tettbygde

Tettbygde is a Norwegian term used to describe areas where the built environment is densely concentrated, with housing, services and infrastructure situated in close proximity. In practice, it refers to zones where settlements are tightly packed and development forms a continuous or near-continuous fabric, often including small towns, suburbs and other densely developed rural areas.

In official statistics, the term tettsted is used for urban settlements that meet specific criteria, such as a minimum population and a relatively continuous built-up area. Tettbygde describes the physical character of a region, but it is generally not an official statistical category in the same way as tettsted. Thus, tettbygde serves as a descriptive label for densely built environments within or near municipalities, rather than a separate jurisdictional classification.

Characteristics commonly associated with tettbygde areas include higher housing density, mixed-use development, well-developed infrastructure, and a more interconnected transportation network compared with sparsely populated rural areas. The built-up fabric in these areas tends to form a pronounced center, often with local services, workplaces and social facilities within short distances.

Planning and policy often consider tettbygde zones when designing municipal master plans, regional development strategies and transport systems. Recognizing these areas helps address issues such as housing supply, service accessibility, traffic management and energy efficiency, while also guiding land-use decisions to balance growth with green space and quality of life.

See also: tettsted, bygd, spredt bosetting.