Countries Where Tourists Are No Longer Welcome

23. Lofoten Islands, Norway: Tension Between Beauty and Burden

The Lofoten Islands’ staggering fjords and Arctic beaches have drawn Instagram-fueled crowds—but the region lacks the infrastructure to sustain mass tourism. Overflowing camper vans, illegal camping, and overwhelmed sewage systems have sparked debate. Locals are calling for strict regulations, including potential tourist caps and tighter zoning laws to preserve both the fragile ecosystem and traditional fishing culture. Norway’s government is listening, suggesting the Lofoten model may shift from open invitation to carefully curated access in coming years.