I've been cruising since the mid-'90s, and after two upcoming cruises later this year, I'll have completed 18 sailings.
21.07.2023 - 08:14 / roughguides.com
Norway isn't short of incredible landscapes. This is the country of majestic lakes, lush meadows and snow-covered mountains. Yet one part of Norway continues to hold unique appeal – the wild Arctic north where the mainland fractures into an intricate coastline of twisting fjords and remote archipelagos.
At the heart of the region is one of the country's most delightful small cities, Tromsø, situated 350km north of the Arctic Circle. That’s more northerly than all of the Icelandic mainland, Inuvik in Canada and most of Alaska. Yet thanks to the warmth of the Gulf Stream, it’s an appealing, welcoming place home to more than 70,000 people.
This is about as far north as you can travel in Europe and one of the best places to come if you’re looking for a winter adventure. Pack your mittens and dig out your snow boots: here’s our guide to visiting this compact city and the magical sights that surround it.
© spacedrone808/Shutterstock
Topping most travellers’ winter wish lists are husky sledging, whale watching and aurora hunting – and there is a bemusing array of operators ready to whisk you out of the city. You’d be wise to do some research before you come. The tourist office website is a great place to start, with a well-curated list of excursions and reliable providers. Unfortunately, Tromsø isn’t cheap; expect to pay upwards of 1200NOK for a day trip.
Arctic Adventure Tours is one of the longest-established local companies, offering both whale safaris and dog sledging. This is a family-run and considerate outfit, demonstrated by the care they show to their hundred-or-so exuberant huskies. Visitors are invited to meet and play with the dogs before they’re harnessed, and then learn to drive their own two-person sleds through the snow.
Flying along the mountain slopes is an unforgettable experience, with the “musher”, or driver, standing to guide the sledge and keep the huskies’ incredible power under control – step off, and they’ll happily speed into the distance.
© V. Belov/Shutterstock
If you’re hankering for more outdoor adventure, snowshoeing, ice-climbing, skiing and snowmobiling (driving license required) are just a few of the other ways you can get your thrills.
For something different, you’ll need to venture further from the city. One of the most exciting trips is a visit to the newly opened Aurora Spirit, the northernmost distillery in the world. The two-hour journey, crossing an incredibly beautiful stretch of Ullsfjord along the way, is almost as memorable as the punchy gin, aquavit and vodka they’re producing while their first whiskies mature in barrel.
While this is one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, remember that you’re dealing with nature – there are no
I've been cruising since the mid-'90s, and after two upcoming cruises later this year, I'll have completed 18 sailings.
Upon its christening in May, Swan Hellenic’s new SH Dianasailed north from Amsterdam to explore some of the lesser visited spots along Norway’s seemingly endless coast. Thanks to the expedition ship’s small-size, its 10-night Norway Explored voyage went deeper into fjords than most cruise ships can manage (the first leg of the voyage is covered in this post).
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