Dreaming of fjords under the Northern Lights? TIME’s 2026 World’s Greatest Places list spotlights Varg Sailing Yacht, Norrøna Adventure, the destination division of the iconic, family-owned Norwegian outdoor brand, Norrøna, as a one-of-a-kind expedition yacht, and an extraordinary new way for adventure-seekers to explore the beauty of Northern Norway.
A few reasons why the region, and Varg S/Y’s exclusive access, are growing in popularity:
- Rise of the ‘Off-Grid’ Expedition – As mainstream adventure hubs become more crowded, the surge in off-grid travel is driven by a desire for truly “untrodden” territory. Varg functions as a mobile basecamp that unlocks hidden fjords and remote trailheads, granting exclusive access to mountain ridges and powder-filled slopes that are physically unreachable by land. For the ski-tourer or mountain biker, this means the rare luxury of pioneering lines and trails that haven’t been touched by another soul.
- The “Coolcation” Shift toward Arctic Wellness – Travelers are trading the heat of the Mediterranean for “Fire and Ice” rituals. The combination of Varg’s wood-fired sauna and a cold-water plunge into an Arctic fjord offers a high-end wellness reset that is currently a top global travel trend, with its crowd-free exploration and its ability to reach remote anchorages accessible only by sea.
- The Demand for More Intimate Cruising – Large-scale cruising is being replaced by a preference for “micro-groups.” With only six guests in premium ensuite cabins, Varg offers a level of privacy and exclusivity that the larger cruise liners can’t replicate, offering crowd-free exploration and access to remote anchorages that can only be reached by sea.
- Sea-to-Table Gastronomy – There is a growing appetite for authentic culinary journeys. By using an on-deck fire grill to prepare foraged botanicals and fresh-caught king crab, Varg connects guests to the Norwegian landscape through world-class, hyper-local cuisine.
- ‘Unplugged’ Movement – There is a major surge in travelers using their vacation for a digital detox. Varg S/Y provides a rare opportunity to fully unplug and reconnect with the wild, far beyond the reach of traditional tourist trails.
