Your adventure begins in Bodø, the gateway to Norway’s Arctic Circle region known for its street art and the local speciality; 'stockfish'. From Bodø, you will embark via local express passenger ferry to Nordskot and private boat to your island escape of Manshausen in the evening.

The nature at Manshausen is as encapsulating as its history; the island is steeped in heritage and was used for centuries as a trading post. The owner and visionary behind the buildings, Børge Ousland, also has a few stories of his own, having been on dozens of expeditions to both the arctic and antarctic including skiing to the North Pole!

Your base will be in a seaside cabin while you explore the frontier where the sea and mountains meet. On arrival, you will be treated to a local meal, where the menu is inspired by and sourced from the surrounding landscapes.

Absorb the arctic sunrise over morning coffee from your window - it may be winter, but the lights and weather around these parts can shift constantly, like a kaleidoscope and there’s no better place to watch it unfold than at Manshausen.

After another full day at Manshausen, you will get back on the passenger ferry in the evening and head towards the Lofoten islands; a 2-hour voyage North across Vestfjorden.

First touch down; Thon Hotel Svolvær which is within immediate walking distance of where your boat journey ends.

Explore Lofoten on foot. The best thing about the colder half of the year – apart from the island not being as crowded as the summer months – is the spectacular colours and dynamic contrasts in weather and light. On foot, the area offers everything from light hiking in mythical Kyllingdalen to art walks at Eggum and hardcore climbing on peaks such as the majestic Skottind. We will work with you to find your perfect fit. Your professional mountain guide will be on hand to help you better understand your new playground. A packed lunch will be eaten at the summit of your chosen route. Lunch with a view!

Your current base is truly the place to practise your photography with a local pro. In the evening you will meet with a professional photographer who knows all of the island's nooks and the best places to witness the aurora borealis dance overhead.

For adventurous souls, this is your chance to get into the water and get the adrenaline pumping. Arctic surfing has been part of the Lofoten culture since the 60s when the first surfers found their way to Unstad bay. Wetsuit technology has revolutionized surfing in cold water which means a surf lesson in Arctic waters during Winter can be a surprisingly warm experience. A surf guide will guide you through an Arctic surfing lesson at your own level; enter the water, catch the waves, pop-up and action on wipe out. After a fun session in the waves, the sauna will be hot and ready for a steam.