Norway’s ‘kos’ is a state of mind that sums up slow, intentional travel

Taking the time to be fully present in the moment, soaking up the culture and natural beauty of a destination – this is kos

The Scandis have done it again. First, we learned about ‘hygge’ from the Danes: a word that describes the feeling of a warm or cosy atmosphere, and the essence of enjoying the simple things in life with good people. Now, there’s a similar Nordic mindset making its way into the English lexicon, and it perfectly encapsulates the essence of mindful travel: ‘kos’. This uniquely Norwegian concept is about embracing peace and happiness, being in the moment, and fully appreciating the surroundings you find yourself in.

Torunn Tronsvang, founder of Luxury Travel Gold List Award finalist Up Norway, a travel curator specialising in sustainable luxury experiences, explains kos as “a state of mind; a feeling that can be felt alone or with others. It is peace. It is being grateful and appreciating what you have around you.”

More than just a fleeting trend, kos is a way of being, and slow, intentional travel is the ideal way to cultivate it. Whether it’s enjoying the warmth of a fire on a cold night, or simply taking in the tranquillity of a remote forest, kos is about consciously appreciating what you have, right now, exactly where you are.

Like hygge, kos embodies a sense of cosiness and contentment, and its essence can be found in everyday moments: sitting by an open fire with a glass of wine, curling up under a blanket with a good book, or pausing to enjoy a meal in the company of friends and family. “Kos is the art of consciously appreciating what is happening,” says Tronsvang. “It’s about those simple yet profound moments, like sitting under a rug with a good book away from social media, or savouring dinner with your family overlooking a fjord.”

Kos meets slow travel

So how do you tap into a kos mindset while you travel? By embracing slow travel – taking the time to truly experience a place, rather than rushing through it. “Slow travel is all about being aware of not wanting to be anywhere else than where you are right now, and not wanting to be with anyone else than who you are with right now, even if it is just you on your own,” explains Tronsvang. “To acknowledge that feeling, one has to go slow.”

Slow travel means fewer travel days and longer stays, allowing for deeper connections with the people, culture and nature of a destination. Travelling in this mindful way gives you the chance to clear away life’s clutter and refocus on what truly matters. Achieving this ‘new normal’ can be transformative.

Up Norway’s slow travel journeys are crafted with this in mind, offering authentic experiences across the country that embody the essence of kos. They can be completely bespoke, and are designed to encourage travellers to stay in one place for an extended period, allowing them to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of Norway.

“Kos is often associated with winter – being cold, then warming up in any cosy way possible – preferably in a cabin,” Tronsvang adds. From polar night bonfires and cold plunges followed by local beer in a floating sauna, to grilling reindeer meat over an open fire while listening to indigenous Sami stories, these experiences are designed to help travellers find their own moments of kos.

“Kos is all about being present and appreciating the beauty of life as it happens,” says Tronsvang. “It’s a mindset that travellers can take with them, long after they return home.”

Explore Up Norway’s slow journeys at upnorway.com