We know...
This holiday simply extends on our three night break, 'Arctic and Aurora Adventure'. We’ve added an extra night at Malangen with an icebreaking trip on the fjord. for those who have more time and just can’t bring themselves to leave.
Tromsø
Some Arctic ports are built to withstand the elements and aren’t always the prettiest places in the world. And then there’s Tromsø. If you fly in at night, the city sparkles in the winter chill and the street lights reflected against Arctic Ocean inlets recreate a tantalising impression of how the Aurora might appear in the night sky.
For somewhere so far north, Tromsø is a remarkably cosmopolitan place boasting far more than its fair share of attractions, shops, bars, restaurants and nightlife. If you’re staying in the city then two places in particular should command your attention, The Polar Museum and Polaria.
Camp Tamok
Leave the urban sophistication of Tromsø, follow the course of the Balsfjorden onto what is little more than a track seemingly leading to the absolute dead centre of nowhere. Just when you’re convinced that you are lost in a remote wilderness surrounded by towering snowy mountains, you find yourself at Camp Tamok.
You may recall the scene at the end of Dances with Wolves when Kevin Costner leaves the Indian camp on horseback. The teepees are covered in snow, the natives are wrapped in warm clothing and fires burn to ward off the winter chill. We’d describe Camp Tamok as a latter day Indian Camp but with a few (not a lot) more facilities.
Malangen
Malangen offers modern comforts and an absolutely stunning fjord setting. Situated on the Malangen Fjord, accommodation is in fjord facing apartments while the restaurant in main building serves delicious cuisine with local produce very much to the fore.
Malangen’s shoreline location means there is virtually no light pollution so there’s an excellent chance of seeing an unsullied Aurora Borealis. You can even do it in style by taking advantage of the glass fronted sauna or the outdoor hottub.
Suitable for
Anybody aged 18 and over.
Day 1: Flights, arrivals and introduction
A taxi will be waiting to take you from Tromsø Airport to your hotel in central Tromsø.
Day 2: Tromsø and Camp Tamok
You will have plenty of free time today to allow you to explore Tromsø and all its Arctic history. Late in the afternoon you will join the transfer to Camp Tamok. On arrival you can simply soak up the wilderness atmosphere or add an exhilarating snowmobile safari to your programme.
You will spend the night in a laavu and hopefully you'll have to keep popping out to watch the Northern Lights. Tamok is a wild and remote place and a night here is truly a unique and special experience and one that will not be forgotten.
Day 3: Husky safari and transfer to Malangen
The huskies await you at Camp Tamok and you’ll meet your teams and head off into the wild countryside for a real mushing adventure. The terrain is spectacular and as the dogs settle into a rhythm you will have time to take in the splendour of your surroundings.
After the exertions of your husky safari, Malangen is just the place to unwind. You can enjoy dinner in the restaurant before taking advantage of Malangen’s glass fronted sauna. Malangen really knows how do do things in style!
Day 4: Icebreaker "Vass"
The Malangen Fjord is a mixture of sea and fresh water which means parts of it freeze during winter. The Icebreaker “Vass” is charged with keeping the main shipping lane open as it performs a vital role in this coastal economy.
Not only will you be able to see the ice being broken but there’s no better vantage point from which to admire the fjord scenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot white tailed eagles, seals and other marine mammals.
We honestly can’t think of a better way to experience Fjord Norway.
Day 5: Transfers and flights
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Tromsø Airport for your return flights. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to extend your stay in Norway. Please contact us for details.
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.