Norway : Tromso and the Icehotel

Also known as the ‘Paris of the north’, the coastal city of Tromso is located high above the Arctic Circle and a mere 2000 km from the North Pole! It has so much to offer: plenty of modern shops, lively restaurants and cafés in which to indulge; explore the many art galleries and museums; visit the eye-catching cathedral or perhaps visit the oldest pub, Olhallen, established in 1928. Many people aurora-watch out to sea, the gigantic dark skies providing the perfect canvas for the lights. There is also the opportunity to take an evening tour away from the city lights, to a well known vantage point.

From Tromso, take the coach to Narvik and sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery on route. Then continue by train and enjoy the scenic journey from Narvik to Abisko, passing some of Sweden’s highest mountains including famous Lapporten – a ‘gateway’ to Lapland. After dinner at Abisko Mountain Station make your way to the chairlift and the Aurora Sky Station, where you’ll be able to see a northern lights exhibition and hopefully, the real thing, from the summit.

Continue by train to Kiruna and keep a look out for reindeer and moose en route, often seen grazing in this area. Transfer to nearby Jukkasjarvi and the incredible Icehotel, where you’ll spend the next 3 nights, one in a Snow Room although it is possible to upgrade to a more elaborate Ice Room or an individually-themed Art Suite. The remaining two nights will be in a Kaamos Room, with all the facilities you’d expect in an en suite hotel room. The pristine forested surrounds can be explored at your leisure or by taking part in exhilarating winter activities such a husky sledging or snowmobiling. If looking for a more sedate activity, try ice sculpting and get creative with some chisels and a block of the River Torne’s finest.

To see more of the beautiful Norwegian coastline, why not extend your stay and join a Hurtigruten northern lights voyage to Kirkenes? We offer several - please call to discuss your options or click here for details »

 

Please note the northern lights are a naturally occurring phenomena and sightings cannot be guaranteed.