Tromso, Arctic Circle: Norway
Arriving in Tromsø, we checked out Polaria, an Arctic aquarium unlike any other. This eco-friendly wonder is a great introduction to the region’s marine life, including seals and the fascinating exhibits about the Arctic environment. The seals were delightful and I enjoyed the panoramic Arctic experience film — a stunning visual feast showcasing the raw beauty of this frozen land. Afterwards, we enjoyed a tipple at Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub and brewery. The brewery being the most northerly one on the planet. A choice of 72 beers!
But the real highlight of the day awaited as night fell and we joined the Aurora Safari Camp at Breivikeidet, a remote location east of the city. Here, in the midst of snow-covered landscapes, we were fortunate enough to witness (albeit primarily with the help of a camera, at a KPI level of 5) the breathtaking northern lights in all their glory. We moved location too in order to see more of them at Finnvikvatnet, north west of Tromso.. The aurora borealis are startling, such vibrant green colours...and seeing the Great Bear and Cassiopeia twinkling directly above in clear skies was rather special too.
The following day, we ventured across the Tromsø sound via ferry to the small village of Svensby for a snowmobile Safari in the Lyngen Alps. Snowmobiling through this pristine wilderness on a clear day of sunshine and blue skies was really special. We sped across open fields, through forests, and around frozen lakes. The landscape is simply stunning — jagged mountains and frozen fjords stretching endlessly before us.
The third full day in Tromsø brought a change in weather, with snow gently falling from the sky at our location 60 miles away in Tamok for a Husky Safari. There are 140 Alaskan Huskies here in all. Super strong, very eager, and 5 of them pulled us along on the sledge. The snow added to the magical atmosphere of the day and, despite one's thinking, the dogs seemed to be more controllable than a skidoo! The landscape again was magical, covered in thick snow and enveloped on all sides by mountains.
The tours all offered warmsuits, boots, gloves, hats, balaclavas, goggles as deemed necessary for the conditions permitting, very good indeed.
We stayed in a waterfront hotel, a perfect location with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. The locals are very friendly, polite and knowledgeable...and there is a real cosmopolitan mix of many nationalities here. Would like to investigate again in the summer, when the daylight is endless!
