Press release -
A Landmark Investment: An Ambitious Hotel to Redefine Arctic Hospitality on the Coast of Helgeland
Norway’s outermost luxury boutique hotel, Ytri, will open in spring 2026 on Træna. One of the most remote island communities along the Helgeland coast. What began as a vision for a unique hotel has evolved into a landmark project that will be part of transforming Træna’s tourism, infrastructure, and development.
Ytri comes from an Old Norse word that means "outermost," which fits because it's located at the edge of the horizon, on the Arctic Circle. The ambitious project was first initiated in 2016 through a community-lead development program run by local resident Moa Björnson. Over time, it evolved into a more formal investment initiative, leading to the creation of Træna 365 AS. By 2021, investors joined the venture, and in 2024, Mikael Forselius took on the role of working chairman of the hotel’s board.
The hotel will feature 38 rooms, including six luxury suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed views of the ocean and surrounding mountainous landscape.
– We are not just building a boutique hotel; we are creating an experience. Ytri will be a combination of nature, gastronomy, and high-end hospitality while working closely with the local community, says Forselius.
Sustainable Growth: A Community-Centered Vision
Ytri is a commitment to sustainable tourism that integrates Træna’s culture, history, and landscape into the hospitality experience. From the ground up, it has been developed in close collaboration with the local community to ensure that it strengthens, rather than strains, the island’s economy and social fabric.
– Ytri is being developed in harmony with Træna’s existing way of life, not at its expense. By supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening the island’s economy, Ytri will help Træna thrive while safeguarding the unique identity that makes it so special, says Moa Björnson, CEO of Træna 365 AS.
Sustainability remains at the heart of Ytri’s philosophy. Locally sourced materials, energy-efficient architecture, and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact define the project. A minimum stay policy of three days during peak seasons will encourage deeper engagement with the island, ensuring tourism benefits both visitors and residents alike. The hotel will operate with a strong focus on reuse, durability, and seasonal scaling, adjusting its operations to align with seasonal demand and optimize energy use to maintain a balanced ecological footprint.
Redefining Hospitality at Træna
The hotel will offer more than just accommodations. Featuring a high-end restaurant focused on locally sourced seafood and Arctic ingredients, being located right above one of the region’s best crab spots. The wellness center will include two saunas, a relaxation lounge, and outdoor hot tub along the shoreline, as well as a unique Northern Lights lounge, offering guests a relaxing connection to nature.
Træna’s remote location is a key part of its charm and uniqueness. Alongside the hotel, a new dock and port will offer boat and seaplane access, improving connectivity while preserving the island’s peaceful atmosphere.
Elevating Helgeland’s Global Appeal
Ytri is set to make Helgeland an exclusive and popular destination for international travellers, especially from the U.S. and Central Europe. The development aligns with broader regional growth initiatives, including the opening of the new airport in Mo i Rana in 2027, which will improve accessibility to the region.
– This will not only elevate Helgeland's global profile but also amplify our appeal to travellers who are seeking authentic, sustainable, and one-of-a-kind experiences in nature. By strengthening our visibility, we aim to position Helgeland as a must-visit destination for those who appreciate both the beauty of unique landscapes and the commitment to sustainability in one of the world's most unique locations, says Tina Østrem, Marketing Manager at Visit Helgeland.
For further information on the project, please contact
Mikael Forselius mikael@laho.no +47 93201004
Moa Björnson moa@traena365.no +47 47478016
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