OSLO, NORWAY – Norway’s leading sustainable luxury travel curator, Up Norway, is debuting its first group trip departure in collaboration with Norway House, the premier Norwegian arts, business, and culture center in America. Since its founding in 2004, Norway House has evolved into a vital, forward-thinking nonprofit organization that serves as a venue for all aspects of Nordic business and life in America, fostering connections between contemporary Norway and the United States through education and partnerships. This nine-day journey, spanning from May 11th to the 19th, offers an immersive exploration into Norway’s stunning landscapes, rich culinary tradition, and distinctive cultural experiences including the celebrations of Norway’s Constitution Day. Ideal for individuals eager to forge new connections, the journey takes guests to the Austevoll archipelago, up the Hardangerfjord to Voss, and back to Bergen. Visits to the esteemed sculptor Finn Eirik Modahl and the masterful Bunad-silversmiths at Sylvsmidja are included, both integral parts of Norway House’s BARN program and a trusted resource for Nordic business leaders as they aim to launch their products and services in the American marketplace.
Day One: Arrival in Bergen & Austevoll’s Coastal Serenity
Guests arrive in Bergen before heading out to the island realm of Austevoll. This archipelago, famed for its flourishing fishing industry, is home to Ørjan Johannessen, one of the world’s top chefs and the Bocuse d’Or champion of 2018. Participants check into the Beckerwyc House, his chic newly transformed 17th-century guest house, where they are greeted with an authentic dinner and the warmth of a terrace hot tub.
Day Two: Engesund Fish Farm Insight & Culinary Ventures
Guests explore Austevoll’s entrepreneurial spirit in a visit to Engesund Fish Farm, a business built on local traditional fishing initiatives and sustainable fish farming. Afternoon activities diverge as the group splits for a scenic hike led by a local insider, delving into the concept of ‘friluftsliv’, which represents a simple life in nature without destroying or disturbing it, or a culinary demonstration in the Beckerwyc House’s Coastal Kitchen. The day is capped off with dinner at the Bekkjarvik Guesthouse.
Day Three: Olaskjeret Experience and a Gastronomic Evening at Mirabelle
A morning boat trip transports guests to Olaskjeret, offering a sea safari of the archipelago and lunch paired with local music. In the evening, the guests head to Mirabelle restaurant, where guests will savor dishes prepared by Ørjan Johannessen’s team, celebrating the best of Western Norway’s local seafood and produce.
Day Four: Fana Cheese Tasting and the Journey to Hardanger
The itinerary next takes guests to Ostegården cheese farm, where travelers have a chance to taste the award-winning Fanaost cheese before heading on to Hardanger. A nearly three hour route immerses travelers in Norway’s scenic beauty, with stops at iconic waterfalls along the way. Once there, guests check into a historic hotel in Ulvik overlooking Hardangerfjord.
Day Five: The Cider Trail of Ulvik
After a morning of leisure, attendees will take off on the cider trail. Connecting travelers with the essence of local cider and folk culture, the experience includes tastings at Syse Gard and Hardanger Saft og Siderfabrikk, accompanied by traditional music and dance.
Day Six: Sylvsmidja in Voss & Boutique Accommodation
The journey continues on to Voss and a visit to Sylvsmidja where guests engage with Norway’s jewelry and silversmithing tradition. A stay in Voss at the boutique design hotel Elva is included, where the group will partake in a local beer tasting and enjoy a three-course dinner at the hotel.
Day Seven: Celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day in Voss
The 17th of May immerses travelers in the joy and patriotism of Norwegian Constitution Day. With no fixed plans, guests are encouraged to join the local festivities, experiencing the national spirit firsthand.
Day Eight: Return to Bergen and Cultural Insights
The journey back to Bergen includes a visit to sculptor Finn Eirik Modahl’s studio, providing insights into his creative process. The day also features designer shopping experiences and a stay at Opus XVI, a hotel in the heart of the city owned by relatives of Norway’s most famous composer. The farewell dinner brings the group to Frescohallen, a modern restaurant and bar located within the former stock exchange. The fresco wall paintings tell the story of Norway and Bergen’s export history.
Day Nine: Departure
A hearty breakfast sets travelers up for their day of travel with a private transfer to the Bergen airport.
The article Up Norway launches first group travel offering, May 11-19, in collaboration with Norway House first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
