Tours and activities to take in Tromso
The popular tours and activities to take in Tromso, in northern Norway safest holiday destination, include the following:
1. Northern Lights Tours:
• Chase the Aurora Borealis with expert guides.
• Duration: Usually 5-9 hours.
• Activities: Travel to prime viewing spots, enjoy a campfire, and take professional photos.
2. Husky Sledding:
• Experience the Arctic wilderness by dog sledding.
• Duration: About 4 hours.
• Activities: Learn to control a sled and mush your own team of huskies.
3. Whale Watching:
• Highlights: Observe whales in their natural habitat.
• Duration: 3-3.5 hours.
• Activities: Cruise on a hybrid-electric catamaran, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about marine life.
4. Reindeer Sledding and Sami Culture:
• Highlights: Discover traditional Sami culture and enjoy reindeer sledding.
• Duration: Half-day tour.
• Activities: Feed reindeer, listen to stories around a campfire, and enjoy traditional Sami food.
5. Sami Culture Tours:
• Highlights: Learn about the indigenous Sami people and their traditions.
• Duration: Varies.
• Activities: Joik (traditional Sami singing), reindeer herding, and cultural demonstrations.
6. Tromso City Highlights:
• Highlights: Visit the city’s attractions and museums.
• Duration: Varies.
• Activities: Guided walking tours, museum visits, and local cuisine tastings.
7. Snowmobiling:
• Highlights: Adventure through snowy landscapes.
• Duration: Varies.
• Activities: Ride a snowmobile, explore frozen landscapes, and enjoy the Arctic scenery.
8. Polar Museum:
• Highlights: Learn about Arctic exploration and polar history.
• Duration: Varies.
• Activities: Guided tours, exhibitions, and interactive displays.
Troms is a fantastic destination for anyone who wishes to experience the Arctic adventures and beauty. Here are some tips to make your trip more fulfilling:
1. Plan for the Weather:
• Dress in Layers: The weather is very cold and quite unpredictable, so wear thermal layers, a warm jacket, and waterproof outerwear.
• Footwear: Wear insulated and waterproof boots for snowy and icy conditions.
2. Pack Essentials:
• Camera Gear: Photography is a dream that Troms, especially the Northern Lights, are born for. Bring a good camera, tripod, and extra batteries.
• Snacks: While there are many places to dine in Troms, bringing a few snacks can prove handy for a long tour.
3. Book Activities in Advance:
• Northern Lights Tours: These are very popular, so book your tour in advance to secure a spot.
• Other Tours: Husky sledding, whale watching, and reindeer sledding are activities that tend to book up quickly.
4. Daylight Hours:
• Winter: Polar Night falls between late November and mid-January. There is little to no daylight during this time. Plan indoor activities and evening tours accordingly.
• Summer: Experience the Midnight Sun from mid-May to mid-July when the sun does not set. This allows for longer periods outdoors.
5. Transportation:
• Public Transport: Troms has a good bus system. The schedules need to be checked and planned for.
• Car Rentals: You can rent cars if you prefer having the freedom of pace for your exploration. Be prepared for winter driving conditions, however.
6. Respect the Local Culture:
• Sami Culture: If you go on tours with or about the Sami people, ensure that you act respectfully and interested in their culture and lifestyle.
• Local Etiquette: Norwegians value privacy and quietness. Be mindful of your noise levels, especially in public places.
7. Safety:
• Stay Warm: Hypothermia and frostbite can be risks in extremely cold conditions. Make sure to dress appropriately and take breaks to warm up.
• Emergency Services: The emergency number in Norway is 112. Know your location and have emergency contacts handy.
8. Enjoy Local Cuisine:
• Seafood: Be sure to try some freshly caught seafood while in Troms. Look for Arctic char, cod, and king crab on the menu.
• Local specialties include reindeer meat and traditional Norwegian pastries.
9. Health and Insurance:
• Travel insurance: Get travel insurance that covers the medical stuff as well as activities you plan on doing such as snowmobiling or dog sledding.
10. Stay Flexible:
• Many activities are weather-dependent. You should remain quite flexible, for sure, and plan for events to change or be canceled.