Isbreen the Glacier – experience Arctic luxury at the edge of the world

By Celina Tran

In Jøkelfjord, North of Norway, Isbreen the Glacier gives visitors an exclusive front-seat view of nature’s most dramatic performances: the blue and green sways of aurora borealis, silent snowfall, sunlit fjords, and the ethereal Arctic light.

Tucked beneath Øksfjordjøkelen, Isbreen the Glacier is a quiet retreat where luxury meets the very best of Norway’s majestic nature. “Isbreen was born from a desire to create a sanctuary that reflects the raw power and beauty of the Arctic while providing a luxurious and meaningful guest experience. Our sanctuary sits beneath Øksfjordjøkelen, mainland Europe’s only glacier that flows directly into the sea,” says owner Christine Cecilie Gaffney. “Here, nature moves at its own pace: mountains rise steeply from the fjord, seabirds wheel overhead, and Arctic light slips across the landscape in long, shifting hours.”

Isbreen the Glacier – experience Arctic luxury at the edge of the world

Arctic floating. Photo: Katie Farr Photography

Guests stay in luxurious geodesic domes, each outfitted with heated interiors, ensuite bathrooms, and private outdoor hot tubs. No matter what nature has to offer, expansive skylights invite the wilderness without sacrificing the comforts or luxuries of modern living. Every stay is bespoke, and guests are afforded the sort of personalised service that is hard to come across.

“We also tailor every stay – no two experiences are alike. From our extraordinary private chef and exclusive tours to curated excursions and cultural connections, everything is personalised,” Gaffney says.

Husky farm visit. Photo: Katie Farr Photography

To make meals that aim to create a deep connection to the region, the menus are refined and seasonal, utilising local ingredients such as wild-caught fish, reindeer, and arctic herbs. “We are deeply rooted in the region, hiring locally and collaborating closely with indigenous Sami communities and nearby suppliers. By sourcing nearly everything from food ingredients to artisanal goods within the region, we support local economies and celebrate the culture and traditions of Northern Norway,” explains Gaffney.

Øksfjordjøkelen. Photo; Katie Farr Photography

The resort’s commitment to the local area and its nature also extends to the activities available. The staff at Isbreen encourage guests to explore everything from glacier hikes and snowshoeing across untracked terrain, to sledding with huskies or locally led Sami cultural exchanges.

However, if you prefer to just kick back and enjoy the nature on site, you might find yourself drawn to the wood-fired forest sauna or the infinity sky room, a simple, open-air space with a canopied four-poster bed, completely exposed to the sky. “No sounds. No walls. Just you, the horizon, and whatever the sky decides to bring,” says Gaffney.