Three communities collaborate on Arctic Digital Nomads Scholarship project to attract remote workers

Three communities—Geiranger in Norway, Thingeyri in Iceland, and Vágur in the Faroe Islands—are collaborating on the Arctic Digital Nomads Scholarship project. This initiative invites people who can work remotely to live rent-free in these villages for one to three months over the New Year. The aim is to revitalize local societies by attracting individuals engaged in non-traditional professions beyond fishing and aquaculture, hoping that they may fall in love with the area and settle permanently.

Katrin Blomvik Bakken, director of the Geirangerfjord World Heritage Foundation, expressed excitement about the project, noting the stark contrast between the bustling summer months and the quiet winter period after the last cruise ship leaves. She described winter in the region as uniquely exotic.

The scholarship offers not only free accommodation but also complimentary office space for the participants. Gunnar Ólafsson, a bank manager in Thingeyri, highlighted the project’s focus on community enrichment, reflecting a broader trend as many rural areas face population decline due to centralization. He emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for newcomers, stating, “What we know is crucial for people to remain is that they feel included in the local community.”

Magnus Pauli Vest from Vágur noted the island’s remoteness as a unique draw for digital nomads considering permanent relocation. As Europe increasingly seeks to attract remote workers, these three villages are hoping to create an inviting environment that inspires people to consider a life immersed in nature during the quiet winter months.