As summer holidays reach their peak and tourism continues to grow across Europe, Hurtigruten offers a quieter and more meaningful alternative with its new “Open Village” concept in Norway.
The Norwegian coastal travel company has collaborated closely with local communities to create unique, community-led experiences that immerse travelers in the daily life of three quiet, remote coastal villages: Træna, Bessaker, and Sæbø.
From local traditions and home-cooked meals to guided activities, a wide range of thoughtfully designed and sustainably managed experiences are available exclusively on Hurtigruten Signature Line voyages between May and September. Hurtigruten's smaller ships are the only cruise ships visiting these villages during the summer season, accessing places that larger vessels simply cannot reach. Furthermore, with up to 500 passengers on board each ship, Hurtigruten contributes directly to each community on every visit, providing a per-guest donation.
In Bessaker, visitors are warmly welcomed with a festive village parade and access to historic buildings, where hosts share personal stories and traditions, along with live music, wood carving, and homemade treats such as cakes, coffee, and sodd, a traditional meat soup.
In Sæbø, nestled among majestic fjords, visitors attend a church concert featuring local musicians, explore the Avalanche Centre, and chat with guides about the area's natural and cultural history.
Meanwhile, in Træna – one of Norway's oldest fishing communities – guests visit the Træna Local Museum, the Petter Dass Chapel and the village church, using a curated booklet that allows for a flexible and self-guided cultural experience.
“While some of Europe’s best-known destinations are struggling with the pressures of tourism, our approach is deliberately different: a slower, more meaningful journey based on a genuine connection,” said Odd Tore Skildheim, Head of Product Development at Hurtigruten.
“These villages, with a combined population of fewer than 1,000 people, are not just dots on a map. Through the 'Open Village' concept, there is no cost to our guests. Instead, for each visit, we make a direct financial contribution to the community, based on the number of passengers on board, ensuring that the benefits actually reach those who live there. Our aim is for guests to feel truly welcome, and for the locals to feel truly supported.”
“For us in Bessaker, Open Village’s contribution means more than just income; it’s the foundation for growth and optimism in our community. In a village of just 170 people, 12 businesses benefit directly, from activity providers to artists, bakers, and local producers,” explained Knut Johan Monkan of Coastal Host Bessaker.
“Without this initiative, places like FABrikken, our new restaurant, and Stokkøy Bakeri, named Norway’s best bakery in 2023, wouldn’t have survived. The ripple effects are far-reaching, and Hurtigruten’s presence is essential to creating a vibrant, sustainable town and region.”
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
