Norway Yoga Retreat 2025: Exploring the Epic

We just wrapped up our closing circle here in Norway, and my heart is so full. This week was about discovery, resilience, and beauty—inside and out.

Together we climbed mountains, swam in fjords, and explored our inner landscapes. What we found was more than we ever imagined. 🇳🇴

In September 2025, I had the joy of leading a group of incredible women on our Exploring the Epic Yoga Retreat in Norway. Each day brought its own mix of challenge, beauty, laughter, and reflection—from hiking to Trolltunga and stepping onto a glacier, to late-night fjord plunges, boat rides through hidden waterfalls, and quiet moments of yoga and meditation together.

To capture the retreat in a more tangible way, I brought along a Polaroid camera. The real, physical photos gave us a way to freeze these memories in the moment. I’ve scanned them here so each day’s entry is paired with a gallery of Polaroids—offering a glimpse of our journey that feels just as raw, unfiltered, and real as the experiences themselves.

Day 1: Arrival in Hardangerfjord — September 13, 2025

Rita, Kelsie, and I started the day early in Bergen, packing up groceries and supplies before driving to our retreat home on the Hardangerfjord. The grocery store run was hilarious—Norwegians laughed at the number of carts we had piled high with food for the week. The drive itself was stunning, with a ferry crossing and scenery that grew more breathtaking the closer we got to the fjord.

When we finally pulled up the long driveway to the retreat house, Kelsie and Rita couldn’t contain their awe at the beauty of both the home and its surroundings. We unpacked, lit candles, and I started a fire in the open fireplace to make the space warm and welcoming. The house quickly filled with the scent of food, drinks, and anticipation as we prepared for our guests.

While we waited, Kelsie and I took a quick plunge into the cold fjord waters. The shock was intense, but it woke us up completely—we had to jump in a second time, laughing as we came up for air. By the time our guests arrived from their overnight flights, we were ready. Though tired, they lit up with gratitude and excitement as they stepped into the retreat house.

Some even braved the fjord for their own dip before dinner, returning to the dock invigorated. That evening, our private chefs served a meal sourced from local farms—beautifully prepared and presented. The food, paired with the glow of the fire, set the tone for the week ahead.

After dessert, our guests settled into their rooms and fell quickly asleep. The house grew quiet, and the three of us sat by the fire, talking about the beauty of the home, the land, and how perfectly it fit the spirit of this retreat.

Day 2: Settling In — September 14, 2025

Our second day started slowly. We had planned to meet for yoga at 10:00 a.m., but by then everyone was still sleeping in. Eventually, people made their way to the yoga room, groggy but ready to begin.

We circled up for our opening circle and asked two questions: What do you want to discover this week? and What do you want to leave behind? After a short meditation, everyone shared their answers. The themes that came up most often were wanting to step away from daily life, come home to themselves, and discover who they are outside of their routines. It was the perfect way to begin our time together.

We followed with a gentle yoga practice focused on helping everyone fully arrive—body, mind, and soul—after such long travels. When the sun came out through the windows, I cut the practice short and sent everyone outside to enjoy the fresh air and the fjord.

Brunch was a spread of Norwegian favorites—waffles, herring, and more. The afternoon was free time: some people rested, others walked the property, and I went to visit the four goats who live here. Later, Rita led a sensory discovery workshop where people practiced noticing the world through sight, sound, touch, and smell. We ended by sharing ways to use our senses to ground ourselves when life feels overwhelming.

Dinner that evening was another beautiful meal from our chefs. Conversation flowed more easily, and you could feel everyone beginning to relax into the group. It was an early night, since alarms were set for 4:00 a.m. to prepare for our Trolltunga hike the next day.

"Beautiful, serene, humbling, and stimulating—it was everything. The spontaneous sharing around the fire at the fjord was unforgettable. Eikeneset is perfect; I felt as though I were in a PBS special. The vibe was joyful, the North Sea wild and inspiring, and the meals were incredible—even foods I usually dislike were prepared so well. The freshness and variety were perfect. Eikeneset has magical energy—absolutely magnificent. I feel transformed."

— Gail, Exploring the Epic Norway Retreat 2025

Day 3: Trolltunga Hike — September 15, 2025

Alarms went off at 4:00 a.m., and by 4:50 our group was loading into the cars for the drive to Trolltunga. Even in the dark, there was a sense of excitement and nerves in the air.

The hike was long and demanding, but everyone gave it their best. We encouraged one another, shared snacks, and rested when needed. By the time we reached Trolltunga, we were fighting wind, rain, sleet and snow, but the effort was more than worth it. The view of the fjord below was breathtaking, and standing on that famous rock felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

On the way back down, tired but proud, the group leaned on each other for strength. Back at Eikeneset, our chefs had prepared a hearty dinner, which we devoured after the full day outdoors.

We ended the night early, grateful, exhausted, and ready for rest.

Day 4: Boat Tour & Birthday — September 16, 2025

The day began with morning practice, where we reflected on our Trolltunga hike and gave our bodies some much-needed care—stretching tight hips, knees, and especially our feet.

Not long after, a boat pulled up right to our dock. Our driver, Kurt, took us across the fjord and into a hidden arm of water where waterfalls poured down the cliffs. Around every bend, something new appeared—towering pines, sheer rock walls, and the quiet magic of being in a place that felt untouched. The group was in awe the entire time, soaking in every moment.

This day was also my birthday, and it became one of the most meaningful birthdays I’ve ever had. Everyone’s kindness and the way the group celebrated with me made me feel truly seen and supported.

That evening, our chef introduced us to six types of cider, both hard and soft, all made from apples grown in the Hardangerfjord region. Dinner was lamb shanks with potatoes and vegetables, beautifully prepared and shared around the table.

Later, we carried the celebration down to the water. Together we ran into the cold fjord, plunging under and surfacing with laughter and wide eyes. A bonfire on the shore warmed us afterward as we gathered close, talking and connecting under the night sky.

It was a birthday I’ll never forget.

"For this trip, the balance of adventure and relaxation was perfect. I learned to be present in each moment instead of worrying about what was or what’s next. The mansion was divine, offering space to unwind alone or gather with the group. Every day brought new memories, discoveries about myself, and new relationships. 10/10 would recommend!"

— Kelsie, Exploring the Epic Norway Retreat 2025

Day 5: Glacier Trek — September 17, 2025

We started the morning with a breakfast buffet before loading into the cars for a ferry crossing to Jondal. From there, we drove a winding mountain road that ended at the base of the Folgefonna glacier.

Our Danish guide, Rasmus, helped us gear up for the trek. We began the climb up toward the glacier, but after 45 minutes we realized how challenging it would be to reach the top. The group regrouped and decided to head back down and try the lower glacier instead.

There, we strapped on crampons, picked up ice axes, and roped ourselves together for safety. Walking on the ice was tough—every step required focus and teamwork. Even though we didn’t make it far, the experience of stepping onto the glacier was powerful in its own right.

Back at Eikeneset, dinner was waiting. Afterward, we gathered for a restorative meditation and reflection. The day had stirred up emotions—some tears, some humility, and a deep sense of gratitude for the effort everyone gave.

It was an early night, with the quiet of the house holding us all as we rested.

Day 6: Bergen & the North Sea — September 18, 2025

The morning moved slowly as we packed up, carried bags downstairs, and shared our final breakfast at Eikeneset Herregaard. Saying goodbye to our retreat home was bittersweet, but soon we were on the road for a scenic drive toward Bergen.

In Bergen, the group had free time to explore the cobblestone streets, historic wooden buildings, and charming corners of the city. Some rode the funicular up Mt. Fløyen for sweeping views, while others enjoyed sushi made from fish caught fresh in the North Sea.

By evening, we arrived at our seaside resort on the North Sea. Just before bedtime, we received tragic news that touched one of our group members deeply. In response, we gathered together in a healing circle—offering presence, support, and compassion. It was a reminder of how retreats are not just about adventure and beauty, but about holding space for one another through all of life’s moments.

Day 7: Closing Circle — September 19, 2025

We woke to the moody waves of the North Sea right outside our door. After morning practice, we shared brunch and then spent our final retreat hours in the rooftop spa—moving between cold plunges, hot tubs, saunas, massages, and sun lamps. The day was filled with laughter, recovery, and joy.

In the afternoon, we gathered one last time for our closing circle. Rita guided us through a meditation revisiting the week’s most epic moments: our arrival at Eikeneset Herregaard, the first dinner together, standing on Trolltunga, getting close to waterfalls on our private boat tour, running hand-in-hand into the icy fjord at night and surfacing under glowing bioluminescence, gathering around the beach fire, stepping onto the ancient glacier and hearing the ice crack beneath our feet, looking out over Bergen from Mt. Fløyen, and finally resting in the warm waters of the spa with the North Sea stretching out before us.

She then brought us back to our opening reflections—what we had wished to discover and what we wanted to leave behind. With eyes closed, we visualized returning home changed, carrying new parts of ourselves forward and letting old parts fall away.

It was a powerful ending to an unforgettable week.

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Ready for Your Own Adventure?

Our Exploring the Epic Norway Retreat is just one example of the unique experiences we create for those who want to combine yoga, adventure, and meaningful connection. Each retreat is designed to nourish your body, calm your mind, and open your heart—whether you’re climbing mountains, exploring hidden fjords, or simply resting in a cozy, beautiful space.

If you’re ready to step into your own epic journey, join us on an upcoming retreat. Adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories await. Explore our upcoming retreats and discover which experience calls to you.

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