Tourism in Norwegian Lapland has become a main source of employment and income, replacing traditional industries such as forestry. Working within this growth industry in rural and remote areas means that we must take a great deal of responsibility; socially, environmentally and economically. We fully appreciate the impact of tourist visits on local communities and their residents and strive to ensure that we are having a positive effect.

The area of Lyngsfjord which we explore during this holiday is a remote and wild place which is primarily untouched by tourism. We are fully aware that we are taking our clients in sometimes pristine winter environments and therefore we work very hard with our suppliers to ensure that the impacts of any visit are managed correctly. There is a strict leave no place policy and absolutely all waste is removed.

We have included a great deal of interaction with the Sámi culture & in addition we encourage our clients to get involved in local events and activities which help to sustain traditional values and customs. The reindeer and cultural experiences which include are arranged by people whose livelihoods depend on these animals and people who have grown up with them and appreciate the culture associated with that lifestyle. Clients learn some of the traditional skills and try some delicious local foods giving them a better insight into the local area.

We always encourage our clients to respect and embrace the lives and culture of local inhabitants by learning a few important words: hello, goodbye, please, thank you etc.

In all of our destinations we ensure that we use local suppliers, enabling locally owned businesses and the economies in which they work to benefit directly. Through the tourism multiplier effect, this all helps to generate incomes and employment where the drift might otherwise be towards larger employment areas such as towns and cities. Our use of small businesses means that the tourism income, generated by our presence, stays where it should, in the local economy.

We firmly believe in paying a fair price for all the services provided by our suppliers regardless of where they are in the world. In Lyngsfjord we work with a small consortium of activity providers whose entrepreneurial ideas have led to a very successful business and we are proud to support such diversification in the rural areas. We are also able to take full advantage of their local knowledge and enthusiasm, they know their area and they know their activities and add a great deal of local insight to the holiday.

We do appreciate that some may feel that snowmobiles should not be included in such itineraries however in areas such as this they are a way of life. The alternatives to snowmobiles would in most cases be large, gas-guzzling off road vehicles. All snowmobiles are regularly serviced and kept as fuel efficient as possible. The snowmobile service industry is also another vital source of employment in this remote area.

Day 1: Flights, arrival and introduction

You can take advantage of direct flights from Gatwick to Norway or, as many do, fly via Oslo and enjoy a short break on the way home in Norway’s capital city. On arrival at Tromsø Airport you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Tromsø (a jewel in the north’s crown) and try one of the superb restaurants (we strongly recommend “Emma’s”. It’s not cheap but provides an outstanding culinary experience).

Day 2: Sámi folklore, reindeer and evening husky safari

Enough of all this civilisation. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast for the scenic 75 minute transfer which follows the fjords to your overnight base at Camp Tamok. You’ll be kitted out with thermal clothing and then it’s on with the fun and games.

You can’t visit Arctic Norway without meeting and understanding the Sámi way of life. They are a remarkably hardy people who have lived as nomadic herders here in the north for enturies. You’ll meet one of these herders and learn about the folklore and reindeer husbandry as well s enjoying a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride to admire some of the wonderful Tamok Valley scenery.

After a hot lunch, the afternoon back at Camp Tamok gives you the chance to relax for a few hours taking advantage of the sauna. As darkness begins to fall you’ll set out on an unforgettable safari. Your husky team will head in the direction of the Norway/Finland border, an area considered to be a Northern Lights hotspot. With luck the skies will be clear and the Aurora will light your way as your pack of faithful hounds willingly pull you through the Arctic night. Northern Lights or not, this is an experience that will live long in the memory. (Two people per dog sled and team).

Back at Camp Tamok you can enjoy a well deserved hot meal before settling down for the night in either a traditional wooden built lavvu or a wood built cabin.

Day 3: Snowmobile safari and Tromsø

Snowmobiles are the very best way of discovering this vast, untamed wilderness in a short space of time. After breakfast, you’ll receive tuition and a safety briefing before following the Finn Valley, surrounded by steep sided mountains and wild winter countryside. Lunch is included during this exhilarating and awe-inspiring safari. You’ll arrive back at Tamok at about 2pm for the return transfer to Tromsø in good time for a night out in this lovely, lovely city.

Day 4: Tromsø and flights home

Depending on your flight times there may be time to take advantage of the excellent shops in Tromsø before the taxi transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Where else can you drive a team of huskies across terrain that combines fjords, snowy mountains and the Aurora Borealis?

Congratulations! You have just become privy to one of Europe's best kept short break destinations. Tromsø may only be home to 50,000 people but it boasts more than its fair share of attractions, shops, bars, restaurants and, of course, the Northern Lights. If you do nothing else, you have to wander past the many coloured houses and buildings on the main street and down to the harbour. It was from here that Amundsen, amongst others, set out on his polar expedition giving Tromsø the name ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. The fascinating polar museum is also a ‘must see’.

Anybody aged 8 years and over.