Up Norway, the curator of sustainable luxury travel experiences in Scandinavia, has launched a new partnership with InRetreat, a Norwegian wellness brand.
Together, they will offer an exclusive series of guided wellness journeys crafted for travelers seeking both rejuvenation and cultural immersion. These retreats invite guests to explore Norway’s breathtaking, untouched landscapes while engaging in transformative practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.
All retreats will feature luxury, eco-friendly accommodations and experiences, in line with Up Norway’s mission to blend sustainability with high-end travel. The first retreat will take place in February 2025 on the secluded Nordic island of Manshausen, followed by a spring retreat in May and fall harvest retreat later in the year.
The new Wellness Retreats combine Up Norway’s expertise in sustainable and culturally immersive travel with InRetreat’s dedication to personal transformation through wellness practices. Led by InRetreat CEO Nina Butler, whose extensive background in yoga and wellness spans more than a decade, and Torunn Tronsvang, founder and Chief Experience Officer of Up Norway, the retreats will explore Norway’s distinct regions, from the Arctic Circle to the blooming fjords of Hardanger, each area offering a unique glimpse into Norway’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The retreats will showcase the best of Scandinavian wellness culture—where connection with nature, organic cuisine, and daily wellness rituals, including guided meditation and mindfulness practices, serve as the foundation for a deeper sense of renewal while traveling.
Manshausen Wellness Retreat: February 21–26, 2025
Located within the dramatic Steigen Archipelago, a remote cluster of islands known for its rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters, Manshausen offers a secluded island paradise for wellness seekers. The first journey in the series will immerse guests in the rugged beauty of Norway’s north, combining luxury sea cabin accommodations at Manshausen lodge, with panoramic ocean views, and enriching wellness practices with adventure.
Each day will feature yoga and meditation sessions inspired by Norse mythology, alongside opportunities to explore the island’s raw landscapes. Guests will embark on guided hikes, kayak through emerald waters, and experience the region’s farm-to-table cuisine, crafted from locally sourced organic ingredients. Evenings will be capped with stunning views of the Aurora Borealis, offering a serene backdrop for reflection and relaxation.
For those looking to extend their experience, Up Norway suggests adding a visit to the nearby Lofoten Islands, where travelers can explore traditional fishing villages, visit local art galleries, and engage in immersive cultural experiences such as learning ancient Viking history at the Lofotr Viking Museum or partaking in a Northern Norwegian cooking class. These additions offer a rich cultural immersion to complement the wellness journey.
Spring Wellness Retreat - May 1 - 10th
The Spring Wellness Retreat invites travelers to embrace the spirit of våryrhet, a Norwegian term for ‘spring fever’ or ‘freshness.’ This 10-night journey will take participants from the snow-capped peaks of the iconic Finse 1222 to the blooming fjords of Hardanger. In addition to spring skiing or a beginners course in ski sailing and fjord exploration, daily yoga and meditation sessions bring a spring renewal. Throughout the trip, steep mountains rush into inky blue, crystal clear seas for many energizing activities to enjoy including kayaking, hiking and Nordic sauna-to-fjord-plunges.
The retreat concludes in Bergen, a vibrant cultural hub. This one-of-a-kind wellness, nature, culinary and cultural journey features exceptional hotels, sublime regional cuisine, epic snow-to-fjord adventures and meaningful cultural encounters.
Fall Wellness Retreat: A Celebration of Norway’s Changing Seasons
Later in the year, the Innhøsting Autumn Retreat will take participants through Norway’s harvest season, from Trondheim’s Viking history and renowned culinary scene to the rugged beauty of the Lofoten Islands. Guests will indulge in regional harvest cuisine, and meaningful cultural encounters, seamlessly blending nature and tradition.
Scenic hikes through the golden-hued countryside, visits to farms, and cultural encounters with locals will further connect guests to Norway’s deep-rooted harvest traditions. Daily yoga and meditation among other planned wellness activities take place among the colors and flavors of autumn.
