Heading to Norway while skipping the skies allows you to travel to European countries you’d otherwise miss, such as Denmark or Germany, before hopping on a ferry and witnessing Norway’s fjords up close. Ticking sites off your travel checklist while helping the planet? Sounds like a win-win to us.
Philantourism in Norway
In a bid to make travel a force for good, we’ve coined the term ‘philantourism’ and are proud champions of its concepts. In short, it encourages holiday-goers to visit destinations that benefit the most from tourism and might need the extra economic boost. When you’re there, all you’ve got to do is enjoy yourself and put your money into local businesses, hotels and restaurants. Fortunately, Norway enjoys a stable economy and doesn’t rely as heavily on philantourism as other nations. Nevertheless, tourism plays a significant role in Norway's economy, contributing around 4-5% to its GDP and supporting 7-8% of its employment. So, simply turn up, indulge in locally made brunost (brown cheese) and purchase a piece of handmade knitwear to help do your bit.
Indigenous tourism in Norway
Sustainable tourism in Norway extends beyond reducing environmental impact and boosting the economy – we must also ensure the local culture is appreciated and uplifted. Norway is lucky to be home to the vibrant Sami people, the last European indigenous group. The total population of Sami is around 80,000, with half of them living in Norway, predominantly in the north. You can experience and support the Sami way of life by camping in a traditional lavvo (Sami tent) beneath the night sky (and hopefully the Northern Lights), attending a cultural festival, visiting a Sami art exhibition or having a close encounter with a reindeer. The Sami people have been inhabitants of Norway for thousands of years, so there’s no better way to get to know the country.
Image by Terje Rakke - VisitNorway.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Thomas Linkel/LAIF-REA.