I visited Norway in January of 2024. My journey into the heart of the Polar Nights in the Arctic Circle was a tapestry of unforgettable experiences, from whale watching to reindeer feeding, all set against the backdrop of nature’s most mesmerizing light show. I will say, in the heart of winter, the cold there was something very unique to me. The absence of heat is definitely not for the weak. But oh was it worth it!

(scroll to the end for the full itinerary)

Tromsø

Tromsø is truly a gem of a destination. From the moment I arrived in Oslo, the airport itself was impressive. The calm atmosphere, cleanliness, and commitment to recycling were immediately noticeable and set the tone for my journey. Even the simple pleasure of enjoying a glass of pure apple juice left me amazed by the attention to detail and quality. My amazing Airbnb host offered to pick me up from the airport and gave such a knowledgeable tour of Tromsø.

However, it’s important to note that nature can be unpredictable, and I did have to reschedule a few tours due to changing conditions. I highly recommend leaving some flexibility in your itinerary to accommodate any unexpected changes, especially if you plan to embark on adventurous activities. This will ensure that you can make the most of your time in this beautiful and dynamic destination.

Whale Watching

One of the my memorable adventures I had in Tromsø was a whale watching excursion, a journey into the icy waters of the Arctic Sea in search of these magnificent creatures. I did this tour twice, due to unforeseen changes in the weather. This tour is typically eight to nine hours long.

The first cruise out was met with very high winds and rough waves. After sailing for about three hours, the captain made the difficult decision to cancel the tour and we returned to port. The sail was still very incredible as I learned so much about Scandinavian history and was educated about the whales and the marine life in Norway. The tour offered us the option to either receive a refund or reschedule. Determined not to miss the opportunity to see whales, I opted to reschedule. I will say, Polar Nights allowed for the most beautiful sunset/sunrise views for about three hours.

The second time around, which was two days later, the weather was much more favorable as we set sail to Skjervoy. Despite it being the end of January and considered the end of the season, I was fortunate enough to witness seven sperm whales! Watching their massive forms gracefully gliding through the water was an experience that will stay with me forever.

Reindeer, Sami Culture

I had the privilege of experiencing a traditional Sami culture. I visited a reindeer farm, where I had the opportunity to feed these gentle creatures and learn about their importance to the indigenous Sami people. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the deep connection between humans and nature. This tour had dinner included, which was a delicious reindeer stew with vegetables. They also offered hot chocolate and cookies. This tour lasted about five hours.

Northern Lights

The highlight of my trip to Tromsø was undoubtedly witnessing the Northern Lights, nature’s most spectacular light show. This breathtaking phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a luminous glow that dances across the sky. This tour can take anywhere from six to eight hours long.

I had to go on a Northern Lights tour twice during my stay. The first night, unfortunately, was too cloudy to see the lights, even though we did eight hours of touring through Tromsø to try and see just a glimpse. However, the tour company fully refunded me, ensuring I didn’t miss out on the experience. I decided to rebook two nights later with a different tour company, and as darkness fell over Tromsø, the sky transformed into a canvas of swirling colors. Ribbons of green, purple, and red danced across the heavens, creating a sight that truly took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Just breathtaking.

The Northern Lights create a sense of disbelief and wonder, leaving spectators spellbound by their beauty. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the power and majesty of God’s creations, and a moment I will cherish forever.

In between adventures, I immersed myself in the town visiting local shops and restaurants. Reindeer and whale are some of the local cuisines, which I was able to try. Hot chocolate was my frequent request at local cafes daily due to the cold temperatures. I also visited the most northern Burger King of the world as well as the Hard Rock Cafe.

As my Norway trip came to an end, I found myself filled with a profound sense of gratitude and awe. The journey had been nothing short of magical, filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking moments. From witnessing the Northern Lights in Tromsø to exploring the charming villages of the Arctic, Norway had captured my heart in ways I never thought possible.

Full Itinerary

• 5 nights Tromso- Whale Watching _{(Silent Whale Watching Tour)}, Reindeer Tour _{(Reindeer Camp Dinner)}, Northern Lights Tour _{(Aurora Hunt With Citizen Science; Northern Lights Chase)}, Local shops, Restaurants, Cafe.
  • Stayed in an Airbnb with an amazing host!

“I carry with me memories as timeless as the fjords, and a heart forever touched by the dancing lights in the night sky.”

-E

Would love to hear from you!