This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may make a commission at no cost to you.
Hunting the Northern Lights takes patience; fortunately, I am batting two for two on witnessing the sometimes elusive phenomenon and can say, without a doubt, that it is absolutely worth the effort. I first saw the most brilliant display in Iceland several years ago on a very cold March night. I remember standing in a snowy forest, mouth agape, tears streaming down my face. It was an awe-inspiring experience like nothing I have seen before and left me wanting more. Because Linnie says yes to every exciting adventure, we journeyed to Tromso, Norway, famous for being one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.
We spent a couple of days in Oslo first before flying north to Tromso, situated above the Arctic Circle, and stayed at the Clarion Edge right on the water. Northern Norway’s landscape is breathtaking and a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.
Luckily, we found our way to a top-quality local tour operator named Wandering Owl and booked two excursions with them: Aurora Hunt and Winter Arctic Landscape tours. This company provided stellar service, was organized and extremely detail-oriented, and the guides welcomed guests warmly. I recommend booking a small group tour with them because the guides are passionate and want to share their knowledge with visitors. The best part is that the guides are also photographers and take photos during the tours and share them with guests afterward. Check out the brilliant Aurora photos from Wandering Owl. https://www.wanderingowl.com/
Another excursion, this time we booked through Viator, which was engaging and educational, was a day with the Sami people and their reindeer herds. We learned about their culture and history, listened to their songs and stories, and dined in a traditional Sami dwelling on…you guessed it… reindeer stew ( or a vegetarian option). We were able to ride in a traditional Sami sleigh and feed the reindeer. The Sami also talked with guests one-on-one about their way of life in an effort to educate visitors and provide an immersive cultural experience. This was a special treat, and Linnie and I loved every minute of it.
Norway is a special place that delights and inspires, so if the Great White North calls to you, allow it to lead you to Tromso.