DNT Sør loses bid for coastal property in Kristiansand amid funding challenges

DNT Sør, a prominent Norwegian tourist organization, recently lost a bidding contest for a coastal property in Kristiansand due to funding challenges. The property, which includes five cabins, two docks, and an extensive shoreline, was sold for 14.5 million kroner to private buyers. DNT Sør is raising concerns about public access to coastal areas and has called for increased funding from the government. Kjersti Bjørnstad, the state secretary in the Ministry of Climate and Environment, shares these concerns, noting that a significant portion of Norway’s coastal areas is privately owned, particularly in Southern Norway, limiting public access.

DNT Sør had the highest bid for the property in Søgne, which had served as a camp for over 50 years. However, an incomplete funding arrangement led to its loss to a private entity. The organization intended to leverage the state scheme for securing outdoor recreation areas but found their funding insufficient, having secured state assistance but lacking local financial support.

Bjørn Andersen-Steinsland, head of DNT Sør, expressed frustration, stating that if the government program were more substantial and did not require local co-funding, the outcome could have been different. He highlighted that local municipalities are facing budget constraints, hindering potential contributions.

The unfortunate outcome reflects a broader trend: since 2005, public access to coastal areas per capita has diminished, with current statistics indicating that only 68.3% of these areas are potentially available to the public. Access varies greatly across regions, with Oslo having the lowest availability at around 30%. Andersen-Steinsland emphasized the importance of ensuring public access to Norway’s beautiful coastline for future generations.