Green travel

• Honey production at the airport. © Avinor

If you feel it’s important to travel with the least possible environmental footprint, we completely agree with you. Today, everyone knows how important it is to take care of our planet, and we can all contribute a little every day. We would like to make it easier for you to be environmentally aware also while travelling.

Choose Norway all year, not simply in summer!

An active all year-round tourism industry contributes to profitability and sustainable development of a destination. It could be just as spectacular to visit us in autumn, winter, or spring. By choosing to travel in other months than peak season, you are actually contributing to the long-term viability and sustainability of activity providers, attractions, accommodation establishments and restaurants. Travelling off season helps diminishing the pressure on the destination in main season. Nature hikes you can do all year, however we recommend you do it with a nature guide, especially when days are getting shorter and darker. land here searching for nectar from flowers from the surrounding area. The honey is sold at the airport.

Getting here by bus and train

Travel with public transport all over the region. Learn more on page 55.

Greener fjords with electric boats

Rødne Fjord Cruise offers the world’s fastest, electrical catamaran in the Lysefjord. Or enjoy the fjord between Hjelmeland – Nesvik – Ombo with Norled’s silent, electric ferries.

International airport with consideration for the environment

As the first airport in Scandinavia, Stavanger International Airport, Sola, has its very own honey production, since 2014. Beehives are placed along the runway, and thousands of bees take off and

TV personality Arne Hjeltnes has his Stavanger favourites and he has been on a three-day journey in the Stavanger region. He is making an effort to travel green, here with the Twizy by eTours Ryfylke. © Marie von Krogh

Rent a bike

You can rent bikes for city tours (bysykkelen.no) or long-distance biking. Contact Norway Bike Rental for long-distance bikes. For shorter bike tours, contact the bike rental at Paa Hjul near the railway station in Stavanger, Hinna Park or Langgata in Sandnes. Free bike rental at Sandnes tourist information office. Or go explore the bike route Jærruta on electric bikes – a fantastic experience!

Rent a car

More and more rental companies offer electric cars or hybrid cars to their guests, such as Avis and Hertz with their green programs Avis Go Green and Hertz’s Green Collection. In addition, providers such as eTours Ryfylke come highly recommended with their popular and fun Renault Twizy – a 100% electric car!

Leave only your footprints

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you should not disturb wildlife or leave garbage behind. You can also make an extra effort on the trip by picking up all the litter you see and throw in the nearest bin. If you are particularly engaged and have an interest in doing a bit extra, there are also cleaning events you can join, such as the “Ryddeaksjon jærkysten”, a great initiative by the Jæren Friluftsråd to keep our coastlines and beaches clean. The organisation Ryfylke Friluftsråd also regularly organises cleanup days. Avoid buying-and-disposing behaviour by renting equipment locally at Frilager.no for all your adventures.

Support local producers

If there is a possibility to eat and drink local products, most people would probably agree that this is good for the environment. Sometimes it’s not possible to choose local produce, however, it might occasionally be an option. Most people like to do some shopping on vacation, and it can be extra fun to buy something indigenous to bring home. It’s sustainable to support local production in a destination. Learn more on page 37.

Accommodation

Most places to sleep offer easy-to-comply-with environmental actions. You could for instance contribute simply by notifying the hotel that you do not require cleaning of your room every day you’re staying there, and you can be attentive to water and towel usage. Towels do not have to be changed every day if you put them up to dry. Often, the accommodation establishments have information on their website in terms of how they work to be a responsible and sustainable business. Simply ask them how you can help to reduce the environmental footprint while staying there, and they will gladly help you. Find accommodation on page 52–54.