New Nordic stereotypes: In search of alternative design practices for tourism in peripheral landscapes

The tourism industry in peripheral Nordic regions responds to tourists’ expectations relating to visual landscape appreciation and the romantic experience of remoteness. This article addresses the lack of synchronisation between the theoretical complexity of the construction of the ‘tourist gaze’, as proposed by John Urry, and the design practices related to tourism in peripheral areas. This topic is approached via a theory-based discussion of the Norwegian Tourist Routes project, a celebrated reference used for general application in peripheral landscapes. In addition, two examples of place creation—Cold Hawaii in western Denmark and Birding Destination Varanger in Arctic Norway—are discussed as design practices that are explorative and problem-solving, emerging from local and landscape-specific activities. The article posits that landscape design practices in tourism projects can embrace a more multifaceted dialogue with the local landscape and stakeholders, departing from conventional romantic approaches.