Heatwaves, temperature records, and forest fires are causing the traditional southern summer holiday destinations of the average European to lose their allure. The temperature and climate of the northern regions have compelled Norway to experience a surge in popularity in recent years.
Many holidaymakers seek relief here and celebrate a 'coolcation', as the climate in Norway remains somewhat milder from May until September compared to everything southern.
Ironically, we have only ourselves to blame for these rising temperatures. In fact, we must cease flying, eating meat, and significantly reduce our general consumption if we want to slow all of that down.
But we still want to celebrate holidays. So, if you are seeking refuge from the Southern European heat and wish to enjoy a coolcation in Norway with a low carbon footprint, this article is for you. By the end of this article, you will know about:
Transport: How to minimise your CO2 emissions while travelling through Norway.
Accommodation: Which hotels are particularly committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
Food and Drink: Some excellent tips for sustainable and affordable food
Transport
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Norway boasts the highest density of charging stations globally, with four out of five newly sold cars being EVs. This makes Norway an ideal destination for a holiday or road trip in an electric vehicle. At the time of writing, the exchange rate of the krone is exceptionally low, meaning that hiring an EV need not be a significant expense. Furthermore, petrol prices in Norway are higher than ever, at approximately 24 NOK per litre (around 2.20 euros). However, we are discussing the climate here, so let the price not be an incentive.
The point I am trying to convey is that there is virtually no reason to rent a petrol car in Norway. The density of charging stations and the overall charging infrastructure is excellent. If you plan to explore Norway by electric car, please read this article I wrote earlier. Be sure to reserve your car in advance, as the popularity of rental EVs is increasing, and you might miss out during the peak season.
Trains
Norway’s rail network is excellent, particularly given the incredibly complex geography. The major cities are easily accessible by train. If you plan to visit Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim, or Bodø, the (night) train offers an excellent alternative. Indeed, the Bergen Line and the Dovre Line are frequently listed among the world's most beautiful train journeys. If you are travelling from mainland Europe, you have several options to consider.
I have travelled between Norway and the Netherlands entirely by train dozens of times. It takes some time, but it is entirely feasible. From Hamburg, there is a direct train to Copenhagen, and from Copenhagen, you can cross to Malmö, from where you can take a direct train to Oslo.
Another option is to travel by train to Hirtshals and then take a ferry to Kristiansand. Kristiansand serves as a departure point to both Stavanger and Oslo. You can plan the details of your train holiday here. Did you know you can reach Arctic Norway entirely by train? Indeed! You can reach Narvik via Sweden, which is an excellent starting point to see both the midnight sun and the northern lights without ever stepping on a plane.
Buses
As previously mentioned, Norway’s geography presents an infrastructural challenge. Therefore, you will occasionally need to rely on buses to reach the most beautiful places. As a frequent bus traveller, I can confidently say that the key and most scenic locations are excellently accessible by bus. Additionally, it is easy to reserve a seat, most buses offer Wi-Fi, and the drivers are extremely friendly and helpful. You can plan your entire bus trip via here. Occasionally, you may be directed to specific carriers for reservations.
Accommodation
The most sustainable option is, of course, camping, and Norway is very well-suited for it. Indeed, Norway adheres to the "allemannsretten," which grants you the right to camp almost anywhere under certain conditions. If you are interested, please read this article. When (wild) camping, ensure you leave the site better than you found it. If you see litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly when you find a bin. Also, familiarise yourself with local regulations.
If camping is not your preference, several hotels and destinations go the extra mile to minimise their negative impact on the tourism industry or even make a positive contribution. The Sustainable Destination label is the Nordic region’s sole national certification scheme for travel destinations prioritising sustainability. It serves as a tool for destinations committed to systematically enhancing their sustainability in terms of the environment, local communities, cultural heritage, and the economy. While the label does not signify that a destination is entirely sustainable, it indicates that the destination has commenced a long-term journey towards sustainability. Destinations undergo evaluation every three years.
I have personally selected a number of hotels that, based on my own experience, are making an exceptional effort to positively contribute to the (local) environment.
Stokkøya Strandhotell: This fantastic beach hotel left a lasting impression on me. At breakfast, a chalkboard message reads, "Take what you want, but eat what you take." This ethos pervades the hotel, which uses almost exclusively local products and encourages mindful consumption of electricity and water.
292 Aurland: This gem of a boutique hotel is located in the shadow of Flåm, one of the most tourist-heavy spots due to the large number of cruise ships docking there. While cruise ships are notorious for their environmental impact, 292 Aurland is the exact opposite, with a strong focus on sustainability. The food, location, garden, rooms, and staff all exude honesty. Many ingredients are self-produced, and the hotel’s 2014 renovation was undertaken with sustainability in mind.
Juvet Landscape Hotel: This hotel has become something of an icon, having featured in films such as Ex Machina. It exemplifies how tourism can positively impact the environment. The architecture minimally disrupts the surroundings, and the materials used are largely locally sourced. The hotel’s energy consumption is remarkably low, making it a guilt-free retreat.
Energihotellet: This hotel deserves a spot on this list for its clever use of existing structures, giving the hotel a new lease of life with minimal alterations. The rooms are minimally furnished, and the original 1960s furniture takes centre stage in common areas. Meals are prepared exclusively with local products, and breakfast is served in such a way that nothing goes to waste.
Hotel Svart: Although not yet open, this spectacular hotel is slated for completion in 2024, potentially making it available by the time you read this. With its high James Bond appeal, this energy-positive, CO2-neutral, and off-grid hotel will set a new standard. Dining here will be completely waste-free, and I eagerly await the opportunity to experience this unique hotel above the Arctic Circle.
Food and Drink
Save foods from a sudden demise
Here are some golden, or rather green, tips to minimise waste. Let's start with food. If you are travelling in a campervan, I recommend doing some of your shopping at Holdbart, a chain that buys up nearing-expiry food items. Not only can you shop economically, but you also help reduce food waste. Most supermarkets have a section with products nearing their sell-by date to minimise waste, so be sure to check it out.
Buy locally produced goods
A significant source of CO2 emissions is global transport. Bananas from Costa Rica, dates from Tunisia, and orange juice from Brazil all contribute to this. Hence, I am a big advocate of buying locally produced goods and foods. Hanen, an umbrella organisation for food-producing farmers, agritourism and unique restaurants, is fantastic for exactly that. They maintain a handy map highlighting where to stop for excellent local produce, from apple cider and sausages to superb bread. When you see the Hanen logo, it almost always signifies a worthwhile stop. I recommend downloading the Hanen app before your trip. Many farms also offer accommodation, making it a treasure trove few tourists are aware of.
Additionally, several supermarkets, particularly Spar, often have a splendid selection of locally produced items. A good habit is to check the label: is it from Norway?