naturturism

Naturturisme, or nature tourism, is a form of travel and recreation that focuses on natural areas such as forests, mountains, coastlines, and protected landscapes. The aim is to experience nature, learn about ecosystems, and enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and supporting local communities. In Norwegian contexts, naturturisme often emphasizes sustainable use of nature and opportunities for rural development.

Common activities include hiking, birdwatching, camping, canoeing and kayaking, skiing, and wildlife observation. Travelers visit national parks, nature reserves, wetlands, and wilderness areas, with experiences frequently centered on landscape values, interpretation, and guided or self-guided exploration.

Sustainability is central to naturturisme. Principles include reducing pollution, preserving wildlife and habitats, protecting cultural heritage, using established trails and facilities, and ensuring that tourism benefits local economies. Certification schemes and frameworks such as guidelines from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and national sustainable tourism programs are used to assess and improve practices.

Challenges and trends include the risk of overtourism in sensitive ecosystems, seasonality, climate change, and the need for adequate infrastructure and funding for conservation. Managing visitor numbers and impacts requires cooperation among governments, landowners, tourism operators, and local communities. In Nordic countries, concepts like friluftsliv influence naturturisme by promoting a respectful, low-impact approach to outdoor experiences.