There's no need to hibernate for the winter, as Tromsø offers so many exciting outdoor activities. Learn all about the Norwegian Arctic on this five-day trip. Get to know the small town, with its cute traditional architecture, as you'll have plenty of free time to explore on your own. Take a trip out of town to see the colorful, dancing Northern Lights. Take a whale-watching trip in the fiords, where you'll spot a variety of sea birds as well as different types of whale. Top off your trip with a thrilling dog sledding ride through the snowy winter landscape.

Highlights

  • Multiple chances to spot the spectacular Northern Lights
  • Race through the countryside on a dog sled pulled by huskies
  • Spot orcas and humpback whales on a whale-watching tour

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Tromsø Tromsø
Day 2 Chase the Northern Lights Tromsø
Day 3 Orca and Humpback Whale Safari Tromsø
Day 4 Early Morning Dog Sledding Tromsø
Day 5 Farewell Tromsø  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø

Tromsø in winter

Welcome to Tromsø! After arriving, spend some time exploring this town of just 65,000 inhabitants. It is a lively town, and there are many beautiful old wooden houses in the city center to check out, some dating from as long ago as 1789.

Day 2: Chase the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights

Ease into the relaxed pace of Tromsø and spend the day at leisure, exploring on your own. Recommended sights include the Arctic Cathedral, the Polaria Arctic Experience Center, and the Aquarium. The Fjellheisen aerial tramway is also recommended, as you can rise above the town for great views of Tromsø. 

In the evening, you'll head out on an exciting adventure to search for the Northern Lights. You'll be picked up in Tromsø and driven outside of town. Your local guide will find the best area for viewing the lights and for taking photos. To find clear skies, we'll drive wherever is necessary. Your guide will tell you all about the science, history, and folklore around the Northern Lights. You'll also be shown how to adjust your camera settings to take the best pictures of the Northern Lights. If the weather allows, we make a bonfire and enjoy roasted marshmallows.

Occasionally, the skies are not very clear and the chances of seeing the lights are low. If that's the case, we will advise you before the excursion to reschedule for the following day.

Plan your trip to Norway
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 3: Orca and Humpback Whale Safari

Whale watching

After breakfast, you'll be picked up and taken to a beautiful boat that's waiting for you on Whale Island. The charming vessel holds 22 people, and ensures a personal experience. It was the first rescue vessel in Norway and has an interesting history itself, which your guides will tell you about. The boat has an outer deck that's easy to move around on, and a small indoor are if you want to warm up or enjoy a hot drink. After stepping aboard, you'll meet your captain, who will give you a short safety briefing, explaining about safety on board, the life rafts and life jackets.

Explore the fjords by boat and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The most common whale species here are humpback whales and orcas, but there are also chances of seeing fin whales and possibly harbor porpoises and other species. We conduct responsible and safe whale watching, aiming never to disturb the whales while they are feeding. Keep your eyes open for other wildlife, such as white-tailed eagles and seabirds like shags, guillemots, and little auks, and the seals that can sometimes be seen resting on the cliffs. If we're lucky, we may also be able to catch some fish. If so, we will prepare, cook, and enjoy a small taste of freshly caught fish in a soup. It doesn't get any better than this!

Day 4: Early Morning Dog Sledding

Dog sledding
Dog sledding

Early this morning, join up with your team of racing huskies to have a go at dog sledding. There are about 2.5 miles (4 km) of trails here. Meet the 300 beautiful huskies, and also spend some times with the puppies. Two guests share a sled with 5-7 dogs. Professional guides will lead the group in a separate sled. Enjoy traveling through the winter landscape while experiencing this traditional activity. The dog sledding lasts for around four hours, and requires good physical fitness.

After being outside, you'll get to enjoy a meal of bidos, prepared with reindeer meat, broth and vegetables (a vegetarian meal is available upon request).

Day 5: Farewell Tromsø

Tromsø

After breakfast at your hotel, it's time to depart this winter wonderland and return home, or transfer to your next destination.

Map

Map of Winter Adventure in Tromsø - 5 Days
Map of Winter Adventure in Tromsø - 5 Days