MARELIUS ARCTIC VILLAGE
In the far north and as far east as you can go in Norway, where the sky meets the sea, lies Varanger, bathed in the midnight sun and the northern lights of winter. Here the wild landscape meanders through bird-nesting cliffs, fishing villages, and rugged headlands – out to the end of the world. Nature offers rivers teeming with fish, snow-clad plains, exotic king crabs, birds breeding in spring, leaping salmon, the shining sea, and dancing northern lights. People and traditions make Varanger an Arctic melting pot of communities and cultures. Varanger is a different experience. Scenery and settlements, the light, the colours, the lofty sky and wide horizon, exciting activities – and the open people.
INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF TOURISM
MARELIUS ARCTIC VILLAGE offers a unique opportunity to invest in the future of tourism, culture, and community development in the northernmost reaches of Europe—Smelror, Vardø Municipality (Map). This ambitious project is deeply rooted in local history and traditions while paving the way for modern, sustainable experiences and activities.
The name MARELIUS draws inspiration from the cherished grandparents of founder Ottar Zahl Jonassen—Marit, an artisan weaver, and Erling Marelius, a fisherman and farmer. They were known for their hospitality, always creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for us in the family and our friends. “Mare” symbolizes also the sea, and “us” together.
Firmly aligned with Vardø Municipality’s Tourism Strategy 2019-2026 (Pdf), the project aims to revitalize the historic fishing village of Smelror into a vibrant, year-round destination for tourism, creativity, and culture. It will offer unparalleled experiences, inviting guests to rediscover nature’s serenity, the magic of the stars, and their inner peace through the “Reconnected – Rediscovery – Retreat.”
WHY THE OLD FISHING VILLAGE SMELROR?
Varanger, with its unparalleled landscapes and rich culture, offers an experience unlike any other. From the endless light of the midnight sun to the dancing magic of the Northern Lights, this Arctic paradise boasts fishing villages, bird cliffs, snow-covered plains, and the Barents Sea.
Through Marelius Arctic Village, this unique region can become a leading international destination for tourism and recreation.
THE NEST - ART(IC) FARM
A creative AIR hub providing residency opportunities for artists, writers, and creators. The Nest – Art(ic) Farm will feature small accommodations, a workshop, a gallery, and an exhibition building, making Smelror a focal point for cultural development.
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AIR – Artist in residence
HOUSES AND VACATION HOMES
Vacation homes built under a buy-leaseback model for sale and rental. Work housing will be available for young people looking to settle and work in tourism and hospitality.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Investors will gain access to a project that integrates sustainability, innovation, and strong local ties. Marelius Arctic Village represents more than an investment in infrastructure and tourism—it’s a chance to contribute to community building in Northern Norway.
MARELIUS ARCTIC RESORT
A modern, sustainable hotel with contemporary architecture and flexible conference spaces, including a library and a small cinema/media room. These facilities will promote knowledge-sharing about Varanger’s history, nature, and culture.
SEASIDE EXPERIENCES
Facilities for ice bathing, a wood-fired sauna, a yoga studio, and a café offering fresh pastries, hot drinks, and souvenirs.
PUBLIC OUTDOOR AREAS
Nature trails, art installations, and sculptures along the coastline (in collaboration with KORO), with viewpoints, weather shelters, and a Northern Lights observatory.
ACTIVITY OFFERINGS
Year-round activities, including fishing, boat tours, diving, dog sledding, electric snowmobiles, bike rentals, and guided tours. These offerings promote local value creation and enhance visitor enjoyment.
VISIONS AND GOALS
Establish a thriving community that blends tradition with innovation.
Combine local culture and nature with modern tourism needs.
Highlight Varanger’s spectacular nature and cultural heritage.
OUR PROPERTIES
TOP OF EUROPE
We offer 90,000 square meters of prime land for resort development in Smelror, a historic fishing village at the top of Europe in Northern part of Norway. Surrounded by bird cliffs, shallow beaches, raw nature and endless adventure opportunities, it’s an ideal site for a world-class, year-round tourism destination.
Guests will experience unforgettable summer and winter adventures, from Hamningberg and East Cape to Nesseby and Tana, with activities like dogsledding, king crab fishing, birdwatching, and whale safaris. Join us in transforming Smelror into a premier Arctic escape.
REASON TO GO
- A coolcation destination
- Arctic nights – Aurora borealis
- Arctic lights – The Midnight sun
- Bird watching
- King crab safaris
- Whalesafari
- Sami culture and experience
- Winter Wonderland with dogsledding
- Virginity – untouched wild nature
- Icebath in the Arctic Ocean with sauna
- Geotourism
- Old culture and history
- Steilneset Witch Memorial
- Hornøya bird cliff
- Cultural heritage area
- Snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing
- Varanger Peninsula National park
- Wildlife
- Varanger National scenic route
- Varangerfjord and the Barents Sea
- East Cape
- Snowmobile
- Sea & fjord activities
- Explore space, place and silence
WHY INVEST HERE
The Varanger region is a high-potential investment in the rapidly growing Arctic tourism market:
1. Strong Growth: Northern Norway’s tourism generated 1.6 billion NOK in 2022-2023, a 10% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
2. High Tourist Spending: Visitors spend up to 2,560 NOK daily on experiences like Northern Lights tours and king crab safaris
3. Unique Attractions: Varanger´s natural beauty and Sami culture make it a top destination for nature-based tourism.
With growing demand and year-round potential, Varanger region offers excellent long-term returns for tourism investors.
SMELROR, PROPERTY A
NORWAY TOMORROW
Tales of Norway’s natural beauty will not sell on their own. But if we make a choice to treat tourism as strategically and ambitiously as other industries, then high-quality tourism can become one answer to the question of Norway’s source of income after oil.
VALUE CREATION (GDP) TOURISM IN NORWAY 2030
Billion NOK contribution from specific initiatives in the report "Norway tomorrow"
Billion NOK underlying market growth
Billion NOK Total increase 2020-2030
Employment (Fulltime equivalents). Contribution from specific initiatives in the report "Norway tomorrow"
THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM
According to the final figures issued by Statistics Norway, total tourist consumption in 2019 was estimated at NOK 194.3 billion. NOK 126.3 billion of this total goes towards the purchase of goods and services that come under what is defined as tourism products. such as transport, accommodation, food and beverage services, presentations, and cultural and entertainment activities. The importance of tourism to Norway is increasing in line with the rest of the Norwegian economy This means that the tourism industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP amounted to 4.2 percent that year
I have started investing in the very North of Europe, more exactly in Tromsø, Norway (Map). Next to a cute holiday house I have acquired land and invest in a modest residential development close to Tromsø’s city center. More to come — the North is the place you want to be in 25 years from now.
VARANGER @ YOUTUBE
MARELIUS ARCTIC RESORT, SMELROR
A modern, sustainable hotel with contemporary architecture and flexible conference spaces, including a library and a small cinema/media room. These facilities will promote knowledge-sharing about Varanger’s history, nature, and culture.
CONTACT US HERE
OTTAR ZAHL JONASSEN
CEO & Founder
Entrepreneur Ottar Zahl Jonassen aims to transform Smelror, a historic fishing village at Norway’s northern edge, into a world-class destination. With resorts, holiday homes, and a marina surrounded by pristine wilderness, it offers unparalleled experiences under the Northern Lights and midnight sun. Bold investors are invited to shape the future of Arctic tourism and unlock the potential of one of northern Norway’s hidden gems.
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Greater Arctic Holding AS II Visit Varanger Arctic Norway AS II Marelius AS
