Organizing a team building retreat is the perfect way to get to know your colleagues better, celebrate successes, and create memories that go beyond the coffee machine chatter at the office (yawn!). But how do you make sure it doesn’t end up feeling like a mandatory chore, but rather a weekend people will be talking about for months—and where real bonds are formed?
Below, you’ll find the perfect plan—including the ultimate team building activity: Strong Viking.
Table of Contents
1. Choose a Location with Space and Privacy
Cramming a group of colleagues into a tiny space for a few days is not a great idea. That’s why, when planning a team building retreat, it’s smart to book accommodations that offer both a sense of togetherness and some peace and quiet. Think of a large farmhouse, group villa, or luxury cabin in the woods where everyone has their own room—but you can also cook, hang out, brainstorm, and play games together. Bonus points for a campfire spot, a gym (to train for Strong Viking!), or a swimming pool!
💡 Tip: Keep the travel time from the office under 2 hours—so everyone arrives fresh on Friday evening. And if someone unexpectedly needs to head home early, it won’t be a big deal.
2. Food Brings People Together
Did you know that for the ancient Vikings, food was deeply intertwined with their environment, culture, and social life? We totally get it! Nothing brings people together faster than good food. Organize a group cooking contest on Friday evening or invite a local chef for a cozy dinner experience. Saturday morning? A hearty Viking breakfast is definitely not overkill, especially with the activity you’re planning to do after – trust us.
💡 Extra fun: Start Saturday with a breakfast buffet where everyone brings something from home. From Dutch stamppot to Turkish börek – it’s a great way to get to know each other differently.
3. Choose a Team Building Activity That Really Connects
Forget the usual escape room or bowling. If you’re truly looking for a team retreat activity that builds trust, collaboration, and perseverance, then Strong Viking is the ultimate choice for an active team outing that fits perfectly within your Employee Vitality program.
Strong Viking is not just an obstacle run – it’s an experience. Struggling through mud together, helping each other over walls, and pushing boundaries: it turns colleagues into a real team. The best part? Everyone can join, as there are different distances and difficulty levels.
Fully catered day
You can also book a hospitality area where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and a nice drink before and after the event. Are you with more than 10 people? Then you get a discount on your tickets! Want to know more about Strong Viking as a team retreat activity? Check out the groups and corporate page!
💪 Why Strong Viking is the perfect activity for your team retreat:
You work together on both physical and mental challenges.
You get to know colleagues outside the work context—in sweat, laughter, struggle, and especially in the mud.
It’s an achievement you share together. And that connects!
4. Relax (and Celebrate!)
After you’ve washed the mud out of your clothes, the adrenaline rush has settled, and the muscle soreness is starting to kick in, it’s time to unwind. Plan a laid-back evening with comfort food, drinks, and maybe a campfire with a pub quiz. Leave room to reflect on the day: share successes, look at photos, and most of all, laugh a lot.
💡 Make sure you have no mandatory program on Sunday morning – a brunch and a slow check-out is exactly what everyone needs.
5. Make It Personal
A team retreat truly becomes valuable when it reflects your company culture. Don’t plan activities that no one is excited about. Make sure everyone looks forward to the organized team building retreat, keep it low-pressure, and avoid it feeling like an obligation. Get a head start by training for the obstacle run to already spark team spirit and ensure everyone feels confident during the Strong Viking run. Plus, this gives colleagues who might be unsure about their physical ability the chance to prepare at their own pace leading up to the event.
Summary: How to Organize the Perfect Team Retreat
✔ Choose a location that offers both comfort and a sense of togetherness
✔ Eat together and connect through local or personal dishes
✔ Challenge yourself and your team with Strong Viking
✔ Make room for relaxation and fun
✔ Make the weekend personal and meaningful
🎯 Pro tip: Want to plan a Strong Viking run as the highlight of your team building retreat? Check out the events here and choose the edition that suits your team!