Norwegian Cabin Life in Transition

Abstract

Second‐home tourism has long traditions in Norway. However, the building and use of holiday homes or cabins is undergoing important changes with consequences for a sustainable development of activities and consumption within this sector. This paper explores how traditional norms about holiday‐home or cabin life in Norway are challenged by new standards, activities and ways of organizing family life. By drawing on an analysis of in‐depth interviews with 12 families living in central parts of eastern Norway, the paper discusses the strong hold of norms and ideals that are associated with the use of holiday homes. However, the traditional Norwegian ideals attached to the primitiveness of cabin life and outdoor recreation is challenged by new norms related to convenience, comfort and extraordinary experiences. Based on the interviews the article explores how these conflicting interests are negotiated and how compromises are reached within the household context.