Up Norway unveils ‘Arctic Women Blazing Trails’, a new seven-day women-led Arctic survival expedition | News
Norway upScandinavia’s leading curator of sustainable luxury travel, reveals “Arctic Women, Blazing Trails: A Hosted Empowerment Journey for Women“, a seven-day women’s expedition designed and organized by two of Norway’s leading outdoor experts. The inaugural trip, limited to eight guests and departing from March 25 to April 1, 2026, responds to the growing demand for transformative, skills-based and community-driven travel, combining practical Arctic knowledge with moments of reflection, shared meals and the kind of camaraderie that arises when women learn and move together in wild places. From a remote Arctic islet of icy sea falls to the silent wilderness of the national park under the Arctic sky, guests will learn tangible survival skills – fire building, foraging and ice fishing, winter paddling, wilderness safety and more – the Up Norway way: expert-led, low-impact through the best of what the region has to offer.
The experience begins in Bodø, where guests travel by express boat to Naustholmen, a small island in the Steigen Archipelago off the coast of Nordland and the outpost of tour operator Randi Skaug, the first Norwegian woman to climb Everest and complete the Seven Summits. Days here will be spent outdoors with her, learning to layer and stay warm, building and cooking over open fires, moving safely along coastal paths and rediscovering mornings in the sea air, cave walks and sauna evenings under vast Arctic skies, fundamental skills to prepare you for what lies ahead.
Halfway through the journey, travelers sail further north on Hurtigruten’s MS Vesterålen, a classic coastal ship that combines authentic heritage with cozy Scandinavian-style cabins, panoramic lounges and seasonal Scandinavian menus. An atmospheric and comfortably luxurious way to watch fjords and peaks glide by at night.
The final chapter takes place on Senja, Norway’s second largest island above the Arctic Circle, known for its jagged mountain peaks, storm-swept beaches and the silent forests of Ånderdalen National Park. Guests settle into Norwegian Wild, a nature-based retreat led by founder Hege Enge Dekkerhus, whose approach to women’s health and resilience is shaped by her own years of struggles with illness and stress, with her philosophy centered on what recovery really looks like for her: time outdoors and purposeful, restorative practices. Here skills deepen and self-confidence grows. Days take shape during snowshoe hikes through birch forests and hands-on cooking over an open fire. In and around Ånderdalen National Park, travelers can ice fish, glide in winter kayaks on sheltered coves, and head out with trusted partners for husky adventures as conditions adapt. The evenings end with sauna, jacuzzi sessions and stargazing. You’ll stay in cozy Scandinavian cabins – simple, warm and close to the elements – with shared areas for preparing meals and supplies. For those looking for an extra dose of immersion, a tented night can be arranged, weather permitting. The trip ends with a shared transfer to Tromsø, sending guests home with Arctic tranquility and new confidence they can take with them into everyday life.
More than a group trip, Arctic Women, Blazing Trails is a seven-day conversation with women who have built their lives in the North. Equal parts grit and humor, Skaug’s stories are in dialogue with Dekkerhus’ focus on presence and well-being, encouraging guests to practice tangible skills while exploring what strength can feel like in a community. The result is a girls’ outing with depth: active, purposeful and shaped by hosts who live what they learn.
Following its inaugural departure, Arctic Women, Blazing Trails will be a fully customizable journey through Norway that can be booked year-round for private groups of friends, with the same spirit of mentorship and skill-building and the complete flexibility to tailor dates, pace and emphasis. Prices for the seven-day experience start at $5,381 USD per person based on double occupancy. The first departure will take place from March 25 to April 1, 2026 and will be limited to eight guests. The package includes carefully curated accommodations, guided activities, selected meals, local transfers (including the overnight Havila coastal tour) and Up Norway’s seamless travel services. Solo travelers: A private room fee of $956 USD applies.
For more information or to confirm a place, please visit https://upnorway.com/arctic-women-blazing-trails
