Sitting 400km north of the Arctic Circle at 69˚N, the small town of Tromsø bills itself as Norway's gateway to the Arctic, and there's definitely more than a hint of polar atmosphere around town. Surrounded by chilly fjords and craggy peaks that remain snow-capped for much of the year, Tromsø sits on the eastern edge of Tromsøya, and is linked to the mainland by a gracefully arched bridge.
In previous centuries, the town was a centre for seal hunting, trapping and fishing, and was later a launchpad for several important Arctic expeditions, including some led by Roald Amundsen. These days it's best-known as one of the best places in northern Norway to spot the northern lights.
It's also a notoriously lively city, with a large university, a lively cultural calendar and an animated nightlife (Tromsø prides itself for having more pubs per capita than any other Norwegian town).
Lapland Lyngen Alps Snowmobile Safari from Tromso
TOUR DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY VIATOR
Fancy snowmobiling in one of Lapland's most spectacular regions? If so, this 7-hour daytime or evening snowmobile safari experience from Tromsø will hit the mark. Take a ferry across Norway's fjords to the untouched Lyngen Alps for an exciting snowmobile safari beneath the mountains. Follow winding trails through icy valleys, hills and plateaus, and on the evening safari, enjoy the thrill of riding in the dark, lit only by your snowmobile headlights. Then, catch your breath over some hot soup and drinks before boarding the ferry back to Tromsø.
Meet your local guide, then travel by coach to the ferry port. Hop aboard a ferry boat and, as you cut across the water, admire views of the Lyngen Alps during your 20-minute crossing to the mountainous Lyngen Peninsula, one of Norway’s winter sports meccas. All mountains and ravines, this chunk of remote Lapland boasts a network of wonderful snowmobile trails that wind beneath the mountains through spectacular plains, valleys and hills.On arrival, head for the snowmobile station and get a safety briefing and instructions on riding your 2-person snowmobile.
Don a supplied thermal suit and helmet and then, once you’re ready, head out behind your guide into the snowy wilderness. Start along an easy trail to build your confidence, and every now and then, stop to take photos of your snowmobile convoy or the epic surrounding scenery. Feel free, during stops, to take turns driving or riding your snowmobile. If you’ve chosen the evening safari, enjoy the added thrill of zooming through the darkness, with only your headlights and maybe the moon to light the way.
Before long, the trail will become more challenging. Feel your adrenaline race as you zip across icy tundra, bump over hills and navigate rugged fells and hills. It’s a truly exhilarating experience made even better by the raw and remote setting.Finish at a cozy bar and thaw out with some delicious fish soup and crusty bread, a favorite Sami meal, along with tea, coffee or water.Later, return by ferry and coach to Tromsø, where your experience concludes at the safari center.
What’s included
Local guide
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Ferry ride
Use of thermal suit and helmet
Safety briefing
Hot soup served with bread and tea, coffee or water
What’s not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities (optional)
