Discover Norway
Norwegian nature is pure mindfulness and perfect for a relaxing holiday or total digital detox. Set aside time to stress down and reconnect with yourself, the people around you, and mother nature herself. Here are 10 unforgettable escapes that you probably really, really need.
Get close to nature in unique hotels
The tranquil and relaxing vibes of nature don’t have to disappear when you go inside. If you make your accommodation a part of the experience, your trip will be even more memorable.
There are Arctic domes and glamping opportunities scattered all over Norway, popular cabins way up in the mountains, and sea cabins hanging over the water – all making you feel at one with nature, even if you’re seated comfortably in front of the fireplace or lying under a duvet in bed.
Yoga with a view
Breathe in, breathe out. Let the positive energy from the nature around you travel through your body as you inhale. Exhale and feel your shoulders become more and more relaxed each time.
Mindfulness and yoga have become increasingly popular ways of exercising and help you turn your attention inwards and find balance in a stressful day. The deeply personal experience reaches a new level when you are immersed in nature and connected with something bigger than yourself.
Rent a cosy nest
To really log off from our regular (and often stressful) routines and find a new, peaceful rhythm, you might need to get away from everything. The Norwegian outdoors is excellent for that, because you can travel far into the woods or to an island and be all by yourself.
Sometimes all you need is a safe and cosy cabin, a good book, and yourself. Let your thoughts go where they want, wander among the trees, and find inspiration where you least expect it. Or sit by the ocean and just listen. Find time for yourself and rent a cabin or a secluded vacation house.
Find inner peace on a spiritual journey
In Norway, there are pilgrim paths all over the country, but you don’t have to be religious to get a personal experience from the journey. The paths are excellent for everyone who wants to go long-distance hiking and take time to reflect. Contemplate the small things, the big questions, the future … or just ponder the mysteries of life along the way.
No matter what you hope to achieve, the routes offer a safe and accessible way to clear your head and de-stress. And the best part is that you get to do so while walking through beautiful scenery and quaint villages with a strong cultural heritage and delicious local food.
Sleep in a converted lighthouse
The soothing sounds of calm waters, the thrill of waves crashing against the rocks, the salty ocean breeze. Many Norwegians travel to the seaside to de-stress, as the ocean has a way of making you feel at ease when you look at and listen to it – even in a storm.
To experience this up close, you can stay in a converted lighthouse. With their long history, charming architecture, and dramatic location, they offer a new and exciting way to spend a night by the ocean.
Step into the wilderness
Quiet, serene and utterly beautiful – the unspoilt wilderness of Norway is the perfect place to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself.
The landscape is varied, from lowland forests to highlands and mountains that reach towards the sky. You’ll have no trouble finding your special place. Marked paths will take you on new adventures every day if you want to.
Lower your shoulders at a spa
Nothing says me-time like a day at a spa. And we all know you’ve deserved it. In Norway, relaxing treatments are combined with panoramic views and one of the essential elements of nature – water. Steaming hot or icy cold, it will nevertheless do wonders for both body and soul.
Explore aromatherapy showers, admire the scenery from a floating steaming pool, get warm in a sauna before a refreshing dip in the fjord, or enjoy a large pool where you can start your swim indoors and end up in an outdoor pool. Most importantly, feel the stress float away.
Wake up in the treetops
It’s early in the day, but don’t open your eyes just yet. Lie there for a few more minutes. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the wind that whispers in your ear and the birds that chirp nearby. Can you feel it? That’s what it’s like to wake up in a comfy treetop cabin.
For most of the time, it’s just you and the wilderness – and that’s a good thing. If de-stressing is your goal, then a stay at a treetop cabin is a sure thing.
Go on a relaxing winter adventure
As the landscape is all dressed up in its winter coat, the sounds of nature are wrapped up in a white, glittering blanket – which adds a totally new dimension to everything. Your footsteps sound different, the air feels fresh and crisp, and you can see your own breath as you exhale. The winter is a magical time of year. Skiing, winter fjord safari, the northern lights – the list goes on.
Winter is also a time for reflection, especially around New Year’s. Think of the snow as a clean canvas and let nature guide you. Enjoy a snug cabin before you dress up in layers and go on an adventure. Then, things will fall into place.
Travel slow
Something special happens when you’re on a journey and actually take the time to enjoy it, instead of rushing to the final destination.
The sights, the sounds, and maybe even the smells – your senses are awakened. You have time to think, to feel. Perhaps you let something go, to make room for something else. If you have company, you have time to enjoy the presence of each other and the good conversations. And you get to really admire the beautiful surroundings.
Travel slow along the coast, on one of the world’s most beautiful sea journeys with Hurtigruten, or through valleys and across mountains, enjoying one of the planet’s most spectacular train journeys.
