Sustainable urbanisation? Norwegian cabin culture in transition

Abstract

In this article, we explore a cultural change which has made the desire to live close to nature from a core tenet of Norwegian culture to an unsustainable threat to nature. During the last two decades, Norwegian cabin tourism has moved from 'hard' forms (few, prolonged stays, strong identification with the site) of ecotourism to 'softer' ones (shorter, more frequent stays, commercialisation of the site). These changes, we argue, have led to a situation in which the image of an ideal cabin which echoes hard ecotourism is perpetuated within new, softer practices. Unfortunately, this new kind of nature tourism, which is characterised by many short stays of many uncoordinated visitors spread over preferably 'pristine' nature, is inherently unsustainable. As an alternative, we propose more cautious transitions to more coordinated and 'denser' forms of tourism, which are exemplified in two cases.

The hidden side of Norwegian cabin fairytale: climate implications of multi-dwelling lifestyle

“…This cabin fairytale conceals the development trend that is based on a stronger materialist manifestation and thus is more climate and environmentally harmful. The desire to escape from modernity by cabin life is, paradoxically, achieved through modernity (for example, the reliance on car driving for cabin trips) and high material consumption (Berker & Gansmo, 2010;Garvey, 2008).…”

Higher education as object for corporate and nation branding: between equality and flagships

“…Cabins are said to be particularly important in the Norwegian lifestyle: 'These are often very simple accommodations, with bunk beds, no running water and outdoor toilets' (www.studyinnorway.no). As the technological standards of Norwegian cabins have risen significantly in recent years (Berker & Gansmo, 2010), this naïve characterisation is no longer accurate and tends to reproduce historical clichés.…”

Practices in transitions: Review, reflections, and research directions for a Practice Innovation System PIS approach

“…Access to cabins and the role that these second homes play in Norwegian culture is relevant for these trips. The significance of the destinations as part of Norwegian lifestyles is central, as mountain and shore-side cabins represent a common leisure form for a significant proportion of the Norwegian population (Berker and Gansmo 2010;Garvey 2008;Kaltenborn and Clout 1998).…”