Progress in Norwegian cultural landscape studies

Abstract

Initially, seven usages of the term cultural landscape in Norwegian academic literature are discussed: as an areal category, as a chronological stage of development, as the human components of any landscape, as countryside, as heritage, as scenery with esthetical qualities, and as elements in the landscape with meaning for human activity. The development of cultural landscape studies in different disciplines is then examined as a response to varying assessments of relevance for problems of society. Finally, the geographer's contribution to Norwegian cultural landscape studies is assessed.