Media Partnerships with 50 Degrees North
50 Degrees North is a fully licensed boutique tour operator specialising in travel to regions above the 50th parallel north, including Scandinavia, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, the Arctic and the Baltics. Renowned for deep local expertise, innovative itineraries and highly personalised service, the company offers travellers a rare blend of authenticity, sustainability and seamless operations.
Founded in 2010, 50 Degrees North has grown to include offices in Øyer, Melbourne, Minneapolis, and Vancouver. In recognition of the company’s contribution to promoting Norway as a travel destination, Co-founder Tietse Stelma was appointed Norway’s Consul-General in Melbourne in 2018.
With a vision to be the leading name in innovative, responsible, and immersive travel across the Nordic region, 50 Degrees North continues to craft journeys that connect travellers with the soul of the North — through nature, culture, and community.
Contact us
Main email: marketing@fiftydegreesnorth.com
Story Ideas
NORDIC REGION - OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
For writers seeking rich, narrative-driven stories that spotlight local voices, seasonal rhythms, and soulful Nordic escapes.
Into the Wild: Brown Bears of Eastern Finland
Deep in the taiga forests of Kuhmo, spend a night in a secluded wildlife hide and witness brown bears in their natural habitat. This intimate experience blends conservation, quiet observation, and the thrill of the wild — ideal for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Greenland, Unplugged: A Slow Travel Escape in Nuuk
Nuuk is emerging as the Arctic’s quiet capital — think Reykjavik with more ice and fewer crowds. Explore its cultural renaissance, hike untouched landscapes, and embrace the rhythm of Greenlandic life in a 5-day escape that’s wild, relaxed, and deeply local.
A Nordic Tale Told by Locals: Norway by Rail
Embark on a 7-day premium rail journey through Norway’s hidden villages and dramatic landscapes. Ride historic trains, cycle up Trollstigen on e-bikes, and meet the locals who bring these stories to life. It’s “slow luxury” with a sustainability focus.
Reindeer Yoga & Arctic Reset: Wellness in Finnish Lapland
Join a women’s wellness retreat in Finland where yoga meets reindeer, ice baths meet sisterhood, and mindfulness meets the Arctic wild. This 7-day journey is soulful, seasonal, and perfect for wellness and lifestyle publications.
Culinary Midnight Sun: Farm to Fjord in Northern Norway
From Senja to Lofoten, follow a culinary trail beneath the midnight sun. Meet local producers, dine fjord-side, and experience the long, glowing days of summer through food, nature, and storytelling.
The Faroe Islands: Nordic Solitude in the Atlantic
Remote, rugged, and poetic — the Faroe Islands offer windswept cliffs, turf-roofed villages, and a culture shaped by isolation. Hike to hidden waterfalls, taste Faroese delicacies, and discover a place where nature writes the narrative.
50 Degrees North History
The story of 50 Degrees North began in 2010, when co-founders Tietse Stelma and Jayde Kincaid left their roles at Peregrine Adventures and The Outdoor Education Group to pursue a shared vision: Creating authentic, locally grounded travel experiences in the Nordic region. The company was born in the front room of their home in Clifton Hill, Melbourne, which served as the official business address for the first 18 months.
In March 2012, the business moved into its first dedicated office space at Jeffcott Street in West Melbourne, with a small team of two employees alongside Jayde and Tietse. From these modest beginnings, 50 Degrees North steadily expanded, growing its Melbourne team and refining its unique approach to travel.
A major milestone came in January 2015, with the opening of a second office in Øyer, a small town near Lillehammer, Norway. Led by Satu Vänskä-Westgarth as Managing Director (now Director of Product), the Norwegian office deepened the company’s local expertise and operational reach.
Today, 50 Degrees North is a financially stable, mid-sized company employing 60+ staff across offices in Øyer (our company headquarters in Norway), Melbourne (Australia), Minneapolis (USA) and Vancouver (Canada). The company continues to grow while staying true to its founding values: Authenticity, sustainability, and a deep connection to the regions above the 50th parallel north.
Press Trip Guidelines
When considering requests for press trips, we kindly ask travel writers to provide the following information:
- Publication History: A list of specific publications that have frequently and recently published your work.
- Writing Samples: Links to recent and relevant articles that reflect your style and focus, ideally related to travel or Nordic destinations.
- Coverage Commitment: Details on what you can guarantee in return for receiving a complimentary tour — including confirmed commissions, expected reach, and platforms (print, online, social media).
- Story Angles: A brief overview of the topics or story angles you’re considering in relation to a destination or tour.
For first-time collaborations, we typically require at least 1–2 confirmed commissions in nationally or globally high-profile publications, with a strong likelihood of additional coverage. Preference is given to stories that will appear in both print and online, supported by social media coverage during and after the trip.
If you anticipate confirming commissions prior to travel or have a strong working relationship with a high-profile publication, we encourage you to reach out. We’re happy to begin planning together — subject to destination, availability, and expected costs.
In the Media
Discover a curated collection of example press articles featuring travel experiences with 50 Degrees North here.
50 Degrees North News / Inspiration Page
Discover travel stories and insights from our Nordic destination specialists on our news page.
Social Media handles
https://www.facebook.com/50degreesnorth
https://www.instagram.com/50degreesnorth/
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Media Enquiries
marketing@fiftydegreesnorth.com