KOSHER ARCTIC EXPEDITION IN NORTHERN NORWAY

Together with David Bier, SeilNorge is offering a special tailor-made trip for adventurous Shomer Shabbat people of all ages who want to explore the beauty of Norway in an unconventional way

A Rare Winter Wonderland

Every winter, massive shoals of herring gather along the North Norwegian coast — and with them come the giants of the sea. Orca whales follow the feast, creating an extraordinary, wild spectacle in the fjords. We invite you to join us in the middle of it all, on an unforgettable kosher sailing adventure, surrounded by whales, silence, and snow — in the company of fellow Orthodox Jewish travelers.

This journey takes place during the magical Arctic light season. While some call this the dark time of year, it’s when the most beautiful light appears – endless golden hours and glowing snow-covered peaks by day, and northern lights dancing across the sky at night. With no light pollution on the boat, we’ll experience the wonders of G-d’s creations and a deep sense of spiritual connection.

Sailing experience is welcome but certainly not required — you’ll learn everything you need to know on board. This is more than a trip; it’s a hands-on journey through Norway’s wildest season — physically adventurous, spiritually uplifting, and entirely kosher.

Tromsø

Tromsø, known as the gateway to the Arctic, is a stunning city and region in Northern Norway, surrounded by dramatic fjords, snow-covered mountains, and the deep blue sea. Located above the Arctic Circle, it’s one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights and observe orca whales in the wild. The area is rich in culture and Arctic history, with warm, welcoming locals who live closely with nature. Its raw beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect setting for a truly unique sailing adventure.

Activity Overview

Orca/whales

Every November, Northern Norway becomes one of the best places in the world to see orcas in the wild. These incredible marine mammals are actually the largest members of the dolphin family. Intelligent, social, and powerful, orcas travel in pods and communicate with each other through complex sounds. With years of experience, our skippers know where these big animals are most likely to be encountered. Sailing through these waters lets you observe orcas up close in their natural habitat—a magical and humbling experience you’ll never forget.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural light display that occurs when solar particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating glowing waves of green, pink, and purple across the sky. Northern Norway is one of the best places in the world to see them—especially in November, then the nights are long and dark, and the skies are often clear. Watching the northern lights dance above the snow-covered fjords and open sea is a truly magical experience and one of nature’s greatest shows. With solar activity at its highest point in many decades, seeing the northern lights on our trip
is almost guaranteed.

Cold plunge / Arctic swim (if you dare!)

Swimming in the icy waters of Northern Norway in November is an unforgettable experience. The cold shocks your body awake, clears your mind, and fills you with energy. Surrounded by snowy mountains and crisp Arctic air, it’s a moment of pure clarity and connection with nature—refreshing, intense, and deeply alive.

Why sailing?

The region’s fjords, islands and sea make it an incredible place to explore by boat. Sailing is more than just travel—it is a feeling of freedom. Gliding through the water with the wind in your sails, you become part of the rhythm of nature. It’s peaceful, yet full of adventure, offering moments of teamwork, quiet reflection, and connection to the sea. Whether you are steering the boat or simply watching the horizon, sailing awakens a sense of calm and wonder that stays with you long after the journey ends.

What are we busy with on board?

Each guest is part of the crew, regardless of sailing experience. You do not need to be able to sail to participate, but you will learn a lot about sailing along the way. Our skilled skipper will take care of the sail training and navigation on board, including local knowledge of the area and life in the sea. We  take turns learning how to stand at the helm, hoist sails, read navigational charts, and help dock in small harbors or anchorages. You get the opportunity to participate in all tasks on board – cook, navigate, take a morning swim, gut fish, serve anchor dram, tie knots – the complete sailing experience! The
hands-on atmosphere brings people together and adds a sense of teamwork and rhythm to the journey. On board, the atmosphere is cozy, inclusive, and down-to-earth. The November days are short, so we often gather around warm meals, sip hot drinks, and share stories. There’s a natural balance  between activity and stillness, sometimes just enjoying the scenery drifting by or reading a good book. After dinner, we try to catch the northern lights dancing across the sky.