Where normally gigantic cruise ships cross the fjords of Norway to bring travelers closer to the world of humpback whales and the Northern Lights, there has been for some time the "Varg", a small 18 m sailing yacht, with which extraordinary expeditions are possible that are not possible with the large steamers.
The Norrøna Varg Sail Yacht, part of the Norrøna Adventure, was recently named one of Time magazine's "World's Greatest Places of 2026." Terry Ward of Time magazine writes:
"With her obsidian-black hull and sails, the Varg Sail Yacht cuts a striking figure in the wintry fjords of northern Norway. The 62-foot sailing yacht carries just six guests in three cabins, a deliberate contrast to the cruise ships that ply these waters each winter. Varg was built specifically for expeditions above the Arctic Circle and is captained by a three-person crew with extensive experience sailing Greenland and Svalbard. Redundancies for high latitudes include a reinforced bow, strengthened by a steel pole running to the keel for added protection against ice. Inside, pure hygge prevails: a cozy salon with a fireplace and wraparound windows offering views of the passing scenery. After days outdoors, guests can warm up in a wood-fired sauna below deck or a hot tub above. Norrøna Adventure's new year-round itineraries range from orca and humpback whale safaris in winter to..." From the Barents Sea – where the Northern Lights frequently shimmer above us – to skiing and sailing trips in the Lyngen Alps in spring. In summer, you can explore the Lofoten archipelago without the crowds and reach remote anchorages accessible only by sea.”
Terry Ward has captured the uniqueness and special character of the "Varg" of Norrøna in a short, fantastic description.
Northern Norway is known for its dramatic fjords and pristine wilderness – and the sailing yacht Varg offers adventurers the opportunity to reach these remote areas, accessible only by boat – all through a range of exclusive tours, including Northern Lights and whale watching, ski and sail, bike and sail, and the signature Lofoten expeditions.
The Norwegian-built sailing yacht offers up to six guests an intimate, boutique-style experience. It features premium cabins with en-suite bathrooms and unique amenities such as an outdoor whirlpool with 360-degree views of the fjords and a wood-fired sauna below deck – ideally combined with a plunge into the chilly waters of an Arctic fjord. Culinary delights await guests with an "Arctic Fusion" menu featuring fresh ingredients straight from the sea, such as king crab, and foraged wild herbs. Whether grilling on deck or relaxing by the fireplace indoors, the Varg experience blends rugged nature with sophisticated Scandinavian comfort and world-class cuisine.
“The Varg S/Y was conceived as more than just a boat; it is an exclusive gateway to the wilderness,” says Norrøna CEO Jørgen Jørgensen. “We have combined the raw power of the Norwegian landscape with Norrøna’s 96-year heritage in uncompromising quality. We are proud that the Varg is being recognized on a global stage as we continue to take guests to the remote fjords of Northern Norway and provide them with unforgettable adventures for their personal bucket list.”
The Varg is a special travel tip for fans of the far north. However, non-sailors should be aware that such a small sailing vessel can be quite rough on the waves and may induce seasickness; after all, the Varg is not a 140-meter three-masted ship. While its 18 meters are comfortable, they aren't exactly spacious, and with a crew of three and six guests, you'll occasionally find yourself bumping into each other. If that doesn't bother you and you're comfortable with these conditions, you have nothing to worry about and can look forward to expeditions usually reserved for seasoned expedition professionals and reporters from global media.



