Bergen among the world's top sustainable destinations

In recent years, Bergen has secured top rankings in the Global Destination Sustainability Index  (GDS Index), establishing itself as a pioneer among sustainable travel destinations internationally. This position is not a coincidence, but a result of collaboration, long-term efforts, and innovative measures to create a more sustainable destination.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Since 2017, Bergen, with its magnificent nature and cultural richness, has worked diligently to measure and improve its sustainability achievements. The GDS Index, which includes prestigious cities such as Copenhagen, Washington D.C., Paris, and Sydney, has seen Bergen climb to the top in recent years. With an impressive 2nd place in 2022 and 5th place in 2023, Bergen demonstrates its commitment to sustainable tourism.

Photo: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com 

A Collaboration-Driven Effort

Visit Bergen, in cooperation with local authorities and tourism operators, has been key in delivering reliable and accurate data to the GDS Index. This community of committed actors is the key to Bergen's success.

City of Bergen: A Pioneer in Sustainable Urban Development

With its ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, limit air pollution, and protect the city's nature, Bergen has taken significant steps towards becoming a more sustainable city. Proof of this includes the world's longest purpose-built cycling tunnel, a milestone that opened in 2023, as well as the city's impressive share of electric vehicles and well-developed public transport.

Photo: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com 

Tourism Businesses: The Cornerstone of Sustainable Tourism

Bergen's tourism businesses, many of them sustainability certified, play a central role in creating sustainable tourism. A high proportion of Bergen's tourism businesses have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions and waste amounts.  There is also a significant emphasis on offering guests locally produced food and beverages.

The Port of Bergen: A Cruise Port Pushing International Boundaries

As one of Norway's and Scandinavia's largest cruise ports, Bergen is taking significant steps to make the cruise industry more environmentally friendly. Bergen Port's innovations, such as shore power facilities and differentiated port fees based on the pollution level of ships, are setting new standards for the cruise industry worldwide.

Visit Bergen: A Catalyst for Collaboration

Visit Bergen plays a central role in coordinating collaboration, developing strategies, and marketing the destination responsibly. Among other initiatives, we have sought to strengthen cooperation with the local community regarding tourism development in the city and to labell Bergen as a Sustainable Destination .

Bergen: A World-Class Destination

With its combination of stunning nature, cultural wealth, and unwavering commitment to creating a better city, Bergen stands out as a prime example of what it means to develop the sustainable destinations of the future.

Feel free to reach out to Magnus Brekke Nygaard in Visit Bergen if you have any inputs our questions.