Tromsø Winter Adventure - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø

Welcome to Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway!

Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Tromsø is a lively place with 65,000 inhabitants. In addition to its lovely scenery and rich history, the city has a large student population and is famous for its robust music and film culture, so get out and explore this self-proclaimed 'Gateway to the Arctic'.

A good place to start is taking a ride on the cable car, which runs up to a mountain ledge in just four minutes. The two gondolas, known as Seal and Polar Bear, each have a capacity of 28 passengers. From the viewing platform at the upper station, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding islands, mountains, and fjords. 

If you want to stay for dinner, Fjellstua restaurant on top offers dinner with views. Otherwise, head back down to Tromsø for a variety of pubs and restaurants.

Day 2: Explore Tromsø & Chase the Northern Lights

After breakfast, you will have the day to explore Tromsø. Consider signing up for a tour with an English-speaking local guide (optional):

Walk Through History: Meet your local guide and set off on a three-hour walking tour of Tromsø. Visit the largest city in the north—street by street—and take in its rich culture and beautiful architecture, including historic wooden houses dating as far back as 1789. View relics and buildings dating back to medieval times, and learn about the city’s extensive fishing culture, which was established when trade in Norway was at its peak. You will also tour the stunning Arctic Cathedral. 

Northern Lights Chase: In the evening, get ready to chase the Northern Lights*! Your guide will pick you up in Tromsø and take you on this fun after-dark excursion as they find the best locations away from the city lights for viewing and photographing this spectacular natural occurrence. Throughout the evening, your guide will offer interesting information about the Northern Lights, including why and how they occur, as well as legends and folklore of the indigenous Sami people. Your guide will even be able to assist you in adjusting your camera settings for the best photographs. If the weather allows, there will be a campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows to end your night. 

If you remain in the city in the evening, great restaurants and lively nightlife await.

*The tour provider will check the latest weather update in the early evening. If the likeliness of clear skies is low, the guide will inform you about the situation at pickup time and you can choose to have your money refunded. If you choose to take your chances, the guide will do his/her best to succeed, but there is no guarantee.

Day 3: Dogsledding in Tromsø

After breakfast, get ready for an active day of dogsledding in the Norwegian countryside. (This is a half-day trip, lasting about 4 hours)

There's no better way to see the Arctic terrain than by sled. Once you arrive at the dog sledding camp, you'll be briefed on the art of mushing with your partner. Together, you will share a sled and take turns driving and riding along the way. Professional guides will sled alongside you and offer any instruction you may need.

You'll sled along a 2.4 mile (4km) trail and have a meet-and-greet with 300+ huskies and their puppies. Stop for hot coffee, tea, and biscuits along the route and have time to hear more about the history of dog sledding from experienced guides.

At the end of your journey, you will sit around a campfire and have a traditional Norwegian meal of Bidos—hearty stew made of reindeer meat with broth and veggies (vegetarian meals are available upon request.)

Day 4: Trapper's Farm Wilderness Excursion

Today, you'll be picked up and transferred to Trapper's Farm, less than two hours away from Tromsø, for a unique all-inclusive excursion in the great outdoors. 

Each tour offered by the farm varies slightly depending on the time of year and weather patterns, but you can expect to take part in a range of day-time trapping and ice-fishing trips as you travel through the countryside by dogsled (snowy months only).

The small, modern cabins at the farm will be your base camp for your overnight where you'll participate and enjoy traditional meals together made from local ingredients, many of which you helped catch. An expert guide will also provide a broad insight into the area's local history, culture, and traditions along the journey. Of course, you'll also get plenty of time to spend with the faithful Greenland husky dogs who join your adventures every day, while keeping an eye out for other species of wildlife like reindeer. 

You might also have the option to spend the night in the open wilderness (depending on what’s on the agenda), by sleeping in a tent or next to a warm bonfire as you search for the Northern Lights.

This kind of adventure does not require previous experience, but it does require participants to be in good physical shape. In any case, you will receive a list of essential items to pack to ensure your warmth and comfort.

Day 5: Trapper's Farm - Return to Tromsø

Today, wake up in the wilderness and enjoy breakfast with the Sami villagers before transferring back to Tromsø where you'll have the rest of the day in Tromsø. 

If you haven't yet, explore the city's museums on your own. There are a number of options in town, including the Polar Museum for regional nature and history and an arctic aquarium with seals. You can check out a 1949 ship that documents its former crew of seal hunters, or visit the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum—a state-of-the-art visual arts museum.

After camping last night, tonight is the perfect opportunity to sample the local culinary scene—Tromsø refers to itself as the 'Paris of the North' and has a great reputation for sophisticated dining options.

Day 6: Depart Tromsø

It's time to say goodbye to Norway! Before your flight, spend some time wandering this cozy city center and charming pedestrian streets for unique souvenirs before heading to the airport.