Local wilderness guide, geologist and founder of Up in the Arctic. Sharing the landscapes, wildlife and stories of Northern Norway through small, private experiences.
My Story
My name is Karianne and I am the founder and guide behind Up in the Arctic. I live in the beautiful Målselv valley in Northern Norway, where I guide visitors through the land I know as my home. I live on a small farm with my family, dog, and cat.
My background is in geology, but my interest has always extended beyond rocks and landscapes. I’m fascinated by how nature, wildlife, history and local culture are connected, and I enjoy sharing that knowledge with guests in a way that is easy to understand and relevant to the places we visit.
I founded Up in the Arctic because I wanted to offer a different kind of nature experience. Rather than large groups and fixed itineraries, I focus on small, private tours where there is time to slow down, ask questions and experience the Arctic wilderness at its own pace.
Whether we’re searching for wild moose, hiking to waterfalls or exploring Øvre Dividal National Park, my goal is always the same: to help guests understand the landscape they are standing in and leave with a deeper appreciation of Arctic nature.
My Background
- MSc in Quaternary Geology from UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
- Local resident of Målselv
- Grew up in Northern Norway
- Years of guiding
- Experience with Arctic wildlife and hunting
- Languages: Norwegian and English
What you can learn from me
- Arctic wildlife behavior
- Moose ecology
- Geological history
- Local history
- Traditional hunting culture
- Reading tracks in snow and mud
- Arctic plants and ecosystems
- How people have lived in pact with Arctic nature for generations
Why I Started Up in the Arctic
I moved back to Northern Norway with my family in 2022. By then I had been working in the travel business for a few years already, but I realized I wanted to start my own guiding business. I established Up in the Arctic with the aim to give sustainable Arctic adventures to people who appreciate the Arctic nature and culture, and to be a truly unique supplement to the many adventure companies out there.
Growing up in nature and experiencing the close connection between the people, the wildlife, and the seasonal changes of the Arctic, I wanted to find a way to share these stories and experiences. Up in the Arctic has become just that. My way of showing MY Arctic. As a local, as a geologist, as a guide.
My Guiding Philosophy
When you join one of my tours, you’re not simply booking an activity, you’re stepping into my world.
As a local guide, I enjoy sharing the places that have shaped my life and the stories that have shaped my understanding of Northern Norway. At the same time, I’m just as curious about my guests, their lives and their cultures as they are about mine. Some of the best conversations happen while walking through a forest or sharing a meal around the fire.
I choose to work with small, private groups because it allows every experience to be personal. Without fixed scripts or tight schedules, we have the freedom to slow down, stop when something catches our attention, and let conversations develop naturally. Every individual is different, and every tour should reflect that.
Respect is at the heart of everything I do. We are always visitors in nature, and wildlife always comes first. If approaching an animal would disturb it, we stop. My goal is never to get as close as possible, but to observe with care and leave the landscape exactly as we found it. Or even a little better.
As a geologist and wilderness guide, I want my guests to see more than beautiful scenery. Every landscape tells a story. The rocks beneath our feet, the plants along the trail, the wildlife we encounter and the traditions of the people who live here are all connected. Understanding those connections gives us a deeper appreciation of the Arctic as both a wilderness and a home.
I don’t measure a successful tour by the number of animals we see or the distance we hike. For me, success is when guests leave with a better understanding of the Arctic. Not only as a beautiful landscape, but as a living wilderness and a place that people call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you the guide on every tour?
Yes, I am the only guide and will personally be guiding all tours booked with Up in the Arctic.
How long have you been guiding?
I have been a wilderness and wildlife guide since 2020.
Why do you only offer private tours?
I believe private tours give the best conditions to experience the Arctic wilderness and wildlife at it’s own pace.
What is your favorite season?
I love the Arctic spring, when the wildlife and the landscape suddenly comes back to life.
Why are wildlife sightings never guaranteed?
I believe that we always should behave as visitors in the wild animals’ habitats, and do what we can to not disturb the animals. Especially in their most vulnerable periods. That’s why we do not chase after wildlife for sightings.
What inspired you to start Up in the Arctic?
I want to provide exceptional Arctic adventures with a sustainability focus. I love to share my personal experiences from the daily life in the Arctic region.