✝️ Interview with Pål Asle Djupvik: Faith, community and travels that bring meaning

In the work with the project Inclusive Travel, I meet people from different parts of society who in their own way see the value of travels that offer more than just a holiday.

This time I have spoken with Pål Asle Djupvik, parish priest in Ådal, who reflects wisely on how faith, safety and community can make travelling a meaningful and inclusive experience.

Elise: Can you tell me a little about yourself and your role (priest, catechist, healthcare worker, nurse, user, relative etc.)?
Pål Asle: I am a priest in the countryside!

Elise: What does "travelling" mean to you, both personally and in your work with people?
Pål Asle: I recently went on an interesting trip, where I took a weekend alone at Lia Gård retreat centre in Koppang. I was there alone with my dog in a cabin for three days, with forest walks, silence and prayer. It was not a long trip, neither in time nor distance, but it still did me good.
A journey is an opportunity to see things from a new angle, to get some distance from everyday life.
It doesn't have to be extensive, it can be very simple, like a trip to Vikerfjell or Ringkollen.

Elise: How do you see travelling as a way to prevent loneliness and mental health challenges?
Pål Asle: I believe travelling can work well for that, especially if you travel as part of a group.
I think a good trip should have some fixed, simple routines that are shared.
If someone is lonely or struggling, a lot of program and many new people can quickly become overwhelming.
I think the program should be simple and that one should focus on activities that create safety within the group.
There should not be competitions, where one might easily feel stupid, but inclusive activities without winners and losers.

Elise: What barriers do people with mental difficulties or older adults face when they want to travel, as you see it?
Pål Asle: Could it be that the most important barriers are on the inside?
Maybe people think too big and make things more complicated than they need to be.
I think one should start with something simple, a day trip to the nearest town, for example, with maybe one overnight stay.

Elise: What challenges do you think these groups may face when they want to travel, both mentally, physically, socially and economically?
Pål Asle: There are many challenges, with one's own actual limitations, such as reduced hearing, sight and mobility.
You can meet other people's prejudices, for example those who do not believe that you can manage things.
Economy can also be difficult, but luckily we live in a country with many good support schemes.
Here one can apply for both public and private funds.

Elise: What kind of facilitation or support do you believe is most important for these groups to be able to travel safely?
Pål Asle: I think the most important thing can be the travel leadership itself.
That the plan is realistic and the leadership is clear.
It is important to give people the right expectations and also lead safely along the way, with clear agreements and messages.
I think not much should be changed along the way, because that can easily create insecurity.

Elise: If you work within health, faith or social work, how can such environments contribute to more inclusive and safe travels?
Pål Asle: I work in the church, and I believe it can contribute positively.
One can, for example, arrange pilgrimages.
Here in Norway it can be to Nidaros Cathedral, or old stave churches like Hedalen or one of our many beautiful retreat centres such as Lia Gård, Sandom, Tomasgården and many others.
Faith can give a safe and good framework, with morning and evening prayer, hymns and Bible reading and other calm, good shared activities.
It both creates a safe framework for the trip and gives meaningful spiritual nourishment.

Elise: What do you think about the idea of a travel agency that specializes in mental health, loneliness and inclusion?
Pål Asle: I think that is a fantastic idea!

Elise: What values do you believe should lie at the foundation of such a travel project?
Pål Asle: All good values must be included, such as inclusion, equality, generosity and patience.

Elise: The project will eventually also include people with physical disabilities, queer people and families. What do you believe is important to consider so that these groups feel welcome and cared for?
Pål Asle: I think it is important to listen to each group.
I think I would start with one group, for example lonely people or people with mental illness.
And when it comes to mental illness, I might narrow it down further, to include some diagnoses that you then gain good experience with.

Elise: Have you yourself, or someone you know, had a travel experience that became especially meaningful because of safety, community or mastery?
Pål Asle: For me, the travels I have made because of faith have had the deepest impact on me, for example a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France in 1999.

Elise: What do you hope a participant on an inclusive trip will take with them after the journey?
Pål Asle: I hope that one can see new possibilities that one can bring into ordinary life.

Elise: If you could change one thing in travel today to make it more inclusive, what would it be?
Pål Asle: Maybe the price?
I would look at how I can make things as affordable as possible, and also look for new destinations, such as unknown churches and monasteries, for example.
And I would look more closely at the countries around us, such as Sweden and Denmark.

Elise: Finally, what would you say to someone who dreams of travelling but doesn't quite dare to take the first step?
Pål Asle: I would say, do it! 😊

🌿 Conclusion

The conversation with Pål Asle Djupvik shows how much power lies in simplicity: community, faith and safety.
He reminds us that travelling is not always about long distances, but about creating space for silence, reflection and new perspectives.
For many, the safe and well-prepared journey can be the start of something greater, a new belief in oneself, in life, and in the fellowship with others.

A big thank you to Pål Asle for sharing his experiences and thoughts on inclusion and travel.
This interview is part of the Inclusive Travel project, which works so that everyone, regardless of background, health or life situation, can have the opportunity to experience the world in a safe and meaningful way.