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Responsible Travel Policy
Lyra Journeys
| 1 October 2026 | Policy owner: Johanna Englund, Founder
Our purpose:
We create personal Nordic journeys, beginning in Norway, that bring together nature, local food, art, culture and time to unwind. For us, luxury means time, space, comfort and the feeling of being cared for. Our role is to connect the experience through thoughtful planning, from the first enquiry to the journey home.
This policy guides our choices as a small, partner-based travel company. Our aims are to support local livelihoods and cultural heritage, reduce avoidable environmental impacts, and respect nature and wildlife. The following sections describe our current approach and partner examples. Proposed additions to our routines are identified separately on the final page.
Local value and a slower pace
We design private journeys and small-group trips for a maximum of 12 guests. We work with local accommodation providers, restaurants, guides, yoga studios, galleries and activity businesses. By purchasing their services, we aim to direct tourism spending towards the people and businesses in the destinations we visit.
Our Local First approach favours locally rooted experiences, smaller destinations and time to explore each place. We aim to plan coherent routes, avoid unnecessary backtracking and include experiences close to the accommodation. Longer stays and travel outside peak periods are options we seek to develop where they suit guests and local conditions.
Choosing our partners
We research and personally visit prospective partners to assess their standards and whether they can deliver the services they describe. During initial contact and meetings, we discuss cleaning products, laundry services and environmental routines. We also ask about certifications such as Eco-Lighthouse (Miljøfyrtårn) and the practical measures behind them.
These conversations inform our selection; they are not independent environmental audits. We begin with a trial period before entering into a written cooperation agreement. We aim to build lasting relationships based on quality, reliable delivery and respect for the places where we operate.
Transport and carbon reduction
We prioritise electric or hybrid vehicles when available and suitable for the route, group size and luggage. Fully electric and hybrid vehicles are different options, and we describe the confirmed vehicle accurately. We do not assume that any hybrid vehicle or private transfer automatically has a lower footprint than an alternative.
Our transport partner Mr Charles has confirmed electric sedans for up to three passengers and electric vans for up to six, with luggage. Availability is confirmed for each itinerary. They recommend booking at least two to three weeks ahead, earlier in peak periods, and plan charging stops on longer journeys. For larger groups, we will confirm suitable vehicle capacity rather than promise an all-electric service.
We can build walking and cycling into days where these suit the guests and location. Laagen advertises electric bike hire and nearby walking trails, giving us practical options for days with less need for vehicle transfers. We have not yet calculated journey-level carbon footprints and do not claim that our trips are carbon neutral.
Nature and biodiversity
We aim to select experiences and accommodation with consideration for nature as well as guest comfort. Partner information gives us specific practices to discuss and connect to the itineraries in which those partners are included.
Hoel Gård describes farming methods intended to preserve soil quality, reduce pesticide use and limit runoff into Mjøsa. Ramme describes organic cultivation without synthetic fertilisers or chemical plant protection products, crop rotation and grazing that maintains open landscapes. These are partner-reported practices, rather than environmental outcomes measured by LYRA.
Lårdal Tretopphytter describes litter collection along Lårdalselva, reduced plastic use and solar panels with reused batteries at the service building for Elvehytta. Before using detailed claims in a trip description, we will check that they remain current and apply to the stay being offered. Visiting a natural setting alone is not evidence of a conservation contribution.
Food and resources
Seasonal food and local producers are central to our approach. Engø Gård states that it uses its own produce alongside ingredients from the surrounding area and holds Eco-Lighthouse certification. Hoel Gård also reports this certification. We use named examples rather than imply that all of our partners have the same practices or certifications.
We discuss seasonal sourcing and food waste with restaurant partners and communicate guests’ dietary preferences and allergies in advance where possible. Menus depend on season, location and the kitchen. We will confirm vegetarian and vegan options for each relevant itinerary rather than promise universal availability.
Guest care and respectful travel
We shape journeys around guests’ pace, interests and comfort. Our business plan sets out an intention to adapt activities to guests’ needs, use professional providers and plan alternatives when weather or practical conditions affect the programme. Accessibility must be checked for the specific accommodation, transport and activities; we do not assume that every experience suits every guest.
Guests receive a welcome pack. We will add practical guidance on following designated paths, taking litter away, avoiding disturbance or feeding of wildlife, respecting private property and local customs, and following instructions from local hosts and guides.
Proposed additions before final approval
The measures below are proposals for Johanna to review and adopt. They are not presented as routines already in place.
Partner records. Keep a short record of visits, environmental discussions, certifications and any follow-up needed. Ask activity providers, particularly boat operators, about wildlife protection, sensitive areas and seasonal restrictions.
Fair work and inclusion. Add questions about fair pay, working conditions, safety and non-discrimination to partner discussions. Explore partnerships that provide opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, without claiming existing programmes.
Nature and guest guidance. Complete the welcome-pack guidance before the next departure. Identify a suitable local conservation initiative or a documented partner conservation activity that a relevant itinerary can support. No donation or conservation fee is currently promised in this draft.
Review and improvement. Review this policy annually and after significant guest feedback or partner changes. Start with simple records of transport types booked, local suppliers used, partner checks and actions taken. Johanna would oversee the review and update public claims when practices change.
Supporting information
Prepared from LYRA’s October 2026 business plan, founder-confirmed practices and public website, plus partner information reviewed in September 2026. Examples apply only to journeys that use the named partners. This draft does not imply acceptance or certification by Responsible Travel.
LYRA Journeys: https://www.lyrajourneys.no/
Hoel Gård: https://hoel-gaard.no/miljo/
Ramme: https://ramme.no/besoksgarden/
Engø Gård: https://www.engo.no/om-engo-gard
Laagen: https://www.visitlaagen.no/explore
Lårdal Tretopphytter: https://lardaltretopphytter.no/baerekraftsmal/
Mr Charles: correspondence supplied by LYRA, 29 September 2026.
Responsible Travel: responsibletravel.com/copy/the-responsible-travel-criteria-we-use
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