Home | Marla Goes North

Velkommen til Marla Goes North.

In the middle of a pandemic and period of upheaval in the U.S., in March 2021 I made the decision to leave full-time stateside life.

Since then, I’ve worked high in the mountains, hit lows I never saw coming, and embraced everything in between. In the process, I rediscovered the joy of slowing down, the power of community, and a new way of seeing both the world and myself.

These days, you’ll find me on the western coast of Norway in a small village called Skånevik, tucked between Bergen and Stavanger—honing the art of work-life integration, hiking in the mountains, and enjoying the occasional kaffe og skolebolle at the local bakery while I wait for an answer on my application for residency.

Thank you for stopping by.

— Marla

Allemannsretten: Norway's Right to Roam

A year ago, I stood frozen on a trail above Skånevik, convinced I was about to trespass. Despite all my time in Norway—even after countless hikes and a full year in the mountains—the idea of walking across someone’s land without asking still felt unthinkable. But that moment led me somewhere unexpected: toward a deeper understanding of allemannsretten, Norway’s “right to roam,” and the quiet, radical freedom of friluftsliv.

May 26 min read

A Season of Return: Lilacs, Longships & Looking Ahead

Hello from Skånevik —where the magnolia is fading fast, and the lilacs are coming in hot. I’m back after spending the first part of April...

Apr 227 min read

Field Note: Moritz Moses Rabinowitz

My first 'field note'—a series of snapshots capturing the people, places, and stories I encounter across Norway—honors the legacy of Moritz Rabinowitz. A visionary businessman, a dedicated community leader, and a fearless voice against the rise of fascism.

Apr 224 min read

Greetings from Bergen | Hilsen fra Bergen

I first visited Bergen in 2019, and since then, it’s become a place I always look forward to returning to.

Mar 45 min read

My First Mixtape: A New Rhythm

Stepping away from social media, I’m sharing snapshots of life and inspiration in a slower, more intentional way. A fresh start, a looser format—here’s what I’ve been reading, hearing, and thinking about this past month.

Feb 66 min read

God Jul from Bergen: A Holiday Season in Norway

Spending my third Christmas in Norway, I’m embracing the simplicity and magic of the season in Bergen.

Dec 25, 20243 min read

Balkans Wrap-Up: Reflections and Norway Restart

My four-month journey through the Balkans was a time of exploration, learning, and growth.

Dec 19, 20232 min read

Leaving Norway Behind: My Balkan Adventure Begins

After a year in Norway, my journey takes me from the U.S. to the Balkans, where I explored new cultures and adjusted to life on the road.

Dec 16, 20223 min read

Three Days in Norway's Capital City

From historic sights like the Vigeland Sculpture Park to modern cultural experiences at the MUNCH Museum, here’s a glimpse into my trip to Oslo.

May 3, 20227 min read

1861: Peter Goes West

My great-great-grandfather left Norway in 1861 to start a new life in America. From joining the Union during the Civil War to settling in Wisconsin, here's his story.

Apr 13, 20224 min read

Velkommen til Fjells: A New Chapter

My residence permit for Norway is approved! I'll be spending the next six months working in the mountains.

Apr 8, 20222 min read

The Waiting Game: Navigating Homesickness and Uncertainty

With an answer on my work permit application yet to come and a growing sense of homesickness as the world opens back up, I find myself dreaming of my cabin back home in Wisconsin.

Mar 31, 20223 min read

Lihkku Beivviin! February 6 is Sámi National Day

Sámi National Day is a communal day for celebrating the culture and heritage of the Sámi, the indigenous people of the high north regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

Feb 6, 20227 min read

The Third Time's The Charm in The City Between the Seven Mountains

My third visit to Bergen offered me the space to explore the city at my own pace.

Jan 19, 20227 min read

2021 Comes to a Close: Embracing Change and Uncertainty in Norway

As 2021 ends, I reflect on a year of significant transitions, from leaving my U.S. life behind to volunteering at a mountain lodge in Hallingdal.

Jan 1, 20222 min read

Stavanger: Beyond Oil – Street Art, Sea, and History

Explore Stavanger, Norway's oil capital, where I dive into the city’s vibrant street art, reflect on its maritime history, and learn about a community’s deep connection to the sea.

Nov 20, 20212 min read