Autumn Auroras on Norway's Coast

Tromsø is a city packed with culture, polar history and fresh locally sourced food in its numerous restaurants. Mountains, fjords and islands also surround it, making it a great base for exploring the winter landscape.

If it is a clear day, experience Tromsø’s best view! On the outskirts of Tromsø (it is a very small town) a cable car runs from Solliveien in Tromsdalen up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen (421 m above sea level) in just four minutes. From the viewing platform at the upper station, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. At the fully licensed Fjellstua restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious dinner based on local produce or select light meals from the café menu, while you take pleasure in the view. In winter, it's an ideal place for hunting the magical Northern Lights.

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After breakfast, explore Tromsø on a walking tour including a visit to the Polar Museum. In the evening join a guided Aurora Chase by minibus, led by an experienced local guide. This trip is in a small group, with a minibus (15-16 seats), which makes it a more personal experience. The guides use the weather forecast, current weather reports from the district around Tromsø, and their experience to bring you to the best spots to view the magic Northern Lights.

Duration: 5 - 7 hours, inclusions: transport by comfortable minibus, knowledgable English speaking Northern Lights guide/driver, thermal suits, tripods and advice about camera settings and how to take Aurora photos, free access to link to download pictures (if) taken that night, local sweet snack and hot drink.

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With beaches reminiscent of the Riviera, fantastic coastal views and vibrant fishing villages, the islands of Sommarøy is a great getaway destination from Tromsø, a short transfer away.

With its 300 inhabitants, Sommarøy is one of the busiest fishing villages in the county of Troms. The main produce here is herring, which is processed and packed in a state-of-the art processing plant where it is frozen for global export. This fishing community is thus an important contributor to the national economy, and the export value per capita is substantial.

On arrival, check into your room and explore the village. Dinner is included tonight at this friendly hotel.

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Accommodation

After breakfast, meander around the white beaches, exploring the many shallow coves on Sommarøy. The water temperature can't exactly be called inviting, so it is much more common to take long, pleasant walks along the beach, picking up shells and just taking in the scenery. You can also visit the new Northern Lights Park, built by recycled materials.

Get to know this small fishing village with a guided tour through the community, visiting the local museum, the handicraft society and the art studio. Be sure to ask directions at the end of the tour for climbing the Hillesøya peak. Be on the look out for late autumn berries during your walk.

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Today is free to enjoy optional activities, depending on what is available, bearing in mind that this is a quieter time of year in this region. Bikes can be hired or you can join a kayak tour. Just let us know what you are into! Be on the look-out for the magnificent Sea Eagles, above the cliffs to the south as you explore the area.

In the evening, you will join a Northern Lights Hunt which includes transport, hot drinks and snacks plus a local guide. Open seas to the west, this region is famous for the Northern Lights images that have the lights reflecting on to the sea before speading across the sky. No high mountains are close, so nothing hides the experience, only the small mountains, Haaja, Kvaloy and Senja, framing the shots.

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Accommodation

After breakfast, transfer back to Tromsø.

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