Tromsø and the Northern Lights

Tromsø has always been the place for world explorers

to depart for polar expeditions. But we must thank

Joanna Lumley who made it famous as the place

to be for the Northern Lights.

Tromsø is northern Norway's largest city with long traditions as a departure point for polar expeditions; it was from here that the explorer Roald Amundsen departed on a number of his Arctic expeditions.

Set on an island well within the Arctic Circle, the city has perpetual daylight throughout spring and summer, and is a popular destination during the winter months (Sep - Apr) to view the ethereal Northern Lights.

The city has a bustling city centre, full of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and people gathering around the clock. Storgata is Tromsø's main street and the main hub of Tromsø's centre. From a point of view of architecture much of the old wooden architecture is perfectly preserved and contrasts beautifully with the Ishavskatedralen (Ice Sea Cathedral) - an imposing modern construction in glass and concrete.

Attractions include: Polaria, an arctic themed experience centre with the fascinating Ivo Caprino panoramic film 'Svalbard - Arctic Wilderness' and an aquarium with bearded seals; the Polar Museum, Mack Brewery - the world's nothernmost brewery and the Arctic Alpine Botanical Gardens.

Day 1 - Arrive Tromsø, Capital of the Arctic

Fly from London Heathrow Airport (alternative departure airports available, see Info+ tab) UK with SAS in SAS Go class (Economy), via Oslo, to Tromsø. Airport bus transfer to your hotel (duration approx. 15 minutes).

3 nights TROMSØ (BB) - You have a choice of hotel accommodation, **plus, *** or ****, see Accommodation for further information and the Prices button for prices.

Day 4 - Farewell Tromsø

Airport bus transfer to Tromsø Airport for your return flight to the UK via Oslo.

By Air: Daily from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates: 1 October 2013 - 31 March 2014
Duration: 3 nights (additional nights possible)

Northern Lights from the Sea

Description:  Your hosts welcome you to join them on a tour to see the Northern Lights from the sea. They find one of the best spots for the Lights with clear sky which hopefully provides an amazing light show. A warm and comfortable boat (Catamaran) with heated lounge offers refuge from the cold and a cosy setting for a delicious hot fish dinner. This caters for a small number of people and is therefore nice and authentic!
Operates:  1 Oct - 31 Mar
Duration: 3 hours. Departs: 2000.
Price per person: £147 per adult, - 50% for children.
Price includes: hot fish meal, hot drink, heated indoor saloon, viewing deck, thermal suit, photo tips.

Emma's Drømmekjøkken

Description:  Emma's Dream Kitchen restaurant is a beautiful, red painted building offering first class intimate dining. Why not let us pre-book you a table for their 5 course Arctic Global Menu featuring the catch of the day plus other local specialities such as reindeer and Arctic King Crab. A wonderful treat for a special occasion - just ask Suzel or Jo! The meal starts with a local apertif as a welcome drink.
Price: £98 per person.
N.B. Vegetarian food available if given advance notce at time of booking.

Chasing the Northern Lights with Kjetil Skogli

Description:  Relentless chase by mini-bus to track down the Northern Lights with Kjetil Skogli, who recently chased and found the lights for Joanna Lumley! Departs 1830, pick up from Radisson SAS Hotel.
Duration: 6 - 8 hours or as long as it takes!
Operates:  Mon, Thu, Sat and Sun (alternative days may be available on request).
Departs:  1900 (up to 15 Mar) from Radisson Blu Hotel and 1930 from 16 Mar.
Price: £203 per person (15 Sep - 31 Oct).
Price includes: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, thermal clothing provided. Very limited availablity!

Please note, there is very limited availability for this tour.

Snowmobile Safari with Lyngsfjord Adventure

Description:  Mini-bus transfer to Camp Tamok for thorough safety introduction and driving techniques. Your snowmobile safari adventure travels through the valley of Finn to the lake of Tamok, a distance of 30 kms one-way. At the lake you can try out ice fishing. You will drive in pairs, one driver and one passenger on each snowmobile, with the opportunity to switch places half-way. Due to the dramatic topography reduced speed is held during parts of the tour however on flat land and frozen lakes you can speed up! A hot meal is served during the trip.
Duration:  7 hrs (4.5 hrs plus transfer). Departs: 0900 or 1600.
Price:  £199 per person. Price includes: transfers (75 minutes each way), a hot meal, thermal clothing, head lamp (evening trip), guide. NB! Driving licence required.

Reindeer Sledding with Lyngsfjord Adventure

Description:  Mini-bus transfeer to Camp Tamok. Reindeer sledding is the oldest form of transport in the north and an ancient part of Sami culture. This winter adventure will have you driving in pairs with one sledge for each reindeer. The trip is approx. 3 kms long and the adventure includes lasso-throwing, visiting a Sami family Lavvo and learning more about Sami culture, history and handicrafts. You will receive a hot meal during the trip.
Operates:  Daily, 1 Nov - 31 Mar.
Duration: 7 hrs (4.5 hrs plus transfer). Departs: 0900 or 1600.
Price:  £187 per person. Price includes: transfers, a hot meal, thermal clothing, head lamp (evening trip), guide.

Aurora Sightseeing with Guide Gunnar

Description:  A guided journey by 12 seater mini-bus to search for the Northern Lights. Flexibility of time is required as occasionally the journey may stretch to the Finnish border! Local snacks and a warm drink are included and thermal suit and boots are available free of charge if required. It is important to take your passport with you in case you need to cross the border.
Duration: 5-7 hours (could be 9 hrs if you drive into Finland).
Departs: 1830 from Tromsø Domkirke (2000 from 20 Mar - 15 Apr plus all Sep).
Price: £128 per person. £87 per child under 12.
Price includes:  transport, local snacks and hot drink.

Dog Sledding in the Arctic Coastal Landscape

Description: Enjoy the Arctic's coastal nature with a fantastic view over Tromsø, surrounded by snow covered mountains and fjords. You will be a passenger in a sled driven by a guide - if conditions allow you can drive your own sled however you MUST inform us that you would like to try this at the time of booking). After about one hour of dog sledding you will return to the farm for a guided tour of the dog yward and the opportunity to meet the puppies! Following this you will be served a Sami meal followed by coffee and homemade cake, served around an open fire in a traditional Sami tent 'Gamme'.
Operates: Oct* - Apr, daily (the season starts when the snow arrives).
Duration: 0945 and 1815, 4 hours (approx 1 hr on the sled)
Price: 20/10 – 20/12 £175.00 per person
         21/12 – 20/1 £187.00 per person
         21/1 – 20/3 £198.00 per person
         21/3 – 30/4 £175.00 per person

Children -50%. Price includes: transfers (approx 30 mins), hot meal, thermal clothing and guide.

Aurora Safari to Basestations

Description:  Join Tromsø Safari for a Northern Lights chase! Four base stations are set up at different locations and every evening one of these is chosen as the best vantage point to watch the Aurora, depending on the latest weather conditions. A hot meal can be served (additional cost) and a warm tent and toilet are provided. Break away into smaller groups for a more personal experience of the Northern Lights.
Operates:  Daily
Departs:  1830, outside Radisson Blu Hotel
Duration:  5-7 hours
Price:  £112 per person (includes transport, hot chocolate, coffee, cake), £138 per person (includes transport, hot meal, hot chocolate, coffee, cake). Children under 12 are £50 without a meal and £76 with a hot meal.