Can Norwegian mountain destinations become more like charming Austrian alpine villages?
In an interview with magazine Arkitektur, Partner John Arne Bjerknes speaks about the need to better utilize our mountain destinations to preserve nature, support local communities and accommodate travellers' needs.
"We have plenty of space in Norway; the claims that everything is built up are not true, but we still cannot continue the loss of nature.
Even though we have ample space, we should not waste it. It is immoral. However, we must ensure better utilization and long-term jobs. This will contribute to better local communities," says Bjerknes in the interview with Arkitektur.
The rise of cabins, as seen in many Norwegian mountain villages, contributes to sales in local shops and the local construction industry. However, if we manage to establish even denser small towns with more amenities, we create a foundation for year-round operations and even more jobs, which is good regional policy, Bjerknes points out.