Northern Lights City Break, Tromso

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Tromso: Exploring the city

  Fly to Tromso, taking your included shuttle transfer to the city centre with the drop-off point close to all of our featured hotels. Depending on your arrival time, spend the rest of the day exploring the centre on foot, visiting the city’s museums and galleries – the Tromsø Kunstforening, home to an exceptional collection of Norwegian contemporary art, is just a five-minute walk from the hotel. So too is Polaria Museum, with a cinema where short films of the Northern Lights can be viewed in comfort. Tromsø’s picturesque harbour is nearby, providing another visual feast. Later, head out to dinner at one of Tromso's many superb restaurants, then fall in with the city’s fashionable set and sample the best local brews at one of the many drinking holes. You’ll be spoilt for choice – there are more pubs per capita here than anywhere else in Norway. If your flight does get in later, then you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city on days two and three.

  Stay: Clarion Hotel The Edge , Thon Hotel Tromso, Norway , Thon Hotel Polar

• Day 2 » Husky sledding & Northern Lights hunt

  Tromso’s extreme northern location allows for an array of exciting excursion opportunities in the surrounding Arctic nature. Today, you'll begin by taking a scenic 50-minute bus transfer to Breivikeidet, a small village surrounded by snow-capped mountains and majestic fjords, where you'll change into thermal suits, boots and mittens in preparation for a thrilling husky sledding experience. Your guide will explain the basics of 'mushing' and provide some background information about the huskies, and before long, you'll be zipping across the snowy trails in the company of these energetic, enthusiastic and eminently lovable creatures. Two people share a sled, with one driving and the other sitting below; there will be a chance to switch roles along the way. Back at camp, you'll warm up in a traditional 'lavvu' tent with some hot drinks and cake around a fire before returning to Tromso. 

  In the evening, we've included a small-group evening Northern Lights hunt in search of the dazzling natural phenomenon. You'll depart Tromso by minibus, leaving the city in search of clear skies and escaping the light pollution. The locations you visit will depend on the weather forecast – your guides will search for the best spots to maximise your chances. Once you have found a suitable location and clear skies, your guide will serve hot beverages as you wait for the northern lights to occur. With luck, the northern lights may start flickering above in the sky, putting on an impressive show. Your guide can take photos which will be sent to you after the tour. The city is famous for the auroras and is widely regarded one of the world’s best places to spot them. Tromsø is also featured as one of our favourite places to see the Northern Lights.

  
  

  Stay: Clarion Hotel The Edge , Thon Hotel Tromso, Norway , Thon Hotel Polar

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 3 » Sámi reindeer experience & Fjellheisen cable car

  Having tried your hand at husky sledding, today you'll get acquainted with another animal synonymous with Arctic Norway and the wider Sápmi region: reindeer. At a local reindeer camp, you'll enjoy a 30-minute sled ride before the opportunity to feed and get to know these magnificent creatures. A delicious hot meal will then be served in a cosy 'gamme' cabin, along with hot drinks and cookies, as you gain a fascinating insight into the culture and traditions of the Sámi people who've been living in the region for thousands of years. 

  On returning to Tromso, you'll have the opportunity to ride the Fjellheisen cable car to the summit of Mount Storsteinen, where you'll be greeted by spectacular views overlooking the city and the snow-capped peaks that surround it. It's a stunning vantage point, and well worth lingering at for a while. We have included a round-trip ticket for the cable car, along with a shuttle bus transfer from and returning back to the city centre. If you have the time and the energy for some further exploration, you might consider checking out the excellent Polar Museum or the Polaria aquarium, or perhaps you'll be tempted by a drink or two at Ølhallen, one of the world's northernmost pubs, where you can choose from an eclectic array of Norwegian craft beers.

  Stay: Clarion Hotel The Edge , Thon Hotel Tromso, Norway , Thon Hotel Polar

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 4 » Depart Tromso

  Depending on your departure time, take the chance for one final optional excursion before returning to the airport for your flight to the UK.
  

  Looking for more inspiration?

  You can find even more inspiration, information and Northern Lights holiday ideas with our handy guide to spotting the aurora in Norway.

  
  Enquire now

  Meals: Breakfast