fjord fiesta
JUNE 22 - 29, 2025
BERGEN and hardangerfjord, NORWAY
Midsummer magic fjord Retreat
Back by popular demand, the Nordic Midsummer retreat returns for 2025, with new highlights and new adventures. Tune in to the experience of the epic Norwegian fjords for a joyous and restorative escape. Rediscover your spark and your “livskraft” (vital life force) through meditation, adventure, and the timeless power of some of the most iconic landscapes in the world.
fjord fiesta
and other midsummer meditations
JUNE 22 - 29, 2024
Experience the magnificence of Norwegian summer in an extraordinary seven-night journey that begins in the heart of the Hardanger fjord and culminates in historic Bergen, gateway to the fjords. This exclusive retreat offers a rare opportunity to explore Norway like a modern Viking, led by native Norwegian Ragnhild G. Isdahl. Your transformation begins at the legendary Hotel Ullensvang, where composer Edvard Grieg once found inspiration amid towering mountains, apple orchards and pristine waters. Here, wrapped in the endless light of the midnight sun, you'll discover ancient wisdom and modern wellness practices in one of Norway's most breathtaking settings. The journey continues to Bergen, the medieval capital of the Viking kings, where centuries-old wooden architecture meets contemporary Nordic culture in a seamless blend of past and present. Limited to an intimate group, this carefully curated experience combines deep inner work with the raw beauty of Norwegian nature, creating an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and renewal.
ITINERARY
This carefully curated journey and intimate group setting offers you an authentic Norwegian immersion and profound restoration on multiple levels, revitalizing you through meditation, yoga, nature and the timeless power of the fjords at the peak of midsummer.
fjord fiesta
fjord fiesta
midsummer magic
midsummer magic
June 22-26 (4 nights)
Part 1: BERGEn TO HARDANGER
The journey begins in a small village south of Bergen, on June 22nd, where our group will gather to travel together through some of Norway's most spectacular scenery to reach the magnificent HARDANGERFJORD. Our destination is the historic Hotel Ullensvang, perched dramatically above Norway's queen of fjords, where we'll arrive as the endless midsummer light bathes the mountains in golden hues.
For three full days, you'll immerse yourself in Nordic wellness traditions and deep restoration. Morning meditation and yoga practice sessions overlook the fjord, and sound healing sessions resonate with the natural rhythm of water and mountains. Between structured sessions, you'll experience traditional Nordic wellness through fjord swimming, mountain hiking, and luxury spa facilities. The hotel's acclaimed kitchen serves fresh, local cuisine, including fruits and the region's celebrated apple cider from Hardanger's famous orchards. (See bottom of page for all details).
TRAVEL DAY
June 26 (1 day)
We will travel together from HARDANGER by private bus and enjoy some sightseeing and lunch in the famous ski resort town of VOSS along the way. We will continue to BERGEN by train and check in to our historic 4 star hotel in the heart of the city in time to enjoy a group dinner.
Part 2: BERGEN
June 26 - 29 (3 nights)
BERGEN, nicknamed gateway to the fjords and one of the first strongholds of Viking royalty, is famous for its surrounding 7 mountains, bustling fish market, and unique mix of architecture including the Hanseatic port and Viking fortress. In the mornings we will continue our program of yoga, meditation and a private retreat room, whilst afternoons will mainly be reserved for sightseeing, excursions and exploring. Each day will end on a high note with a new culinary experience in some of Bergens renowned restaurants. A special ceremony will close the week long retreat.
Departures
The last morning of June 29 you will have the option to stay on in Bergen or leave by train, boat or plane to continue on your journey or return home. There will be an optional activity organized for those leaving later in the day or following day.
June 29 morning
Set against the backdrop of towering peaks and pristine waters, Hotel Ullensvang has been welcoming guests since 1846. Here, in a private cabin on these very grounds, composer Edvard Grieg found inspiration for some of his most celebrated works. Today, that same transformative energy infuses our retreat experience. The hotel's stunning infinity pools seem to merge with the fjord itself, while the wellness facilities offer panoramic views that stretch for miles across the water to snow-capped mountains.
LEARNING/HEALING MODALITIES
Meditation and Yoga Nidra
Sound healing
Sauna and pools
Cold water therapy
Nature hikes
Restorative yoga
Breathing techniques
Human Design readings upon request
PROGRAM
experience the magic of the fjords
The majestic Hardangerfjord has drawn seekers of inspiration and renewal for centuries, its mirror-like waters and towering cliffs creating nature's perfect sanctuary for transformation. Here, where glacial waters meet granite peaks, every swim, every breath, every moment becomes an opportunity for revival. The pristine mountain air and invigorating fjord waters naturally reset your nervous system, while the endless summer light will energize your spirit. It was in this extraordinary setting that Edvard Grieg, Norway's most celebrated composer, created masterpieces like the "Peer Gynt Suite" in his private pavilion on the hotel grounds. You'll leave this fairy tale setting with a profound sense of vitality, calm and wellbeing—the essence of the Norwegian livskraft (life force).
MEDITATION, YOGA NIDRA AND NORDIC highlights WITH Ragnhild G. ISDAHL
With over 22 years of experience in various yoga and meditation forms, Ragnhild became a certified meditation teacher in 2020, learning from Michael Stasko and others. She now conducts online meditations not only to help individuals cope with fear and uncertainty, but to foster curiosity, clarity and self-transformation.
Ragnhild is naturally inclined towards guiding meditations, taking people on inner journeys she has crafted to manage stress and tap into inner wisdom, calmness, and creativity. Intrigued by the inner workings of the mind and our ability to harness its power, she followed the teachings of Gregg Braden, Bruce Lipton, and Joe Dispenza, participating in a transformative retreat with them in New Mexico. Recently, she enhanced her expertise with a Yoga Nidra teacher certification under Rachel Brownbridge and Claudia Menger. In 2023, Ragnhild began guiding people on retreats, blending inner and outer explorations.
Throughout this retreat, she will lead guided meditations, yoga nidras, creativity sessions, and Nordic wellness rituals, orchestrating meetings with healers, teachers, and experts to enrich the expedition experience.
ingrid jaegeR
Ingrid is a restorative yoga teacher from Bergen, Norway and holds a master’s degree in social anthropology. Ingrid has been attracted to Eastern philosophies, yoga and in particular India and the Himalayan region since her teenage years. Ingrid has lived, traveled, studied and worked for more than three years in India and Nepal and completed her master’s degree in the Indian Himalayas. She took her first yoga class in Bergen in 1998 and has not stopped practicing and learning since then.
Ingrid believes that yoga should be accessible for all ages and all physical abilities - so that yoga can be a tool for deeper relaxation and well-being in everyday life. She has studied classical yoga, restorative yoga, yin yoga, children’s yoga, chair/senior yoga and office yoga. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with anyone who wants to find inner peace and strength and to feel better in their bodies. The acrobatic and esthetic facets of yoga are not her priority, and she believes that yoga in its essence is primarily about the inner journey and experience. Ayurvedic wisdom and techniques have also come to inform her practice, and she is inspired to keep on learning and sharing her passion.
HUMAN DESIGN AND SOUND HEALING WITH BIRGITTE BAKKE
Birgitte is a holistic therapist, aerial yoga insructor, sound healer and Human Design teacher. She is passionate about the Human Design system and has used it as a guide for over 16 years. She studied the system for 7 years under Richard Beaumont and has been teaching the basics for 10 years. She is an experienced lecturer, and both a musician and a sound bath facilitator. Sound also comes into the bodywork that she does. She is a skilled therapist specialized in assisting the body to release old patterns and/or trauma through various tools like; osteopathy, reflexology, massage, sound and energy healing. Birgitte lives and teaches in Bergen, Norway.
Human design is the science of differentiation, a synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern science.. By mechanically describing your unique energy blueprint it offers a strategy on how to make better decisions and navigate life with much greater self-awareness and ease.
During the stay in Bergen, Birgitte will perform sound healing and be available for human design consultations.
In this extended retreat, you will:
Experience deep healing and connection through various group healing sessions, using sound and frequency as a vector for accessing higher awareness
Learn about the capacity we have to heal and transform our own bodies with the power of our minds, using many different techniques from grounding and sauna to plunging in the fjords
Experience guided meditation and Yoga Nidra and get personalized tips and techniques for continued practice
Experience the authentic nordic lifestyle through a deep connection to nature, the elements and ancient nordic rituals and food, hiking and swimming
Enjoy the high vibration setting of fun and connecting with an intimate and international group
Rest, relax and rejuvenate!
Highlights
Sound healing
Sightseeing and nature
Authentic nordic cuisine
Meeting local experts
Unique hikes and excursions
Tasting of local delicacies - apple cider and more
Nordic sauna and wellness rituals
Midsummer’s Eve ceremony
ACCOMMODATION
Our exclusive hotel in Bergen was built in the 1800’s and has has hosted many of Norway’s renowned explorers of the past including Roald Amundsen. The GRAND HOTEL TERMINUS is part of the historic hotels of Norway.
This is a very special, highly sought after family-owned boutique property for an authentic and unique experience.
ABOUT YOUR HOST, RAGNHILd
the new viking
Born in Norway but raised across the US, England, France, and Norway, Ragnhild embodies a modern-day Viking with a deep connection to her adventurous ancestry. Her DNA compels her to explore new horizons, mirroring the sagas of her forebearers. Formerly an international luxury brand specialist and product developer, Ragnhild, rooted in her Nordic heritage, is passionately drawn to nature, holistic health, wellness, and the realm of the metaphysical.
In 2001, a transformative trip to India ignited Ragnhild's exploration of yoga and meditation, expanding her understanding of the human body, mind, and soul.
A lifelong interest in the power of creativity and the mind's potential has driven Ragnhild to integrate insights from both the left and right brain, generating fresh ideas. Since an early age and growing up far from her native homeland, she has been intrigued by her Viking heritage, bestowed with an ancestral name meaning "battle advisor."
Originally conceived as a TV concept, "The New Viking" has evolved into a vessel for guiding people on their personal journeys through various courses and retreats - exploring new horizons and facilitating new connections, insights and inspiration.
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GETTING TO/FROM NORWAY
ARRIVAL (TO BERGEN)
Travel and transfers to and from airport (Bergen Flesland BGO) are not included. Retreat begins in Bergen and ends in Bergen. Arrival in Bergen on the 22nd by 1 pm. Taxi transfer to meeting place where the trip will begin. (Details will be specified upon registration).
DEPARTURE (FROM BERGEN)
Departure from BERGEN (BGO) Flesland airport June 22nd, any time (program will morning June 29th, Sunday optional activity if you stay). You can also leave by train to Oslo, it is a scenic route and takes around 7 hours (see VY.NO for details). If you wish to prolong stay contact me to arrange.
AIRLINES:
Many major airlines fly to Norway, we recommend either NORSE ATLANTIC from Miami or New York directly to Oslo, or one of the many airlines that fly to Bergen through other hubs. Contact our expert travel agent HOUSE OF TRAVEL doris@houseoftravel.net for help with air travel, specify that you are with The New Viking.
Contact The New Viking here for more info and advice on travel to and from Norway or tips to continue your journey in Norway.
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WEATHER AND UNWEATHER IN NORWAY
Norway is indeed the land of the Midnight Sun, but you need to be prepared for the possibility of midnight rain… NORWAY AND THE WEST COAST ESPECIALLY are known for their “UNWEATHER” which means unpredictable! Pack accordingly. Temperatures may vary, and even though the sun may be out all night, it can get cool in the evenings. Bring proper footwear, hiking boots if you plan to partake in hiking/ walking, waterproof sneakers, wool sweater, rain jacket. And you might not need it. Casual elegant for evenings, perhaps one or two nicer outfits for Bergen outings. Heels not recommended as cobblestones abound in this medieval town and you will walk a lot. Try to pack in suitcase with wheels that is easy for you to move yourself as we travel. You may need to move your bags from bus to restaurant to train etc. and trolleys are not always available. Viking style!
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what's included
Transfer to Fjord hotel from meeting place near Bergen airport - details will be given when you register.
Accommodation 4-star Ullensvang fjord hotel (4 nights) with breakfast, and 3 dinners. (Arrival day we will have meal on the way and have evening off to rest.)
Luxury accommodation in Bergen (3 nights) - single occupancy in 4 star historically classified boutique hotel. Full breakfast buffet.
Private transfers from fjord hotel to Voss and on to Bergen.
Sightseeing, cider tasting, and excursions.
All breakfasts included.
Dinner every evening including exclusive renowned destination restaurants (except first evening). Some lunches.
All group yoga and sound healing with private instructors.
Meditation and yoga nidra sessions.
All classes and talks.
Pools/ sauna access.
If you wish to share a room at Ullensvang (the fjord hotel) - please contact us if you do not have a roommate. We cannot guarantee room share.
Not included:
Airfare.
Airport transfer to meeting place outside of Bergen and from Bergen to airport at the end. Lunch some days are not included. Drinks are not included.
Private sessions with any of the instructors for yoga, sound, human design or other are not included.
We also recommend that you take TRAVEL INSURANCE for your trip including your airline ticket in case of any unforeseen conditions! Please review the terms and conditions.
Travel to Norway is very easy, but double check if there are any visa requirements for your passport/ nationality! Generally travel to Norway is very easy. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
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Price & registration
Retreat price: : Early bird (registered before March 31st) 5500$ double/ 6300$ single. After that: 5800 $ double occupancy, $6600 single occupancy. Link will be provided once we have your request form and have connected with you.
Once you have registered there is a non-refundable deposit of 1000$ to hold the space, the balance to be paid by April 30th.
Please note:
As we have access to highly sought after boutique properties that are small businesses and family owned, and Norway is at peak tourist season in June, we need to secure our space by confirming the number of participants as soon as possible and are not able to refund once the retreat is booked and paid for. See terms and conditions for details.
