Norway: Northern Lights Explorer

NORWAY:  NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPLORER

6-Day Independent Tour

Available Between: December 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025

 

Discover the charm of Northern Norway! Tromsø is the vibrant capital of the North, and this is where you will start your tour. A local guide will take you on a Northern Lights chase, and with some luck you will see the Aurora Borealis dance overhead in the night sky. You will continue your journey into a wilderness camp in the Lyngen Alps. Follow the footsteps of famous polar explorers, as you discover the arctic landscapes with a dog sled team and snowmobile. You will end your tour on the gorgeous island of Sommarøy, where crystal clear turquoise waters await.

ITINERARY INCLUDES

• 2 nights accommodation in hotel in Tromsø with private shower/WC, breakfast included
• 1 night accommodation in wilderness camp, with return transfers, breakfast included
• 1 night accommodation at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel or Malangen Resort, with return transfers, breakfast included
• Northern lights chase by bus (up to 6 hours)
• Husky safari
• Snowmobile safari

ITINERARY – 6 DAYS

DAY 1     ARRIVE TROMSØ
Arrival in Tromsø per independent arrangements (recommend Flybussen Airport Shuttle or Tromsø Taxi). Balance of day on own to explore Tromsø. Sights of interest include the Polar Museum, Northern Light Planetarium and Tromsø Museum. The arctic city of Tromsø is the world’s most northern university town and the largest city in the Nordic countries north of the Arctic Circle. The city lies between the sharp craggy peaks of the Lyngen Alps, and combines wild scenery with urban life. Due to the city’s location right in the middle of the planet’s Northern Light’s belt, Tromsø offers the world’s best chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Overnight at 4-star hotel in Tromsø.

DAY 2     AURORA SAFARI                                                                          [B]
Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the day at leisure. This evening, you will head on a spectacular Northern Lights Chase. A bus will take you on a hunt for the magical aurora borealis. During the evening your guide will provide interesting scientific information about the Northern lights,as well as folklore about the event. Return to hotel for overnight.

DAY 3     WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE                                                   [B]
After breakfast at the hotel you can spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon you head off into the wilderness. This evening it’s time for some snowmobile fun (it is possible to switch this for a reindeer safari or northern light hunt on request). With two persons per snowmobile, you will have the chance to change drivers during the excursion through the dramatic landscape, hopefully seeing some Northern lights on the way. Your accommodation tonight will be at the Aurora Chalet, a private accommodation with shared facilities. This evening will offer a true taste of Northern Norway. Overnight at Wilderness Camp Tamok.

DAY 4     HUSKY SAFARI – SOMMARØY                                              [B]
Your breakfast will be prepared at the wilderness camp in Lyngen. After breakfast, the day will be filled with huskies and nature (it is possible to switch this for a snowmobile or reindeer safari on request). During the husky excursion you will musher your own team of dogs through the snow-covered mountains. After the excursion you will head back to Tromsø during the afternoon. From there a shuttle bus will transport you to Sommarøy or Malangen, accommodations in the middle of nature. Overnight at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel or Malangen Resort.

DAY 5     SOMMARØY                                                                                   [B]
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy this magnificent island off the beaten track. We recommend a RIB boat tour to explore the beautiful turquoise water. If you are lucky you might see some wildlife such as sea eagles. In the evening you have the option to join a Northern lights excursion. All activities on this day are at your own expense.

DAY 6     SOMMARØY – DEPART                                                            [B]
Breakfast at the hotel and departure from Sommarøy to Tromsø airport.

NORTHERN LIGHTS: The Northern Lights are visible in the northern sky from September through April when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many natural wonders, it is an ephemeral spectacle – the Northern Lights may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone (it is not a TV show that you can just turn on and off). But it is worth the patience which is much required. Because they are a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside while looking for them. It is best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else makes you comfortable while you await this truly outstanding event. For the best photos we recommend using a tripod.