Tromsø – Northern Lights City Break
- Details
Details
Travel on a city break that gives you the best of both worlds. From exploring Tromsø's cultural centre to journeying into its breathtaking natural surroundings for unforgettable Aurora hunts.
Tromsø may be a vibrant and bustling city but its position 350km above the Arctic Circle makes this a city break with a big difference. Not only are you surrounded by stunning nature in the form of steep mountains and dramatic fjords but come nightfall, you're also in the heart of the Aurora Zone.
Though the city is renowned for being able to observe this awe-inspiring natural wonder, we want your search for the Northern Lights to be memorable. That's why we have filled your itinerary with two dedicated activities to get you out of the bright lights and on an unforgettable Aurora chase. One evening will be spent on board a boat in the dark fjords surrounding Tromsø - an ideal and peaceful way to hunt for the Lights. On another evening, you will visit a local reindeer or husky camp (depending on departure date). At both camps, you will not only use the dark skies to look out for a potential display, but you'll also gain a unique insight into the lives of the animals and enjoy a traditional evening meal.
We have left your days free to tailor however you please. Tromsø's city centre most certainly has all the attractions, vibrant cafes and restaurants to keep you entertained. Alternatively, you could add to your winter adventure with a dog sledding experience or a cruise through the nearby fjords to spot an array of Arctic wildlife. See our personalise tab for more details.
Though Tromsø is a modern city, nature plays a big role. Being surrounded by such stunning natural landscape, there is a big commitment here to preserve this beauty as well as the local culture and reducing the negative impacts associated with tourism. There are few places left in the world that offer such an ideal mix of exciting city life with natural wonders. Tromsø gives you both, including the majestic Northern Lights right on its doorstep.
Image credits: Gaute Bruvik & Visitnorway.com, Baard Loeken and NordNorge, Credit Tromso Villmarkscamp, Ole C Salomonsen, Gaute Bruvik and NordNorge & Knut Hansvold and NordNorge
Important Information
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tromsø Airport, you will be met and transferred to your city hotel which is ideally located for exploration.
For dinner tonight, why not head into the vibrant city centre to try some of the local cuisine. Afterwards, you will see how the city comes alive at night with bars and live music.
If you would like to add an extra Northern Lights activity tonight, please see our Personalise section for full details.
Included Meals: None
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel ahead of a free day to explore however you please. Tromsø is a vibrant city with a mix of restaurants and attractions all surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. You could see the Arctic Cathedral or taste some of the local cuisine but one of our top recommendations is taking the 4-minute aerial tram ride up to Storsteinen for unbelievable views.
Alternatively, you could enjoy a winter activity such as dog sledding or cruising through the nearby fjords. See our personalise tab above for more details.
September – October – This evening you will take part in an Aurora husky visit instead of the reindeer camp. You’ll be collected a short distance from your hotel and transferred to the husky camp where you will be given a tour of the facilities and the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies. As you pet and play with the dogs, you will be on the lookout for the Northern Lights which could appear at any time. Stay warm by the campfire and enjoy a traditional dinner this evening. You will be out for approximately 4.5 hours in total tonight.
November onwards – This evening you will move away from the city lights and in search of the Northern Lights in the company of the indigenous Sámi people. You will start by transferring to a local reindeer camp where darker skies await. Here, you will meet with the herders who will introduce you to their animals. You will have a chance to feed the reindeer as the Sámi herders tell you all about life in the north. Following your time with the animals, you will be invited inside a Gamme (a Sámi hut) to warm up by the fire and enjoy a traditional three-course Sámi meal. After dinner, you will move to the Lavu (Sámi tent) to gather around the fire and listen to stories about the Sámi culture as well as a traditional song, called a joik. As you spend time here, your guide will keep an eye on the sky where hopefully the Northern Lights will appear. You will be out for approximately 4 hours tonight, including transfers.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel ahead of your free day in the city. Our Aurora Travel Experts would be happy to offer any recommendations should you need them. Alternatively, you may wish to add to your winter experiences by taking part in an Arctic activity, such as snowmobiling or snowshoeing – see our ‘Personalise’ tab for more information.
Though you can see the Northern Lights from the city, you can get a much brighter display if you travel into darker skies and so tonight, that’s exactly where you will be going. Departing Tromsø you will set sail in pursuit of the darkest skies and clearest weather and the best chance of seeing the Aurora dancing above you. This can be north towards the areas of Kvaløyvågen or south to Ramfjorden or west along the southern part of Kvaløya island. While you wait for the northern lights to appear, you can stay warm and comfortable in your vessel’s heated lounges. Drinks and snacks are available on board for an additional fee.
Throughout the evening our guides will share their knowledge and personal stories of the Northern Lights. From mythical stories from around the world to the scientific explanation of the Northern Lights. On the way back, you get a fantastic view of the Arctic city of Tromsø and it’s skyline and the famous Arctic Cathedral visible from the water.
Subject to availability and a supplement (please see Personalise tab) you can choose to upgrade to an Aurora Dinner cruise if you wish or for a more adventurous at heart, you can try Aurora dog sledding (although please note this activity requires a good level of fitness).
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today it is, unfortunately, time for your Northern Lights city break to come to an end. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before we transfer you back to the airport for your return flights home. If you have an early flight time, we’ll box up breakfast for you to take with you.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Flights from London to Tromsø (via Oslo). Flight routes subject to change
- Transfers: Return airport transfers (taxi transfer on arrival, scheduled Flybus transfer on departure). Please speak to one of our Travel Experts if you have an early or late return flight, a taxi transfer may be required
- Accommodation: 3 nights at Clarion Hotel The Edge (or similar) in a standard double/twin room
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Aurora Husky visit or Reindeer camp dinner with Northern Lights watch (depending on departure date)*
- Northern Lights Sailing
- Cold weather clothing during activities
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Accommodation
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Situated right in the centre of Tromsø, the Clarion Hotel The Edge puts you in a prime location to explore the ‘Paris of the North’ and is an excellent base to transfer to your memorable activities.
Hotel Facilities
- Enjoy great views of the brilliant architecture of the city as it reflects in the waters just outside the hotel or head to the 11th-floor sky bar – the only one of its kind in the city – for a vista like no other (open Thursday to Saturday only)
- The hotel puts great emphasis on being eco-friendly and is built with an environmental classification A.
- Keep up with your fitness in the onsite gym with stunning sea views
- Enjoy refreshments and classic dishes in the Social Bar and Bistro
Double/Twin Room
The hotel offers standard double rooms as well as a standard twin room (two single beds). All rooms are ensuite and come with Wi-Fi, hairdryer, minibar, iron and ironing board.
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Situated in an enviable quayside location and with views over the sea and mountains, the interior of The With reflects the city’s maritime past with its design based on the historic boathouses that previously dominated the waterfront. The hotel is even named after the first captain of the Tromso steamship. However, even though it has roots in the past the hotel offers all the modern comforts you can wish for. It’s 76 spacious rooms have the latest entertainment amenities including a flatscreen TV and satellite channels and there is free Wifi throughout the property. Many rooms also boast individual climate controls (and hairdryers). In addition to the delicious buffet style breakfast on offer, the hotel offers a complimentary afternoon tea (what the locals call “Fika”) and evening meal. These are usually available 3pm-5pm and 6pm-8pm respectively, although hours may vary so please do confirm this on check in.
Hotel facilities:
- On site gym and fitness club
- Relaxation area on the top floor including sauna and steam room
- Lobby bar serving a selection of refreshments and light snacks
- There are several restaurants within a very short walking distance
- The With is a completely smoke free hotel
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The Aurora has all the advantages of a waterfront location in the heart of the city (it is situated just next door to its sister premises the With). Like the With, the Aurora also offers free Wifi, afternoon tea and an evening meal. With 121 rooms, the Aurora is larger than the With and prides itself on its friendly and accommodating staff and also on being a completely cash free hotel, ensuring added security and convenience for guests.
Hotel facilities:
- On site gym and fitness club
- Relaxation area including sauna and outdoor jacuzzi with great views (although complimentary, advanced bookings are required for the jacuzzi)
- There are several restaurants within a very short walking distance
Personalise This Tour
You will search for the Lights in the waters surrounding Tromso whilst enjoying a delicious local dinner aboard your floating restaurant! As the boat is equipped with an electric engine (used for 75% of most tours) you will cruise silently into the darkness of the Tromsø fjords. You can enjoy a local craft beer from Graff or a carefully selected wine while seated next to a panoramic window. Your dinner is cooked with locally-sourced, seasonal and fresh ingredients, the dinner is a modern twist inspired by traditional Northern Norwegian culinary dishes (please advise of dietary requests in advance). The tour lasts for approximately 3 hours. Water is freely available however drinks from the fully stocked bar are not included in the price.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours, including transfers
Duration: approximately 6 hours, including transfers and depending on weather conditions. 2 hours of dog sledding).
A visit to the Arctic wouldn’t be complete without trying one of the most-loved activities of dog sledding.
You will transfer to the dog sledding centre and receive your thermal overalls and boots ahead of your adventure. Your experienced guide will teach you all you need to know about mushing and then it’s time to head out into the wilderness. This is a brilliant way to explore the snowy scenes with your loyal team of dogs out in front. You will ride two per sled, one driving and one as a passenger with the option to swap halfway.
After the safari, you can spend some time with the dogs, hearing all about their lives during a guided tour of the facilities. Enjoy a traditional Sámi reindeer stew, hot drinks and finish off with a piece of signature chocolate cake before you transfer back to the city.
Duration: 4 hours, including transfers (approximately 45-60 minutes of dog sledding)
Tonight takes you out of the city lights in search of an incredible Northern Lights display.
Travelling by minibus allows you to outrun any potential cloud cover and go further in search of the Northern Lights. Your guide will use the weather forecast and their expert knowledge to determine the best location for potential viewings.
Upon arrival at your chosen spot, you will keep warm by the campfire and enjoy warm drinks and a local meal as your guide helps you look for the lights. If conditions are favourable and they do make an appearance, you can also get tips on how to capture the moment on camera. Your guide will also be taking photos which will be provided to you. The activity starts at 6pm.
Duration: Between 6 and 9 hours depending on weather conditions and including transfers.
Tour the stunning fjords that surround Tromsø and look out for the Arctic wildlife as you set sail through the Arctic waters.
This five-hour sightseeing tour begins in Tromsø, as you cruise through the beautiful fjords and travel further out to sea. Your guide will point out any Arctic wildlife such as sea eagles as you admire the views.
Onboard, you can enjoy Arctic fish, snacks and hot drinks. You will also be provided with an insulated jacket and you can also keep warm in the cabins downstairs.
This activity requires a minimum of 6 people to operate.
Duration: 5 hours
| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
If you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see section 11 of our booking terms and conditions.
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
