Hurtigruten’s ‘Open Village’ Initiative: A Sustainable Solution to Overtourism

Hurtigruten has introduced a new initiative called the "Open Village" aboard its Signature Line coastal voyages in Norway. This program aims to provide a thoughtful alternative to the overcrowded tourist destinations that plague Europe during the summer months.

Through the Open Village concept, guests have the opportunity to visit remote communities such as Traena, Bessaker, and Saebo—locations that are only accessible via smaller Hurtigruten vessels. These visits, which will occur from May to September, are designed in collaboration with local residents to offer immersive experiences that reflect village life.

Participants can enjoy sustainably managed, community-led activities at no extra cost. In addition, Hurtigruten contributes NOK 250 (approximately EUR 20) for every guest visiting these villages, effectively funnelling significant economic benefits back to towns with populations of fewer than 1,000 across the three ports. With as many as 500 passengers visiting at a time, these stops can yield local revenues of around EUR 10,600 per visit, which is crucial for rural businesses.

Each village provides unique experiences. In Bessaker, visitors are welcomed with a festive parade and may explore historical sites where locals share stories accompanied by live music, woodcarving demonstrations, and traditional dishes like meat soup, coffee, and cake.

Saebo offers cultural activities such as fjord-side concerts, guided tours of the Avalanche Centre, and discussions about the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Traena, one of Norway’s oldest fishing communities, allows guests to engage in self-guided tours through curated booklets that lead them to the local museum, Petter Dass Chapel, and the village church.

Hurtigruten’s Head of Product Development, Odd Tore Skildheim, highlighted the initiative as a deliberate move away from high-volume tourism, emphasizing the mutual benefits it creates: tourists gain authentic local experiences while communities receive much-needed support.

Knut Johan Monkan, a community leader in Bessaker, noted the significance of the Open Village model for local businesses, including its bakery and restaurants, stating that these visits are vital for maintaining the vibrancy of community life.

Through limited visitor numbers, the selection of quieter destinations, and direct financial contributions to host communities, Hurtigruten’s Open Village initiative sets a precedent for sustainable tourism along Norway’s coast. It provides travelers with an immersive and respectful alternative to crowded cruise itineraries, while simultaneously enhancing the resilience of small Norwegian coastal villages.

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