FAQ
Before visiting
The Arctic Hideaway is a place to dive into your processes. We invite anyone who wants to understand their nature while immersed in our nature. You’ll have your own sleeping cabin but you decide what type of rest you need here. We wanted to create the worlds most beautiful working space, but it seems that we also created a place to reset your ideals.
See a stay with us as a gift to yourself – luxury is the simplicity of a day with yourself, relaxation when options are fewer and time isn’t about minutes or hours.
We have built five sleeping houses and can comfortably sleep groups of up to 8 people. If children are coming then we can fit 10-12. Our sleeping houses have beds, two singles have working space and all have wifi.
- Two houses have double beds
- Three houses have single beds
- An additional house has three separate beds
Let us answer with a question: Are you prepared to come without expectations? Of what you will experience, of how you will react to deep immersion in nature. If you come to compose and leave without writing a single note but still understand how valuable you time has been, then yes. It is up to you how you spend your time here, which is a rare and precious gift in our culture of busy-ness. Come prepared to do nothing and see how it feels in your body and your subconscious. We welcome you into space, time for yourself and pleasure in simplicity.
Pack wool. Even in the summer. Pack for wind and pack for rain. And pack a pair of shorts for the sauna. Then you have packed perfectly.
The beds will be ready for you when you arrive, we have towels for you, we have wood for the sauna.
Breakfast is between 09:00 and 10:00. Simple, fresh, good food to start your day. Bread baked daily by your host and a mix of continental, cooked and Scandinavian options.
During the day you eat as your body tells you. The kitchen is stocked with local cheese, meats, fruit and more so you can come in and help yourself to lunch when it suits you.
Here the evening meal is not just about food; it’s about conversation so we encourage a shared meal, prepared by one of your fellow guests, or you. The focus is fresh, local meat or seafood sourced from our rich, blue storehouse of an ocean. You’ll be amazed how simple your cravings are when you enjoy fewer choices.
Alcohol is at your discretion – bring what you want to drink. Maybe one more from your locality to share with new acquaintances.
Yes, you can bring your dog. We have only one sleeping house dedicated to this purpose, and need to ask for a cleaning fee. Ensure also that your beloved animal can be left alone while you eat, as we have to say no to dogs in the kitchen house. Bring your leash. During the summer months we have ground nesting birds so your dog will have to stay on the leash at all times.
Public ferries run from the port in Bodø just 20 min walk from the airport. There are an average of 2 daily departures to and from the island which vary depending on the day of the week/season. We will assist you with choosing right boats, or even chartering a private boat should you wish.
Please be aware that we can experience heavy weather all year round but especially in January, February & March when the ferries might not run. We recommend travel insurance should you experience this and find yourself unable to leave the island the catch your flight. This is also why we advise minimum four night stays – if you arrive one day later than planned you still have time to be.
During the visit
We have built eleven houses; five houses are for sleeping (duvets & pillows), one is a bath house ( toilets & shower ) one is meant for cooking & eating ( kitchen table, gas & induction), one is a chill-out zone/open studio house ( cozy chairs, stereo & NU1 piano ), one is a sauna and changing room (wood stove), another is meant for outdoor cooking ( gas & fire place), and finally, the last one is the iconic Tower House, a hang out zone with a day bed.
Your sleeping cabin will have either a single or double bed, complete with bedding/towels, space to store your belongings, a small entrance area for shoes etc. and in some of the cabins there is a working space/desk.
All sleeping cabins, the kitchen and studio house have wifi.
Here on the island there are no shops, and no cars. Here there is no stress, and no dangerous animals.
Please bring any alcohol you want to consume while on the island as we don’t provide any and there are no shops on Fleinvær. If you’re bringing some, why not bring one extra from your home region to share with your fellow islanders.
Northern lights begin as early as late August and run through to March, early April. At this point light takes over and from late May to August we experience midnight sun. Come at that time to experience light, sun and the sheer variety of weather patterns we experience on an Arctic island as the sun rules all.
During the winter period of November to March we can experience frequent storms. This is wind that will make you feel alive, we promise!
No matter the season you chose to visit Fleinvær, it’s wise to bring wool jumpers, raincoat and sturdy footwear. If they stay in your suitcase for the duration then nothing has been lost. But you’ll be glad to have them if a storm passes through.
About us
We sell you a key to unlock the experience of deep immersion in nature through our unique concept. So when we quote you the cost for a stay that is inclusive of all food, sauna use and facilities. This allows you to arrive, leave credit cards packed and let logistics disappear from your mind, making space for your subconscious to emerge.
Our price structure rewards stays of one week or more but we can provide costs for shorter stays. Please contact us on booking@thearctichideaway.com to discuss cost and availability.
Our host will meet you at the dock upon your arrival to Fleinvær.
This wonderful person makes sure that everything is running as smoothly as possible from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. They are here to give guidance on the facilities, and to guide you as to how to live in and around our village for the duration of your time on the island.
The host also acts as a liaison between you and the local people and environment. Please find time to chat with them and enrich your stay through the information and discussions you will have. However, they are not chefs or kitchen staff, be prepared to contribute to cooking the communal evening meal and cleaning up after yourself. The host will prepare breakfast for all guests each morning but for the rest of the day you feed yourself.
We bought the first estate in the arctic archipelago of in 2004, then we dug with spoons and forks the first years before we met Yashar & Andreas from TYIN architects in 2013 ,who immediately introduced us to their need for prof. and mentor Sami Rintala from RintalaEggertson architecture. This was totally perfect for us. Suddenly we had the two most published architect offices in Norway on our team. After ideas were thrown forth and back for some time, we began in August 2014 with a workshop for architecture students. After eight workshops with students from all over the world, and two years of building processes led by multi-skilled architects and designers Andrew Devine & Ruben Stranger, and actually no carpenters, we now have ten small houses in our little village. Let’s see if it stops there…
No! We welcome all and everyone who is looking for space to breathe. We love to see a mix of artists, creatives, engineers, business owners, teachers, nurses, tightrope walkers, horse whisperers and more around our table each with their unique perspective. Come for a holiday if you need a holiday that could transform your life.