In Search of Darkness—the Illuminating Kind

At 25 I decided to apply for a year abroad—a short break in scenery and culture I assumed—from my life in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy/sardinia">Sardinia</a>, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy">Italy</a>. The mandate for me was simple: to find a place that was entirely different from my own, in weather, landscape and food.That summer I put my feet down in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/norway">Norway</a>, one of the most northerly countries in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe">Europe</a>. The goal was immediately realized—everything felt like the opposite, and for a somewhat novice traveller eager to interact with the world in fresh, new ways, it was entirely revelatory. My intent had been to manage a year of communications study abroad, but the enchantment of the Nordic culture and pristine wilderness were so strong that I bunkered down for my masters as well, and then some.Norway, as desired, offered a very specific and strong experience that countered my own.The most dramatic difference is the relationship to the outdoors. As a country that must live in darkness for a significant chunk of the year, outdoor activity is regarded piously: everything revolves around enjoying the surrounding environment, no matter the conditions.The entire society and the infrastructure reflect a desire to optimize outdoor time. Cities, countryside—all are set up for the promotion of the outdoors, bright or dark. Oslo’s luminous network of overhead lights follow careening paths toward the lake and you’ll find many people winding along riverside paths as they finish up their workdays and filter outdoors.Kindergarten classes spend most, if not all, of the day outside. On Saturday and Sunday, the subway system bloats with families as they head to the mountains, where ski hills and hiking trails are all geared for this part of life—the ongoing appreciation and exploration of the outdoor arena.Embracing the outdoors is built right into the culture (and the psyche of its inhabitants), especially because of the limited sunshine for part of the year. Despite the fact it may be cold and dark—you must go out! It helps you survive a potentially difficult time of year.The other side of the coin, however, is that eventually, the country finds itself in the midnight sun with extravagant amounts of sunlight—everybody out all the time, at all hours—dining on patios until 3 AM, where you’d be forgiven for ‘losing’ track of time. (This is the time of year I usually recommend for first-time travel to Norway.)

Within that experience—finding myself in a new setting, adjusting to new dynamics, without any strong relationships to lean on, I began to run. I ran around Oslo—following the forests and lakes that cradle the city centre; I ran at the ripe hour of 6 am—spikes protruding from my shoes to keep balance along quiet, cross-country paths; I ran to relieve my loneliness and also to mirror the determination that the very landscape inspired. I ran because a new place jolts you to new associations and a desire to push your boundaries a little further.I grew in personality and discipline. Slowly marathon running became an essential part of my life.Along with that, I developed my career—incrementally at first, and without realizing it. To help pay for my studies abroad I worked at a local biking company in Oslo; I travelled for many years around the country appreciating the perfect cocktail of culture, people and nature and it slowly dawned on me that this could be a career.

It was an idyllic place to start my career in travel because the country reinforced many principles that still guide me today. One: the experience of darkness is not a limit—embrace it! That metaphor has, and can be, applied to many other realms in my life.Second: I lived in a country with a truly special relationship with its green spaces. That’s reflected in the way the outdoors is optimized for use, but it’s also in the preservation.Norway tracks well for high-end eco-conscious travel and this is intentional; eco-lodges are perched in the middle of forests, near fjords and shoulder organic, farm-to-table enterprises. The high cost of travel here keeps tourism at a manageable scale—the idea is to resist compromise; to make sure the preservation of the country’s pristine landscapes is first and foremost for the people who live here.Though I no longer live in Norway, running in Oslo and throughout the country introduced me to the extended joys of both daylight and darkness.The experience continues to serve as a reminder that, yes, life is meant to be lived outdoors.Feeling inspired to experience Norway’s raw beauty for yourself? <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/mario-koch">Mario</a> and <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/tibor-barna">Tibor</a> our Norway Experience Designers would love to talk travel (and everything else) with you.

Discover how Norway’s extremes—deep winter darkness and endless summer light—shape daily life, outdoor culture, and a deeply sustainable approach to travel.

Norway

"Once upon a time" is a fitting way to introduce the Kingdom of Norway. Home to Viking myths and fairy sprites, a vacation here feels more like an adventure quest. Get lost among the ruins of ancient battlefields and majestic fjords (make sure not to get too lost there though!). Upon returning to modernity, enjoy some foot-stomping folk music and toast friends new and old with an uproarious “skål!”

Explore the wild beauty of fjords, forests and glaciers

Hike iconic fjords and cycle Lofoten roads on small group or private bespoke trips through Norway, with private boat excursions and farm-to-table lodges.

Norway Hiking & Bike Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Between gorgeous, deep fjords, cascading waterfalls and mountain peaks often compared to the spires of churches, Norway has a strong handle on elemental drama and diversity. Travelling between small towns by ferry and bike, we embark on&nbsp;fjord-side rides, dine on local organic food (picture garden lunches and fresh-caught fish) and pass the time with our local friends as they share Norweigan tales and show us around their breathtaking country.

Incredible Rides

Unforgettable Experiences

Unique Gastronomy

From glacial fjords and sky-piercing peaks to waterfalls that look straight out of Norse legend, Norway’s got flair for the dramatic. Ride undulating roads between storybook towns and modernist stunners (think glass-and-steel meets Viking chic). Feast on fjord-to-fork cuisine, sleep like royalty, and pedal through scenery so epic it should come with its own soundtrack.

Cycling in Northern Fjordland

Preview the itinerary

Between gorgeous, deep fjords, cascading waterfalls and mountain peaks often compared to the spires of churches, Norway has a strong handle on elemental drama and diversity. Travelling between the small fishing town of Alesund and the cliffs of&nbsp;Storfjord, we embark on&nbsp;fjord-side rides, dine on local organic food (picture garden lunches and fresh-caught fish) and pass the time with our local friends as they share Norweigan tales and show us around their breathtaking country.

Spend 5 nights cycling Norway's dramatic fjordland in a small group. Steep mountain descents, mirror-still waterways and scenery so extraordinary it slows

Norway Bike Tour: Fjordland Descents, Mirror Waterways & Mountain Scenery

Norway claims fame as one of the world's most naturally beautiful countries. But winter lends itself to a different type of adventure. The snowy, untouched wilderness offers ample opportunities for connecting with nature, whether mushing your team of Alaskan huskies or snowmobiling across the Finnmark plateau. Retreat to the comforts of your cozy Arctic Wilderness Lodge, tucked far away from urban lights to maximize your chance of seeing the elusive northern lights.

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Land of Striking Contrasts

Norway in winter is basically a snow globe—and on this trip, you get to play inside. Mush your own team of huskies, snowmobile across the silent Finnmark plateau, then warm up fireside at a wilderness lodge that’s heavy on hygge, light on cell signal. With luck, the northern lights will crash the party—no filter, just pure Arctic magic.

Nature's Light Show

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Experience Designer

Norway, as one-third of the Scandinavian trifecta, doesn’t stray far from the region’s flair for design, progressive politics and delightfully cosmopolitan cities. But Norway’s strongest talking point? Its status as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Between gorgeous, deep fjords, cascading waterfalls and mountain peaks often compared to the spires of churches, Norway has a strong handle on elemental drama and diversity.&nbsp;Experience Norway on a private, bespoke journey. Here are some highlights to get you inspired.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Active Adventure

Vibrant Culture

Norway is where nature drops the mic—think fjords, waterfalls, and peaks so dramatic they double as cathedrals. From summer hikes to winter wonderlands, this is a land built for adventure and bound by friluftsliv (that’s Norwegian for “get outside already”). Whether biking, hiking or just soaking it in, this is elemental beauty, dialled all the way up.

Adventure in every fjord and forest

Discover every coveted corner

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Hike Arctic Circle peaks, bike coastal roads and kayak fjords on a custom Norway itinerary. Lofoten's extraordinary landscapes, privately guided and built

In Search of Darkness—the Illuminating Kind

By Gabriella Brundu

Norway

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