Is Norway (and Lofoten Islands) Ruined by Tourism?
The real cost of visiting Norway, Pulpit rock, Trolltunga and other top destinations
As a photographer and travel guide who has been fortunate enough to partly live in Norway and explore its breathtaking landscapes within the Arctic Circle long before Instagram was even a thing, I’ve witnessed firsthand how tourism has evolved in Norway and especially Lofoten Islands—and not always for the better.
The Lofoten Islands, once a tranquil paradise where you could lose yourself in nature, have become a cautionary tale of what happens when the world’s most beautiful places get “discovered.” Everything from the aurora borealis (northern lights) to fjords and waterfalls has quickly became one of the Worlds top destinations to visit by international tourists.
Don't get me wrong, I completely understand why tourists are attracted to Norway, it's on of the most beautiful places in Europe! But as the summer crowds get to Norway, problems start rising: the most famous mountains like Reinebringen, Pulpit Rock, and Trolltunga are suffering from erosion and waste that uncaring tourists bring to these attractions.
Let's talk about Norway tourism
September 2nd, 2024.
Fjords, waterfalls, museums, wildlife, and other attractions. That's what Norway is all about. But why all this is ruining the nature? Read more to see my tips on what to do so everyone can enjoy Norway and it's attractions.
During a recent trip to Lofoten, where I was hoping to capture the raw beauty of the landscape, I was instead confronted with something far less picturesque. Tourists were everywhere, and not in the respectful, nature-loving way you might hope for. RVs were parked illegally on the sides of roads, turning narrow passages into chaotic bottlenecks. Scenic spots were marred by trash—plastic bottles, discarded food containers, and toilet paper strewn about like confetti at a depressing party.
In contrast, major cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim are known for their safety and well-managed tourism, with low crime rates and a welcoming environment for both residents and tourists.
One particularly disturbing sight was the human waste in the river at Selfjord. I couldn’t believe my eyes. This wasn’t the Lofoten I knew and loved; it was like a bad dream where nature was being choked by the very people who claimed to appreciate it. Norway is an expensive country, and tourists can reduce costs by buying food from supermarkets instead of dining out.
Visiting Norway: What did I saw and what's wrong?
Lofoten Islands is changing - and not for good
1. Illegally Parked RVs (Motor homes), and Mountains of Trash
Visiting Norway respecfully
Before Instagram, Lofoten was a hidden gem. Now, it’s a hotspot for influencers and tourists who care more about getting the perfect shot than preserving the natural beauty of the place. Social media has turned Lofoten into a backdrop for vanity, with tourists flocking to the same spots, trampling vegetation, and leaving behind a trail of destruction. The northern lights have also gained immense popularity through social media, leading to increased tourism in regions like Tromsø and Lofoten, where visitors seek the best experiences and activities to witness this phenomenon. Social media also promotes urban life in cities like Oslo, where tourists can enjoy vibrant neighborhoods and cultural events alongside natural attractions.
The problem isn’t just the volume of tourists; it’s the attitude. When people visit a place just to check it off their bucket list and snap a few photos, they often forget that these are real places where real people live. And when the Instagram crowd moves on to the next “it” location, they leave behind a mess that the locals have to clean up.
3. The Social Media Curse: How Instagram and TikTok Are Making Things Worse
It’s not just the environment that’s suffering—local culture and sacred spaces are under attack too. A local from Reine shared a heartbreaking experience of finding tents pitched among the headstones in their family graveyard, with trash left behind by thoughtless tourists. Imagine going to pay respects to your loved ones and finding their resting place turned into a campsite. It’s not just disrespectful; it’s a complete disregard for the local customs and the sanctity of the land.
Also, respecting Sami culture and sacred spaces in Norway is crucial, especially in towns like Karasjok and Alta, where these traditions are an integral part of the local experience.
Similarly, visitors to Bergen should respect cultural sites such as the KODE art museums, which are essential stops for those interested in art, culture, and heritage.
2. Desecration of Sacred Spaces: Wild Camping in the Graveyards
Lofoten’s roads were never designed to handle the current influx of tourists, especially those in massive RVs. I’ve seen the frustration on locals’ faces as they try to navigate roads clogged with slow-moving campers and vehicles parked in illegal spots. The constant traffic has turned what should be a peaceful drive through one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes into a stressful ordeal.
Popular attractions like the Atlantic Road also contribute to traffic congestion, as tourists flock to these remarkable destinations. The western fjords, accessible from Bergen, also attract many tourists, contributing to traffic congestion in these areas.
Locals have shared stories of missing ferries because the roads were so backed up with tourists. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a sign that the infrastructure is buckling under the weight of overtourism. And it’s not just Lofoten—similar issues are cropping up all over Norway.
4. The Roads Can’t Handle It: Endless Traffic and Frustrated Locals
1. Respect the "Right to Roam" before is gone
How to prevent problems caused by overtourism?
What can we, who visit Norway, do to these problems?
Instead of flocking to the most popular spots in Lofoten like Reine or Kvalvika Beach, consider exploring some of the lesser-known gems I'm going to mention after this. These places offer incredible beauty with fewer crowds, reducing the strain on the environment and local infrastructure.
2. Leave No Trace
3. Travel During the Shoulder Season
4. Support Local Businesses
Norway’s nature is fragile, and venturing off marked trails can cause significant damage to the environment. Stick to established paths to preserve the flora and avoid contributing to erosion.
7. Stay on Marked Trails
I know Lofoten's public transport system isn't the best, but it's narrow roads are not designed for heavy traffic, especially large RVs. Consider using public transportation, renting a smaller vehicle, or carpooling to reduce your environmental footprint and ease traffic congestion.
If you’re going to share your travels on Instagram or TikTok, consider the impact. Avoid geo-tagging specific locations, especially hidden or less popular spots, to prevent them from becoming overcrowded and degraded.
5. Use Public Transportation or Carpool
6. Be Mindful of Social Media - Don't tag the locations!
Before you go, take the time to educate yourself about Norway’s environmental challenges and the principles of responsible tourism. Share what you’ve learned with fellow travelers to help spread awareness and encourage others to follow these guidelines.
8. Share this post, Educate Yourself and Others
But what I've tried to do is not to photograph at the most popular locations, and not to geotag those locations. I've also recommended people not to visit the most popular destinations because of erosion and because they feel too crowded.
I have my secret list of locations I truly love and where you rarely see any tourists. But I know this isn't going to be a super popular blog post, so I'll share a few of them - so you can be more responsible and truly see something you won't see every other day in Instagram.
And let me tell you, there are places that are far more beautiful than Kvalvika beach, Ryten, Reinebringen, Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Geyranger, or Trolltunga - just because you can't find them by browsing Google or Instragram captions.
But am I part of the problem as a photographer?
Norway Attractions
The frustration among locals is palpable, and it’s not hard to see why. Their home, a place of unmatched natural beauty, is being overrun by tourists who seem to care little for the land or the people who live there. The call for stricter regulations is growing louder. Some are advocating for steep tourism taxes, limits on the number of visitors, and harsher penalties for those who break the rules.
But it’s not about shutting out tourists entirely—it’s about promoting sustainable tourism. Regions like Svalbard, situated between mainland Norway and the North Pole, require sustainable tourism practices to protect their unique ecosystems. Locals want visitors to enjoy Norway’s beauty, but they also want them to respect it. This means following the rules, cleaning up after themselves, and understanding that this is not just a playground for their enjoyment—it’s a place where people live and work. While wild camping is permitted across Norway due to ‘Allemannsretten,’ it is crucial to preserve nature and consider the availability of affordable campsites that offer additional amenities.
Locals want Sustainable Tourism
What locals say?
How to handle the crowds?
Read more about me
Hey! I'm Jaakko!
I'm an elopement photographer, trail runner, orienteerer, husband, and a father of two living in the beautiful Scandinavia.
My wife Ida and I tied the knot in 2015, and we now have two beautiful kids.
My passion for nature comes from my upbringing. My parents ensured I had an active childhood, and I even competed in orienteering, which made map reading second nature to me. I love road trips, visual arts, and trail running.
When getting to know couples, I approach them with an open mind and heart. I'm excited to learn about the real you, your shared moments, passions, and daily life. I'll be open with you, too, because I know it's a huge honor to be invited to capture one of the most important days of your life.
