Norwegian nature is a haven for mindfulness and the perfect place for a relaxing holiday or digital detox. Relieve your stress and reconnect with yourself and mother nature. Here are 11 unforgettable escapes we could all really use right now.
The beauty of nature has a unique way of making us feel at ease. But when was the last time you took advantage of that?
We’re always logged on with thousands of things competing for our attention. It can be overwhelming – but luckily there’s a cure.
Appreciate the slow life
It’s time to clear your schedule and do nothing resembling work or chores. To really clear your head, you might even have to get a little bored. Boredom is something professor Lars Svendsen knows a lot about. He started writing his book A Philosophy of Boredom when he was, well, bored.
“We do all these little things to pass the time, like constantly checking our phones instead of using that time to think and de-stress. Being bored is often associated with being alone, but it can be nice to be in your own company in peaceful surroundings.”
Feel the soothing power of nature
If there's anyone who really understands the value of being outdoors, it's Randi Skaug. After climbing the Seven Summits she bought a whole island, Naustholmen in Northern Norway, and turned it into a base for outdoor adventures during the summer.
People come to unwind, log off, and reconnect to nature and each other. "They don’t worry about time when they're admiring the northern lights or kayaking under the midnight sun,” says Randi.
Sounds amazing, right? You, too, can get the chance to slow down and relax. Below you’ll find 11 ways to escape stress.
1. Get closer to nature
Nature's tranquil and relaxing vibes need not dissipate when you go inside for the night. If you make unique accommodation a part of the experience, your trip will be even more soothing.
Norway has Arctic domes, glamping opportunities, cosy cabins way up in the mountains, and sea cabins suspended above water. You can even spend a night in a tree house. Staying in a serene environment will make you feel at one with nature, even when you’re seated comfortably in front of the fireplace or lying in bed under your duvet.
2. Get into harmony with your surroundings
Something special happens when you take the time to enjoy the journey instead of rushing to a destination. The sights, sounds, and smells are sharper and richer – your senses are awakened. You have time to think, to feel.
If you're travelling with someone, you have time to enjoy each other's presence, have deep conversations, and really admire your surroundings. Try this on a paddling trip or from the seat of a bicycle.
3. Travel slowly
Sometimes, the journey itself is the destination. Boat and train trips allow you to take in your surroundings at a relaxed pace.
Contemplate history on a replica of a Viking ship or explore the fjords on cutting-edge electric sightseeing boats. Travel along some of the world's most beautiful train routes, or set sail on a meditative voyage aboard a Hurtigruten coastal cruise.
4. Take a spiritual journey
In Norway, there are pilgrim paths all over the country, but you don’t have to be religious to find enlightenment on your journey. These long-distance hikes provide a perfect opportunity for reflection. Reminisce about your past, imagine your future … or just observe little moments along the way.
No matter what you hope to achieve, the routes offer a safe and accessible way to clear your head and de-stress. As a bonus, many of them pass through quaint villages with strong cultural heritage and delicious local food.
5. Sleep in a converted lighthouse
The calming sound of the sleepy sea, the thrill of waves crashing against rocks, the salty ocean breeze. Norwegians often travel to the seaside to unwind, as the ocean has a way of making you feel at ease – even during a storm.
To experience this, you can stay in a converted lighthouse. With their classic architecture, storied pasts, and dramatic locations; lighthouses offer a novel and exciting way to spend a night by the sea.
6. Venture into the wilderness
Quiet, serene and amazing – the unspoilt wilderness of Norway is the perfect place to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself.
Norway's landscape is varied, from lowland forests to highlands and mountains that reach towards the sky. There are countless marked trails, far from tourist routes. The country is so big and sparsely populated that it's easy to find quiet places and have them almost entirely to yourself.
7. Visit an eco-certified destination
We should aim to not only take care of each other, but also the wonderful places to which we travel. Destinations that have a sustainability label make an effort to support local communities and preserve cultural heritage. Travel responsibly by staying at an eco-certified hotel.
Environmentally certified destinations are now found all over Norway, from Tromsø and Lyngenfjord in the north to Lindesnes and Lysefjorden in the south.
8. Go island hopping
Norway offers tens of thousands of islands and small, cosy coastal gems! Go island hopping along the Helgeland coast, Salten, or Fjord Norway, or discover your favourite, sleepy paradise on the southern coast. There are lots of tranquil islands just a short boat ride away from the hustle and bustle of Oslo.
If you travel outside the peak summer season, you can often have the coast and islands almost entirely to yourself.
9. Practice yoga with a view
Breathe in deeply. Inhale the positive energy from the nature around you. Breathe out slowly and feel your body relax with each breath.
Practicing yoga and embracing mindfulness are increasingly popular ways to turn your attention inward and find balance in a stressful existence. When you are immersed in nature the experience takes you to an even deeper level.
10. Stay in a cosy nest
To really log off from your regular routine and find a peaceful rhythm, you need to get away from it all. Sometimes all you need is a cosy cabin, a good book, and some solitude.
Stroll among the trees, let your thoughts wander where they may, and find inspiration where you least expect it. Or sit by the ocean and just listen to the sounds of nature. Take time for yourself by staying at a cabin or a secluded vacation house.
11. Experience bliss at a spa
...it always feels good. At a spa, you are allowed to focus exclusively on your own wellness. In Norway, you can receive relaxing treatments while taking in panoramic views. All thanks to one of the essential elements of nature – water. Whether steaming hot or icy cold, it works wonders for both body and soul.
Experience aromatherapy showers or admire the scenery from a floating pool. Warm up in a steaming sauna before a quick, refreshing dip in the fjord, or start your swim indoors and end up outdoors in the same pool. Above all, feel your stress drift away.
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