Norway is one of Europe's best destinations from which to observe the Northern Lights - a truly unforgettable experience. Surrounded by the magical landscape of the Norwegian coast, you can combine stargazing and wildlife spotting with the unique light display of the aurora borealis, travelling northern into the romantic wildernesses of the Arctic Circle.
Your trip begins in Tromsø, for two nights with breakfast at the stylish Edge Hotel. You'll enjoy a delicious dinner on both nights, the second of which will be under the stars, as you are driven out of the city centre and away from the artificial city lights to an Aurora Camp set in beautiful natural surroundings. An expert local guide, along with a scientist from Tromsø's Geophysical Observatory, will accompany you.
After two nights there, you head to the island of Senja, for two more in the quiet fishing village Hamn. This secluded island is the second largest in Norway, and staying in a hotel at the water's edge, you'll be undisturbed by light pollution.
While there you'll have the use of a hot tub and, after settling in and enjoying lunch and dinner at the hotel, will spend your first evening in a traditional 'kota', a lighthouse on elevated land with 360-degree views of the stunning local landscapes and the skies above.
The next day, after breakfast and lunch at your hotel, and time to soak up your beautiful surroundings, you'll take an afternoon boat trip away from the harbour and out to sea, on a wildlife safari. You could spot seals, soaring eagles and other birdlife as you take in the dramatic fjords that Norway is famous for.
You'll sail to the Senja Food Studio, where you'll take part in an evening cookery class using fresh Arctic ingredients. After eating the delicacies you have prepared together, you'll relax around a beach campfire, and watch the night skies for appearances of the Northern Lights. Your local guide will also set up telescopes for a detailed view of the constellations.
This five-day trip is the ultimate opportunity to experience the Northern Lights, and gain an introduction to the wonderful culture and cuisine of Norway.
After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel which has stunning views of the harbour and is ideally located for exploring the city. Enjoy a group welcome meal in the hotel's restaurant where you will meet with your expert guide and discuss your upcoming adventures. This evening, you can walk into the bustling cosmopolitan city which comes alive at night.
Following breakfast in the hotel, you'll have the rest of the day free in Tromsø to explore the vibrant city and its number of attractions. There is the impressive architecture of the Arctic Cathedral, the unbelievable views from the aerial tram ride up to Storsteinen and a range of fantastic restaurants offering exquisite local cuisine.
This evening, you will meet with your local guide and travel via car to an Aurora Camp - expertly chosen to give you the best chance of seeing a Northern Lights display. You will also be joined by a scientist from the Tromsø Geophysical Observatory and telescopes will be provided to aid with the stargazing. At the camp, you will enjoy a light meal under the dark skies and wait in hopes of seeing the dancing lights above.
Following breakfast, you will transfer to the idyllic setting of Senja. Enjoy the scenic drive as your guide tells you all about the highlights in the area before arriving at Senja in time for lunch. You will have time to settle in as well as an hour relaxing in the hot tubs at your hotel, Hamn I Senja.
Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant ahead of your Northern Lights search this evening. Hamn offers wonderfully natural settings and at the lighthouse, you can enjoy views of the fjords, mountains and out to sea. This isn't your typical lighthouse, however. The Aurora experts here have set up a traditional kota which is on raised land and offers panoramic views of the sky. Here, you will enjoy the wonderful colours as the sun goes down and hopefully, the colourful displays will hopefully continue with an appearance from the Auroras and the star-filled skies above.
After breakfast and lunch at the hotel, this afternoon you will head out on a fjord sightseeing and wildlife safari. You will step on board either a RIB or small boat for a guided tour of the stunning scenery including towering mountains and white beaches. You will be on the lookout for the different wildlife in the area including seals, eagles and sea birds.
Your boat journey will take you directly to the secluded shores of the wonderful Senja Food Studio. This establishment doesn't open as a normal restaurant, instead, you have an exclusive group dining experience to try the local and fresh ingredients.
Upon arrival, you will take part in a cooking class to learn how to prepare some fantastic Arctic cuisine before getting to try the delicacies for yourself. The beachside setting also means minimal light pollution and following your meal, you will gather around the campfire on the beach to search the stars and look for the Northern Lights. Your guide will also set up telescopes for a more detailed view of the starry sky.
Today, following breakfast, it is unfortunately time for your Norwegian adventure to come to an end as we transfer you to the airport for your return flights home.
A prime location to explore the ‘Paris of the North’
Situated right in the centre of Tromsø, the Clarion Hotel The Edge puts you in a prime location to explore the 'Paris of the North'. Enjoy great views of the brilliant architecture of the city as it reflects in the waters just outside the hotel or head to the 11th-floor sky bar - the only one of its kind in the city. The hotel puts great emphasis on being eco-friendly and is built with an environmental classification A. Keep up with your fitness in the onsite gym with stunning sea views and enjoy tastes of Manhattan made using Arctic ingredients in the 'Kitchen and Table' restaurant.
The hotel offers standard double rooms as well as a standard twin room (two single beds). All rooms are en-suite and come with Wi-Fi, minibar, iron and ironing board. For larger groups, upgrade to a deluxe double (sleeps up to 3 persons) or a junior suite or family room for 4 people.
NB: The hotel is cash-free. They take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards.
Peaceful location and a historical feel, located directly on the harbour front
Situated on the island of Senja, an idyllic Norwegian fishing village,t he hotel is surrounded by dramatic mountainous scenery. The name 'Hamn' means harbour and the location that Hamn i Senja resides within has roots dating back to the 1880s as a traditional and plentiful fishing village.
The hotel was recently refurbished so offers a high standard of modern facilities for its guests. There's a stylish restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious range of home-cooked meals (including freshly caught local fish). The Cognac Saloon is the hotel's on-site bar, open during reception/restaurant hours for enjoying a coffee and chat with friends or perhaps a relaxing cognac later in the evening. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the public areas and in all the bedrooms.
Each apartment comes with two to three bedrooms, each with a double or twin bed and en-suite bathroom facilities, as well as a kitchen with seating area and a view of the harbour/sea. Other amenities include a television, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. You will share your apartment with other members of the group.
Years of passion, scientific research, expert knowledge and first-hand experience have gone into The Aurora Zone, resulting in an unparalleled collection of Northern Lights holidays.
To view The Aurora Zone’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.