Up Norway has introduced a selection of work retreats for remote teams to connect in person and explore the destination. Employers seeking to bring employees together, both through work and an unforgettable experience exploring Norway’s fjords, villages, culinary scene and sustainability-forward lifestyle, are encouraged to do so with these combined work and leisure getaways.
Here are a few highlights:
Group Retreats/Workcations for Remote Teams: Mini Fishing Village Takeover
For teams with 50 to 100 employees, remote-working companies can take over a Norwegian fishing village. The year-round coastal destination of Knutholmen in Kalvåg offers a variety of activities, including boat trips with archipelago sightseeing, sea rafting with a beachside lunch, crab and sea fishing, sailing, kayaking, a floating sauna, boat trip to the historic Vingen rock carvings and more. Each activity is designed to last two to four hours and takes place near the accommodations, providing employees with breaks that enhance their workday in the village setting. In partnership with local artists and chefs, guests can enjoy art and painting workshops, Norwegian cooking classes and freshly prepared seafood throughout the stay. The village property has 124 single hotel rooms, apartments and rorb units, renovated versions of traditional fisherman’s accommodations, to accommodate up to 100 employees. The facility also offers several spaces for small and large meetings, including a conference room with space for over 200 guests. Teams also have the option to book a private boat charter to Fedje Island to visit the Feddie Ocean Distillery, a female-founded whiskey distillery. Companies can opt to personalize their work retreat with signage, special offers in local shops, custom menus, name badges, welcome bags and more.
Bespoke Social in the City: Oslo and Eastern Norway
Groups of 15 to 30 can take over the new Revier Hotel with rooms, apartments, and flexible working and meeting spaces. Proposed daily activities include customized workshops and remote working days, sightseeing in Oslo, an excursion to The Plus, a trip to an organic dairy farm to learn about Norway’s “Happy Cow” philosophy, an outing to a women’s museum, a sauna and fjord bath experience, organic local farm meals, and more. A half-day guided walking tour of Oslo will also showcase the city’s architecture, including The Deichman Library, the Opera House, circular buildings, the Munch and National Museum, and more.
Creativity Within Nature: The Lofoten Islands
For small groups of five to 12 persons, Up Norway’s Lofoten Islands itinerary encourages C-suite groups to embrace creativity within nature. Best enjoyed from autumn to spring, guests will stay at Hattvika Lodge, a historic lodge with fishermen’s cottages with a view of the harbor. The property has meeting facilities, a gourmet restaurant and knowledgeable local hosts. Groups can enjoy a “workation” with activities including guided hiking, fishing, kayaking, yoga, e-foiling on the water, meetings and guided tours with local entrepreneurs, foraging around the islands, and a harbor sauna and jacuzzi experience. Lunches and dinners are a center point of this retreat, with multi-course meals on tap at local favorites and a fishing trip led by local fishermen ending with a freshly prepared dinner.
Themed Remote Adventures for Individuals and Couples: Music and Writing Retreat on the Western Coast
For individuals, couples or small teams of 12 to 20 guests looking to collaborate in a music- and writing-centered retreat, Up Norway has introduced a getaway to the Raw Ocean Lodge, a community-oriented eco-lodge on the west of the country, set on an island between Stavanger and Bergen. It offers a variety of spaces suited for meetings, remote work, writing workshops, social gatherings and collaboration. A small breakout room, game room, yoga dome and fireplace round out the lodge’s offerings, providing spaces for jam sessions, writing workshops and wellness experiences with views of coastal Karmøy. Included in the retreat are knowledgeable hosts who will lead creatives in a variety of workshops, depending on the goal of the getaway. Guests can opt to explore the island between work sessions through surfing, stand up paddleboarding, fishing, bonfires, coastal nature walks, bouldering and seaweed foraging. The open sign-up nature of this collaborative getaway enables travelers to meet new people in a laid-back, yet professional environment, with the bulk of planning taken care of by Up Norway.
Blending nature and Norwegian culture, these bespoke "workations" and company retreats are open year-round for groups of all sizes. Up Norway’s travel curators will work with a variety of companies and budgets to plan customized and impactful journeys for teams.
For more information, visit www.upnorway.com.
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