Northern Norway in Winter

Hallo! Welcome to Norway. Your adventure above the Arctic Circle begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps visit the Polar Museum or Tromso Museum to learn about the region’s fascinating history, browse the city’s many art galleries or take a boat cruise on the surrounding waters of this island city. No visit to Tromso would be complete without a beer at the city’s oldest pub, Olhallen, part of the Mack Brewery that is even older than the pub. The brewery is still family-owned and frequented by young and old, traveller and local, student and teacher. After your meeting, maybe head out to dinner with other members of your group.

Today is all about the whales! Expect a very early start, around 5:00am, to make the most of the limited winter daylight hours. Travel on the comfortable Arctic Route bus to Skjervøy, then head out from the harbour aboard a RIB boat. As you venture into the protected fjords, where whales follow vast shoals of herring at this time of year, you may see feeding orcas and humpback whales, as well as fin whales, sperm whales, pilot whales and harbour porpoises. The crisp Arctic air, dramatic scenery and soft winter light make the journey through the Skjervøy archipelago an experience in itself. After the excursion, return to the harbour in Skjervøy, where your hotel is conveniently located nearby.

Spend the morning exploring Skjervoy at your own pace. Perhaps you’d like to visit the Aurora Salmon Centre to learn more about the local aquaculture industry and the salmon’s journey from roe grains to the dinner table. Then, hop back aboard the ArcticRoute bus bound for Lyngen Alps – you’ll get a feel for the overwhelming power of nature this far north as you pass fjords, mountains and heaps of snow. When you arrive, enjoy a free afternoon – maybe a sauna session is in order, or you could go out searching for the Northern Lights.

Today, you’ll take to the snow for an invigorating dogsledding excursion in the Arctic landscape. Glide along the snow on a guided husky safari – pulled by about six dogs – getting a feel for the unique winter transport traditionally developed by Northern Indigenous people. You’ll even get the chance to mush – drive – your own husky sled. Later, gather for a Sami cultural experience in Skibotn in a traditional lavvo. Hear fascinating stories from a local about Sami history and traditions while sitting around a cosy fire and sipping hot drinks. Then, bundle up and head outside to meet the friendly reindeer and grab a photo with the Arctic’s most iconic animal. Warm back up with a lunch of the Sami national dish – bidos (slow-cooked reindeer meat, potatoes and carrots). After, return to the hotel for a free evening. Maybe head out on a walk with your leader to try to glimpse the Northern Lights.

Spend a free morning soaking up the last of your time in Lyngen Alps. Maybe strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out into the winter wonderland around the hotel before taking the bus back to Tromso. Along the drive, take in your last glimpses of northern Norway’ s epic nature. Your trip comes to an end this evening at 6 pm when you arrive in Tromso Central. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.