How Scandinavia is Paving the Way for Eco-Friendly Travel in Europe

Scandinavia is regularly hailed as a pioneer in the green movement and with good reason. The region as a whole has taken the helm of the eco-friendly ship and as a collective group, they are doing their best to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy their spectacular glaciers, crystal-clear fjords and fantastic green national parks. A visit to any of the countries provides the perfect opportunity to lessen your environmental footprint while also participating in outdoor-focused cultures.

One way to boost the sustainability factor on your travels is to hop on one of the region’s efficient and eco-friendly trains. You can zip your way from Oslo to Copenhagen or Stockholm to keep your journey moving from one country to another or meander your way through stunning scenery aboard the fabulously scenic Bergen Railway, one of the most beautiful in the world. 

With an abundance of fjords and archipelagoes to explore, ferries have been upgraded to use more environmentally friendly fuel and in some ports, when docked, ferries are connected to land power to lower their overall emissions. Join locals and make your way up the Norwegian coast on a ferry that runs purely on battery and LNG (liquified natural gas) engines.

Within cities, take advantage of well-connected, affordable, efficient, and clean public transport. A Hop-On/Hop-Off bus allows travelers to see the “musts” while avoiding hopping into taxis.

There are also opportunities to explore with an electric car. If you spend time in Flåm, you can explore the Nærøyfjorden region via an eMobility mini-electric car which has zero emissions and provides you fantastic access to this positively stunning area.

Some additional ways to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum while exploring the region? Rent a kayak and discover hidden nooks in the Oslo archipelago or join the locals and hop on a bike to zip along Copenhagen’s streets. 

After full days of explorations, enjoy a great night’s sleep at one of the region’s eco-labeled accommodations. Beyond maintaining low energy consumption, hotels have also come up with creative ways to minimize food waste. Hundreds of hotels have received the Nordic Swan Ecolabel which prohibits the use of fossil fuels or oil for heating, limits water use and residual waste, and eliminates disposable items in daily serving, among other requirements. From simple accommodations to fabulous eco-friendly lodges in remote areas, Tenon Tours is happy to incorporate these properties into your itinerary.

There’s no need to buy bottled water as tap water is perfectly safe and clean. Bring your bottles and fill them up at bottle stations and your hotel. And keep an eye out for organically and sustainably produced foods. Try the local delicacies including wild berries and vegetables, as well as cheese and meat from sheep, goats, and even reindeer. 

From the start of your exciting day in Scandinavia, until you fall fast asleep, you can certainly take advantage of all of the eco-friendly infrastructure that the region has implemented to preserve its beauty and keep its people happy and healthy.