By Shane Cullen Stephen Aherne
Looking for coolcation inspiration in Norway from Luxury Lodges in Western Norway, short breaks in Bergen or an epic adventure in Scandinavia or Iceland, find out how to chill in Northern Europe.
Fjord Norway Introduces The Bolder Wave
Fjord Norway, the official tourist board of Western Norway, shares coolcation inspiration with nature-based, adventure holidays in the stunningly spectacular Norway. The team behind The Bolder, one of Norway鈥檚 most visionary design-led lodge brands, today unveils a new and distinct addition to its portfolio: The Bolder Wave 鈥 a one-of-a-kind residence perched on the edge of the North Sea, just 10 minutes from Stavanger Airport and an hour from The Bolder lodges in Lysefjord.
The Bolder Vision
Among 170 hectares of untouched land with unspoiled views, The Bolder Lodges hovers high above the Lysefjord, one of Norway鈥檚 most spectacular fjords. A place where people from all over the world want to experience and engage in it鈥檚 picturesque beauty. These mountains are filled with magical pine trees and boulders placed by the glacier when the ice age came to an end. This nature plot deserved something daring and unique. The Bolder gives travellers an opportunity to explore Ryfylke鈥檚 nature along Lysefjord, where landmarks such as Kjerag, Fantahola, Fantapytten, Fl酶rli, and iconic Preikestolen beckon you to appreciate the diverse beauty of this region.
The Bolder Wave
Expanding the Bolder鈥檚 reputation for bold architectural storytelling and landscape-integrated retreats, the Bolder Wave provides the ideal escape for those seeking time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Designed by acclaimed architects Jarmund / Vigsn忙s, the 285 m虏 residence features hand-crafted elements, including a Hamran concrete kitchen, Dinesen oak floors, soaring ceilings, and panoramic views of the sea.
Positioned on nearly five acres of land, with geothermal heating, the villa has access to one of Norway鈥檚 best surfing beaches, Hellest酶stranded. Huge large glass doors invite the coastal light indoors, opening directly onto protected dunes and views of expansive North Sea. A historic guesthouse, repurposed as an annex, adds additional accommodation 鈥 the residence can host up to 8 guests in total.
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just a coastal villa 鈥 it鈥檚 a bold fusion of Nordic architecture, raw nature, and quiet luxury,鈥 says Elin Engelsvoll, General Manager of The Bolder. 鈥淓very decision reflects our belief that today鈥檚 traveller is looking for something grounded, sustainable, and emotionally resonant.鈥
As climate-conscious travellers turn to 鈥渃ool-cationing鈥 and low-impact escapes, the opening comes at a time of rising demand for Nordic retreats. Norway recorded a record-breaking 38.6 million overnight stays last year, including more than 12 million by international travellers 鈥 many seeking wellness, nature-based experiences, and off-grid luxury.
Further North, Norway Offers the Beautiful City of Bergen
Direct Flights from Dublin to Bergen
The Irish can fly direct from Dublin with Wideroe to the 鈥淗eart of the Fjords鈥, the Norwegian city of Bergen. Bergen, the second largest city in Norway situated on the west coast. Bergen is known as the 鈥淗eart of the Fjords鈥 and looks straight out of a picture book. Brightly coloured houses line cobblestoned streets leading up the steep slopes of the countryside. It is a lively city with plenty to offer visitors from galleries, museums, concerts and quaint shops.
The seaside town is home to the 鈥淔ish Market鈥, in existence for shy of 750 years. It sells local seafood, fruit and vegetables as well as crafts and many spoke highly of it. I opted to ride the Fl酶ibanen funicular which is a train that travels up to the summit of Fl酶yen (less than a kilometre from where the ship docks). The journey takes about 5 minutes to travel up the 320m above sea level and tickets cost c.鈧15 return (you can opt to walk back down if you鈥檙e so inclined). The panoramic views of the city and the Nordic coastline are spectacular and the air is crisp and clear. There is also a cable car that stretches up to the highest of the seven surrounding mountains, Ulriken which is almost 650 metres above sea level.
Keeping it Cool 鈥 The Coolcation
For more on Northern European adventures, check out experts in coolcations, ASM-Ireland, who represent:
Wider酶e, the Scandinavian airline offering a direct service from Dublin to Bergin
Your Scandinavian Partner (YSP) 鈥 a Scandinavian tour operator working with incoming travel to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
Obeo Travel 鈥 who specialises in Iceland (and Namibia) handling everything from transfers and tours to accommodation
ASM Ireland shares that Scandinavia offers jaw-dropping landscapes and unparalleled beauty. From Norway鈥檚 majestic fjords to Sweden鈥檚 lush forests, Denmark鈥檚 cozy charm to Finland鈥檚 vibrant culture 鈥 there鈥檚 a little something for everyone in Scandinavia.
Travelling to Iceland in summer means travellers benefit from longer and warmer days to enjoy the abundance of activities, including sailing out to the icebergs, visiting ice caves, or hiking in the Westfjords.
All tour information can be found in the YSP and Obeo Travel folders in the ASM-Ireland Agent Hub at https://www.asm-ireland.ie/agent-hub
And should agents want to upskill their Scandinavian knowledge, the team at ASM-Ireland will arrange it.
For More on Bergin
Find out more about Bergin from ITTN鈥檚 Shane Cullen when he sailed with Ponant to the city.