"TORI is a space we created because we want more women to find their people. To connect with similar minds. To get more creative, to dare yourself even more. A place to find a new community and experience beautiful moments together through the things we love, food, nature, movement."

These are the words of Sweden-based Agnes Maltesdotter and Hildur Karlsson, founders of TORI Retreats. In our article series on female Communities we shed some light on the story of TORI, and take you along their latest retreat where female outdoor explorers gathered in the breathtaking landscapes of Lofoten, Norway.

Hello Agnes & Hildur! What inspired you to start TORI Retreats?
"We both felt a lack of spaces for women to connect over shared interests. We wanted to create a space where like-minded women from all over the world could come together, experience nature, and build lasting friendships. We aimed to create a home for them and for us—focusing on movement, nature, and cooking. It’s all about fostering a sense of community and adventure. We believe that spending time in nature can spark meaningful personal growth and foster deep connections."

Can you tell us about your personal journey with the outdoors?
"Growing up in northern Sweden, nature has always been a part of me. It feels natural to share that passion with others. We share an interest in various activities, and we’re both curious to try new things. For us, it’s not about a specific activity or how to camp—but about being outdoors, moving in some form, and combining that with good food and friends," says Hildur.

"I grew up in Stockholm and spent a lot of time in the archipelago, so the contrasts between city life and tranquility made me realize that nature is where I want to be. We both love the feeling of being completely exhausted, weather-beaten and experience seasons change, to collect adventures that stays with us forever. Without the journey, we wouldn’t cherish what we have," says Agnes.

 

 

TORI Retreats

Claiming the Outdoors

 

This September, TORI participants immersed themselves in the stunning Lofoten mountains, enjoying a range of activities designed to nurture both body and spirit. Lofoten, known for its dramatic weather and striking natural beauty, offers a serene environment as the tourist crowds thin and the lush mountains pains a vibrant backdrop for connection and reflection.

The retreat featured morning yoga and meditation overlooking the ocean from Trevarefabrikken. The women spent the days on invigorating hikes and kayaking in the arctic-blue waters. The aim was to end each day tired, filled with new experience - usually in the sauna or by the fireplace.

 

 

What do you hope women take away from their TORI experience?
"We want them to dare to follow their dreams. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new experiences. Our hope is that they leave our retreats filled with inspiration, new experiences, friends and memories that they will cherish for a long time. To feel that sense of curiosity and excitement to keep following their dreams, trying new things, overcoming fears - that excitement about life. In the end our dream is that TORI will be a space where more women can meet their people, and indulge in food, nature, movement together."

How do you foster a sense of sisterhood and community during these trips?
"We let it develop within the group; it’s incredibly beautiful to see each guest's journey over the days. By the end, it feels like everyone has known each other forever".

What are your thoughts on the future of women in the outdoor adventure space?
"It’s definitely growing. More women are recognizing the importance of community in outdoor activities, and we’re excited to be part of that movement. There’s so much potential for growth and exploration. We hope to inspire women to claim their space in the outdoors."

 

 

"Dometic have been a cherished partner for us for many years, and we feel proud over that Dometic wants to be part of what we’ve created with TORI. You believe in us and our vision. That means a lot. We have enjoyed Dometic products on our private camping trips for several years, and we use them daily."

Agnes Maltesdotter

 

Have you witnessed any memorable moments during your retreats that you can share?
Hildurs says "There was a rainy and long day out in the mountains; we had hiked to one of our favorite beaches in all of Lofoten. We ate our food in the rain, changed in the rain, and continued hiking in the rain—seven hours later, we were all soaking wet back at the house—where our amazing girls, Mica & Ronja (who prepare all the incredible food) had set up the coziest of cozy moments on this rainy trip. They filled the Dometic coolers with lots of tasty drinks outside the sauna by the sea, lit the portable Dometic lamps, and lined them along the stairs down to the sea, managing to embrace this rugged and cold place with so much warmth and love—the girls screamed with joy."

 

 

 

Get to know Agnes & Hildur

THE TORI JOURNEY

 

 

How it all started

Agnes Maltesdotter and Hildur Karlsson founded TORI Retreats with a shared vision for creating a welcoming space for women. In 2021, Hildur received an unexpected message on Instagram from Agnes, inviting her to come north to spend time with her, her boyfriend Jonatan, and their puppy Samir, painting the vision on a female community.

Just three weeks later, Hildur found herself on a train to northern Sweden, contemplating whether it was a wise decision to spend a week with two people she barely knew. Fast forward five days, and she was smitten—not only with the landscape but also with the connection they forged. The best part? They gained a lifelong friend in each other.

TORI Retreats was born from Agnes & Hildur's desire to help more women find their tribe, just as they did. TORI aims to foster connections among like-minded individuals, spark creativity, and encourage self-discovery. "It's this access to nature and shared discovery that emboldened us to share the journey of TORI, from idea to all-female outdoor retreat as it is today," says Agnes and Hildur.

 

TORI RETREATS AT A GLANCE

Founded in: 2021
Founded by: Outdoor explorers Agnes Maltesdotter & Hildur Karlsson
No of Retreats hosted so far: 7
No of women that have shared the TORI experience so far: 100+
No of nationalities that have attended: "Many! We speak English during all of the retreats"
Find out more on TORI: toriretreats.com
Where to next: Sälen Retreat Winter edition, January 2025
Follow TORI Retreats Community:@toriretreats
Follow Agnes adventures: @undanflykter
Follow Hildur's adventures: @hildurkarlsson
Follow Mica's cooking: @guldimun

 

About Agnes Maltesdotter

Agnes is a lifestyle photographer and renowned outdoor creator based in Kiruna, Sweden. With a passion for camping adventures and sailing with her boyfriend, Jonatan, and their dog, she explores Sweden's incredible natural landscapes. Her outdoor playground spans from the vast wilderness of northern Lapland to the island of Gotland and down to the scenic coastlines of Blekinge in the south. Whether she's cross-country skiing, biking, open-sea swimming, or ultra running, Agnes is constantly on the move, embracing every adventure Sweden has to offer.

 

"We hope to inspire women to claim their space in the outdoors. More women are recognizing the importance of community in outdoor activities, and we’re excited to be part of that movement."

Agnes Maltesdotter

 

About Hildur Karlsson

Hildur Karlsson has always been passionate about snow, mountains, and the great outdoors. With Stockholm, in Sweden as her basecamp, Hildur travels the world to seek out adventure and immerse herself in nature, visiting inspiring places like Japan, Patagonia, and Italy. An avid hiker and trail runner, Hildur has explored some of the most scenic routes globally. She’s also the founder of Sol, a liefstyle and outdoor brand.

 

"We believe that spending time in nature can spark meaningful personal growth and foster deep connections. it’s incredibly beautiful to see each guest's journey over the days. By the end, it feels like everyone has known each other forever."

Hildur Karlsson

 

About MICA Eriksson Nyberg

MICA who is cooking all food furing the TORI retreats has always had a love for cooking but after participating in the Swedish Masterchef she decided to go after her dream to cook food for a living. Besides being a part of TORI retretas, she works as a private chef and she runs her own brunch club that she opened from her own apartment and we can’t wait until she opens her very own place somewhere one day.