Sustainable Travel

Tips and tricks for travelling as sustainably as you can when you're visiting Norway. These actions will help to preserve the natural landscapes for as long as possible.

Travelling around Norway the sustainable way

It’s almost time to head to Norway, and we’re here to help you tread lightly as you travel. When visiting this Scandinavian gem, make sure to keep in mind the importance of preserving the country’s wonders for future generations to enjoy.

Sustainable travel is not just about preserving the environment. It’s also about supporting local economies and communities.

Have a little scroll to read some suggestions on how you can do your part.

Pack smart

There are some items from home that will make travel that little bit greener. Think a reusable water bottle and reusable shopping bags. These will not only help you to be more environmentally friendly, but they’ll also save you money during your trip.

Immerse yourself in the local culture

Norwegian culture is famously rooted in their Viking heritage, but this isn’t all you’ll find here. You’ll also discover a people deeply connected to their land and its nature.

By supporting the local cultures, you’ll embrace your Norwegian experience while making a positive impact on the economy and people.

Shop local for souvenirs

If you plan on buying souvenirs, why not purchase items made locally? If you’re unsure of whether an item has been made in Norway, you can always ask the shop owner. Here are some suggestions:

Black liquorice – this sweet treat is incredibly popular in Norway and makes for a truly authentic gift.
Brown cheese – sweet, brown cheese (or “brunost”) is very popular in Norway, with locals often eating it for lunch.
Knitted wool items – you could purchase jumpers or mittens hand-knitted by locals. As Norway can get quite cold, you know you can trust these garments to keep you warm!
Norwegian aquavit – this alcoholic spirit is distilled from potato and is often flavoured with local herbs. It’s definitely a souvenir for the adults among you!
Sámi accessories – pick up some jewellery or wood-carved items, hand-crafted by the Indigenous communities in the north of Norway.

Leave the landscapes AS YOU FIND THEM

Don’t remove any stones, plants, rocks or other natural items from the country’s landscapes and protected areas.

Eat local

An easy way to support the economy while travelling is to eat at local restaurants. For double sustainability points, try to find menus that feature local, seasonal produce.

Discover community events

Attending festivals and seasonal events hosted in the local towns and cities is a great way to soak up the local culture.

Local websites like Visit Oslo will give you more information about what’s on during your trip.

Respect local traditions and customs

When visiting cultural and historical sites, remember to be mindful of the importance they have for locals. They often represent hundreds of years of tradition.

Getting around

Walk around if you can

Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim are all incredibly walkable cities. Wandering the enchanting streets is also a great way to explore the historic centres. Your central accommodation will allow for easy access to restaurants and shops without the need for a car.

Hop on public transport

This is an easy way to travel that’s friendly on both your wallet and the planet. Most cities offer extensive bus and tram routes.

For an even more sustainable way to travel around the country, check out our train tours in Norway

Drive smoothly

One for our road-trippers. Even on a self-drive tour, you can travel with sustainability in mind. Limit your fuel consumption by avoiding sharp acceleration and abrupt braking, and try to maintain a constant speed where you can. Protecting the natural environment.

One of Norway’s best assets is the incredible natural scenery. It’s vital that we protect it so that locals and visitors alike can continue to thrive and be amazed for many years to come.

Leave no trace behind

Norway is known for its unspoiled and clean nature. Help to keep it this way by putting your litter in bins before you leave a site. If you can’t find a bin, take your rubbish back with you to your accommodation so you can dispose of it there.

Stay on the roads

Driving and parking sensibly will help preserve the natural landscapes. Keep to marked roads and parking spots wherever possible.

Stay on the trails

Hiking is a great way to discover more natural gems of Norway. The country’s “right to roam” offers you total freedom to explore its natural landscape, with the only request being that you do not disturb or destroy the scenery. So long as you stick to marked trails wherever possible and leave the landscape as you found it, you won’t go wrong.

Be extra mindful in national parks and protected areas

National parks and protected areas require additional consideration if you plan to visit them.

Some sites have restricted access during nesting and breeding seasons, and don’t allow swimming in the lakes. Please adhere to these restrictions to avoid disturbing the wildlife. And as always, refrain from removing any items from the natural landscape.

Observe wildlife without disturbing it

If you’re going wildlife spotting, your goal should be quiet observation. Avoid abrupt movements or loud noises, and try to keep a distance of at least 200 metres (700 feet) between you and the wildlife. When meeting farm animals, please respect farmers' advice. If they are out in fields, do not pet them or feed them.

Reducing your carbon footprint

Your tour will automatically be carbon offset through the Iceland Carbon Fund and SoGreen. This means that for every trip taken, trees are planted to offset the carbon emissions produced. Want to know more? You can read more about this initiative in our Sustainability Policy.

What else can you do to travel green?

Book your flights to Norway using a site that shows flights’ carbon emissions to allow you to choose the lower-carbon option.
Choose direct flights to limit the carbon emissions of your journey.
Travel with airlines that offer trustworthy carbon offsetting schemes. If your airline doesn’t include this, you could instead donate to a carbon offsetting fund yourself.

By travelling more sustainably, you're helping us to preserve Norway so that it can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.