Norwegian cabins stand unused 300 days a year – Landfolk aims to change this

The Norwegian cabin tradition stretches back not just decades, but centuries. It is therefore not surprising that cabin life is an essential part of the Norwegian national soul, and the dream of owning a cabin is something many prioritize making a reality. But the way we use cabins is changing, and the sharing economy creates new opportunities for both cabin owners, those who want to experience the breathtaking Norwegian nature, and the way we think about the development of cabin areas and the use of Norwegian cabins.

Norway is a country where nature experiences and cabin life are a big part of the culture, and new trends within the sharing culture, where initiatives like Landfolk make it easier for Norwegians to rent out, are on the rise. The sharing culture makes it possible for cabin owners to share both their cabins and the Norwegian cabin culture with other Norwegians and others who want to experience Norway in a more authentic way. Landfolk's ambition is to make this process simpler, safer, and more flexible.

"Many cabin owners are skeptical about renting out, and for many, the reason is that it's too cumbersome as it is now. But with Landfolk's launch in Norway, we can offer a flexible, simple, and safe way to rent out their cabins, where everything happens via our platform, and where they themselves choose when, to whom, and how often they want to rent out," says Christian Schwarz Lausten, CEO of Landfolk.

The current situation is very unsustainable, and it's time to rethink the construction, use, and sharing of Norwegian cabins

Sharing cabins with others is not only inspiring for both guests and hosts, it is also an exciting development in the discussion about the development of cabin areas and the preservation of the Norwegian mountain wilderness. On average, cabin owners state that their cabin stands empty more than 300 days a year, which in many ways feels like a natural result of the distance many have to their cabin and the different seasons, but the result of this is very unsustainable.

"This is happening at the same time as new cabin areas are constantly being developed, which gives us even more unused housing stock. The current situation is very unsustainable, and it's time to rethink the construction, use, and sharing of Norwegian cabins," emphasizes Johanne Amalie Rosness, Launch Manager at Landfolk.

At Landfolk, sharing the cabin with others is emphasized just as much as becoming part of an inspiring culture and a community where you don't just rent out – you invite guests. Just like when you let someone you know use the cabin when you're not there yourself. It's both cozy and safe to have guests at the cabin – and it gives a good feeling that the cabin is being used, while also allowing you to bring joy to someone who loves cabin life as much as you do. Landfolk also makes it much easier and safer for you to rent out.

Here are some of the benefits:

• Landfolk's insurance from Gjensidige is always included in the price
• All communication takes place on Landfolk's platform, making it easy to keep an overview
• You can feel confident that the stay will be paid in advance, and that you will receive the money immediately after the guests have left
• You get help creating your profile and writing a text that highlights the qualities of your specific cabin
• Landfolk is always available if you have questions, concerns, or need someone to brainstorm with
• You become part of Landfolk's host community, where you can share experiences with other cabin owners, get inspired, and share the joy of cabin life.

Serial entrepreneurs with a love for cabin life

Landfolk was founded by a group of experienced entrepreneurs who have managed to combine a strong personal mission and love for cabin life with hard-nosed business. The 7 founders got to know each other when they worked together at Airbnb, to which four of them sold another company a few years ago. They therefore have extensive experience and insight into what it takes to build and scale a startup that can meet a market need.

When Landfolk was launched in Denmark on February 1, 2021, it already had both a dream and an ambition to grow into new markets. For the founders, it was natural that the choice of the first market outside Denmark should fall on Norway – a country where mountain hikes, outdoor life, and cabin tradition are a fundamental part of the national soul and identity.

Landfolk wants to inspire Norwegians to embrace a sharing culture, where cabin owners get the opportunity to join an inspiring community with other cabin owners, as well as the opportunity to invite guests who share the same passion for cabin life in safe, good, and personal settings. A full 79.8% of Norwegians have never rented out their cabin, despite 48.2% of cabin owners feeling that they don't use their cabin enough, but the fact that people are becoming more comfortable with the sharing economy means that more and more are open to renting out.

This allows many more people to experience the Norwegian mountain wilderness, the vibrant life by the sea, and truly feel what Norwegian cabin culture is all about today – taking a break from the city, where you can enjoy time, peace, and beautiful nature experiences both together and alone.

A full 79.8% of Norwegians have never rented out their cabin, despite 48.2% of cabin owners feeling that they don't use their cabin enough, but the fact that people are becoming more comfortable with the sharing economy means that more and more are open to renting out.

Are you considering renting out your cabin, but are unsure if you are ready to share it with others?

Then we have some data we think you'll like:

• 72% of our hosts receive one or more booking inquiries within the first month they are on Landfolk
• 96% of our hosts would gladly invite their guests again
• 1% cancellation rate on bookings – one of the lowest in the market

This is partly because..

• There is no binding period
• You decide when, how often, and to whom you rent out
• You rent out safely – insurance from Gjensidige is included
• As a host, you only pay 5% of your rental income in commission
• You become part of Landfolk's host community

Landfolk was launched in Denmark on February 1, 2021, by 7 former Airbnb employees, four of whom founded Gaest.com, which was sold to Airbnb in 2019. All have many years of experience in developing digital solutions and business models and a great passion for cabin life and giving people a break from the city.

Landfolk was launched in Norway in late 2022 with a small, exclusive handful of lovely, handpicked cabins, and the platform has since welcomed many more. Just a couple of months later, specifically on February 1, 2023, Landfolk celebrated its 2nd anniversary with the launch in Germany.

The figures in the article are taken from a survey conducted by InFact AS on behalf of Landfolk with a total of 1,500 participants in November 2022. The target group is all Norwegians aged 18+.