Become a better traveller

9 TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

We do have a huge impact on the world, and local nature and communities when we travel.

For good – and for bad.

But you can make a difference.

You can travel better.

The upshot? Your total travel experience will also improve!

Geirangerfjord sustainable destination .
Photo: Visit Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord .
Photo: Visit Geirangerfjord

The Norwegian travel industry has pledged to cut its carbon footprint 50% by 2030.

We also need to take better care of nature, increase local value creation, and secure working opportunities all year round.

That way, local communities can thrive and become even better places to live and to visit.

Lonely Planet rated Norway one of the top travel destinations in 2022, since we already work hard with sustainability.

And we promise to work even harder.

Fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord .
Photo: Fjord Tours AS

Are you in?

Yoga .
Photo: Kristin Folsland Olsen / Visitnorway.com

1. Travel off-season and find hidden gems

Travel to less visited places or off-season. You can then experience unique places to stay, and exciting activities recommended by locals — without the crowds.

Å Auge treetop cabin in Tinn, Telemark .
Photo: Isaac Manning

2. Dine on local delicacies

Visit cosy farm shops and dine at restaurants that offer local food.

At the amazing underwater restaurant Under, you can experience both (very) locally-sourced Michelin-starred food AND spectacular architecture.

The underwater restaurant Under in Lindesnes .
Photo: MIR / Snohetta / Under

3. Explore more with a local guide

Ever wanted to go ski touring, kayaking or canyoning? How about seeing a glacier up close?

A guide will help you get the most out of an activity, show the best local secrets, and keep you safe.

Svartisen .
Photo: CH / Helgeland Reiseliv

4. Choose more sustainable mobility and public transport

Explore the country like a local. Taking the bus or train to your next destination will bring you on an adventure.

Some lines are even rated among the most beautiful train trips in the world!

Rauma line on the Kylling bridge .
Photo: Leif Johnny Olestad - Visit Norway

5. Leave nothing behind

Take nothing but pictures, and bring your rubbish with you when you leave.

Enjoy the Norwegian wildlife and make sure you abide by the laws of nature.

Oppdal in Trøndelag .
Photo: Marius Rua

6. Embrace slow travel

... that means travelling less and staying for a longer time.

Treetop cabin in Laagen outside Larvik .
Photo: Christian Lunde

7. Extend your stay with a workation

This could be your new office view...

Combine travelling and working with a workation!

Northern Lights in Tromsø .
Photo: Ismaele Tortilla / Visit Norway

Northern Lights in Tromsø .
Photo: Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway

8. Travel like a local

Escape the beaten tourist path. Get insider tips on how to experience the places you visit like a local!

#hiddengems

Fargegaten, The Colorful Street, in Stavanger .
Photo: Per Christian Lind / Visit Norway

9. Spend your money on local experiences

By buying from local businesses, you're helping to boost the local economy and local employment.

Dog Sledding in Hallingdal .
Photo: Vegard Breie

By choosing to be a better traveller, you will make the locals happy.

And remember: a smile always creates more smiles!

...and more generations of travellers will be able to follow in your adventurous footsteps.

Hiking in Stryn .
Photo: Bård Basberg

Where can you find all this and more?

Visit one of Norway's destinations with a focus on sustainability.

Bird's view of Henningsvær .
Photo: Christer Olsen Photo / Visitnorway.com

Be inspired

Let the eco-labels guide you

Make sure your holiday in Norway has the smallest footprint possible.
Look for eco-certified providers while travelling.

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.

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The following certifications fall under Green Travel

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.

Nordic Swan

More than 5,000 products in Norway are certified by Nordic Swan, which indicates that they satisfy strict requirements relating to energy efficiency, materials, and chemicals, all the way from raw materials to end products and waste management.

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

A global eco label, recognized by GSTC, for hotels, small accommodation providers, 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, a rigorous application process, documentation, and frequent audits.

ISO 14001

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

Blue Flag

A prestigious, global label granted on the basis of a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria that must be met and maintained, which is aimed at beach, marina and sustainable boating tourism operators. More than 4,100 sites in 46 countries are Blue Flag certified.

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