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Sustainable Destination

A unique national labelling scheme

A good place to live is a good place to visit.

Visit one or more of the 50+ destinations in Norway that have the Sustainable Destination label.

The label does not mean that the destinations are sustainable in every way, but it indicates that they are working systematically to develop sustainable tourism, and are required to document substantial improvement every 3 years.

Did you know that the label requires not only environmental improvements, but also improvements in terms of the impact on the local community and the preservation of cultural heritage?

We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We have a great responsibility to keep it that way.

Line Renate Samuelsen

CEO of Destination Lofoten

Is your travel worthy of your values? When you visit a destination that is a part of the national labelling scheme Sustainable Destination, you are supporting a place that is committed to sustainable tourism development.

There are many positive sides to tourism, but the industry is also facing challenges. If you’re eager to experience a unique destination that can give you memories for life, visit places in Norway that are labelled by the Sustainable Destination scheme. These destinations have committed to work systematically towards developing more sustainable tourism, while preserving local communities and cultural heritage, and reducing the environmental impact of tourism.

Please keep in mind, though, that although the destinations are not yet completely sustainable, they have embarked on a process of continuous improvement.

From nature to culture

If you are seeking unforgettable cultural experiences, you can travel to cosy small towns and villages with rich local traditions, such as Setesdal, Arendal, and Røros.

Or take in some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes, by the Lysefjord, the Sognefjord or in the Geirangerfjord area. The deep blue fjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls, and lush vegetation, and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List for good reason. And don't miss the wild islands of Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja, or urban havens like Bergen, Kristiansand and Tromsø, to name a few.

With their unique stories and local culinary specialities, these destinations will provide you with a lovely combination of culture, activities, and tasty dining.

See all labelled destinations

So, what's in it for you, as a visitor?

You can travel to a place where they make a big effort to minimise tourism's impact on nature, wildlife, and the environment.

A destination in balance...

 You'll visit destinations that are committed to making local people happy. 

...and giving the locals the opportunity to learn, thrive and work, and start up new businesses based on more sustainable principles.

How Lofoten's Mymint became one of Norway's leading chefs

...where you can taste the surroundings.

Enjoy local specialities and world-class seafood.

...and enjoy nature without harming it. 

Choose electric or low emission transport whenever you can. 

Add some extraordinary culture.

And make some lasting memories.

Discover your next destination

Check out Norway’s certified destinations.

These destinations are also labelled:

  • Stranda in Sunnmøre
  • Sauda in Ryfylke
  • The National Park Kingdom including Dovre, Dovrefjell, Jotunheimen, Rondane, Breheimen, and Reinheimen
  • Åfjord with Stokkøya in Trøndelag
  • The Elverum region, including Våler and Elverum in Eastern Norway
  • Kautokeino in Finnmark

Let the eco-labels guide you

Green travel logo

Every time you see this Green Travel symbol on our website, you know that the associated products and offers are a part of an official environmental labelling scheme. The Green Travel symbol is a common navigation to all qualified environmental schemes used by tourism enterprises in Norway. The symbol helps you find eco-certified alternatives.

The certifications below fall under Green Travel. These certifications indicate that providers follow strict rules relating to the production and management of waste, energy, transport, use of chemicals, and rules for subcontractors. These measures go beyond what the Norwegian law requires.

The following certifications fall under Green Travel

Ecotourism Norway logo

Ecotourism Norway

This national certification is awarded to businesses and operators that hold a high international level in ecotourism. Over 100 strict criteria on environmental performance, host-role, local community integration, and purchasing must be met and often improved. The certificate is renewed every three years.

Ecolabel Nordic Swan logo

The ecolabel Nordic Swan

More than 5000 products in Norway are certified with Nordic Swan, which indicates that they satisfy strict demands within energy efficiency, materials, and chemicals, all the way from raw materials to end product and waste management.

 Eco-Lighthouse logo

Eco-Lighthouse

Eco-Lighthouse enterprises work towards satisfying requirements and implementing environmental measures on a systematic and ongoing basis in order to create more environmentally friendly operations and safer work environments. Enterprises are certified subject to independent assessment and must undergo a recertification process every three years.

Green Key logo

Green Key

Global ecolabel, recognized by GSTC, for hotels, small accommodations, campsites, and attractions. Certified businesses must meet strict criteria for waste, energy, water, procurement, green areas, CSR, and staff involvement. High standards are maintained through annual certificate renewal, rigorous application process, documentation, and frequent audits.

ISO 14001 logo

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is given to enterprises that have a high-quality environmental managing system for organizational performance.

Blue Flag logo

Blue Flag

Global, prestigious award based on a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access related criteria to be met and maintained, aimed at beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators. More than 4100 sites in 46 countries are awarded with Blue Flag.

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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