5 green activities and hotels in Norway

One of the world's most environment friendly hotels

Svart, a new hotel being built close to the Svartisen Glacier not far from Bodø, is set to open in 2021. According to the developer, Miris Eiendom, the hotel will use 87 percent less energy than an equivalent hotel. In fact, the hotel, designed to the so-called Powerhouse building standard, will be able to produce its own energy. When you factor in that the hotel will blend beautifully in with the nature at the second largest glacier in Norway, that runs through the municipalities of Rana, Meløy and Rødøy, this surely adds to its appeal.

Svart

Battery powered fjord cruise

Nærøy Fjord, that branches off Sogne Fjord, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005 and attracts hundreds of thousands of people to this area each year. That so many visitors and cruise boats can be challenging for the environment, has been a regular subject of debate. However, a couple of years ago, a modest and charming addition arrived in the fjord: Vision of The Fjords. This 40-meter carbon fiber hybrid catamaran switches between diesel and battery power.It offers daily departures from Flåm, Aurland, Undredal and Gudvangen all year round. During the cruise, you pass 1,800m mountain peaks, waterfalls and small villages. The trip lasts around 90 minutes. You can also book a Norway in a Nutshell trip that includes a cruise and bus ride through Nærøydalen. The area is about a 2-3 hour drive from Bergen. The boat also sails to Geiranger Fjord and Lyse Fjord. Further north, you can take the electric-powered Brim Explorer on a trip round Lofoten.

Vision of the fjords

Hiking and Climbing

The best way to go green is to use your legs. Norway is quite simply perfect for exactly this. No matter where you are, you’ll find fascinating nature to explore right outside the doorstep. Fancy a hike up mountains such as Hermannsdalstinden in Lofoten, Tromsdalstinden or Romsdalseggen? If you want a real challenge, you can try Nordkalottruta from Kautokeino that passes through national parks such as Reisa, Øvre Dividal and Rohkunborri and ends in Sulitjelma. These routes are absolutely free and we guarantee they’ll pay dividends in the form of muscle building.

Spis bærekraftig

If you don't want to catch your own fish straight from the water, which you can do in many locations from Akerselva to Alta, you can eat food prepared in restaurants that think sustainability in every bite. Credo in Trondheim not only gained a Michelin star last winter, it also won the new Guide Michelin Sustainable Award. The award is for using both local and sustainable raw materials. And naturally, all the dishes at Credo are delicious. In Oslo, you should try Rest, a restaurant that prepares food from, what would otherwise go to waste.

Restaurant Credo

European Green Capital Oslo

Oslo is the 2019 European Green Capital. The award is based on scores for 12 environment parameters, including emission cuts, green areas and biodiversity. There are plenty of fun activities to take part in throughout the year, whether you're a private individual wanting to shop, or should we say change into a ‘pre-worn’ dress at one of the many exchange markets, or find out more about enterprises with big green ambitions and muscle power. Incidentally, Oslo has set itself a target to cut emissions by 95 percent by 2030 and to be carbon neutral in 2050.

Oslo