Located 400km north of the Arctic Circle at 69˚N, the small city of Tromsø bills itself as Norway's gateway to the Arctic, where you can find more than just a hint of polar atmosphere. Tromsø is the city of adventures and adventurers. Experience the Arctic at its best, spending two nights in Tromsø and two nights on Sommarøy Island. Enjoy amazing landscapes and unforgettable activities. A Reindeer Safari, Northern Lights Hunt and Polar Museum entry are already included in your package, with time for optional excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1 Tromsø Arrival
On arrival at Tromsø Airport, private transfer to your hotel. Check into the Clarion Collection Aurora Hotel or similar for 2 nights stay. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore on your own. This university town has a lively atmosphere and friendly locals. Perhaps visit the Arctic Cathedral to see it's daring architecture, go to Polaria Aquarium or maybe, take the Mount Storsteinen cable car to enjoy panoramic views of Tromsø and its surroundings. There are also numerous excellent art museums in town or you can sample the local beer at Mack Brewery. The world's northernmost brewery has guided tours taking you through 130 years of brewing history.
Day 2 Reindeer Safari - Sommarøy Island
This morning, enjoy a Reindeer Safari in scenic surroundings. The reindeer sleigh is the oldest form of transportation in the north and an inherent part of the Sami culture. You will be in pairs by sled, with one sled for each reindeer. This cultural experience will also teach you about lasso throwing, which is always the Sami way of catching their reindeer. Learn about Sami culture and history, and discover the joyous ancestral song of Sami. Maybe your Sami guides even reveal some secrets of survival in the Arctic as you enjoy hot drinks and a traditional meal over the fire.
In the afternoon, depart by coach to Sommarøy Island, where pure Arctic atmosphere is waiting for you. Check in to Sommarøy Arctic Hotel or similar for 2 nights stay. Time at leisure. The views from Sommarøy Island are impressive to say the least. To the north you can see all the small islands of the Tromsø County. Håja is the highest of these islands and rises 486 meters straight out of the water. It has the same shape as the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. To the south, you can see the all the way to the Kjølva headland, past the steep shoreline of Senja. Facing inland and towards the east is the view of the mountains of Kvaløya, whilst Storhavet itself lies to the west. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 Sommarøy Island: Optional activities and Arctic Lights Campfire
Perhaps start the day with a short walk of Sommarøy. With its 300 inhabitants, Sommarøy is one of the busiest fishing villages in the county of Troms region. The views from Sommarøy Island are impressive. Day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a complimentary sauna at the hotel, or join an optional excursion, which must be pre-booked:
Optional Sea Eagle Safari by RIB boat 1hr: the archipelago of Sommarøy hosts a large colony of sea eagles year-round. On this guided tour by RIB or boat (depending on group size), search the islands and cliffs for this majestic bird.
Optional Snowshoe Hike Experience 3-4hrs: hike on snowshoes for a great view over the fjords and archipelagos. Your guide will choose a suitable area for the day, giving you a summit view of the mountains and fjords in the region.
After dinner, it's time for the Arctic Lights Campfire excursion. The area around Sommarøy is excellent for Northern Lights hunting due to the desolate beaches free from light pollution. With the sound of Arctic waves crashing ashore, you are guaranteed a spectacular evening, especially if the sky is clear and the magical Auroras appear. Enjoy a snack and hot drink around the campfire. Dinner and 2nd overnight at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel or similar.
Day 4 Tromsø: Polar Museum, Optional activities and Northern Lights Cruise
This morning, depart by coach back to Tromsø. Visit the Polar Museum at your own pace - an attraction that is dedicated to present the lives of Arctic trappers and explorers. Time at leisure or join an optional excursion, which must be pre-booked:
Optional afternoon Husky Safari 4.15hrs: guided husky sled tour through the beautiful mountain landscape of Kvaløya Island. Visit the kennels and puppy yard. Traditional lunch by the open fire in a cosy gamme hut.
Optional evening Northern Lights Cruise 3hrs: this adventure takes you into the total darkness of the Arctic fjords and Polar nights. Depart from Tromsø and set sail for the direction where the clearest weather conditions for the night have been predicted. Perhaps north towards Kvaløyvågen, south to Ramfjorden or west along the southern part of Kvaløya Island. The captain and crew will work together and keep their eyes out for clear skies or a gap in the cloud layer. While you wait with some luck for the Northern Lights to appear, stay warm and comfortable in the heated lounge. Beverages and snacks available for purchase.
Optional evening Snowmobile Safari 7hrs: travel from Tromsø to Camp Tamok, a 90-minute scenic bus drive away - far away from the city lights where the chances are good to see the Northern Lights if conditions are favourable. Enjoy an unforgettable snowmobile safari through magical snow-covered mountains, dramatic landscapes and scenic valleys. Drive in pairs, one driver and one passenger on each snowmobile with the opportunity to switch places during the trip. Enjoy a hot meal in a traditional North Norwegian setting around the open fire in a reindeer herder’s tent. Return to Tromsø by bus.
Day 5 Tromsø Departure
Transfer from hotel to Tromsø airport. End of arrangements.
2025 departures:
23 January
06, 13, 27 February
06, 13 March
Notes:
Extra nights can be added in Tromsø.
