Tromsø & Sommarøy – City and Island Auroras
- Details
Details
Your holiday begins in the city of Tromsø, which is often referred to as the Capital of the Arctic. Tromsø is no sleepy town; it is a vibrant hive of activity and offers many attractions. There are some seriously good eateries, a thriving cafe and shopping culture as well as the world's most northerly aquarium and the imposing Arctic Cathedral which dominates the city skyline.
Tromsø is predominantly built on a large island linked to the mainland, and the city's boundaries are marked by the fjords and mountains which surround it, meaning that the wilderness is always within easy reach. During your stay, you'll have time to explore the city and the surrounding fjords in comfort. The boat will travel just off Tromsø where the views will have you reaching for your camera. There is rich marine life in this area, including seals and various seabirds.
As most Aurora hunters know, city lights do not allow for the best Northern Lights viewing and so we have also included a dedicated Aurora hunt by minibus on your second night in town. Your expert local guide will lead the chase using the latest weather forecasts and solar activity readings to determine your route.
From Tromso, you continue to the island of Sommarøy where a mix of white sandy beaches (think tropical bays but with less heat), charming fisherman's cottages and rugged hills and mountains await you. The bright colours of the buildings tone wonderfully with the vibrant colours of autumn and the snow-covered surroundings of winter.
Sommarøy is about getting away from it all so your time here will be spent at a relaxed pace. You'll enjoy a visit to an Aurora Camp on your first night here. There will also be some free time for you to soak up your surroundings or book some more adventurous activities (please see the 'Personalise' section for details) and hunt for the Aurora on your second day. Famed for its Northern Lights displays, you don't have to venture far to witness the lights here if conditions are favourable.
In short, this break gives you the chance to take in a cosmopolitan Arctic city and the wonderfully peaceful island of Sommaroy, whilst enjoying some carefully chosen activities and dedicated Aurora hunts.
Itinerary
Today you will arrive in Tromsø, where a taxi will be waiting to take you to your hotel. This is a lively, cosmopolitan city with a vibrant mix of restaurants and shops as well as fascinating attractions such as the Polar Museum to enjoy. We would highly recommend an early arrival (or we can help you arrange an extended stay at the start or end of your holiday) in order to maximise your time here. Our travel experts have spent many a happy day exploring Tromsø and will be happy to make recommendations.
Please note that the order of activities within your itinerary is subject to change and the agenda below should be used as a guide only.
Included Meals: None
After breakfast at your hotel, you will join your boat tour through 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 close to your hotel but soon you will be cruising through the beautiful fjords and travelling 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 keep warm in the cabins downstairs.
Following the tour, you will return to the city for the remainder of the afternoon. As darkness falls you will embark on your first Aurora hunt. The minibus used provides the mobility required to escape the city lights and to outrun any localised cloud cover. Your guide will use their knowledge along with the latest solar activity and weather forecasts to determine the best route for your search. You will be out searching for approximately six to nine hours.
As a natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights can appear at any time creating a wonderful sense of anticipation (which is all part of the fun). You’ll keep your eyes fixed on the skies as you explore the region with the mountains silhouetted around you. Hopefully, your efforts will be rewarded.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Following breakfast, you will leave Tromsø and make for the small island of Sommarøy. It is not often that the transfer is part of the highlights but the drive to Sommarøy is breathtaking, showcasing the mountain and fjord landscape which is highlighted with autumn and winter colours. The hotel’s shuttle will leave Tromso at approximately 10:30 this morning. Private transfer upgrades are possible for a supplement.
Sommarøy has strong fishing traditions and the village is often a hive of activity as vessels make their way in and out of the small harbour. The beaches are strangely reminiscent of more tropical climes with white sands and crystal-clear water; it is only the cooler temperatures and the colourful fishermen’s cottages that give their location away (and the thick layer of snow in winter!).
You will be able to make your own way around this small gem of an island and explore at leisure.
This evening you will enjoy dinner before setting off with your guide to a nearby Aurora camp that offers views out across the water. It is from here that you can sometimes witness the most spectacular Aurora displays as the lights can appear from above the mountains and stretch out overhead, reflecting in the sea in front of you.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will have the flexibility to set your own agenda and the value of having free time in Sommarøy should not be underestimated; it has the ability to really make you relax and unwind.
There are a number of ways in which to maximise your time here and perhaps one of the most highly recommended options is to simply stroll along the white sandy beaches and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. With only a small number of inhabitants, the pace is slower than you are likely to experience and is something to be savoured.
If you would like to be more active you also have the options of snowshoeing, a sea eagle safari or kayaking to consider. Please refer to the Extras section for more details on these activities which can be booked subject to availability and for an additional fee.
Dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel restaurant this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast will be transferred to the airport* having witnessed a slice of the Norwegian coast and hopefully the Northern Lights. If you still have a thirst for the hunt, then you can extend your stay in Tromsø and we can arrange additional activities for you. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for a quotation.
*Please note: the return airport transfer from Sommarøy is scheduled to depart at 9 am. For any departures outside this time, a private transfer supplement will apply.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Arrival airport transfer and group shuttle transfers to Sommarøy and from Sommarøy to the airport
- 2 nights at Clarion Hotel The Edge in a standard double/twin room, 2 nights at the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel in a standard double/twin room
- 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Guided polar fjord cruise
- Aurora hunt by minibus
- Guided Northern Lights trip to the island’s Aurora Camp
- 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
NB: The hotel is cash-free. They take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards |
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Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, in the traditional fishing community of Sommarøy, this hotel offers a location with breath-taking views across the water. A recent full renovation and extension (which was completed in 2017) also ensures world-class facilities as well as plenty of Nordic charm. The small island of Sommarøy (‘summer island’) is a thriving community with an active fishing industry so you can be sure of a genuine coastal experience and plenty of freshly caught delicacies to enjoy at meal times. The hotel is located around 45 minutes from Tromsø yet its remote location provides a true sense of escape. Despite offering 155 rooms in total (with various room/apartment options) the hotel still has an intimate feel and guests will frequently spend evenings socialising in the bar or keeping watch for the Northern Lights together. Hotel Facilities
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Personalise This Tour
Chase the Northern Lights from a unique vantage point out at sea.
You will set sail from Kirkegata 1 in Tromsø and pass through the stunning fjords, away from the city lights and in search of the Aurora. A professional skipper will help you in your quest, advising you on what to look out for in the dark sky. If the Northern Lights start to appear, you will have one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Your boat is well-equipped with a comfortable heated saloon, toilets and safety suits so you will stay dry and warm.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours, including transfers
(Please Note that this trip is only available until 11th March.)
Dog sledding and Northern Lights hunting are two of the most-loved Arctic experience and tonight, you will experience both in one trip (if the Aurora conditions are favourable).
Your evening starts with a transfer to the dog sledding camp, around 35 minutes away from where you will meet with your expert guide and loyal team of dogs.
After receiving full instructions on how to mush, you will set off into the night, keeping an eye on the sky at all times in search of the Aurora. You will travel two people per sled, with the chance to swap drivers during the activity. The sled ride will last approximately two hours and upon your return to the camp, you will have time to thank your dogs before enjoying warm drinks and snacks around the campfire. As you swap stories of the nights adventure, your guide will also be helping you search the skies for the Northern Lights. You will return to Tromsø at approximately 11 pm.
Duration: approximately 6 hours, including transfers
Available: November to March
Please note this trip is suitable for those with good fitness levels.
A visit to the Arctic wouldnt 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 its 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.
Please note that to participate in this tour, you must be 16 years or older.
Duration: 4 hours, including transfers (approximately 45-60 minutes of dog sledding)
Available: November (depending on snow cover) to March
Have an extra special Aurora evening as you visit a husky camp and learn all about these working dogs, all while keeping an eye on the sky for the Northern Lights to make an appearance.
The camp is approximately 30 minutes away and upon arrival, you will receive a tour of the facilities and get to meet some of the famous residents. As you pet and play with the dogs, you will be on the lookout for the Northern Lights which could appear at any time.
You will warm by an open fire and enjoy a traditional dinner.
Duration: 4.5 hours
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.
Available: September to March
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
Snowshoeing is a great way to experience the arctic winter. Your guide will choose a suitable area for the day, giving you a spectacular view of the mountains and fjords in this region.
At the foot of the mountain, you will be equipped with snowshoes and poles, before starting on the ascent. Your guides are local and experienced and they will share their knowledge of the local conditions and surroundings, winter life in the Arctic and the wildlife you might encounter. On the top, you will have time to take in the mighty surroundings bathed in the magical winter light and to take some photos before starting on the descent.
You will end the trip with a visit to a cosy local café, where you will enjoy a hot drink and a Scandinavian speciality: the cinnamon bun.
Cold weather clothing and boots are provided. Please note that a good level of fitness is required for this activity.
Duration: 3-4 hours (starting at 08:45am)
Available: October to April
The water around Sommaroy is crystal clear and a kayak is a perfect way to explore it as you leave nothing more than a slight ripple in its surface as you pass.
Together with your guide, you will don a drysuit to stay warm out in the sounds, islands and archipelagos surrounding Sommarøy. Often a curious seal or two will show up by your side and may even follow you for a while. If you are especially lucky, you might find yourself in a flock of orcas that sometimes pass through the sounds.
After kayaking the hotspots, you will head back to the activity centre and enjoy a snack and hot drinks. If the weather is suitable you can soak up the warmth of a fire also.
This is a guided tour and you do not need previous experience. A safety briefing and introduction to winter sea kayaking will be given before setting out. Traditionally sturdy double kayaks are used, but you may paddle a single on request if you can document sufficient kayaking skills. The guide will pick a location according to the weather and sea conditions to make sure you have a safe trip.
This is a weather-dependent tour and may be cancelled due to safety reasons. This will result in a full refund.
Duration: 3 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 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 Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Sommaroy,Norway |
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Tour Map
Key Facts
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