Standards & Guidelines are at the core of Tromsø Guideforening’s work.

Here we collect and explain key frameworks, recommendations, and guidelines that shape responsible guiding and tourism in Northern Norway. Some are developed by public authorities, some through cooperation with the industry, and others through ongoing dialogue between guides, local communities, and regulators.

Our goal is not to replace laws or authorities — but to make expectations clearer, raise professional standards, and support guides and operators in working responsibly.

Why Standards Matter

Northern Norway is experiencing rapid growth in tourism — especially winter and Northern Lights tourism. This brings opportunities, but also real challenges for:

  • Local communities
  • Nature and sensitive environments
  • Road safety and traffic
  • Working conditions in the guiding profession
  • The reputation of Tromsø as a destination

Clear standards help ensure that tourism develops in a way that is safe, respectful, and sustainable — for visitors and locals alike.

Our Role

Tromsø Guideforening (TGF) contributes to standards and guidelines in several ways:

  • Participating in consultations and working groups with public authorities
  • Representing professional guides’ perspectives
  • Helping translate complex regulations into practical guidance
  • Encouraging professionalisation and common minimum standards within the industry

We believe long-term quality cannot be achieved through enforcement alone — it also requires knowledge, shared responsibility, and professional pride.

From Guidelines to Practice

Many of the guidelines presented here are intended to have an immediate practical effect, while also forming a foundation for future initiatives such as:

  • Guide education and competence-building
  • Industry cooperation
  • Voluntary standards and best practices
  • Potential certification and qualification systems

These developments take time, but clear standards are the first necessary step.

Latest Updates & Publications


Below you’ll find the latest posts related to standards, guidelines, and regulatory developments relevant to guiding and tourism in the Tromsø region

Latest posts in Standards & Guidelines

  • New Guidelines for Northern Lights Tourism
    A common standard for responsible winter tourism in the Tromsø region Winter tourism in Northern Norway has grown rapidly — especially Northern Lights tours. With growth comes responsibility. To address increasing pressure on nature, local communities, and public infrastructure, Tromsø Municipality, together with regional and national authorities, has developed new… Read more: New Guidelines for Northern Lights Tourism

Transparency & Sources

Where possible, we link directly to:

  • Official documents and guidelines
  • Public authorities
  • Source material and background information

This page is continuously updated as new information becomes available.