Exclusive green list includes three Norwegian destinations

Norway claims three spots on the world’s top 100 sustainable destinations

Longyearbyen, Lærdal and Geilo each claim a spot among the top 100 sustainable destinations in the world.

The Top 100 Green Destinations is an initiative that aims to promote destinations with a clear environmental and cultural focus.

“We’re very excited that we get recognition for the work the we do locally. However, as we see it we still have a long way to go”, says the general manager of Visit Svalbard, Ronny Brunvoll.

The jury of the Top 100 Green Destinations praise Longyearbyen for their work to preserve the untouched Arctic nature in Svalbard.

Brunvoll says he hopes this recognition will make everyone in Svalbard work even harder to achieve their goals in the years to come.

“We interpret our spot in the top 100 as a kind pat on the back for our good work so far – but also a great encouragement to keep working to improve”.

Lærdal was awarded a spot on the list for their preservation work. In Lærdal you can find Borgund stave church from around 1150, and Lærdalsøyri with its 160 wood buildings.

The settlement of Lærdalsøyri has its origins from the time when «The royal road» was the main route between east and west in Norway in the 1700s.

The third Norwegian destination on the exclusive list is Geilo. The jury says the town’s clear green profile and work with power saving and waste management gives them their spot on the list.

All three destinations have also been awarded recognition as a “sustainable destination” by Innovation Norway, and now their efforts are being recognized internationally.