Volunteer Tourism in Træna: a new chapter in sustainable travel

Visitors contribute to nature and culture on the islands off Helgeland

On the Træna archipelago off the Helgeland coast, an innovative pilot project was tested in early September: volunteer tourism. From September 4–8, twelve international participants from the USA, Canada, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, and Norway joined local residents in activities such as nature conservation, beach clean-ups, and trail maintenance in the fragile landscape of Sanna.

“This is about rethinking how tourism is developed. Instead of guests only consuming an experience, they give something back. It creates ownership, community, and lifelong memories,” explains project manager Moa Björnson of Træna 365.

Beyond “Voluntourism”

While the initiative is part of the global “volunteer vacation” trend, Træna emphasizes collaboration between locals and visitors. Shared meals, cultural exchanges, and island life experiences provided participants with a deeper connection to the community. As Leonardo, one of the volunteers, noted: “You got to know not only the other participants but also the locals. Træna feels like a place with a strong identity and history, yet always creating something new.”

The week also included lectures on archaeological finds dating back 10,000 years and a tour of the under-construction Ytri Island Retreat landscape hotel – linking the past with the future.

Meaningful travel for the future 

The project is led by Træna 365/Ytri Island Retreat with local partners, supported by DOGA and Samfunnsløftet. The goal: to inspire a tourism model that creates value for both travelers and host communities.  

“We believe the future of tourism lies in participation and meaning. When guests help build, protect, and create, their journey becomes more than just an experience – it becomes a true contribution to a place,” says Björnson.

Facts: 

• Third year of volunteer tourism in Træna
• Featured in The New York Times in May 2025 as one of six recommended “Volunteer Vacation” destinations
• Over 100 applications worldwide
• Partners: Træna 365 / Ytri Island Retreat, Træna Kaffekollektiv, 8770 Træna
• Supported by DOGA and Samfunnsløftet

More on Volunteer Tourism in Træna.

Header: © Moa Bjornson