According to the Tax Administration, Norwegians earn several billion kroner from sources other than their regular salary. Economist Steinar Holden described how housing prices have increased and there is high inflation generally. Higher prices lead to lower purchasing power, making it understandable that many need extra income, Holden noted. The exact number of people engaging in side income activities beyond the examples provided remains unclear, as does the specific economic impact on the overall Norwegian economy beyond the billions mentioned.
Airbnb has experienced rapid expansion in Norway. A Capia analysis bureau report shows the number of Airbnb apartments in Norway more than doubled from June 2022 to June 2025. Short-term rentals through Airbnb generated nearly 1.4 billion kroner in turnover in Tromsø, Lofoten, Bodø, and Alta in 2025, according to a Kunnskapsbanken report. This represents an increase of 306 million kroner from the previous year. Tromsø alone accounted for 905 million kroner in turnover, followed by Lofoten with 385 million kroner. There is a clear seasonal division: Tromsø dominates in winter, while Lofoten is the undisputed summer favorite.
Individual Norwegians are capitalizing on this trend through various means. Caroline Klakegg earned over 100,000 kroner in side income in 2025. She earned nearly 14,000 kroner in the first year by renting out items she already owned. Thea Johansen has earned about 20,000 kroner so far by renting out her apartment on Airbnb this summer. She has also earned 15,000 kroner by selling clothes and items she already had at home.
The surge in tourism is creating pressures in popular destinations like Tromsø. Several hundred thousand tourists visit Tromsø in winter, putting pressure on both the housing market and outdoor areas. A recent tolerance analysis for Tromsø indicates that voluntary organizations have more to do. Much of the infrastructure in the outdoors, such as trails and cabins, is maintained through volunteer work.
This increased usage is creating challenges at DNT cabins operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association. According to NRK Troms og Finnmark, some people rent out their own homes on Airbnb and then stay overnight in DNT cabins for 250 kroner per night. Many new visitors to DNT cabins are inexperienced and do not know how to use simple cabins without electricity and running water, a source noted.