Lofoten Islands Trail Retreat
Friluftsliv Above the Arctic Circle
March 8-15th, 2025
High above the Arctic Circle lies the Lofoten archipelago, a world where jagged towering peaks plunge into deep fjords and turquoise waters lap onto white sand beaches. Here, the Scandinavian tradition of friluftsliv–a deep, harmonious connection to nature–flourishes, encouraging us to embrace the outdoors in all its raw beauty. Time spent here isn’t just a visit; it’s an immersion into something essential and timeless.
The Lofoten Islands captivate at every turn. Fishing villages of red and yellow rorbuer dot the rugged coastline, while massive drying racks of stockfish nod to a Viking Age heritage. In winter, the aurora borealis sweeps across the night sky in vibrant ribbons of green and purple, painting scenes that seem beyond this world.
​
In our journey, we’ll explore both these awe-inspiring landscapes and our own inner wilds. Part trail expedition, part retreat, our time together will be guided by the Norwegian concepts like friluftsliv and koselig–a spirit of cozy communal contentment. We’ll scale mountains alongside reindeer, kayak and cold plunge into pristine Arctic waters, engulf the senses with dramatic island sunrises and a night sky like no other on the planet.
​
Join us on a quest to expand our limits, connect deeply and rediscover our true potential.
​
​
THE LOCATION: LOFOTEN ISLANDS–MOUNTAINS & ARCTIC FJORDS
Though mainland Norway is known for its rugged, stunning coastline, we’ll be taking the natural beauty and solitude to the next level. Separated from the mainland by a 100-mile-long fjord, Lofoten Islands sit atop Norway like a crown– just 1500 miles from the North Pole.
Only one main road runs the length of the islands and we’ll be covering a good deal of its map including four different lodging locations. The drive from place to place is itself a sight-seeing wonder. Our time will be split between modern cabins set in idyllic fishing villages, Lofoten’s biggest “city” and a desolate beach town with mountains surrounding 360 degrees.
Despite the northerly latitude, Lofoten Islands are one of the world’s weather anomalies and has a much milder climate than that found in other Nordic regions. Weather can change very quickly but average temperatures for March are in the mid-30s.
THE LODGING: MODERN RORBUER CABINS & CONTEMPORARY SCANDINAVIAN HOMES
We’ve selected lodging that will provide retreatants with comfort and inspiration–Norwegian style. From newly constructed fisherman-style cabins on the water’s edge to Scandinavian homes near the beach, every accommodation will have a mountain and fjord view.
​
THE INCLUSIONS: ALMOST EVERYTHING
We want you to be able to dive deeply into the adventure of Norway, so we've taken care of the details. As experienced professional running and wellness coaches, we are excited to help you discover a new level of physical power.
Not only will we coach you through the mountain adventures and guide you through our retreat curriculum, but we will make sure the following is covered:
-
airport pick-up/ drop-off (from Leknes–LKN) & all other transportation
-
welcome dinner & drinks reception
-
all retreat content & materials
-
seven nights of lodging
-
all breakfasts & most lunches
-
kayaking, sauna & trail adventures
​
THE EXERTION: MODERATE-CHALLENGING
Our physical pursuits will include a minimum of one hike or trail run per day with the option for more. We will have one pinnacle (longest) adventure day that will be ~6 hours in the mountains. Though the trails are technical, most days will be self-paced so retreatants can choose their own level of exertion.
The majority of our guided trail excursions will be done with time blocks instead of absolute mileage requirements. But expect to be moving at least 5-7 miles per day with options for more if desired. In the case that Lofoten gets a lot of snow, these miles may be decreased and transitioned to an option for snowshoeing.
WHAT TO EXPECT: GENERAL ITINERARY
Each day will include a personal journey both on the trail and within. We will provide daily retreat content/exercises to enhance the day’s quest. The retreat curriculum includes a balance of structured solo time as well as group activities to enable participants to dig deeply into the exercises – connecting with some amazing humans AND our marvelous inner-selves. At the end of each day, we will commune over a warm meal and regale each other with our heroic tales from the day.
YOUR TRIBE: CONNECTED & PERSONAL
We are keeping our tribe very small to ensure personal attention with each adventurer. On a week-long trip like this one, we appreciate the power of a group connection as well as the need for alone time. We believe unique fruits can come from a tribe that coalesces, but we also want this adventure to fill you up personally. We promise to provide a balance of both.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: GETTING THERE, COST OF DINNERS & EXTRAS
Flights
Everyone has their own timing for travel, so we think it's best to meet us in Leknes (LKN), Norway. We will be arranging airport pick-up in Leknes for Friday and Saturday morning/mid-day. Upon registration we will send our recommendations for timing/ flight path.
Dinners
We have selected dining options that allow for a taste of the local cuisine. We know food comes with a lot of personal preferences and want guests to order to their liking. So, dinner cost will be the responsibility of each retreatant.
Personal Extras
-
Snacks for the trail & in between meals
-
Activities on our free day (i.e. skiing, fjord boat cruise, spa)
-
Alcohol
-
Activities before/after programming
-
Personal purchases
-
Tipping
​​
Hiking & Adventure Gear
We will send a complete gear list of recommended and required items to bring. The Norwegian Arctic can encompass a lot of seasons– all in one day. We’ll make sure you are properly equipped to enjoy the outdoors.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Fill out the registration form on our Reserve page or email us with questions.
We have a limited number of each single and double occupancy. If you have a strong preference, we recommend reserving your spot ASAP.
​
3/8 thru 3/15/25
8 days, 7 nights
$5275 single occupancy
$4720 double occupancy/ per person Upon registering, please let us know who you’d like to room with.
$600 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot, remaining balance due 15 days prior to trip start. If you would like a payment plan leading up to the start date of the trip, please reach out.
Full return policy on our FAQs page.