Norway: be enchanted by destinations that care about and prioritize sustainability

Meet some places that are committed to becoming more sustainable in relation to the environment, local communities, cultural heritage and the economy.

With practices that involve the preservation of the environment, the local community and the tourism industry, some Norwegian cities stand out in the country. In order to exalt and recognize such destinations, the seal of "Sustainable Destination“, it is the only national labeling scheme in the Nordic region for sustainability-focused travel destinations. In this way, the places receive this seal for having committed to work consistently towards a more sustainable tourism development, while preserving local communities and cultural heritage, and also with the aim of reducing the environmental footprint caused by tourism.

It should be noted that these destinations are not yet fully sustainable, but despite this, they are committed to embarking on a process of continuous improvement. Meet some of these:

Roros

It is a simple little town in Trøndelag, where you can, with a pinch of imagination, “travel to the past”. In fact, this traditional mountain village is one of the oldest wooden villages in Europe and has even been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It is known for being a living museum with centuries of history, especially among its charming streets. Røros was founded in 1644, after the first discovery of copper in the region. Over the years, it has become one of Norway's most prominent mining towns.

Currently, despite having a history related to the exploitation of copper in the mines it houses, Røros has obtained the certification of Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is sustainable, it does represent a commitment to combating the negative effects of tourism and, at the same time, enhancing its positive effects. 

In this way, the inhabitants of Røros have preserved the original charms of the city, with buildings dating back to the 1700s and 1800s, as well as the surrounding cultural landscape.

In Røros, you can visit the national parks of Femundsmarka and Forollhogna, go hiking, mountain biking and fishing, or even go to the largest canyon in northern Europe, the Jutulhogget.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is another Norwegian city that has achieved Sustainable Destination certification. Located in the lush valley of Gudbrandsdalen, it has many special features. First, it stands out as an important Unesco City of Literature, offering a combination of a rich cultural life with an urban atmosphere, in addition to being located just 200 kilometers north of Oslo, the country's capital.

There, you can also go back in time with a visit to the 200th-century wooden church of Garmo, which is housed in the Maihaugen open-air museum. The museum also houses around XNUMX buildings that have been restored.

Another must-see attraction in the region is the Hunderfossen Adventure Park – where you can feel like you're part of a fairy tale on snow and ice. The park, which remains open even in midsummer, is one of the largest and most popular parks in Norway. It has many rides and attractions full of emotion.

As in many Norwegian cities, in Lillehammer it is also possible to experience everything related to venturing into nature, from mountain biking in Hafjell, fishing in lake Mjøsa, even rafting in the river Sjoa.

Lysefjord

The Lysefjord, a fjord whose name means “fjord of light”, stands out for its breathtaking panorama, not being far from Stavanger, the fourth largest city in Norway. The region has the Sustainable Destination seal, as well as the other two. Its beauty, however, stands out for the fantastic natural landscapes it sustains.  

The Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) in Ryfylke is one of them. It is indeed Norway's biggest attraction and one of the most famous lookout points in the world. No wonder he is famous far beyond Norwegian borders, and has even appeared on Hollywood screens!

In addition to providing the experience of being in the midst of stunning nature, the place offers fjord cruises and unforgettable trails. A four kilometer hike is considered moderately demanding and takes you to the famous rock formation of Preikestolen, an incredible 604 meters above sea level.

Another possibility is to tackle the more than 4 steps of the world's largest wooden staircase, the Flørlitrappene (Flørli Staircase), which takes the traveler 740 meters above the fjord in less than two hours.

It is also possible to enjoy the landscape from completely different perspectives, either aboard a kayak or on a beautiful cruise across the fjord. Most cruises depart from Stavanger and reach Lysefjorden in approximately three and a half hours. In the summer months, a passenger ferry departs from Lauvvik and Forsand to Flørli and Lysebotn. The ferry can also take a small number of cars (provided they are not motorhomes or caravans).