Mathia at the Arctic Circle: "But the Sienese Hills Are Always in My Heart"
The story of Mathia Pacenti, who lives in Norway with his girlfriend. He has specialized in itineraries off the traditional tourist routes.
From the Province of Siena to the Arctic Circle: Mathia Pacenti, Traveler Reporter Between Two Worlds.
Seven years ago, Mathia Pacenti, then 36, left Siena to move to Melbu, a small village in Norway, where he now lives with his partner, Cecilie. Among fjords, northern lights, and mountains, he has found a new home—without ever losing his connection to his homeland. After years in the hospitality industry, he became a Travel Designer for “Ethical Travel Portal” and a Traveler Reporter, specializing in itineraries that steer clear of traditional tourist circuits. His journeys are not just excursions but carefully crafted experiences that respect both the environment and local communities. His goal is clear: to showcase an authentic Norway, far from mass tourism, where nature reigns supreme and cultural traditions are proudly preserved. Yet, Siena remains ever-present in his heart.
In 2023, he took part in the “Resonate” project, promoted by “Ethical Travel Portal,” a platform that collects travel stories dedicated to unique places and their cultural identity. With the support of images from Studio Fotografico Gabriele Forti, Mathia narrated the beauty of the Sienese lands, sharing the magic of a landscape that continues to inspire and move people beyond Italy’s borders.
"The Sienese hills are always in my heart," he confides, convinced that beauty is a legacy to be protected wherever it is. In his blog, “WanderNorway,” Mathia compares the landscapes of Siena and Norway—on one side, the soft rolling hills and the meditative rhythm of time; on the other, the towering mountains and the raw power of the elements. A stark contrast, yet bound by a common thread: respect for the landscape. Even thousands of kilometers away from Siena, his message remains the same. Beauty is not just to be admired but to be safeguarded. And travel, when experienced with awareness, becomes an act of respect.