From brilliant displays of both the northern lights and Christmas lights in local villages, to holiday artisan markets, interactive workshops to create sentimental gifts, and cozy villas surrounded by snowscapes, Norway offers the true spirit of the season. With a focus on curating uniquely Norwegian experiences for travelers off the tourist trail, sustainable luxury travel curator Up Norway emphasizes ‘Kos’ in its winter journeys. Best found when traveling slow, this intangible concept means peace and happiness, being wholly grateful and appreciative. While each guest’s journey can be tailored to specific needs and preferences as desired, Up Norway recommends the following destinations this holiday season. 

Canvas Hotel, Credit: Colin Eick

• In the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway, travelers can experience an enchanting pre-Christmas time north of the Arctic Circle. Private villas in secluded villages offer epic vistas cuddled up in front of the fire. Here travelers can also discover traditional red-painted rorbu cabins that have been transformed into an artisan Christmas market. Outdoor activities include hiking, snowshoeing, and photographing the magical Northern Lights. Alternatively, travelers can participate in workshops, like glassblowing, ceramics, and sustainable wool.
  

  Bergen Fjord Adventures, Credit: Mariann Persson

• Surrounded by lush pastures and towering peaks, Norway’s UNESCO heritage fjord country is also a highlight during the holiday season. Here, a stay at the family estate Åmot is recommended for private groups of up to 12 guests. The immersion into a tranquil world of rich cultural history and untouched nature is brought to travelers by the hoteliers and their extended team of locals. Activities can include a winter cruise in the secluded Dalsfjord, winter hikes with outdoor lunch prepared in a cabin overlooking fjords and mountains, stargazing from the outdoor hot tub, on-site hot stone massage or yoga sessions, and more. All food on the property is locally sourced food and prepared by the resident chef.
  

  Credit: Meretes Garden

• When flying in and out of Oslo, Up Norway suggests a few days in the capital before boarding a train that traverses snow-covered landscapes to the mountain village of Geilo. Here, travelers can enjoy a wide array of activities such as kick-sledding, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and ice fishing. They will also be able to savor home-cooked meals made with local fish and other ingredients while also enjoying a glass of gluhwein (mulled wine). After a few days in Geilo, travelers can continue their adventure on the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s best train journeys, to Voss, where they will cruise through the UNESCO heritage protected fjord landscape and participate in a plethora of winter activities. The journey concludes in a treetop cabin in the Finnskogen forest, a rich natural reserve steeped in history. In the small village, travelers can listen for the sounds of wolves and owls while watching out for shooting stars.

A highlight of travel with Up Norway is their digital itinerary application where travelers can find all their travel details, personalized recommendations, and a 24-hour direct chat to access the Up Norway team with any questions. Lodging and all local transfers from arrival to departure are included as well as various privately guided tours, select meals, and a digital itinerary provided by Up Norway. For more information or to book an Up Norway journey, please visit https://upnorway.com/. 

Credit: Lyngen Lodge

About Up Norway: 

Established in 2016, Up Norway’s vision is to introduce quality conscious international travelers to truly unique Norwegian experiences. Its local expertise, sustainable approach, digital itineraries and passion for Norway open up new perspectives. Committed to creating high quality guest experiences, Up Norway has been recognized as an A-List Travel Advisor by Travel + Leisure, named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists, recognized as a Wendy Perrin Trusted Travel Expert, and is the first and only Norwegian travel company to be Travelife and B Corporation™ certified. Native Norwegians take pride in serving local cuisine, showing off their vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature. Up Norway’s trips focus not on standard city tours but on getting people out into the country’s stunning landscapes and in contact with the local people. Curated accommodations include not only boutique hotels but also stilted log cabins, lakeside yurts, tent igloos, and a renovated lighthouse: cozy places where you’re hosted by the owners and introduced to the local culture and traditions. The company takes pride in offering experiences off the tourist trail and offers access to sites and stories that would be a challenge to discover otherwise. With a Digital Travel Guide provided to their guests, Up Norway uses technology to enhance its personalized service, not to replace it. 

Feature Photo Credit: Katja Rykova