Mariehuset, Helligvær, Nordland
Mariehuset is a restored farmhouse on Helligvær, a small island just outside Bodø. The sea is ten minutes' walk. No cars, no noise. The island has a way of slowing people down.
In summer the sun barely sets and the water turns pink at midnight. In winter the northern lights are visible from the house. Come for a few days. Stay longer if you can.
Your hosts
Host & Olympic medalist
Kjetil rowed for Norway for fifteen years: silver at Tokyo 2020, bronze at Rio 2016, World Champion twice. When he finished racing he came to Helligvær and restored the farmhouse himself. He knows every current and fishing spot around the island. Whatever you catch, he'll cook it.
Movement coach, Pilates instructor & PT
Alice rowed for the French national team before retraining as a movement coach, Pilates fusion instructor and personal trainer. She leads retreats at Mariehuset: unhurried programmes built around movement, breathwork, good food and the outdoors.
What to do
The fishing here is genuinely good: cod, halibut, coalfish in some of the richest waters in Norway. Kjetil takes guests out himself, whatever your level. Everything you need is on board. What you catch comes home for dinner.
The water is cold, clear, and unlike anything in the south. Kjetil runs CMAS 1-star and 2-star certification courses from the island. Weekend courses include theory, pool sessions and an open water dive. Spearfishing on Sunday.
Paddle out through the archipelago at your own pace. White-tailed eagles nest on the surrounding islands, and whales pass through in season. Usually two to three hours on the water. Kayaks are included in the stay.
The house
Three rooms, six guests. A shared kitchen, dining room and living space where everyone tends to end up. Old wooden floors, high ceilings, views of the sea from most windows. Kjetil did much of the restoration himself.
Featured
Arrive Friday evening. Two full days on and in the water, taught by Kjetil — two-time Olympic medalist and certified freediving instructor. Leave Sunday with a CMAS 1-star certification and a dive you won't forget.
Pricing
Getting here
Bodø is served by daily flights from Oslo. From Bodø harbour, Helligvær is 45 minutes by express ferry. No car needed. Bodø is also the gateway to the Lofoten Islands, worth combining into a longer trip.
View on mapReservations
Breakfast is included. So are the kayaks, the bikes, and whatever the day brings. Send us your dates and we'll take it from there.