Fullbygd

Fullbygd is a term used in Nordic regional planning to describe rural areas that are densely built and functionally integrated with nearby towns or cities, rather than being sparsely populated. It is formed from the Norwegian words full meaning “fully” and bygd meaning “countryside” or “village.”

There is no universally fixed definition; the term is used variably by municipalities and national statistics agencies to describe a rural continuum that includes housing, services, and infrastructure within reasonable reach of urban centers.

Typical characteristics include a built-up footprint that concentrates housing and services rather than vast dispersed farms; access to shops, schools, healthcare, and public transport; ongoing broadband and utility infrastructure; and employment or commuting patterns tied to nearby towns.

In policy terms, fullbygd is used to identify areas where targeted investment in infrastructure and services can support sustainable rural living and manage development pressure on urban areas. Critics note that definitions vary and the label may mask diversity among different settlements.

See also rural development, tettsted, urban-rural gradient.