Heritage interpretation has had a relatively slow start in Scandinavia. But recent events might heat up this exciting field in the cold north.
The international field of heritage interpretation (HI) has had a fairly short history in Scandinavia compared to other countries in Europe. In the 1980-90s, the field of ‘naturveiledning’ (often translated as nature interpretation) developed in the north. Denmark has had significant focus on this. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that connections were made with HI networks in Europe. This is when notable people in the field, like James Carter from Scotland, and Sam Ham from the USA, were invited to Scandinavia. This sparked an inspiration for interpretation.
The establishment of the Swedish Center for Nature Interpretation (CNV) in Uppsala has been important for developing the field in both Sweden and for other Nordic countries during the last fifteen years. With Eva Sandberg as director, the team at CNV has developed strong connections with other Nordic countries and with Interpret Europe. Recently, CNV hosted a Nordic workshop on nature interpretation in Uppsala for participants from all the Nordic countries.
Further south in Sweden, the Interpret Sweden Network (ISN) was established by people in the cultural heritage field around the city of Gothenburg and in the region of Västra Götaland.
They have also established Prisma Västra Götaland – a dynamic regional collaboration between non-profit and public cultural heritage actors. This is now taking the lead in coordinating the Interpret Sweden Network (ISN). For the past decade, Prisma has explored new ways of working and learning together, focusing on hands-on, collaborative approaches. Prisma wish to continue to grow a co-creative network of heritage interpreters where everyone contributes and grows together. Regular webinars are planned to share insights and to discuss what’s happening in the field. In spring 2025, Prisma will host a full-day co-creative event for all who want to be involved. Additionally, the University of Gothenburg is active in the European educational project TEHIC and will host an international conference in May. Sweden is taking a leading role in the field.
The development in Norway has been slow and steady. The Norwegian Parks Association has focused on HI from the start. The association offers Interpret Europe training courses, and runs planning projects in parks. Kristian Bjørnstad, the director of the association, is also IE’s country coordinator for Norway. This year, he got a new colleague in Sweden. Alexander Baker is active as a trainer and guide in the middle of Sweden. He is an IE certified trainer.
Through our work with heritage interpretation, we’re building stronger connections between our colleagues in the north. As Scandinavian neighbours, we share many challenges—but we also bring unique strengths to the table. We’re excited to continue our collaboration and are already looking for suitable project funding to apply for together. Keep your eyes on Scandinavian HI!
Linn Björk, Märta Gustafsson and Jessica Bergström have worked together since 2020 to inspire museums and visitor sites in Västra Götaland, Sweden, to embrace interpretation.
Kristian Bjørnstad is the director of the Norwegian Parks Association, and is Interpret Europe’s country coordinator Norway as well as being a certified trainer. He can be contacted at: Kristian.bjornstad@interpret-europe.net.
To cite this article: Bjørnstad, Kristian (2025) ‘Seeing opportunities and strengthening collaboration in Scandinavia‘ in Interpret Europe Newsletter 1-2025, pg.21.
Available online: PDF Newsletter Spring 2025
