In the Arctic wilderness of Norway, Marieke Anna, a Symbiotic Visioneer & Co-creature with the Northern Lights, has created a unique retreat where people can experience a profound immersion in the raw outdoors. Her northern lights dome offers a front-row seat to the aurora while providing shelter from extreme weather – a perfect balance between exposure and comfort.
Q: Your organisation called Natureconomy is deeply connected to a harmonious relationship with nature. Can you tell me more about its core idea?
Marieke Anna: What I do here with Natureconomy is a bit complex to explain, but I’ll try! I live in the north of Norway, right under the Northern Lights, and my work revolves around them. I try to see them as much as possible, as currently, they are visible almost every night here. But with that comes extreme weather – temperatures can drop to -15°C (5°F), and being on the coast means strong winds and storms. That’s why I need a place to shelter from the elements, and my northern lights dome is perfect for that. It allows me to warm up, stay comfortable, host retreats and even take photos or videos without my hands freezing.
Q: So your dome is not just a personal oasis but also part of your work. You mentioned hosting retreats - what are they about?
Marieke Anna: Yes, I use the dome for myself, but I also welcome groups here for retreats and ceremonies, often under the Northern Lights. My goal is to help people reconnect with nature in a way that we’ve lost – especially in big cities. Many people no longer live with nature; instead, they impose their will on it. In milder climates, it’s easy to forget how powerful nature is, and we tend to take it for granted. I want to change that mindset and show people how to collaborate with nature rather than just use it.
Q: So it’s not just about experiencing nature but also about a deeper personal transformation?
Marieke Anna: Exactly. Through reconnecting with nature, people reconnect with themselves. That’s why I do what I do – helping others rediscover that lost bond. I believe everything in nature is alive, has its own presence and voice – animals, mountains, trees, and even the Northern Lights. Rebuilding that connection is at the heart of what I do, and that’s what my book, titled Natureconomy, is all about – filled with the messages I received from the aurora; their vision on us and our world.
Q: That’s fascinating! How do you incorporate the dome into your retreats?
Marieke Anna: My clear Hypedome S is an important part of my retreats, but not for sleeping – it’s more of a wellness dome, a space where we can gather, reflect, and escape the harsh elements while still feeling immersed in nature. I work with small groups (2-6 people), and depending on the weather, we hold one-on-one conversations, healing sessions, or small ceremonies either outdoors or inside the dome.
One of my favorite things is using the dome while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Since it’s transparent, we can sit inside with a small heater, watch the sky, and see when the aurora starts to become visible. It’s a perfect shelter – cozy but still open to the beauty of the Arctic night. The moment the lights appear, we step outside to fully experience them. It makes the whole journey much more comfortable and enjoyable, especially in the extreme cold.
Q: It sounds like the dome really allows for a deeper connection with nature. Have you had any memorable wildlife encounters while using it?
Marieke Anna: Absolutely! Sometimes we have reindeer walking right through the yard, along with hares, otters and foxes. What’s amazing is that when you’re inside the garden pod, the animals don’t really notice you. Since it’s transparent, they don’t feel ambushed or threatened, so they move naturally and even come closer. It’s a perfect spot to quietly observe wildlife without disturbing them.
Q: How is your northern lights dome set up inside? Do you keep it minimal, or is it fully furnished?
Marieke Anna: I’ve kept it quite open and spacious on purpose. The floor is covered with a beautiful Hypedome coconut mat, which feels natural and grounding. I’ve added plenty of pillows and reindeer skins, creating a cozy, comfortable space. This setup works especially well when I guide shamanic journeys, which are a form of deep meditation. In those moments, having an open space without too much furniture makes it easier for people to relax fully.
Q: You set up your Hypedome in late fall. Do you plan to keep it up year-round, or is it mainly for winter use?
Marieke Anna: I’m not entirely sure yet. The winter is still here, so I haven’t decided if I’ll take it down or keep it up all year. But what’s great is that the dome is easy to set up and take down. I know you recommend assembling it with at least two people, but I actually did it by myself. I also know that I can disassemble it on my own if needed. So I have the flexibility to decide based on the seasons.
Q: Living in a coastal area means dealing with extreme weather. Have you had any issues with the dome during storms?
Marieke Anna: No issues at all! The storms here can be really severe, so I check all the screws about once a month and tighten them if needed. But the dome itself is rock solid with the heavy-duty anchoring I have – it doesn’t move at all, even in extreme winds reaching force 11 on the Beaufort scale! It’s already withstood six storms of that intensity, and each time, it held firm without a hint of movement.
The only part that moves a little is the flexible membrane door, especially when the wind hits from a certain direction. But so far, it’s holding up really well, and I’m happy with how sturdy it is. Even the zippers handle the weather with no issues!
Q: And how about heavy snow?
Marieke Anna: Right now, there’s about 5 to 10 cm of snow on it, and it’s completely stable. Sometimes, I even get up to 20 cm of snow in one night, which is quite a lot of weight, but the dome holds up perfectly. Nothing happens to the structure – it stays strong no matter the conditions.
Q: Your dome looks so inviting in that snow. How do you keep it warm in such low temperatures?
Marieke Anna: Right now, I use a fan heater to heat the dome because it distributes heat effectively. When I used the dome as a sleeping space in another location, I relied on electric radiators, which were enough to keep it warm – but I also slept in proper winter sleeping bags and with extra layers. It’s not like the temperature inside a house, of course, but considering the outside can drop to -15°C, the fan heater does a great job of keeping the cold at bay.
Q: What made you decide to get a Hypedome?
Marieke Anna: I’ve wanted a dome for years – long before I even knew about your company. When I lived in the Netherlands, I dreamed of building a geodesic dome as a home, but it was difficult to find a suitable option, so we ended up building a wooden house instead. But I never let go of the idea.
When I moved here, surrounded by such breathtaking nature, I knew I didn’t want to be enclosed in a space that blocked the view. Finding your company was a perfect match. From my first conversations with your team, everything was professional, friendly, and well-organized. Even the packaging and instructions were incredibly well thought out – right down to the small details, like the rope and chalk to mark a perfect circle for setup. You really considered how people would build the dome, and I appreciate that. It’s been a great experience from start to finish.
Q: Thank you! Are you happy with your decision to choose Hypedome?
Marieke Anna: Absolutely! If I had to choose again, I’d do it without hesitation. My dome is exactly what I needed – I love being able to connect with nature while staying sheltered inside.
Marieke Anna’s northern lights dome is more than just a shelter – it’s a gathering place for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. Whether hosting group retreats or watching the Northern Lights in comfort, the dome enhances each experience.
Curious how others are using their Hypedomes? Discover more inspiring Hypedome Stories on our blog!