Up Norway and InRetreat have collaborated for a series of wellness escapes combining Northern Lights viewing with Norse mythology-inspired yoga sessions. Olivia Palamountain reports

Up Norway has partnered with local wellness brand InRetreat to offer luxury wellness journeys combining yoga and mindfulness with unique Norwegian cultural experiences.

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 heritage. Expect a  showcase of the finest Scandinavian wellness culture, where connection with nature, organic cuisine and daily wellness rituals serve as the foundation for a deeper sense of renewal while travelling.

The programme launches with a five-day retreat on Manshausen island in the Steigen Archipelago from February 21-26, 2025. This remote cluster of islands known for its rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal location for a restorative escape.Guests will stay in sea-view cabins and enjoy yoga and meditation sessions inspired by Norse mythology, amplified by activities including kayaking, hiking and, if they're lucky, viewing the Northern Lights.

Optional extensions include visits to the Lofoten Islands' traditional fishing villages, art galleries and the Lofotr Viking Museum. A northern Norwegian cooking class is also on the cards.

A 10-night spring retreat invites participants to embrace the spirit våryrhet, meaning "spring fever" or "freshness". This escape rund from May 1-10, 2025, and takes participants from the snow-capped peaks of Finse 1222 to Hardanger's fjords and finally, Bergen.

The journey includes spring skiing, ski sailing for beginners, kayaking and Nordic sauna-to-fjord plunges, plus daily yoga and meditation sessions.
An autumn retreat, called Innhøsting, will explore Norway's harvest season, starting in Trondheim before moving to the Lofoten Islands. The programme features regional cuisine, farm visits, scenic hikes through glorious countryside, and wellness activities set against autumnal landscapes.

The partnership combines Up Norway's sustainable luxury travel expertise with InRetreat's wellness focus, led by CEO Nina Butler, who brings more than a decade of experience in various yoga disciplines including Sivananda, Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Yin.

All retreats feature eco-friendly accommodation and locally sourced organic cuisine, aiming to "create transformative journeys that leave guests feeling restored and inspired by the power of the Norwegian landscape."