Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), 8-day Expedition aboard the Polaris, Norway
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Join Bruno, an IFMGA-certified guide, as he takes you on an 8-day expedition to view and experience the wonder and magic that is the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) aboard the Polaris boat, leaving from Norway. Viewing the Northern Lights is a truly stunning event, and will leave you with lifetime memories.
Group
8 Days
Jan
Low
Highlights
- View the magical, mystical and alluring Northern Lights!
- Research the fascinating beasts that are Killer Whales!
- Snowmobiling, reindeer sleighing and dog sledding!
- Visit Uløya, a quaint fishing village still with its 19 century characteristics!
- Explore the delightful city of Tromsø!
Description
I am going to lead you on a trip that will give you life-long memories and perhaps even make you believe in magic, as we take in the mystical and alluring Northern Lights. Along the way we will also do fun activities such as research killer whales, visit quaint and traditional fishing villages, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, all in the veritable Winter wonderland that is Norwegian Lapland.
Norwegian Lapland has a rich and fascinating history, and its relatively remote location is the northernmost part of continental Europe. From being home to Viking settlements to being a linchpin of large-scale fishing, the spectacular landscape is also home to such wildlife as reindeer’s, dogs and whales.
We meet in Tromsø, Norway, where we then board our boat for the trip, the Polaris. We then spend the day in Tromsø, a city of ports, museums, cathedrals and a cable car, and in the evening we sail to one of the bays where we have our best shot at viewing the Northern Lights.
The subsequent two days are spent researching the mighty killer whales that populate the region, as well as observe the many schools of fish and birds around, whilst spending evenings on the lookout for the lights once again.
We then head to Uløya, a gorgeous and quaint fishing village still with its 19th century aspects such as its fisheries, timber houses and ancient docks. We also stroll along the seafront to admire the Lyngen Alps, and there is also an option to snowshoe to a mountain observatory.
The penultimate day is spent indulging in some exciting outdoor activities, such as snowmobiling, being pulled along by a reindeer sleigh or a dog sled.
We finish the journey back in Tromsø, where we say our goodbyes and cherish the memories we have made.
The Northern Lights are a once-in-a-lifetime encounter – book to now experience it!
We also offer a short 3-day Northern Lights trip in the Lyngen Alps, here!
For a slightly crazier adventure, we also offer a 5-day ski touring and Northern Lights road trip in Norway, here!
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet
Flights (according to arrangements). Reception by your guide at Tromsø airport, boarding and reception on the Polaris.
Day 2: Tromsø
Visit of Tromsø and its museums. The city is very active and is the headquarters of the Norwegian Polar Institute which maintains “Polaria”, a remarkable information center on the Far North. Ports, museums, cathedrals of the North … Mounted on the plateaux overlooking the fjord by cable car to embrace a superb panorama (possibility of snowshoeing). In the evening, if the sky is clear, we sail towards bays where the observation of aurora is easy and if the sky remains covered, an evening in Tromsø.
Day 3 to 4: Kaldfjord
2 days dedicated to the research and observation of killer whales (and birds and other cetaceans) in the Kaldfjord and Ersfjord. These “teeth of the sea” feed on schools of fish, mainly herring, which have deserted the Lofoten in recent years to stay in winter in these fjords following changes in currents and schools of fish related to the climate. In addition to killer whales, humpbacks or humpback whales are also regular, and their peaches in the swarms of gulls, gulls and petrels provide a wild and unique sight.
Evening on the lookout for aurora in bays where the view embraces the sky and away from light pollution.
Day 5: Uløya and Lyngen Alps
We sail through the beautiful landscapes of the Lyngen Alps, before discovering Uløya, where a fishing village, far from the tourist routes, has kept its 19th century aspects with its fisheries, timber houses, ancient docks, and dryers at cod. Walk along the sea to admire the chain of Lyngen Alps which rises to 1833 meters above sea level and spreads over 90 kilometers.
Snowshoeing opportunities to the mountain observatory. Night at the dock in the village.
Day 6: Peaches
In these landscapes, there are fishing parties under the ice, using the techniques of the peoples of the North, watching animals in the fjords … and fishing at sea. Evening meal with the catch of the day. Night at anchor.
Day 7: Lapland Excursions
Departure from Tromsø by vehicle for optional excursions: reindeer sleigh with Sami, or dogs, or by snowmobile or car excursion. Back on board and goodbye meal.
Day 8: Finish
Transfer to the airport and return flights according to arrangements.
Details
More info
Aurora observation. A watch is done and you will be awake in case of dawn in the middle of the night. However, we can not guarantee this natural show and no refund can be requested. The boat will always be located in anchorages favorable to observation and photography of the lights.
This program can be changed depending on the snow and sea conditions. It is our Commander and our guide who will decide the program day by day while respecting the various visits that are planned.
Meeting point
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