Holiday homes in Norway and Norwegians' holiday homes abroad
What do the statistics show about cabin life in Norway and Norwegians' properties in other countries?
Published: Status Norway
Norway is one of the countries in the world with the strongest cabin tradition. At the same time, tens of thousands of Norwegians own holiday homes in other countries. These statistics provide an overall overview of the development in the number of holiday homes in Norway and Norwegians' ownership of holiday homes abroad - based on public statistics and documented sources.
Norway has just over 5.6 million inhabitants and around 2.4 million households. The statistics on this page show the scope of the topic from a Norwegian perspective.
Introduction
For many Norwegians, a holiday home is much more than a building. It is a gathering place for family and friends, a place for outdoor activities and recreation, and for many also a long-term investment. Over generations, cabin living has become part of Norwegian culture, and the development of holiday homes has contributed to value creation in local communities across the country.
In recent decades, more and more Norwegians have also invested in leisure and holiday homes outside Norway's borders. Better economies, increased travel activity and good air connections have made it attractive to own a home in countries such as Spain, Sweden, Denmark, France, Portugal, Italy and Thailand.
These statistics document the development in the number of second homes in Norway and provide an overview of Norwegians' ownership of homes in other countries. The purpose is to present the factual basis as it appears in official statistics and other verifiable sources, without drawing political or economic conclusions.
What do the statistics show?
The statistics show the development in the number of registered holiday homes in Norway, how the stock has developed over time, which counties have the most holiday homes, and which countries Norwegians have chosen to invest in most outside Norway. The figures document the development and provide a fact-based picture of Norwegians' ownership of holiday homes both in Norway and internationally.
A conservative estimate shows enormous values
There are currently around 452,000 cabins and holiday homes in Norway. The total market value has not been calculated by public authorities, but a simple illustration shows how much value can be tied up in Norwegians' holiday homes.
If we assume an average market value of NOK 3.5 million, the total value would amount to approximately NOK 1,580 billion.
If the average market value increases to NOK 4 million, the total value rises to around NOK 1,808 billion.
At an average market value of NOK 5 million, the total value would be approximately NOK 2,260 billion.
These are not official valuations, but illustrative calculations based on the number of registered holiday homes and various average market values. The purpose is to highlight the magnitude of the private capital invested in Norwegian holiday homes. Even with conservative assumptions, these are values of well over a thousand billion kroner – making holiday homes one of the largest private assets in Norway.
Key figures | Value |
Registered recreational building (2026) | 452,150 |
Growth last 10 years | 6.9% |
Counties with the most holiday homes | Inland, Trøndelag and Buskerud |
Holiday homes are available in | All counties in the country |
Norway | Among Europe's highest density of holiday homes per capita |
Norwegians' holiday homes abroad
For decades, many Norwegians have invested in leisure and holiday homes outside Norway. Climate, lifestyle, accessibility and good flight connections have made several countries popular among Norwegian home buyers.
Country | Documented information |
Spain | Approximately 32,000 Norwegians own homes |
Abroad total | Approximately 86,000 Norwegians own homes abroad |
Fact: According to available public information, around 86,000 Norwegians own homes abroad , of which approximately 32,000 own homes in Spain . This makes Spain by far the most important country for Norwegians to buy homes outside Norway. For most other countries, there are no comprehensive public registers of Norwegian homeowners.
Status Norway is not about claiming that everything is perfect. It is about documenting what we actually achieve – and why it is worth taking care of.
The knowledge behind The Invisible Capital
Invisible Capital is not built on one book or one idea. It has been developed through many years of study, research, international seminars, and practical experience from working life.
The books below represent some of the most important professional sources of inspiration behind the project. They have shaped the way I think about leadership, innovation, digitalization, customer experiences, value creation and – not least – the importance of the people who create the values.
Each book has contributed new perspectives. Together, they have helped develop the knowledge base for The Invisible Capital and the book project Value-Creating People.
I hope they can give you the same professional inspiration that they have given me.
Recommended books from our library
Content Strategy for the Web (2nd Edition)
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Short review
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The authors take the reader through the entire process – from planning and organizing to publishing, managing and continuously improving content on websites and digital services. Although technology has evolved since the book was published, the principles of quality, relevance, management and long-term content work are at least as relevant in an era where search engines and artificial intelligence assess the credibility and usefulness of content.
Why we recommend the book
At The Invisible Capital, we believe that good content is one of the most important forms of invisible value creation. A website is far more than design and technology – it is the content that builds trust, creates great customer experiences and helps people find the answers they are looking for.
This book is perfect for leaders, communications consultants, content producers, web editors, UX designers, and anyone working with digital services. It shows why a clear content strategy leads to better user experiences, more effective interactions, and stronger digital results over time.
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly important in how information is discovered, understood, and communicated, this book is more relevant than ever. It reminds us that technology alone never creates value – it is good, structured, and relevant content that makes the difference.
Don't Make Me ThinkAuthor: Steve Krug
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Why we recommend the book
This is one of the books that has had the greatest impact on my own work with digital services. Over the years – from SAS and the Norwegian Opera & Ballet to working on Bærum Municipality’s website – the principles in this book have been an important reminder that technology is never an end in itself. The goal is to make everyday life easier for the people who use the services. Despite the fact that the book was published many years ago, the message is just as relevant today.
Internet Marketing & eCommerce
Authors: Ward Hanson and Kirthi Kalyanam
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Internet Marketing & eCommerce provides a thorough introduction to how the internet has changed marketing, commerce, and business development. The book combines theory and practical examples in digital marketing, e-commerce, customer behavior, value creation, and digital business models. Although written at a time when the internet was still in its infancy, many of the fundamental principles are still highly relevant.
Why we recommend the book
This book was an important part of my own learning journey in digital marketing and e-commerce. It helped build my understanding of how technology, customer experiences and business strategy are interconnected – an insight that later became very important in my work with SAS, the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, Bærum Municipality and eventually the project The Invisible Capital. Many of the ideas about customer value, digitalization and innovation presented on the website have their roots in the knowledge this book conveys.
The Innovator's Dilemma: When New
Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail
Author: Clayton M. Christensen
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The Innovator's Dilemma is one of the most influential books on innovation and technological change. Clayton Christensen introduces the concept of "disruptive innovation" and shows how even the most successful businesses can fail when new technologies and business models change the market. Through a series of examples, he explains why established companies often have difficulty adapting to radical change - even when they do "everything right."
Why we recommend the book
This book has had a major impact on how I view innovation, digitalization, and change management. It provided a new perspective on why established businesses are challenged by new players, and why the ability to think differently is crucial in a world characterized by continuous technological development. Many of the reflections in The Invisible Capital on innovation, digital transformation, and value creation are based on the insights Clayton Christensen conveys in this classic.
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