Ultimate Arctic Adventure and Tromso

Arrival to Tromso airport. Upon exiting the airport, please proceed to the Flybussen bus stop (regular airport express bus) and present your voucher to the driver. Your voucher is valid for both the arrival and departure transfers so please be sure to keep it safe.

TROMSO CABLE CAR (optional)
DURATION: approximately 2 hours (20:00 – 22:00)
MEETING TIME: 19:45 in the hotel reception
INCLUDES: Transportation, lift ride & guide

A short transfer will take you from the hotel to the Cable Car Station.  Board a gondola, and in just four minutes you will be transported 421 m above sea level to experience Tromso’s best view.  Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromso and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. If we are lucky the northern lights will show up and top off this already impressive experience. 

Overnight in Tromso.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we depart by private coach for a 3-hour city sightseeing tour and perfect introduction to Tromso. Tromso enjoys a subarctic climate, its location corresponding to the northern coast of Alaska. Learn about the indigenous Sami people, their traditional culture and recent history. Following this, you will continue a tour around the island, passing Lake Prestvatn where the Meteorological Institute is situated. Travel across the bridge to the Arctic Cathedral for a visit to this masterpiece by Jan Inge Hovig. Built in 1965, the cathedral reflects north Norwegian nature, culture, and faith with a monumental stained-glass window. Afternoon at leisure.

POLARIA MUSEUM & TROMSO UNIVERSITY (optional)
DURATION: With Tour Leader, coach at disposal for 2:30 hours
Entrance - Tromsø University Museum and Polaria
Polaria is the world’s most northerly aquarium and looks as though the world’s largest dominoes have been knocked over. This arctic aquarium which opened in 1998, focuses on educating visitors about the exotic, freezing waters of the Nordic North. The museum portions of the aquarium feature display on the Svalbard region as well as simulated permafrost, while the aquarium proper contains rare specimens of cold-water fish and other arctic marine life from the area. The main attraction is a large pool that houses several large-bearded seals that visitors can get remarkably close to thanks to viewing bubbles in the tank wall. Maybe the most remarkable aspect of the aquarium is the building itself. It was designed to evoke massive ice flows that have pushed up against one another, breaking and stacking into a slanted fringe. In effect, the structure looks almost as though a series of building toppled into each other like a dominoes cascade.

The Arctic University Museum of Tromso offers diverse and insightful exhibitions from northern culture, including everything from Norway’s oldest chewing gum to the northern lights and Vikings. Located in Tromsø, a city Nylund describes as The Port to the Arctic Ocean, the museum is a place for cutting-edge research in subjects ranging from mosquitos and Vikings to fossils, Polar exploration, and the indigenous Sami people. The museum offers three different attractions: Tromsø Museum, the Polar Museum and the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden.

AURORA HUSKY VISIT (optional)
DURATION: 4 hours (19:00-23:00)
MEETING TIME: 18:30 at the hotel reception
INCLUDED: transportation, guide, warm overalls, traditional Norwegian dinner
Be ready for a pick-up right outside your hotel at 18:30 where you will be met by a representative from Tromso Villmarkssenter and taken on a 25-minute bus ride to the Aurora Camp.  At the camp you will be equipped with thermal overalls and boots to keep you nice and warm all evening.  300 friendly Alaskan huskies are waiting to greet you and enjoy some cuddles, followed by an affectionate and playful visit to the puppy enclosure.  Once you have filled up on puppy love, it is time to enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner in our cosy Gamme-hut (turf home).  You will be served Norwegian Bacalao, prepared with locally sourced cod and tomato sauce, and for dessert their savoury signature chocolate cake. As it is impossible to predict when the Aurora will appear during the evening, your guide will keep a close eye on the sky for you and the program will be adjusted accordingly. For those of you who wish to sit outside and wait for it to appear, a bonfire will set the mood and keep you toasty.

Overnight in Tromso (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.  The ride from Tromso to Alta is breath-taking regardless of the time of year.  Stunning scenery and magnificent nature ensure that this trip will stay with you for a long time. The distance between Tromso and Alta is about 300 km, a route travelled in approximately 8 hours, and include two ferry crossings. Lunch (included) en-route.  Arrival in Alta and check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure.

SLEIGH RIDE UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS (optional)
DURATION: approximately 4 hours (20:00 – 24:00)
MEETING TIME: 19:45 at the hotel reception
INCLUDES: Transportation, traditional dinner including dried meat chips w/dip, reindeer meat, lingonberry sauce, homemade cinnamon rolls, bonfire-coffee and glogg
This tour offers you an evening of cozy adventure.  You will be picked up in Alta and driven to a farm in the nearby countryside where you will climb aboard a sleigh and get bundled up in warm blankets. Your sleigh is then pulled by a Norwegian Fjord Horse through the forest and along the Alta River, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the peace and beauty all around you. Near the end of the ride, you will stop at a wilderness shelter where a light dinner will be served around a warm fire.  Under the right conditions you might also be able to captures some beautiful images of the Northern Lights. 

Overnight in Alta (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable King Crab Safari, rated as one of the best experiences in the World.

King Crab Safari (optional)
DURATION: approximately 5 hours (09:00-14:00)
MEETING TIME: 08:15 at the hotel reception
Min 2 persons
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal equipment, king crab lunch, warm drinks and snacks
One of the highlights of Northern Norway with the chance to taste one of the local delicacies known worldwide. Heading out on the Alta Fjord you will come face to face with this giant of the sea on the King Crab safari. The red king crab can reach up to two meters from claw to claw and weighs up to 15 kilos. Depending on the weather and ice the trip might be by boat or snowmobile drawn sleigh. Once your king crab has been caught, you are transferred to a remote cabin where the crab will be prepared for a delicious lunch. All equipment and clothing will be provided. 

In the early afternoon, you will depart for the prestigious EMYA award-winning Alta Museum. The museum is situated at the site of early settlement of Finnmark dating from around 11,000 years ago and presents exhibitions on local culture and historic industries.  A must-see for anyone visiting the area. Afternoon free at leisure. We suggest a visit to the modern Northern Lights Cathedral located in the central part of town across your hotel.

ALTA MUSEUM (included)
Experience the Northern Europe’s largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Here you can walk on pathways arranged around the rock carving area while enjoying a fantastic view over the Alta Fjord. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. You will have a guided tour at the museum with some free time afterwards to walk around at your own pace.

NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR & SORRISNIVA ICE HOTEL (optional)
DURATION: approximately 4 – 5 hours (19:00– 23:00/24:00)
MEETING TIME: 18:30 at the hotel reception
MIN: 6 persons
INCLUDES: transportation, guide, sweet snacks and soft drink
Meet your Tour Director in the lobby of your hotel for a 20 minute bus ride into the countryside. The family owned Sorrisniva adventure facility is perfectly located to maximize your chances of seeing the magnificent Aurora Borealis in the time between September and March. Experience the Igloo Hotel - the worlds northernmost ice hotel, built from ground every year with different themes. Get a break from your daily life and feel the serenity and silence the Igloo Hotel gives you. Wander among handcrafted ice sculptures or take an ice drink in our bar. Everything is made from pure snow and ice. 

After the visit to the Ice Hotel you will take on the Northern Lights chase in the company of a knowledgeable guide.  Along the way you will have an excellent opportunity to learn more about the natural phenomenon as well as the local history of Alta.  Your guide will also be very happy to help you catch some beautiful images with your own camera. 

 Overnight in Alta (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by an early departure.  You will travel the 340 km south to Levi by coach, an approximately 5-hour journey taking you through the beautiful northern Lapland.  Your eyes will feast on breathtaking nature as you sit back and watch the landscape unfold. On the way, you will visit the Finnmarks first silverwork shop (est.1959) Juhls Silver Museum - offers traditional and exclusive modern jewelry manufactured on the premises. The Tundra collection designed by Regine Juhls is recognized as modern classics within Scandinavian jewelry design. International art and handicrafts are also presented in a beautiful, special, and unique setting.

Welcome to Finland and to Levi a winter paradise like no other. Nestled in the heart of Lapland, Levi offers breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located in in Sirkka Village approximately 170 north of the Arctic Circle its natural surroundings are guaranteed to impress. During the next two night your accommodation will be The Aurora Igloo Cabin half igloo half cabin at the Northern Lights Village Resort - a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and some with luck the dance of the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in the warm bed.  Enjoy a local dinner at the restaurant and enjoy this evening’s optional experience.

Aurora Hunting by heated sleigh (optional)
DURATION: approximately 3 hours (20:30 – 23:30)
MEETING TIME: 20:15 at the hotel reception
MIN 2: PERSONS
INCLUDES: guiding, warm berry juice, cookies and marshmellows, thermal clothes
The silent, snow-covered forest, and the magical Northern Lights above you. Take a seat in the heated aurora sleigh! This is the best option if you do not wish to ride a snowmobile and rather sit in the comfort of a heated sleigh pulled by the guide. Your guide tows the sleigh with a snowmobile through the snowy, moon and starlit landscape, all the way into the forest, far away from the residential areas and their light pollution. After arriving, we prepare our cameras and take photographs of the northern night sky. If the luck is with us the Northern Lights will appear. Sit comfortable by the fire, enjoying hot drinks and listening to tales until someone spots the first flare. Now your imagination is the only limit: The Northern Lights waving across the sky, the constellations, and the glittering snow-covered trees… How will you compose your photos?   REQUIRES PRE-BOOKING AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

Remember to set your watch one hour forward. 
Overnight in Levi (B, D)

Breakfast at the Hotel. The natural beauty, diverse wildlife, varying terrain and, of course, the Northern Lights make Lapland and Levi very special places. From its river valleys and frozen lakes up to the fells with their spectacular views over the artic landscape, Levi is all about northern nature at its best. Today you will have opportunity to get familiar with Lappish animals and the life of the locals. Enjoy the magical tranquility in Arctic nature. 

REINDEER FARM & SLEIGH RIDE (included)
DURATION: approximately 3 hours (10:00-13:00)
INCLUDED: guiding in English, thermal equipment, transfers, farm visit, 1 km sleigh ride, 3 course meal

Meet the Reindeer farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, and its importance to the Sami culture. Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience a short ride in this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. Sami and his family have been living in the farm more than 300 years. Visit the café, the museum and enjoy a typical three-course home made lunch.

Afternoon free at leisure. Enjoy dinner at your Hotel.
The following optional activities are the ones we recommend for an authentic Finnish experience. 

Finnish Sauna & jacuzzi (optional)
DURATION: 1 hour (time to be pre-booked)
INCLUDES: introduction from guide

Aurora photography Workshop (optional)
DURATION: approximately 1 hour (17:00 – 18:00)
MEETING TIME: 16:45 at the hotel reception
MIN : 2 Persons
INCLUDES: introduction from guide

Aurora Expedition on Snowshoes (optional)
DURATION: approximately 2 hours (20:30 – 22:30)
MEETING TIME: 20:15 at the hotel reception
MIN: 2 Persons
INCLUDES: guiding, hot berry juice, cookies, marshmallows, snowshoes, thermal clothes

Overnight in Levi (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by an early departure. The route between Levi and Haparanda is quite scenic, especially during the winter months when the landscape is covered in snow. As you travel east from Levi towards Haparanda, you'll pass through the forests and hills of Finnish Lapland, which are dotted with small towns and villages. As you approach the border between Finland and Sweden, you'll cross the Muonio River, which forms the border between the two countries. The river is quite wide and frozen in the winter, and you may be able to see people ice fishing or skiing on the river. Once you cross into Sweden, you'll notice a change in the landscape, as the terrain becomes flatter, and the forests give way to open fields. Haparanda is located on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, so you may be able to catch glimpses of the sea as you approach the town. Overall, the drive between Levi and Haparanda is a beautiful journey through the winter wonderland of Lapland, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

After arrival in Haparanda in Swedish Lapland, you will have a chance to try unique ways of fishing as optional.
Remember to set your watch 1 hour back.

Trying burbut fishnets and Ice-fishing (optional)
DURATION: approximately 2-3 hr (16:00-18:30)
MEETING TIME: 15:30 at hotel reception
MIN: 2 Persons
INCLUDES: guiding, hot berry juice, tools for ice-fishing, thermal clothes
Tornionjoki river is the biggest free-flowing river in Europe in which whitefish and salmon spawn. Kukkolankoski rapids are a crown jewel of Tornionjoki river. It flows unobstructed even in winter. Would you like to try your luck in ice-fishing? Ice fishing is the activity of catching fish with lines and hooks. Our guide will teach you how to drill a hole in the ice and prepare the ice-fishing rod and baits. Then it’s time to test your skills.

Tonight, you will stay at one of the most famous turn-of-the-century hotels in Sweden, restored to its former glory, with the authentic character of the town’s number one establishment: red plush, crystal chandeliers, stucco. Haparanda, with Stadshotellet at its center, at periods has been the European town with the fastest pulse rate.The building was designed by the architects Fritz Ullrich and Eduard Hallqvist from Stockholm. The hotel was built in the classical style, the master builder and the carpenters coming from Sundsvall, Sweden, the stucco workers came from Italy, much of the building material was from Silesia, etc. Afternoon free at leisure. Enjoy dinner at your Hotel.

Overnight in Haparanda (B, D)

Breakfast at the Hotel. Time for a swim as you head to the town of Kemi for a full day of activities. First a visit to the Winter Park with its special snow slides, enjoy the snow sculptures and SnowExperience365 complex, followed by three-course or buffet lunch at Seaview Restaurant. Short drive to the harbour where you embark the impressive vessel SAMPO ICEBREAKER for a cruise through the ice of the northern Gulf of Bothnia to make your adventure unforgettable.
*Please note that the construction of the Winter Park is dependent on the weather conditions and therefore not guaranteed to be open during January.

SAMPO ICE BREAKER & ICE FLOATING (included)
DURATION: 3,5h (13:00-16:30)
INCLUDES: guided tour of the ship, ice floating experience, warm welcome drink and diploma. Lunch included
Sea Lapland is one of the few extraordinary places where the sea completely freezes over in the winter. Enjoy an unforgettable sea, snow and ice adventure on a cruise on the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. Let the magical moments in arctic nature blow you away. The crew gives a presentation of this historical ship and provide a guided tour around the vessel all the way from the Captain’s bridge to the engine rooms. Feel the arctic freedom on the deck or relax in the warm indoors sipping hot beverages in Icebreaker Bar. Before returning to the port, the ship will make a one-hour stop to enable each visitor to participate in the ice floating event – in the middle of the largest ice field in Europe. You can jump into the sea and float! Of course, comfortably dressed in survival suits.
*Please note that the ice floating experience requires min, height of 130cm due to safety reasons.

The adventure continues, as you make your way to Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi capital of Finnish Lapland, home of Santa Claus counts with more than 60.000 inhabitants. Evening at leisure to enjoy one of the many wonderful restaurants of the capital of Lapland.

Overnight in Rovaniemi (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel and depart for the next step on the winter adventure. Drive through the white nature to visit a Husky Farm located right on the Arctic Circle.

HUSKY FARM & SAFARI (included)
DURATION: approximately 2 hours
INCLUDES: guide, husky ride 3-5 km, hot berry juice, thermal clothes
2 persons per sledge (self-driving)

The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Rovaniemi. The head musher will talk about the life and training of these Arctic animals and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. After brief instructions you embark, riding in pairs, on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies (3-5 km).

The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa´s home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. An absolute must for any visit to Lapland. After the visit to Santa Claus Village, return to your hotel by bus. The rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Aurora Borealis Safari by Snowmobiles (optional)
DURATION: approximately 3 hours (18:00 – 21:00)
MEETING TIME: 17:20 at the hotel reception
MIN 2 PERSONS
INCLUDED: transportation, thermal outfit, guide, snack, hot beverage 

Drive through the wilderness and discover the phenomena of the northern sky at our Northern Lights base. Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you will travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. Sip warm beverages and savor a snack by a campfire and learn more about the Northern Lights and the beauty of Lapland.

*Note: To drive a snow mobile in Finland you must have a valid driver’s license from a country of issue which has signed the Road Traffic Convention of Geneva. Via Hansa & Borealis cannot accept responsibility for licenses that are not accepted. Please consult if you have any doubts.

Overnight in Rovaniemi (B)

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your regular transfer to Rovaniemi airport for your departure flight (B). Thanks for traveling wth us!