What does sustainable travel actually look like?

What if your next holiday could help both the planet and your well-being? We often think of sustainability in travel as a question just of transport; flying less, biking more. But the truth is: sustainable travel is about much more than how you get there. It’s about where you stay, how you spend your time, and the choices you make along the way.

Looking for a greener way to explore Norway – without compromising on comfort or quality?
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At Cabin Living, we believe that sustainability is not about perfection. It’s about making better choices, one step at a time. Here’s how staying in a cabin and choosing the right kind of holiday, can support the environment, your mental health, and the communities you visit.

Sharing, not owning: Why cabins are part of the solution

Owning a private holiday home is a dream for many, but it comes with a cost. Not just financial, but environmental. More cabins mean more land use, more energy consumption, and more resources tied up in buildings that stand empty for most of the year.

When you rent a cabin instead of owning one, you help reduce the need for building new. You contribute to smarter use of existing resources, cabins that are already in place, cared for, and made available to others. This is a simple, powerful way to reduce your footprint.

Energy-efficient stays in nature

Modern cabins are increasingly built or upgraded with energy-efficiency in mind. Many of the cabins in our portfolio are heated with heat pumps or smart systems that minimize energy use while keeping you warm and comfortable.

Spending time in a cabin also means living with the seasons. You slow down. You use less. You spend time outside, go for walks, cook together. It’s a kind of natural minimalism that feels both grounding and refreshing.

Sustainable activities during your stay

Sustainable travel isn’t only about where you stay, but also how you spend your time. Cabin holidays naturally lend themselves to low-impact, meaningful activities:

• Hiking and nature walks – Explore the landscape on foot without damaging the terrain
• Cycling – Bring a bike or rent one nearby for emission-free exploration
• Stargazing – With little light pollution, cabins offer the perfect setting for connecting with nature at night
• Wildlife watching – Observe animals from a respectful distance
• Outdoor cooking – Make use of grills and kitchen equipment rather than relying on prepackaged food
• Mindfulness – Practice yoga or simply enjoy quiet reflection in natural surroundings
• Trail clean-ups – Bring a small bag on your hike and pick up any litter you come across. It’s a simple but powerful way to give back to the nature you enjoy

Travel that’s good for your mental health

Sustainability isn’t just about carbon – it’s about connection. Spending time in nature doesn’t just feel good, it’s proven to be good for you. Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights that time spent in natural environments can significantly improve both mental and physical well-being. Benefits include reduced stress, improved mood, greater focus, and even lower blood pressure. For families, groups of friends or couples, sharing time in nature, like a weekend in a cabin, can create stronger social bonds and offer mental restoration in a way few other travel forms can.

Thoughtful facilities – no need for plastic

All our cabins come equipped with kitchens and full sets of cookware, plates, cups and utensils so there’s no need for disposable plastic or single-use items. We do not include plastic-wrapped welcome kits or travel-size toiletries. Instead, we encourage guests to bring what they need or to use refillable dispensers provided by some cabin owners.

Norway also has a well-functioning recycling system, and many of our cabins include clear instructions and bins for sorting waste.

You also don’t need to buy bottled water in Norway, the tap water is clean, fresh and perfectly safe to drink. Fill your own reusable bottle before heading out for a hike or day trip, and skip the plastic altogether.

Support the places you visit – not just stay there

Sustainable travel also means giving back to the communities you visit. At Cabin Living, we work with local cleaners, caretakers and service providers to maintain our cabins. When you book with us, your stay supports local jobs and small businesses.

As a guest, you can take this one step further:

• Buy local food and products
• Visit farm shops and local cafés
• Choose activities and experiences hosted by people who live in the area

What you can do

You don’t need to be perfect to make a difference. Here are six simple ways to make your cabin holiday more sustainable:

• Choose cabins with smart heating or low energy use
• Bring reusable bottles, bags and containers
• Sort and recycle your waste
• Share the ride with others instead of traveling alone
• Spend your money locally
• Use electric car charging when available – several of our cabins offer charging stations for EVs

A more mindful way to travel

Sustainable travel isn’t about giving things up. It’s about choosing more intentionally and discovering that what matters most is often what costs the least. Fresh air. Time. Connection.

If you haven’t yet planned your next trip, this could be the perfect time to travel differently and feel better for it.

Explore sustainable cabin stays across Norway:
View all cabins → https://cabinliving.no/ditt-neste-opphold/

Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – “Time spent in nature can boost physical and mental well-being”. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/time-spent-in-nature-can-boost-physical-and-mental-well-being