Tromsø - the Arctic Capital

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 2 & 3 - Exploring Tromsø

You'll find plenty to see and do in Tromsø, for more options please see the excursion tab, including chasing the Northern Lights and snowmobiling.

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: 17 October 2013 - 30 April 2014
Duration: 3 nights (additional nights possible)

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.

Tromsø - the Arctic Capital

Dog Sledding in the Arctic Coastal Landscape
Daily, Nov-Apr 09.45 and 18.15. Duration: 4 hours (approx. 1 hr on the sled).
Enjoy the Arctic's coastal nature with a fantastic view over Tromsø, surrounded by snow covered mountains and fjords.  Choose whether to sit in the sled as a passenger or drive your own team of huskies (instruction given!) before setting out into the Arctic wilderness. After about one hour with dog sledding you return to the centre to meet the puppies. You will be served a Sami meal (Bidos) with coffee and cake for dessert inside a warm Sami tent (lavvo).
Price: From £166 - £188 depending on season.

Snowmobile Safari with Lyngsfjord Adventure
Daily 08.45-15.45 or 16.45-11.45
Transfer to Camp Tamok duration 1 hr 15 mins. Safety instruction and driving techniques provided before setting out by snowmobile through the valley of Finn to the lake of Tamok, a distance of 30 kms one-way. 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! Hot meal served during trip.
Price: £199 per person. Price includes: transfers (75 minutes each way), a hot meal, thermal clothing, head lamp (evening trip), guide. N.B. Driving licence required!
 
Reindeer Sledding with Lyngsfjord Adventure
Daily,  08.45 or 16.45. Duration 7 hrs
Transfer to Camp Tamok duration 1 hr 15 mins. Safety instruction and driving techniques provided. Reindeer sledding is the oldest form of transport in the north and an ancient part of Sami culture. You will drive 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. Hot meal served during trip.
Price: £179 per person. Price includes transfers, hot meal, thermal clothing, head lamp (evening trip) and guide).
 
Aurora Sightseeing with Guide Gunnar
On request, 18.30. Duration: 6-8 hours
A guided journey by minibus to search for the Northern Lights. Flexibility of time is required as occasionally the journey may stretch to the Finnish border!
Price: £106 per person 1/9 - 30/11 and £124 per person 1/12 - 10/4. £84 per chilld under 12 both periods. Price includes transport, sweet snacks and hot drink and from Nov - Apr includes suit and boot rental.
 
Aurora Dinner with Guide Gunnar
As for 'Aurora Sightseeing' a hot toddy along with sweet snacks, coffee and mineral water are  included plus suit and boot rental. A hot dinner of vegetarian soup or rack of lamb will be prepared on the fire. Duration: 6-9 hours. Departs: 1830 from Tromsø Domkirke (1930 from 15 Mar).
Price: £135 per person
 
Chasing the Northern Lights with Kjetil Skogli
Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun 18.30 - 12.30 or as long as it takes!
Relentless chase by mini-bus to track down the Northern Lights with Kjetil Skogli, who chased and found the lights for Joanna Lumley! Departs 1815 with a pick up from the Radisson SAS Hotel.
Price: £170 per person (15 Sep-31 Oct), £199 per person (1 Nov-1 Apr).
 
Northern Lights from the Sea
Daily 20.00 - 23.00
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 aurora with clear sky which hopefully provides an amazing light show. A warm and comfortable boat (Catamaran) with heated lounge, however, bring warm gloves, hat and boots. A favourite with Taber Holidays!
Price: £140 Adult/£75 Child. Price includes hot fish meal, hot drink, heated indoor saloon, viewing deck, thermal suit.
 
Emma's Drømmekjøkken
Emma's Dream Kitchen restaurant offers first class intimate dining and their gourmet 5-Course Arctic Global Menu featuring the catch of the day plus other local specialities such as reindeer and Arctic King Crab are wonderful. The meal starts with a local apertif as a welcome drink. This is a really lovely, relaxing evening, particularly for those celebrating something special. N.B. Vegetarian food available if given advance notice at time of booking.
Price: £85 per person.