Chasing the Norwegian Lights: Oslo, Bergen, and Tromso
March 16-23, 2020
Tromso, Norway, has for some time now gained the reputation as being the finest place on the planet for viewing the Northern Lights. If you’ve never seen the Lights, then this just may be the trip that you’ve been looking for. Located some 217 miles North of the Arctic Circle, we’ll search for the aurora borealis by every mode of transportation available including boat, car, and dog-sled.
And during the day, there are museums aplenty, churches, shopping, and an aquarium, all within walking distance, but also whale watching, reindeer sledding, snowmobiling and much more. We’ll also get to know the Saami people and their traditions, largely unchanged for hundreds of years, known for their reindeer herding and bright colorful clothing.
Bookending our time in Tromso, we’ll spend a few days and nights getting to know Norway’s two great cities, Oslo and Bergen. Bergen, the colorful and historic port city, will allow us to explore the landscape in more detail traveling up the largest fjord in the country. Oslo, the capitol, is enriched with wonderful architecture, world class museums, wide open parks and green spaces, and much, much, more.
Your trip will include:
- 4- and 5-star accommodations
- All breakfasts, and many dinners
- Snowmobiling, dogsledding, and a Northern Lights cruise
- Walking tours of Bergen and Oslo
- A day-long fjord cruise from Bergen
- All transfers and airfare between Bergen/Tromso, and Tromso/Oslo.
Tour Expert
Linda Shore, PhD
Executive Director, Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Itinerary
March 16, 2020
Arrival + Visiting Bryggen District & Floibanen Funicular Ride & Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival in Bergen, we will check in to our centrally located hotel. After meeting our guide in the hotel lobby, we will enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of the city; exploring the most interesting sights of Bergen.
During the tour we will go through the famous Bryggen district, visit the Fish Market, and experience a fantastic Floibanen Funicular ride – one of Norway’s best-known attractions.
In the evening we will have a lovely welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. Transfers are not included. Water, coffee and tea will be included with the dinner.
March 17, 2020
Round Trip Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen
Experience the fjords, mountains, and waterfalls with the Bergen-Mostraumen fjord cruise. On a modern catamaran, we will travel to the innermost part of the Osterfjord, right into the narrow Mostraumen with its strong current.
The cruise starts from Zachariasbryggen, right next to the well-known Fish Market in Bergen. On the way from Bergen we will have a fabulous view of the famous Bryggen, the old city of Bergen, along with the rest of Bergen’s harbor basin.
After leaving Bergen we reach the Nordhordaland Bridge (or Nordhordalandsbrua) and the Osterfjord. Towards Mostraumen the fjord gets narrows, and we will be surrounded by steep mountains. We will sail past several waterfalls, and if we are lucky, we will be able collect a sample of the fresh mountain water to taste!
Along the way we will enjoy views of the abundance of wildlife in the area; we can often see seals, goats and even eagles!
March 18, 2020
Flight from Bergen to Tromso and Arrival in Tromso + Reindeer Ride & Sami Culture Group Tour
Following breakfast in the hotel is check out, then we’ll meet our private driver for the transfer.
Upon arrival we will check in to the hotel. Our first excursion is a reindeer group safari through a fairy-tale winter forest. After about thirty minutes of a sleigh ride, prepare to get acquainted with the culture of the Sami, the indigenous people of the North.
We will meet Sami people, taste some typical Sami food, see Sami artifacts and hear stories about their lifestyle; as well as listening to joiks, traditional Sami songs. We will also learn why reindeer sleighs are an important part of the experience – as the oldest known form of transport in the north and central part of the Sami culture. Following the tour we are transferred back to the meeting point and walk to the hotel.
March 19, 2020
Northern Lights
After breakfast in the morning we will enjoy free time to spend the afternoon at leisure. Later in the day we have a magical Northern Lights group cruise planned, which gives us a unique chance of witnessing the famed Aurora Borealis. Prime time for watching the Nordic Lights is between 9 pm and midnight, so the group tour starts late in the evening. Northern Lights viewing from the seaside can be especially exciting, as the cruise takes place at in almost total darkness, far away from the city lights. Light dinner is served on board.
After the cruise we are transferred back to the meeting point for a walk to the hotel.
Please note: the cruise is available from mid-October to end of March.
March 20, 2020
Dog Sledding Group Tour
After breakfast we meet our guide at the meeting point, located within a walking distance of the hotel; and enjoy an unforgettable group tour – a dog-sled ride around the magnificent Arctic landscape. You can even choose to drive a team of huskies on your own!
This tour provides an excellent opportunity to admire the amazing Arctic, and enjoy fantastic views of Tromso; surrounded by snow-covered mountains and picturesque fjords. The dog sledding trip lasts about an hour, and is followed by a guided tour through a dog yard. Later, a traditional Sami meal based on reindeer meat is served around an open fire in a Sami tent.
March 21, 2020
Departure from Tromso and Arrival to Oslo
In the morning we check out from the hotel and depart from Tromso.
Arrival in the fabulous capital of Norway – Oslo! Upon arrival, we will be met by our private driver for the transfer to our hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free so we can all start exploring the magnificent city center on our own; Guests are encouraged to dine in one of the local restaurants or take a well-earned rest in your comfortable room.
March 22, 2020
Oslo City Tour + Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and go on a 4-hour walking tour of this magnificent Norwegian city.
Starting with a visit to one of the major Scandinavian treasures, the famous Frogner Park; informally known as the Vigeland Park after its founder Gustav Vigeland. A great time will be had by all as we stroll through this beautiful park and enjoy its extravagant sculptures and unique Scandinavian feel.
Then we will proceed to some other famous Oslo attractions, including – the Royal Palace, viewable only from outside; and the Akershus fortress (no entrances included).
In the evening we have another lovely dinner at a nearby restaurant, this time to say farewell.
March 23, 2020
Departure
Following breakfast at the hotel, we check out and depart from Oslo.