Highlights
- Ride Tromsø's cable car to get the best view of this modern little city
- Stay a few cozy nights at a working farm while learning the local customs
- Become friends with a fleet of huskies as they transport you across the wilderness
- Spend evenings stargazing and watching for the Northern Lights
- Start and end the trip exploring museums, architecture, and cool restaurants
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tromsø | Tromsø |
| Days 2-4 | Trapper's Farm Wilderness Excursion | Inner Tromsø |
| Day 5 | Return to Tromsø - Self-Guided Tour | Tromsø |
| Days 6-7 | Explore Tromsø in Winter | Tromsø |
| Day 8 | Depart Tromsø |
Detailed Itinerary
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.
Days 2-4: Trapper's Farm Wilderness Excursion
After breakfast this morning, you'll be picked up and transferred to Trapper's Farm, less than two hours outside of 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 fishing trips as you travel through the countryside by dog sled (snowy months only).
The small, modern cabins at the farm will be your base camp—every day starts and ends here—where you'll participate and enjoy traditional meals together with your companions and guide, made from local ingredients, many of which you helped gather. 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 also keeping an eye out for other wildlife species like eagles and reindeer.
Depending on the tour, you might have the option to spend a night or two out in the wilderness (depending on what’s on the agenda), by sleeping in a tent or under the open sky 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 and your companions will receive a list of essential items to pack to ensure your warmth and comfort.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Return to Tromsø - Self-Guided Tour
After breakfast at the farm, you'll be transferred back to Tromsø where you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy the city streets and culture at your own pace. Surrounded by snowcapped fjords and mountainous peaks, Tromsø also offers plenty of views, as well as outdoor adventures in the form of snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding.
When you get hungry, the so-called, 'Paris of the North' offers a memorable restaurant and cocktail bar scene, so take advantage of your evening in the city. A sample of options include Fiskekompaniet for seafood, Presis Tapas for Spanish food, and Bardus Bistro for the locally harvested Arctic seaweed cocktail.
Days 6-7: Explore Tromsø in Winter
After breakfast, you will have the day to explore Tromsø on your own. With a large university, art galleries and museums, and nearby ski resorts, Tromsø is also a notoriously lively city. The city also prides itself on having more pubs per capita than any other Norwegian town.
If you'd like an arranged excursion with a local guide, here are a few suggested tours and activities.
- 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.
*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 decide 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 8: 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.
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