Home Bespoke Tours Arctic Radiance: Northern Lights Exploration in Tromsø & Alta Chase the Northern Lights and pursue thrilling winter adventures in the heart of Norway’s Arctic region. Best time of year: Winter Suggested duration: 8 nights Traveller type: Arctic explorers, families, adventure seekers Join our action-packed winter adventure in Norway’s Arctic North. This multi-day tour combines the highlights of Norway’s capital with a world of winter activities in and around Tromsø, which is Norway’s gateway to the Arctic. The journey begins with a visit to Oslo, the country’s captivating capital and a must-see city on your trip to Norway. On a guided tour, you will witness the city’s iconic attractions, including the ancient Akershus Fortress and the futuristic Oslo Opera House. The finest architecture of Oslo will stand in sharp contrast to what you will experience further on your journey: the vast, snowy wilderness of the Arctic and thrilling winter adventures. As soon as you arrive in Tromsø, you will join a dedicated Aurora chase group and, with luck, experience the beauty of the Northern Lights. But if you don’t catch the spectacular light show the first time, no worries; you will get another chance later in the journey. During your trip, you will have an opportunity to try a variety of authentic Arctic experiences, from dog and reindeer sledding to whale watching and ice sculpting. You will also have enough time to stroll through the charming streets of Tromsø and Alta, a smaller town up north with an extraordinary Northern Lights Cathedral. In Alta, you will even stay overnight at the unique Sorrisniva Hotel, built entirely of snow and ice. This trip combines the best experiences that Northern Norway has to offer. And rest assured: you will have fallen in love with the Arctic by the end of your journey. Previous tour itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Oslo and explore the city in your free time. Day 2 See the best of Oslo on a 4-hour sightseeing tour, after which you can take your time to discover the city’s hidden gems on your own. Day 3 Fly out to the northern city of Tromsø, where you will join a small-group Aurora chase in the evening and experience the beauty of the Northern Lights. Day 4 Spend your day observing humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat on a guided 7-hour tour. Day 5 Explore the charming city of Tromsø independently and take a cable car to Mount Storsteinen for spectacular, panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, fly out to Alta and check in at the unique Sorrisniva Hotel, built entirely of snow and ice. Day 6 Brace yourself for winter adventures! Start your day with a relaxing reindeer sledding ride, then pick up the pace with a thrilling dog sledding adventure, and relax in a soothing sauna or jacuzzi at the end of the day. Day 7 Join the expert artisan and learn how to carve intricate sculptures out of ice before heading on another Aurora hunt in Alta. Day 8 Fly back to Oslo and enjoy a farewell dinner at an exquisite restaurant in Aker Brygge. Day 9 Depart from Oslo or extend your stay in the city. Get in touch Explore Norwaywithout the effort. We’re here to help you escape reality — seeing incredible landscapes without the admin required to get there. Get in touch for custom tours tailored to you. Begin your Journey The extraordinary Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta, Northern Norway. Tour highlights Our favourite stops Oslo Opera House The futuristic building of the Oslo Opera House is a genuine architectural masterpiece, which signifies a glacier floating in the Oslofjord. Opened in 2008 and ahead of schedule, this venue, with its outstanding acoustics, is popular among opera troupes and metal bands alike! Visitors can climb the building’s roof without even entering the lobby and get a spectacular view of the city. Holmenkollen A peaceful neighbourhood in Oslo, Holmenkollen is home to the world’s oldest ski jumping hill, which has hosted competitions since 1892. On the premises of its complex, travelers will find a fascinating ski museum with many unique exhibits and a viewing platform that offers spectacular views of the city. Cable car to Storsteinen In just four minutes, the Fjellheisen cable car whisks travellers up to Mount Storsteinen, which overlooks Tromsø from a height of 421 metres above sea level. In addition to enjoying spectacular views of the city and mountains, visitors can set out on scenic hikes, have a hearty meal at the on-site restaurant, or even go snowshoeing in winter. Polaria Polaria, an Arctic museum housed in a modern architectural masterpiece, invites visitors to learn about the polar regions and their wildlife. Its highlight is the Arctic Walkway, which takes guests on a thrilling journey through this frozen region, featuring equipment for polar exploration, Arctic animals, and even a simulated permafrost tunnel. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel One of the world’s most extraordinary hotels, Sorrisniva is completely built from snow and ice. Everything in this hotel is made from these materials: the walls, the sculptures, and even the glasses at the bar. Guests will even find an ice chapel on the hotel’s premises! Coupled with an abundance of winter activities available for booking on-site, this hotel is an ideal place for a perfect winter getaway in the Arctic. Places you’ll explore Review the route Oslo Tromsø Alta Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich history and cultural core — packed with museums, parks, and a stunning waterfront. Read more Tromsø Nestled within the Arctic Circle and warmed by the Gulf Stream, Tromsø is a city that invites travellers to dive into a world of thrilling winter outdoor adventures. Explore the best things to do in Tromsø and when to visit. Read more Alta Alta is a small town in Norway’s Arctic, best known for the extraordinary Northern Lights Cathedral and the Sorrisniva Hotel, built entirely of snow and ice. Read more Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich history and cultural core — packed with museums, parks, and a stunning waterfront. Read more Tromsø Nestled within the Arctic Circle and warmed by the Gulf Stream, Tromsø is a city that invites travellers to dive into a world of thrilling winter outdoor adventures. Explore the best things to do in Tromsø and when to visit. Read more Alta Alta is a small town in Norway’s Arctic, best known for the extraordinary Northern Lights Cathedral and the Sorrisniva Hotel, built entirely of snow and ice. Read more Frequently asked questions How it works Pricing Travel support Can I book an itinerary exactly as it is on your website? Not quite. Every traveller is unique, and so is every itinerary we create. The sample itineraries on our website are meant to inspire you and give you an idea of what’s possible. Your personal Travel Consultant will design a bespoke trip tailored specifically to your preferences, interests, and travel style. What’s the difference between a private trip and a group tour? All our trips are private and tailor-made. We do not offer scheduled group tours. Instead, we focus on fully customized itineraries designed just for you and your travel companions. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, every detail will be crafted to suit your individual needs. How do we start planning a custom itinerary? It all begins with a conversation. Once you reach out to us, one of our Travel Consultants will get in touch to learn more about your travel style, interests, and must-sees. From there, we’ll craft a personalised itinerary, refining it with your feedback until it’s just right. Once confirmed, we handle all the logistics, so you can simply enjoy the journey. How long does the planning process take? It depends on the complexity of your itinerary and how much customisation is required. Some trips come together in a matter of days, while others – especially those with special arrangements or remote destinations – can take a few weeks. We recommend getting in touch as early as possible to ensure availability and a seamless experience. Can I make changes to my itinerary after booking? Absolutely. We understand that plans can evolve, and we’ll do our best to accommodate any adjustments. Changes may be subject to availability and potential additional costs, but we’ll always strive to make your trip as flexible as possible. What added value do you provide? Planning a seamless and memorable trip takes time and expertise – that’s where we come in. From itinerary design and booking to on-the-ground logistics, we take care of everything, ensuring a hassle-free experience. We work with trusted local partners, personally vet every element of your journey, and remain available 24/7 should you need assistance. With us, you’re not just booking a trip – you’re investing in a carefully curated travel experience. Can you arrange a rental car for my trip? Yes, we can arrange a rental car for you. Once we discuss the terms and pricing, you can decide whether to book through us or arrange it independently. We’ll ensure that you have the right vehicle for your itinerary and provide recommendations for driving routes and road conditions. Why aren’t all meals included in the price? We believe discovering local cuisine is an essential part of your journey, and everyone has different tastes. To give you flexibility, we typically include daily breakfast and occasional lunches or dinners. In remote areas, such as in hotels near fjords or remote villages, dinner is usually included. Your final itinerary will specify which meals are covered. How does your pricing work? The prices on our website are indicative and based on two or more travellers sharing the cost of accommodation, transport, and experiences. Once you get in touch, we will provide a customised quote based on your travel dates, group size, accommodation choices, and any special requests. Since every trip is tailor-made, the final cost will reflect your unique itinerary. Are international flights included in the price? No, international flights are not included. Many of our travellers prefer to book their own flights using frequent-flyer miles or loyalty points. However, if you need assistance finding the best routes or timings, we’re happy to help. All regional and domestic flights within your itinerary, as well as other transport, are included in the cost. What if my flight is delayed or cancelled? If your flight is delayed or cancelled, we recommend informing us as soon as possible so we can assist with any necessary changes to your itinerary. If you have booked your flights independently, you should contact your airline directly for rebooking options. However, we will do our best to adjust transfers, accommodations, and activities to keep your trip running smoothly. Do you provide electronic documents and itineraries? Yes! We are committed to sustainable travel, so we provide all travel documents, itineraries, and confirmations electronically. Your personalised itinerary will be accessible through a mobile-friendly application, ensuring you have all the details at your fingertips without the need for printed documents. What happens if I need assistance during my trip? We provide 24/7 support throughout your journey. Whether you have a last-minute question, need to adjust your itinerary, or require urgent assistance, our team is just a call or message away. We work closely with trusted local partners to ensure you always have someone to turn to, no matter where you are. Do I need an international driver’s licence for a self-drive tour? In most cases, a valid driving licence from your home country is sufficient for driving in the Nordic region. However, some rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your licence is not in English or does not use the Roman alphabet. We recommend checking in advance to ensure you have the correct documentation. You will also need to present your licence for activities such as snowmobile safaris. Do I need a visa to travel to the Nordic region? Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Many travellers from Europe, North America, and certain other regions can enter visa-free for short stays. However, starting in 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries (such as the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.) will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) permit before entering the Schengen Area, which includes most Nordic countries. The ETIAS application is a quick online process and is valid for multiple trips over three years. Please note that the launch date of the system is currently unknown. Since entry requirements can change, we recommend checking with your local embassy or asking your Travel Consultant for guidance. While we can provide information, it is usually the traveller’s responsibility to arrange visas or travel authorisations. Our travel log We curate content, too Adventures Tours Complete Guide to Winter Activities in Tromsø Norway entices travelers all year round. And while travelers tend to go to Oslo and Bergen in summer, Tromsø is more popular during the winter season. This city is, perhaps, the best winter destination in the country thanks to the sheer number of exciting activities you can enjoy during this season! In this article, you can learn about all the exciting winter activities in Tromsø and plan the trip of your dreams. Featured Local tips Top 9 Ideas for Excellent Christmas Holidays in Norway When the last weekend of November approaches, Norwegian cities become adorned with lights and Christmas decorations and the mood on the streets turns more festive. This unforgettable holiday atmosphere is something that prompts travelers to come to this Scandinavian country from afar and get a chance to experience the Christmas holidays in Norway. If you plan to travel somewhere for your winter holidays, consider coming to this Nordic country. Adventures Tours Alexandra’s Fabulous Journey to Arctic Norway I have always dreamed of traveling to a Nordic country in winter and enjoying various exciting activities in such conditions. Yet, witnessing aurora borealis with my own eyes has always been goal number one for me. My friends suggested that Tromsø, a city in Northern Norway that is located north of the Arctic Circle, would be a perfect destination for this purpose. So, after hesitating a bit, I booked a 5-day trip to this city in the Far North, without knowing much about what to expect. Featured 10 Best Christmas Holiday Destinations in Northern Europe Looking for a white Christmas in Northern Europe? Planning to celebrate your Christmas holidays traveling? Look no further than our article! Tours 11 Ideas for Fabulous Winter Holidays in Norway Are you planning a winter trip to Norway? This beautiful Scandinavian country is even more fun to explore during the wintertime, and the variety of activities you can try is absolutely mind-blowing. There are many ways how you can make fabulous winter holidays in Norway, and we are going to explore some of the most exciting ways to spend your winter vacation in this country. Featured 17 Charming Small Towns in Norway You Must Absolutely Visit Many tourists coming to Norway choose the country’s biggest towns as destinations for their vacations: Oslo, Bergen, or Tromsø. But there are also many charming small towns in Norway – some are quite popular among travelers, and some are off-the-beaten-path destinations. In this article, we will list 17 beautiful small towns that, in our opinion, you should consider adding to your bucket list!
