About
We didn't invent this experience. We grew up in it.
Raymond and Eirik on their boat
The Background
Where we come from, dinner has always started at sea.
Up here, north of the Arctic Circle, fishing for dinner has long been part of everyday life. We grew up heading out when the weather allowed and bringing fresh fish home to share around the table.
We are Raymond and Eirik, the two people behind GoNative. We created it to share the Bjarkøy we know and love: the sea, the food, the island's stories and the places we keep coming back to.
Stay in our house and Sea Lodge, join us out on the water and let us introduce you to life on the island.
- Raymond
- Raymond spent much of his childhood on Bjarkøy. For nearly 30 years, he has worked as a coach and performance development specialist, helping people build confidence and reach their potential. He is curious about people and their stories, loves bringing people together and has a way of making everyone feel welcome and at ease.
- Eirik
- Eirik knows the sea and the waters around Bjarkøy, how the weather changes and the stories the island holds. From everyday life by the sea to the story of the Viking chieftain Tore Hund, Eirik makes Bjarkøy's history part of your stay.
Why we do this
The best things here were never for sale.
You can't buy the feeling of a cod taking your line, the quiet in the sauna when it starts to snow, or the taste of a fish you caught yourself, eaten by candlelight with people you care about.
We can't sell those moments either. All we can do is make room for them and invite you in.
Get in touch to plan your stay, and we'll take care of the details.
What we stand for
Four words we live by.
Raw
We can't control the weather or the sea, so we don't try to. The days follow them, and that's half the fun.
Slow
There's no packed itinerary. We stay close to home, on one fjord with one boat, and take the time to enjoy it.
Local
Our boats, our neighbours and the waters we grew up on. It's simply life on the coast of Northern Norway.
Shared
We fish together, cook together and eat together. Guests often leave as friends.
How we host
We keep it small.
A stay like this only works on a small scale, and we want to keep it that way. We host a few groups each season, one at a time, so you never share the house with strangers. When you write to us, one of us writes back.
Tell us a bit about yourselves and what brings you north. We'll be honest about whether we're the right fit, and if we are, we'll plan the days around your group.
Midnight in June, taken from our doorstep
Your Arctic story starts here
Your island stay begins with a conversation.
Tell us a little about your group and what you dream of experiencing. We'll help shape a private stay around you.