Off the Helgeland coast, the island community of Træna is testing a new approach to sustainable travel: volunteer tourism. Visitors from around the world are invited to contribute to the place they visit—while enjoying experiences close to nature, culture, and local life.
From September 4–8, the international volunteer tourism week took place. Over 100 people applied, and 12 participants from the USA, Canada, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, and Norway – aged 25–60 – were selected. Together with local enthusiasts, they worked on nature conservation, beach clean-ups, and trail maintenance in the fragile landscape of Sanna.
– This is about rethinking how tourism can be developed. Instead of guests simply consuming an experience, they also give something back. It creates ownership, community, and memories for life, says project manager Moa Björnson of Træna 365.
A Growing International Trend
The concept is part of a growing international trend: “voluntourism” or “volunteer vacations.” But in Træna, the focus lies more on collaboration between visitors and locals, with shared meals and experiences that provide a deeper understanding of the island community.
– What I especially liked about Træna and volunteer tourism was that you got to know not only the other participants but also the locals. Træna comes across as a place with a strong identity and history, while at the same time constantly creating something new, says Leonardo, one of the participants.
The week also offered insights into the island’s rich history, including a lecture on archaeological finds dating back 10,000 years, as well as a glimpse of the future with a tour of Ytri Island Retreat, a new landscape hotel currently under construction.
The Future of Tourism
Volunteer tourism in Træna is developed by Træna 365 / Ytri Island Retreat and carried out in collaboration with local partners, with support from Design and Architecture Norway – DOGA and Samfunnsløftet. The goal is to inspire a form of tourism that creates value for both travelers and host communities.
– We believe that the future of tourism is about participation and meaning. When guests get to help build, protect, and create, the journey becomes more than just an experience – it becomes a contribution to a place, says Björnson.
Fact box:
- Volunteer tourism in Træna was carried out for the third year.
- In May 2025, Træna was listed by The New York Times as one of six places recommended for a “Volunteer Vacation.”
- Over 100 applicants from around the world.
- Partners: Træna 365 / Ytri Island Retreat, Træna Kaffekollektiv, 8770 Træna.
- The pilot project is supported by Samfunnsløftet (Sparebank1 Nord-Norge) and Design and Architecture Norway – DOGA.
For more information please contact:
-
Moa Björnson — Managing Director, Træna 365 (organizer)
Phone: +47 474 78 016
Email: moa@traena365.no -
Anders Budde — Archaeologist (organizer)
Email: andersbuddenor@gmail.com
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