No one is surprised to learn that I have a special fondness for everything Nordic; in fact, this blog has extensively documented my deep love for Norway. But earlier this year, when I made the decision to spend a whole week in Norway in the winter, far up in the Arctic Circle, I really dove in. I had never been that far north before, and everything was just as amazing as I had imagined.
Would you like to partake in this ultimate winter experience as well? You don’t need to search any farther. I’ve created a schedule that visits Alta and Tromsø, the two major “cities” in the area. Greetings from Northern Norway!
Norway’s winter daylight
Alta
In general, Norway doesn’t get much daylight throughout the winter months. This is especially apparent in December. There is just a little window of twilight between the sun’s rise at roughly 10:00 am and its set at 3:00 pm.
It was much easier to handle when I went to Northern Norway in February.
Tromsø experiences Polar Night, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, throughout the entire month of December because it is located directly in the Arctic Circle. However, by the middle of February, the days are finally getting longer again (by roughly ten minutes each day), with the sun rising at 8 a.m. and setting at 4:00 p.m. This is an 8-hour window for activities!
Here in Lapland, the Northern lights are frequently the major attraction, in contrast to other parts of the world where sightseeing is synonymous with daylight. Additionally, you need as much dark sky as possible to have a decent view of the Northern lights.
The ideal 6-day schedule for Northern Norway
This itinerary could easily be extended by a few days, particularly if you intend to include multiple time-consuming and distance-required outdoor activities. However, six days is a fair length of time for this Norway itinerary if you are on a tight budget or want to get a taste of Lapland.
Day 1: Take a plane to Oslo and continue on to Alta
Day 2: Alta
Third Day: Alta
Fly to Tromsø on day four.
Day 5: Tromsø
Day 6: Fly back to Oslo from Tromsø
Days 1-2-3 in Alta
Trekking with snowshoes and ice fishing
What a classic wintry day! I learned some things about Norwegian nature and had a great time on my 4.5-hour hike with Glod Explorer. includes the fact that fishing for arctic char is difficult!
A warm meal is provided inside a lavvu, or Sami herdsmen’s tent, as part of the activity, and the equipment is transported by a dependable husky dog.
Go to an ice hotel.
There isn’t really anything more “Norway in winter” than that. I highly recommend that you visit the distinctive Sorrisniva igloo hotel, which is the largest ice hotel in Norway and the northernmost in the world, regardless of whether you intend to stay overnight. The snowmobile adventure (see below) leaves from here as well.
Expedition in Snowmobiles
Take a snowmobile ride through some of the most pristine regions of northern Norway to experience its icy environment. As one of the biggest snowmobile operators in Norway, Sorrisniva was the first in this region of the world. Whether it’s a quick afternoon excursion or a longer mountain journey with lunch, the guides guarantee a fun and safe experience.
The Sorrisniva Ice Hotel is where I made my straight reservation.
Safari with the Northern Lights
I made a reservation with Alta-based Peskatun for my first night in Northern Norway, and I can highly recommend them.
To acquire as little light pollution as possible—which significantly increases the likelihood of viewing and taking pictures of the northern lights—the guide led me to the base camp high in the mountains surrounding Alta. They were really faint that night, so I wasn’t too lucky, but it was still enjoyable.
- A remark regarding safaris to the Northern Lights
I understand that the plan includes four separate nights out, which may seem a bit repetitive at first, but believe me when I say that this erratic gift from Mother Nature is anything from predictable. There are no assurances that the lights will perform, so be ready to pay for several visits.
Glamping in luxury at Holmen Husky Lodge
Easily one of my all-time favorite trips. Not only did I get to spend the night in a luxurious tipi, but I also had an amazing sleigh ride, saw more dogs than I could count, and got a sight of the northern lights. Life objectives, huh?
The Holmen Husky Lodge is the one item you can afford to spend more money on during this trip.
4-5-6 days in Tromsø
Seeing the sights in Tromsø
Arctic Norway’s capital—and, to some Scandinavians, their most eccentric town—has a reputation for living up to expectations. Nordic adventures start here, where history and Scandinavian art de vivre collide, offering excitement at every turn. The best method to see the city’s many attractions is on foot. This small town has a lot to offer in terms of culture, from restaurants and street art to museums and exhibitions.
Go to the Museum of Polaria.
Get Norwegian cuisine at Mathallen.
Discover the Old Town’s traditional architecture.
Consider the cable car in Fjellheisen.
Visit Pust to experience a Norwegian sauna.
Plan a voyage through the fjords of the Arctic.
Take a whale-watching trip.
Get coffee at Kaffebønna or Smørtorget.
Safari in the Northern Lights
I ended up sitting in the snow and sobbing in awe during my trip with Tromsø Friluftsenter, despite the fact that you can’t judge a Northern Lights-focused tour operator by the show you’re getting (these displays are notoriously difficult to predict, as they require a very precise combination of both clear skies and strong solar winds).
This journey to one of their base camps includes a covered lavvo tent with a crackling fire, along with warm drinks and cake.
Sledding dogs
Watch this video and change your mind if you believe that dog sledding is cruel. Clearly, these dogs are the epitome of energy and eagerness—or else what? When it’s time for a new adventure, they get really enthusiastic since they adore riding.
And Tromsø Villmarkssenter looks after them so well! They are a family-owned company that has been providing dog sledding experiences for more than 30 years.
It should be mentioned that self-driven sleighs can be difficult to operate, especially when the snow is new. You will need to assist these dogs up hills if they begin to struggle because they can only carry you so far on their own. It was quite an exercise for me!
Also: sleigh rides >>> post-ride cuddling.
Skiing across the country
Tromsø Outdoor brought us directly to the city’s backyard, where residents go on daily ski excursions, for my cross-country skiing journey. The sun was shining and the snow was crisp. Very few individuals were in the area. With only nature and the silence of Lapland winter, it was difficult to put into words how serene it felt outside.
With only trees for company, we were encircled by mountains and clear skies. I didn’t want the fairy tale to end; it was like being in one.
Reindeer sledding
Although it takes an entire hour and a half to get reach Lyngsfjord Adventure’s basecamp from the main road, the detour is well worth it. You’ll understand why once you get there: this location is amazing on its own merits, whether or not you compare it to other local attractions.
The camp is situated in one of Norway’s most attractive areas, the Lyngsfjord Valley, which was created over thousands of years by glacial activity.
A 4-kilometer ride throughout some of Finnmark’s most breathtaking landscapes will introduce you to the native Sami people and their herds of reindeer at Camp Tamok. You can remain longer and experience the rush of speeding through a huge snowscape in one of the snowmobiles!
Winter travel in Northern Norway: useful advice
Things to bring when traveling in the winter
Naturally, high-quality thermal layers are required. The best investment you can make to stay warm in cold weather is a Merino, despite its high cost. It also lasts a lifetime if you take good care of it! To wear underneath your clothing, you should get socks and base layers made of 250-grade merino wool. Along with a hat, gaiter, and lined gloves, you’ll also need a waterproof winter coat and snow leggings.
However, the majority of local tour providers are happy to lend visitors warm clothing, such as boots and one-piece snow suits, if this is really a problem.
According to the Norwegians, terrible weather only refers to inadequate clothing.
How to configure a camera to capture the northern lights
Northern lights expedition guides are skilled at positioning cameras to capture the greatest images. Never be afraid to seek them for advice! Taking good pictures of the northern lights is a true science.
