In the end of September, I set out for an exciting autumn adventure to Northern Norway. It was a trip we had planned for long as we knew this year was going to be exceptional for the northern lights!
Our first destination was Tromsø, which is also known as the “gateway to the arctic”. This small charming city located on the Norwegian coast, above the Arctic Circle, is known for its incredible natural beauty and great location for the northern lights. During our 3-night stay, we explored a variety of different attractions which showcased both of the history and modern style of Tromsø.
One of our firsts stops was the famous Magic Ice Bar. When you see the building from outside, it’s hard to believe you are soon stepping into a space made completely of ice, from the walls to the drinking glasses and impressive ice sculptures – it was a surreal experience! The constant temperature of minus four degrees Celsius guarantees a cool experience even in the middle of summer. We also visited the Troll Museum which ended up being one of favourite things in Tromsø! The fun and quirky museum filled with Norwegian folklore and trolls was very entertaining, but also educational. The interactive exhibits were a fun way to learn more about the country’s traditions and legends.
Magic Ice Bar in Tromso
Troll Museum in Tromso
For some stunning views of Tromsø, we took the scenic Fjellheisen cable car ride up to Mount Storsteinen. From the top, the panoramic views of the city, the surrounding fjords, and snow-capped mountains were nothing short of breathtaking. On our walk back to the city we also visited the Polar Museum, which gave us a fascinating insight into the history of Arctic exploration. It focused on the brave men and women who ventured into the unforgiving Arctic to explore and study its mysteries.
Views from top of Storsteinen
Traditional local snack with waffles and brown cheese
Not so great view!
One of the highlights of our time in Tromsø was the fjord cruise we joined. It was easy to admire the untouched beauty of the region as we sailed through the fjords, surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque landscapes. Later that evening, we took part in a northern lights tour, where we headed to a cosy lavvu outside the city. Here we learnt more about the northern lights as we enjoyed some hot drinks and home baked cake. And sure enough, we did also get a faint show of the northern lights!
Local delicacies onboard our fjord cruise
After three nights in Tromsø, we made our way to Malangen, a tranquil and scenic village about 70 kilometres south of Tromsø. Malangen offered the perfect contrast to the lively atmosphere of Tromsø, with its peaceful surroundings and a focus on authentic Arctic experiences. On our first day we enjoyed an Arctic Tasting where we got to sample a variety of drinks from the world’s northernmost distillery – Aurora Spirit. This was a great experience to get to know some local tastes while learning more about the company’s history and alcohol production.
The same evening we were treated to the most spectacular northern lights show of our trip. The green and purple lights stretched across the sky in a mesmerizing dance, creating a sight I’ll remember forever. The show went on for hours, and we even got to enjoy it a little bit longer from the comfort of our own bed when we returned to the hotel.
Northern Lights in Malangen
On our second day we were introduced to Sami storytelling, where we learned about the indigenous Sami culture and their deep connection to the land and nature. We enjoyed an afternoon in a traditional lavvu where we got to see some traditional Sami objects and try authentic food cooked on the fire. In the end of the activity we also got to try our hands at decorating a piece of an antler which we got to keep as a souvenir!
Hand decorated pieces of reindeer antlers
Traditional Sami Lavvu at Malangen Resort
To cap off our visit to Malangen, we embraced the Arctic elements with a traditional sauna experience and swimming in the Arctic sea. After a relaxing time in the heat, we braved the icy waters for a dip. The combination of the sauna’s warmth and the chilly plunge was invigorating and refreshing, providing the perfect end to our adventure.
By Laura Baylis
Baltic Travel Company (all rights reserved)