Langøya, Vesterålen · Inside the Arctic Circle
Norway
Five nights on a quiet Arctic island, swimming in the fjord and practising yoga under the midnight sun.
- 16–21 July 2027
- From £2,595
- Small group of 12, with Laura Bell
Why Vesterålen
Where the sun stays up all night
In July, the sun stays above the horizon around the clock on Langøya, the largest island in Vesterålen. It changes the whole rhythm of the week. You swim in the fjord before breakfast, walk to a white sand beach in the afternoon and sit out on the shore at midnight in full light.
This is northern Norway at its most generous: mountains rising straight from the sea, sea eagles over the water and very few people. We keep the group to twelve and the pace unhurried, with every detail looked after.
The place
Midnight sun, fjords and sea eagles
The midnight sun
In mid-July the sun never sets this far north, and late evenings outside feel like early afternoon.
Fjords & white sand
Clear, cold water, pale beaches and mountains dropping straight into the sea.
A wild, quiet coast
Sea eagles, small fishing villages and a stretch of coastline few visitors reach.
Where we stay
Red timber houses at the water's edge
We stay in a small, family-owned group of Nordic apartments on a quiet stretch of coast, with mountains across the fjord. You'll share a two- or three-bedroom apartment with other guests, with a single room of your own, or take the twin apartment with its own bathroom.
Yoga takes place in the cabin's living room, looking out over the water. Meals are cooked fresh by our chef, Lucy Charlesworth, with local fish and vegetarian options at every meal. The retreat is alcohol-free.
Experiences in Norway
Arctic summer, gently held
Fjord swims & sauna
Start the day with an optional dip in the fjord, then warm up in the sauna. Swimming and sauna are unlimited all week, so you can go as often, or as briefly, as you like. Always your choice.
Wildlife boat safari
Four hours out along the coast with local guides, looking for sea eagles and marine life. Sightings can't be guaranteed, and the animals are never disturbed to find them.
Coastal & mountain hikes
A three-hour coastal walk to a white sand beach with a swim in Arctic water, and a four-hour mountain and wildlife hike with views across Vesterålen. Packed lunches come with you.
Yoga under the midnight sun
Mornings open with dynamic vinyasa and breathwork. Evenings are slower, with restorative yoga and yoga nidra. Eight sessions with Laura Bell, open to all levels.
Norway at a glance
Getting there
- July Midnight sun, 24-hour daylight
- 12–16°C Daytime temperatures
- Harstad/Narvik Fly from the UK via Oslo
- 3 hours Scenic transfer, included
Dates & prices
Retreats in Norway
Before you go
Norway questions, answered
Where in Norway is the retreat?
On Langøya, the largest island in the Vesterålen archipelago, above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway. If you've joined us on Senja before, this is a new place for 2027, on a quiet stretch of coast around three hours by road from Harstad/Narvik airport.
Will it really be light all night?
Yes. In mid-July the sun stays above the horizon around the clock. Most guests settle into it quickly, but we'd suggest packing an eye mask.
How cold is the water?
Cold, even in summer. Every dip is optional, you choose how long you stay in, and the sauna is right there to warm up afterwards. You don't need any cold-water experience.
How do I get there?
Fly from the UK to Oslo with SAS, British Airways or Norwegian, then take the SAS connection to Harstad/Narvik (Evenes). A group transfer meets the recommended flight and takes around three hours. Full travel guidance comes with your booking.
Do I need to be fit or experienced?
No yoga or swimming experience is needed. You'll want a reasonable level of fitness for the hikes, which run for three to four hours, and every yoga session offers options for all levels.
Can I come on my own?
Yes, and many guests do. The group is twelve at most and you'll share an apartment with other guests, so it's easy to settle in.
