Nine Day Private Travel Experience Explores the Rugged Nature and Fascinating Folklore of Norway’s Arctic Circle In Time of the Midnight Sun..
Founded in 2016, Up Norway connects discerning travelers to uniquely Scandinavian experiences, shaped by the principles of responsible travel and designed to enrich both guests and places. With deep local insight and sustainable practices at the forefront, Up Norway’s journeys are carefully curated to reflect the region’s unique sense of place, people and culture.
There new nine day experience explores the folklore and myths of the Artic Circle with an exciting itinery:
Oslo, Norway (June 1, 2026) – Up Norway, Scandinavia’s premier sustainable luxury travel curator, reveals a new 9-day Myths and Marvels in Helgeland Journey in the region of Norway known as the gateway to the midnight sun. This magical natural phenomenon, together with the impressive mountains in the area, has enchanted centuries of humans and served as the origin for a multitude of Norwegian myths. Experiences range from visits to local Sami families and kayaking through crystal-clear Arctic waters to soft adventure through the rugged wilderness. Up Norway handles all travel logistics, ensuring that travelers can fully immerse themselves and be present in the wonders of the Norwegian landscape and the stories it tells.
Day 1: Beginnings in Bodø
The journey begins in Bodø, a cultural hub and home to the European Region of Gastronomy 2028, where travelers will enjoy one night at the Wood Hotel overlooking the ocean. Guests will have the option to join a private guide for an active half day bike and hike or participate in a shorter and easier e-bike excursion filled with local World War II history.
Day 2-4: Immersion into Island Støtt Living
Travelers will board the express boat to Støtt island, where they will spend two nights in the restored buildings of what used to be an old trading port. This will be the hub for the subsequent days of exploration; whether by foot, bike, kayak or RIB. Here, travelers will find thousands of undiscovered islands, midnight sun and white sandy beaches, spending their days discovering Norway’s second-largest glacier, hiking one of the most majestic mountain tops of the Helgeland coast, or simply practicing the art of doing nothing. Then, it is on to Træna, a remote group of islands located 60 kilometres off Northern Norway’s coast.
Day 4-7: The Journey to The Edge of the World
At Træna, the weather always leads the way, inviting a flexible and mindful approach to how travelers spend their days. Guests will stay at the newly opened remote island Relais & Châteaux property Ytri, where every detail is deeply rooted in the island’s soul. The architecture and interiors mirror the colors of the surrounding landscape, from the custom furniture to the local botanicals in each glass. Even the team is unique; each member is handpicked for their skill, warmth, and a genuine commitment to becoming a part of the Træna community. At the heart of the retreat is the restaurant, Alma, with its open kitchen, high wooden beams, and panoramic views of the iconic Trænstaven mountains bathing in the ever-changing Arctic light. While here, guests are invited to explore the Kirkehelleren cave, a natural cathedral on Sanna island; the quirky distillery island of Myken, where Arctic whisky is matured under the midnight sun; spend their time fishing, kayaking, free-diving in the crystal-clear Arctic waters; or exploring the island on foot through coastal walks and trail running.
Day 7-9: Pastures or Puffins, Paradise Found
From the outer islands, guests head back towards the mainland to delve into the “pasture to table” philosophy at Til Elise fra Marius, a sanctuary where the forest, sea, and farm converge. It is a masterclass in rural sustainability and high-end Nordic flavors, where the best possible produce is harvested from Mother Nature. Those interested in the native heritage of the region can also enjoy a traditional Sami lunch with a local family, who will share stories from their lives and introduce guests to their traditions and local mythology as passed down from their ancestors. Alternatively, travelers driven by birding can choose the island of Lovund, a haven for birds. It can easily be identified by its towering bird mountain, where puffins roam free. Guests can spend their time watching these endearing creatures and enjoy the Arctic salmon that originally brought the native community, as well as the puffins who outnumber them, to the island. The journey concludes with a scenic train ride from Mo i Rana back to Bodø, where guests will pass through a wild landscape full of majestic mountains, fjords and waterfalls.
A place of magical light, breathtaking peace and isolation, miracles of human ingenuity and survival, and gloriously unspoilt nature and wildlife, this journey has been curated to give guests the absolute best of the Arctic Circle Region. Up Norway invites travelers to get lost in the living folklore of the region, while every logistical detail is seamlessly managed behind the scenes. Each itinerary undergoes a distinct design methodology so that every transfer, stay, and activity weaves together to form a singular narrative full of mythology, landscape, adventure, and culture that stays with travelers long after the final chapter ends.
The Myths and Marvels in Helgeland journey begins at approximately $11,886 USD per person based on double occupancy and includes all accommodations, activities, and dining as described. Each Up Norway journey includes access to their digital itinerary app, providing travelers with all their travel details, personalized recommendations, and support with the Up Norway team to ensure a seamless experience.
For more information or to book this journey, please visit https://upnorway.com/journeys/norways-arctic-circle-region-myths-and-marvels-in-helgeland.
