Digital nomads—remote workers who leverage technology to live and work from anywhere—are mostly associated with warmer climates and countries with a low cost of living.

The Nordic region, with its cold, dark winters and notoriously expensive prices, rarely features on the hit-list of traveling online entrepreneurs. But all that could be about to change thanks to an initiative known as the Arctic Digital Nomads Grant.

Coworking spaces and communities in the Norwegian fjord village of Geiranger, the settlement of Vágur in the south of the Faroe Islands, and Iceland’s rugged westfjords region have banded together with support from the Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NORA) to launch the program.

Successful applicants will receive free accommodation and office space for between one and three months between January and April in 2025, together with opportunities to embrace everything that’s great about Arctic culture—from local traditions to outdoor experiences.

Open To Curious Digital Nomads

Although the offer to live and work in a remote community for free is a temporary one, the hope is that some who visit may choose to relocate for longer, possibly permanently.

That means digital nomads just looking to score free travel are unlikely to be awarded the grant. The application process states “we welcome people from diverse backgrounds who can bring a variety of talents to benefit the local communities. Applicants are expected to offer their skills and ideas to the organizations or societies they come into contact with.”

The shared workspaces are designed for successful applicants to interact with long-term tenants and other individuals that use the office space, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Grant applications are available in three regions: one in Norway, one in the Faroe Islands, and one in Iceland. All three offer a remote environment with a wonderful opportunity to embrace the Nordic winter.

Geiranger, Norway

This idyllic village in the heart of the Norwegian fjords bustles with life in the summer thanks to visiting cruise ships and road-trippers.

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site listed for both cultural and natural value, Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord make up arguably Norway’s most archetypical fjord location.

Yet in the winter, Geiranger has a very different feel. Snow blankets the dramatic cliffs, some mountain passes are closed, and ferry services are limited. With few tourists, the village and fjord slow to a gentle pace, and locals prepare for the harsh but beautiful season ahead.

Fjord Cowork offers coworking and workation experiences in the villages of Geiranger, Eidsdal, and Norddal. Winter hiking, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and learning about life in the Norwegian fjords are just some of the activities on offer outside of work.

Vágur, Faroe Islands

This charming village located on the southern island of Suðuroy in the Faroe Islands is known for its scenic landscapes and close-knit community. Home to just over 1,000 people, Vágur offers a relaxing stay away from the relative bustle of the 15,000-resident capital Torshavn.

Faroes Coworking Adventure will be the base for successful applicants. The coworking office in a bright wooden building in the heart of the town welcomes long-term tenants and those visiting the Faroe Islands who wish to work during their stay.

Westfjords, Iceland

The Westfjords of Iceland also offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure for keen entrepreneurs. This remote region, marked by dramatic fjords, steep mountains, and isolated fishing villages, feels worlds away from Reykjavik or the busy landmark attractions of the Golden Circle.

It’s home to Iceland’s iconic Dynjandi waterfall and Rauðasandur, a rare red-sand beach. Wildlife thrives here, especially at Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff, where puffins, razorbills, and other seabirds nest.

With relatively sparse visitor numbers, the Westfjords provide an unfiltered Icelandic experience, inviting travelers to explore untouched landscapes.

Applicants who are successful will join the Blue Bank, a center of innovation in the tiny settlement of Þingeyri, home to just a few hundred people. The coworking area on the upper floor offers sensational views of the fjord.

Applications for the 2025 winter season are open now until December 1, 2024, and are managed by each of the three participating regions.

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