Hurtigruten’s ‘Open Village’ Initiative: A Thoughtful Response to Overtourism

Hurtigruten has introduced a unique “Open Village” initiative designed to provide an alternative to overtourism during its coastal voyages in Norway. This initiative allows guests to explore remote communities such as Traena, Bessaker, and Saebo, which are only accessible by smaller Hurtigruten vessels. These partnerships with local residents facilitate immersive experiences that highlight village life from May to September.

The program enables passengers to engage in sustainably managed, community-driven activities at no additional cost. Hurtigruten also contributes NOK 250 (approximately EUR 20) for each guest to local communities, ensuring economic benefits reach small towns with a combined population of under 1,000. Each village visit has the potential to generate revenue of around EUR 10,600, which is crucial for sustaining local businesses.

Distinct experiences await guests in each village. Bessaker welcomes visitors with a festive parade and access to heritage sites where they can enjoy local stories, live music, woodcarving demonstrations, and traditional dishes. In Saebo, fjord-side concerts and guided tours to the Avalanche Centre provide guests with cultural depth. Meanwhile, in Traena, visitors can embark on self-guided tours using curated booklets that navigate local attractions like the village church and museum.

Hurtigruten’s Head of Product Development, Odd Tore Skildheim, stated that this initiative represents a conscious shift from mass tourism, emphasizing the mutual benefits it provides. Travelers can forge genuine connections with local communities, while the villages receive essential support.

Knut Johan Monkan, a community leader in Bessaker, remarked that local establishments, including bakeries and restaurants, rely on the Open Village model for their survival, underscoring its significance in maintaining vibrant community life.

By limiting passenger numbers, selecting lesser-known destinations, and ensuring direct financial contributions to host communities, Hurtigruten’s Open Village program offers a sustainable tourism model. This initiative allows travelers to engage meaningfully while bolstering the resilience of small coastal villages in Norway.

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