We are working to make tourism in Telemark more sustainable. Our aim is to protect the nature that makes our region special, while offering great experiences for visitors, both now and in the future.
A sustainable destination should be a good place to live as well as to visit. By protecting vulnerable natural areas, preserving local heritage and balancing the needs of residents and visitors, we can help tourism in Telemark develop in a responsible way that also benefits the local economy.
A good reputation benefits businesses throughout the region. By focusing on sustainability, we can attract new visitors, improve the visitor experience and help local businesses become more competitive. It can also support long-term profitability and meet growing expectations for more responsible tourism.
Visit Telemark is Eco-Lighthouse certified (Miljøfyrtårn) and encourages all its member businesses to obtain environmental certification.
Sustainable Destination certification in Telemark
The Sustainable Destination label is both a recognition of a destination's efforts and a practical tool for long-term sustainability work. Through regular assessments, measurements and improvements, destinations can track their progress and work towards more sustainable tourism.
The certification scheme was developed by Innovation Norway, is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It covers three main areas:
- Social sustainability – supporting local communities and preserving culture and heritage.
- Environmental sustainability – protecting nature and using resources responsibly.
- Economic sustainability – creating jobs and economic value for local communities.
Being certified does not mean that a destination is fully sustainable. It means making a long-term commitment to continuous improvement.
The scheme cannot solve every challenge, but it helps destinations identify priorities, raise awareness and strengthen cooperation between local authorities, businesses and communities. Certified destinations must document their progress and renew their certification every three years.
Certified Sustainable Destinations in Telemark
The following destinations in Telemark have received the Sustainable Destination label:
- Rjukan
- Kragerø
- Vest-Telemark
- Midt-Telemark
- Hjartdal and Notodden
Climate change – how nature in Telemark is changing
Telemark is known for its varied landscapes, from the coast in the south to the mountains in the north. But climate change is affecting nature here, just as it is in the rest of the world.
Milder winters and less predictable snow conditions, flooding, extreme weather, forest fires and changes in vegetation are some of the challenges we face.
These changes will affect what Telemark looks like in the future, and how we develop tourism in the region. While climate change brings challenges, it may also create new opportunities. Our goal is to find ways to adapt while protecting nature and supporting local tourism businesses.
How can you help make tourism in Telemark more sustainable?
There are several simple things you can do as a visitor to help protect nature and support local communities during your stay.
Choose more sustainable options
By choosing businesses that actively work to reduce their environmental impact, you can help protect nature and support local communities.
Here are a few ways to make more responsible choices during your visit:
- Stay at environmentally certified accommodation.
- Choose experiences and activities offered by businesses with environmental certification.
- Buy local and organic products where possible.
- Enjoy low-impact outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Could you choose a more environmentally friendly way to travel?
We know that public transport isn't always the easiest way to get around Telemark, but there are options. Buses and trains connect many parts of the region, and you can even start some of your hiking adventures from a bus stop. Plan your journey with the official travel planner.
Take care of nature
We hope you enjoy everything Telemark has to offer, from the beautiful coastline and islands to the mountains and peaceful forests.
All we ask is that you help us look after these places by following a few simple guidelines:
- Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly.
- Stay on marked and established trails to avoid unnecessary damage to nature.
- Respect wildlife and birdlife, and keep a safe distance.
- Read and follow signs along trails and in protected natural areas.
By taking care of nature together, we can help keep Telemark a wonderful place to visit and live, both today and for future generations.