July 20, 2021: Sustainable luxury operator Up Norway has debuted a slow journey after the recent announcement that Norway’s border should begin to reopen to fully vaccinated US travellers on August 10.
Spanning over 28 days, this slow journey includes experiences that embody the intangible concept of Kos. It is a state of mind, being wholly grateful and appreciative, peaceful and happy. It is a feeling that can be felt alone or with others. It is said that one is more likely to achieve kos when they take their time travelling, basking in the simple joys of natural beauty and culture – all that is found in Norway especially.
The new Up Norway Kos Journey enables travellers to explore the well-known western coast of Norway, the iconic Lofoten islands and the more exotic area of Finnmark in the far north, over the course of four weeks. This journey features awe-inspiring sceneries and Arctic light, traditional Nordic gastronomy, a rich and forward-thinking culture and the absolute best of hosts in hotels and lodging – incorporating many key elements synonymous with Norway.
The journey includes many diverse locations, each more remote than the last:
1. Aurland/Lærdal – A UNESCO heritage fjord landscape that has fresh air, green rolling hills and waterfalls within its surroundings. Guided experiences here include a tour of the famed King’s Road and stave church, a fjord rowing experience and pasture farm hike.
2. The Sunnmøre Alps – Breathtaking natural scenery is combined with a vineyard visit and lunch, a fjord cruise with village visit, a traditional Norwegian flatbread (lefse) baking course with a local resident and an authentic Nordic massage.
3. Western Lofoten – Offering spectacular vistas as far as the eyes can see, Norwegians joke that this area is “nature on steroids”. Here, travellers can get active with a privately guided mountain hike and kayaking tour, a Lofoten fishing experience, and a cheese making course at a goat farm.
4. Finnmark- Located in the most northern reaches of Norway, this place is an explosion of colours in the summers, which is a stark difference from the battered landscape during the long-lasting winters. Travellers can enjoy the Northern lights and dog sledding in the winters, whale watching in the spring, or hiking, fishing and river boating in the summer – all depending on when they choose to travel. The experience also includes an introduction to indigenous Sami culture and their close bonds to animals and nature.
Itineraries can also be adjusted to travellers’ interests, preferences and the season. Celebrating the reopening, and to encourage travellers to find kos, Up Norway is offering a special “Welcome Back” savings of 10% on its journeys taken between September and November 2021. Also recognising the need for flexibility at this time, Up Norway is also currently offering no penalties for postponement for up to 18 months, alongside the option to cancel for any reason up to 31 days in advance of a journey.
Starting at US$ 12,500 per person, the Kos Journey includes authentic and premium accommodations. The prices will vary according to the number of people traveling together, the mode of domestic transportation, room/cabin/suite category, meal and activity inclusions.
