Skip to main content

Norway is inviting remote workers for a free spring retreat – here’s how to apply

Enjoy remote work from one of Opera's Hygge Desks

Hygge Desk
Opera

If you’ve ever dreamed of working remotely from a cozy cabin in the Norwegian wilderness, now’s your chance. Norwegian web browser company Opera is offering ten lucky remote workers a free week-long stay in some of the country’s most breathtaking locations, all in the name of testing out their ‘hygge desks’ in the ultimate environment.

Hygge, a Scandinavian concept of coziness, comfort, and calm, is at the heart of Opera’s initiative. The company has integrated this philosophy into its browser, ensuring users can browse the web with ease and relaxation. Now, they’re taking the experience a step further by creating hygge desks – workspaces designed to eliminate distractions and enhance the joy of everyday browsing, whether through warm lighting, serene surroundings, or stunning views of nature.

Recommended Videos

Opera’s new initiative will send ten remote workers to Norway for free to experience these curated workspaces firsthand. Participants will be placed in one of five stunning locations, each offering a unique setting. The five locations include Ålesund, Lysefjord, Norefjell, The Lofoten Islands, and Bodø.

How to apply

Norway
CristianManieri / Pixabay

For a chance to experience the Opera hygge desk in Norway, interested candidates can apply now by sharing why they deserve to browse the web from one of these cozy, scenic retreats. Applicants can submit their case in either text or images, making their pitch as creative and compelling as they like.

The ten winners will enjoy round-trip flights for two people, on-the-ground transportation in Norway, and a six-night stay in one of Opera’s scenic retreats. The trips will take place between March 18 and April 6, 2025.

The application window is open until February 28, 2025.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
45 million people are traveling for Memorial Day: Here’s how to avoid the traffic
AAA highlights the best times to hit the road during the holiday weekend
Traffic

Get ready for packed roads and long lines, as 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend this year, marking a new record, according to AAA. The travel period runs from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26, and most of those travelers, nearly 39.4 million, are hitting the road. While air travel and other modes of transportation like trains, buses, and cruises are also up this year, driving remains the top choice for Memorial Day travelers.

With gas prices lower than last year’s average ($3.59 per gallon), road trips are more appealing than ever. In fact, 87% of travelers will be driving to their destinations, making traffic jams and congested highways all but guaranteed.

Read more
Norovirus outbreaks are surging on cruise ships in 2025: Here’s how to stay safe
Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are at a record high
Cruise ship into the sunset

Norovirus is making waves on cruise ships in 2025, with a sharp rise in outbreaks reported so far this year. As of early May, 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships have met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) threshold for public notification. Alarmingly, 12 of those outbreaks were caused by norovirus, the highly contagious virus known for its rapid spread and harsh symptoms.

One of the most recent incidents occurred on Holland America Line's Eurodam, where 148 passengers and 22 crew members fell ill between April 12 and May 3. This spike in outbreaks is notable, as previous years saw far fewer incidents: 2024 recorded 18 outbreaks in total, while 2023 saw 14.

Read more
Thailand has changed its entry rules: Here’s what travelers need to know
Make sure you complete these requirements before your trip
Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Thailand has changed its entry rules, and if you're heading there soon, you’ll want to be prepared.

Already a favorite with beach lovers, backpackers, and now thanks to the White Lotus effect, high-end travelers too, Thailand is more popular than ever. But now, the country is rolling out a new requirement that affects all foreign arrivals.

Read more