Arctic Adventures - Tromsø
Having family in the south of Norway and previously visiting the country together, another Norwegian adventure always felt likely — although we never imagined it would take us beyond the Arctic Circle.
When airlines in the UK began offering direct flights from London Heathrow to Tromsø with ideal departure times arriving into Northern Norway during the early afternoon, we knew it was time to experience the Arctic for ourselves.
Our journey began at Heathrow Terminal 5 as we boarded our flight heading north — very north. Just over three hours later, we were treated to a spectacular approach into Tromsø, passing over snow-covered islands and fjords as the winter sun slowly began to set across the Arctic landscape.
The moment we stepped onto the jet bridge, the fresh Arctic air instantly made itself known. Tromsø Airport itself was refreshingly straightforward, and before long we were making our way through the snowy streets towards our hotel.
One of our first impressions was the sheer volume of snow. Snow banks towered higher than we could reach, lining roads and pavements across the island. After unpacking and layering up in our Arctic gear — snow boots, grips, thermal layers, ski trousers, and heavy winter coats — it was finally time to head out and explore.
Very quickly we discovered two of our favourite local spots for breakfast and lunch, Kaffebønna and Backstube Tromsø, both perfectly located within walking distance of most areas on the island.
The following morning we were due to head out on a whale watching excursion, however the tour company kindly contacted us the evening before to explain that the whale migration had unfortunately moved earlier than expected for the season. While disappointed initially, they offered us either a full refund or the opportunity to join an Arctic Fjord cruise instead — an option we couldn’t turn down.
What followed was one of the most scenic experiences of the trip. With clear skies above us and dramatic Arctic fjords surrounding the boat, we spent several unforgettable hours taking in some of the most incredible landscapes we’ve ever experienced.
Later that evening came something we had both been eagerly anticipating — our Northern Lights tour. Throughout the day we had been checking the Aurora forecast, and honestly, expectations were low. Even our guide explained that activity levels looked minimal that evening despite the clear skies.
But Arctic weather always has a way of surprising you.
Just as hope slowly started to fade, the sky suddenly came alive. For the next few hours we stood beneath one of the most magical displays of the Northern Lights imaginable, watching vibrant green ribbons dance across the Arctic sky above us. It’s one of those experiences cameras simply cannot fully capture — something that truly has to be witnessed in person.
The next morning, after another stop at Kaffebønna, we headed off for reindeer feeding and sledding followed by a traditional Sami lunch experience. Sitting inside a traditional Sami setting while hearing stories about life in the far north from a local Sami host gave us a genuine insight into a culture deeply connected to the Arctic environment.
With one final clear evening ahead of us, we decided to take the Fjellheisen Cable Car as the sun began to set. Sitting together on the snow overlooking the entire island with hot chocolates in hand was the perfect way to reflect on everything we had experienced in such a short space of time.
We genuinely don’t believe Tromsø is a destination you visit only once. We travelled in late January, but both agreed that returning during the Christmas season would feel truly magical — and it’s already firmly on our list for the future.
— Harry & Lewis
