Our staff will respond to your query promptly and provide detailed information to your questions.
6 days | Independent tour | Nov-Apr | Tromsø to Finnsnes
Never heard of Northern Norway's Senja region? Picture steep, majestic mountains diving straight into the sea, and pearly white beaches of crushed seashells lining the islands in the clear turquoise waters. Nestled on one of these tiny islands, is the lovely Hamn i Senja, a small hotel looking out over a secluded bay. Private, quiet and picturesque!
Winter is a magical time at Hamn i Senja. During your stay, become accustomed to the beautiful Arctic moods, snow covered mountains and the aurora borealis dancing across the sky.
During your wildlife safari, you can also get close views of seals, majestic sea eagles and sea birds. Though the views are almost Caribbean-esque, the temperature will likely remind you that you're actually North of the Polar circle.
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
Shuttle transfers, express boat and tourist boat.
Optional tours you might like to add include deep-sea fishing, Arctic Ocean bathing, ski touring and the outdoor hot tub by the sea. These activities have a minimum number and are dependent on weather conditions.
Tromsø is a city packed with culture, polar history and fresh locally sourced food in its numerous restaurants. Tromsø is often called "Paris of the North" and "City of Lights", and it is rare to have such a lively town located so far past the Arctic Circle. Mountains, fjords and islands surround it, making it a great base for exploring the winter landscape.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before setting off on an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Depart from Tromsø city centre by bus for a scenic 90-minute ride to Tamokdalen, a remote wilderness area where your snowmobiling experience begins. After a thorough safety briefing, follow your guide along snowy trails, passing majestic mountains, frozen rivers, and serene valleys. Share a snowmobile with a partner, swapping roles halfway through the journey for the full experience.
After the exhilarating ride, return to camp and warm up with a hearty meal served inside a traditional Sámi lavvu, gathered around an open fire. Relax, share stories of your adventure, and soak in the Arctic atmosphere before boarding the bus back to Tromsø. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, explore the city’s sights, shop for local crafts, or simply unwind after an adrenaline-filled day.
Begin your day with an exhilarating husky safari, a true Arctic highlight. After a scenic 50-minute drive to Breivikeidet, you’ll meet your eager team of huskies and gear up in thermal suits, boots, and mittens. Following a safety briefing, take the reins and drive your own sled through a snow-covered valley by the sea. Swap roles halfway for the full experience, then enjoy time bonding with the dogs before warming up with hot drinks and cake at the panoramic restaurant. This unforgettable adventure combines adrenaline, stunning scenery, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Later, board the express boat for a 1 hour 20-minute journey across the fjords to Finnsnes, where a transfer will take you to Hamn in Senja. Nestled between dramatic mountains and serene fjords, Senja offers one of Norway’s best vantage points for the Northern Lights, thanks to minimal light pollution and breathtaking natural surroundings. Spend the evening soaking in the tranquil beauty of this Arctic paradise, with the Aurora dancing just outside your doorstep.
Prepare for an exciting day, as you take off to the sea to explore the arctic waters. Dress warmly in the provided windproof overgear, hot drink in hand and be on the look out for possible encounters with bigger marine animals such as seals, harbour porpoise and pilot whales which have been spotted in these waters. Look skyward for majestic sea eagles and other birdlife.
A free day to take in the magnificent views surrounding Senja. Try arctic bathing in a survival suit, try your hand at winter fishing, summit to sea off piste ski touring or just relax in the resort, ask us for more information on the optional activities as some of these options need to be organised before you arrive.
In the evening, you will be escorted on a 3-hour Northern Lights snowshoeing tour. Walk with a guide in areas with no light pollution. Hear the sound of silence, feel the darkness and fingers crossed, be amazed by the dancing Aurora. This tour includes snowshoes & poles, hot drinks and evening snacks.
After breakfast, transfer back to Finnsnes, from where you have the option to take the express boat back to Tromsø, or the Hurtigruten ferry further north.
Prices listed are per person, twin share. Upgrade to the new Aurora Rooms (superior option dbl share). Prices are indicative.
Supplements may apply over Christmas and New Year period.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL:
Tromsø, also known as the Arctic Capital or the ‘Paris of the North’, is the gateway to the Arctic and Northern Norway. It has been awarded as a ‘Sustainable Destination’, which is the Nordic region’s only national labelling scheme for travel destinations. It is a “tool for sustainable development of businesses and destinations when it comes to the environment, the local community, the cultural heritage, and the economy” Nordic regions awarded this title are not perfect, but they are working collaboratively to achieve a long-term goal. These regions are evaluated every three years to ensure they continue to adhere to these standards.
When staying in Tromsø you will stay in a hotel renowned for its’ environmental efforts. The hotel is ISO 14001 certified (which is given to enterprises that have a high-quality environmental managing system for organizational performance), has launched plastic free initiatives in partnership with WWF, where possible is powered by renewable energy and are taking great strides to reduce water consumption and reduce the use of chemicals. Even though access to water is not an issue in Norway compared to other parts of the world, this hotel is conscious of the energy consumed for heating, and chemicals required for purification, so reduction makes up part of their overall environmental policy. In addition to this they provide sustainable, organic, fair-trade food, and only use sustainably produced palm oil. Your hosts also encourage guests to eat less meat and substitute this for plant-based alternatives.
Senja, your main location for this trip, is also going through the process of becoming an accredited ‘Sustainable Destination’. Visit Norway in recent years named your accommodation in Senja as one of the most attractive accommodations in Norway, and it’s not hard to see why. The beautiful location of the site, nestled in the wilderness high above the Arctic circle, offers a unique diversity and a deep experience in nature throughout the year. Your activities for your stay have been selected as low carbon options which allow our visitors to appreciate their time in nature, such as our Northern Lights snowshoeing walk through light-pollution free wilderness, or our guided wildlife boat safari to learn more about the wildlife of the region and support its conservation efforts.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions, will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
50 Degrees North wins 'Norway's Leading Tour Operator' at the World Travel Awards for the fourth year running. “We are very pleased with this award following the challenging year for the travel and tourism industry”, said Tietse Stelma, 50 Degrees North’s Norwegian founder and CEO.
Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Above the Arctic Circle, many towns and cities offer excellent chances to witness the lights from mid-September to early April.
Wanting to learn about Nordic cultures? Or perhaps to decide which Nordic country to visit on your first trip to Northern Europe?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. The safety of our travellers, staff and operators is a major priority of 50 Degrees North. With an operational office in Norway, 50 Degrees North has access to an up-to-the-minute flow of information regarding the countries we work in. We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.
Norway has a few items that typically surprise first-time visitors. Alcohol and luxury goods are heavily taxed, so prices are higher than you might expect. On the other hand, everyday necessities such as bread and milk are taxed at a lower rate and are generally good value. Eating and drinking out, particularly in restaurants and bars, is where most travellers feel the difference most acutely.
If you enjoy a drink, it is worth bringing your full duty-free allowance into Norway when you arrive. Alcohol bought in Norway is significantly more expensive than in most other countries, and there are many lovely parks, hotel terraces and balconies where you can enjoy what you have brought with you.
Current allowances for travellers entering Norway are set by Norwegian Customs. For the most up-to-date figures, check the official allowances at toll.no before you travel, as these are subject to change. As a general guide, the current duty-free quota for spirits, wine and beer follows a tiered system that allows you to mix and match within set limits. Note that beverages with more than 60% alcohol by volume cannot be imported at all, and you must be over 20 to import spirits above 22% ABV.
It is illegal to bring more than the permitted allowance into Norway without declaring it and paying duty. Customs checks do occur, particularly at ferry and land border crossings.
One thing that catches many travellers by surprise is the cost of razor blades. Good quality razor blades in Norway are expensive compared to most countries, so it is worth stocking up before you arrive.
This is a general packing checklist for Scandinavian winter travel. You don’t need everything every day, but these items cover most winter conditions across the region.
If you’re new to winter travel, start with our guide to travelling in Scandinavia during winter to understand what conditions are really like. For practical advice on managing luggage and day-to-day winter travel, see our Lapland winter packing advice, and for detailed guidance on what to wear and how to layer, read our Snow Clothing Essentials guide.
Outer layers
Base and mid layers
Accessories for warmth
Footwear
Everyday and practical items
Health, documents and electronics
Sun and eye protection
Written by Jayde Kincaid, an Australian who married a Norwegian, and was happily (albeit with some hesitation) introduced to a world of Norwegian every day food habits.
At 50 Degrees North, we want to encourage our travellers to try local Norwegian food and drink. This may seem daunting in Norway, where restaurants and cafés can be expensive and some of the more remote villages have limited options. There is certainly no street food. One of the best ways to sample local flavours without stretching the budget is by self-catering. You will find friendly locals in small town grocery stores and supermarkets who are happy to help you pick out ingredients. Don't be shy, ask. And don't rush: make the local supermarket part of your holiday experience. Read the notice boards, and enjoy an ice cream out the front when you have finished. It is what the locals do.
Note: Statoil cups - Circle K petrol stations sell a reusable travel cup that gives you free refills of coffee, tea and hot chocolate at any Circle K station. A handy way to save money as you drive around Norway.
Norway has an extensive range of grocery stores, and in most small villages you will find at least one, sometimes two or three. Opening hours are limited, and most chains are closed on Sundays, with the exception of Bunnpris. Weekend hours are usually displayed in brackets on the sign out front. If you are heading into the mountains or along a remote coastal route, stock up with staples before you leave a larger town.
A few tips:
Meatballs or “meatcakes’: these come in all shapes, sizes and quality. They are generally really tasty, a step up from what you find at IKEA. Pick up a packet of dried ready-made brown sauce to go with them, and look out for lingonberry sauce or jam to serve alongside. Lingonberries are the little red circular berries served quite tart. If you want to make the brown sauce yourself, buy some brunost (brown cheese) and follow the recipe at the bottom of this page.
Hotdogs: known as pølse in Norwegian, hot dogs are the definitive fast food of Norway. They are sold at petrol stations, newsagents, corner stores and fast food outlets, and come with a dazzling variety of toppings and breads. Highlights include the bacon-wrapped variety sprinkled with dried onion, mustard and mayonnaise. You will also find them wrapped in waffles, mostly in and around Fredrikstad, or in lompe, the Norwegian flatbread pancake. Like Norwegian beer, pølse comes in seasonal varieties, with Christmas pølse (julepølse) appearing in the weeks before the holidays. Steer away from the tinned varieties.
Fish cakes: these come in many variations and are generally served with a white sauce and plenty of parsley. Often found in fish shops, fried or steamed and ready to eat. A great quick snack.
Reindeer: if you are travelling in the far north, try reindeer meat. It generally comes frozen, so look for finely cut reindeer in the freezer section. It is more expensive than other meats but absolutely delicious, if quite gamey. Fry it with mushrooms, a little brown cheese and rømme (crème fraîche), a bit like a beef stroganoff. Serve with boiled potatoes or rice.
Mushrooms: if you are travelling during the chanterelle season in mid to late August, look for the yellow mushrooms in the pine forests. You can pick them yourself, but image search them first so you know what you are looking for. They are wonderful with the brown cheese sauce and reindeer.
Salmon, prawns & fish: always look out for a chance to buy fresh fish. Look for local fish kiosks or fish shops, or small roadside signs pointing to fresh fish sales. The words to look for are reker (small shrimps, not prawns) and fersk fisk (fresh fish). Norwegian shrimps are small, sweet and harvested from the cool North Sea. Peel them and pile them on fresh white bread with mayonnaise, dill, pepper and salt. Norwegian smoked salmon is exceptional. Try the different varieties where you can, and in larger supermarkets or delis you can often taste before you buy.
Tubed ‘kaviar’ (caviar): cheap, practical and a genuine Norwegian staple. This is the thing Jayde's Norwegian husband craves the way an Australian abroad craves Vegemite.
Pre-made dips and salads: Norwegian supermarkets carry a wide range of premade salads and dips with a reasonable shelf life, ideal for sandwiches and picnics. The cubed beetroot salad and potato salads are particularly good. They come in easy-to-carry containers and tubed mayonnaise travels well too. Leverpostei (liver pâté) is also worth trying, served on brown bread with sliced red onion or sweet pickles. It is found on most Norwegian breakfast tables.
Yoghurt: a small warning here. Norwegian yoghurt comes in styles ranging from thick and creamy to very runny and sour. The runny variety sometimes comes in a carton that looks exactly like a milk carton. Sour runny yoghurt is not nice in your coffee. When in doubt, ask a local.
Bread: supermarket bread in Norway generally comes uncut. There are bread cutting machines near the bakery section in most stores, and staff are happy to help the first time. The bread can be fairly plain in the main supermarkets, so look for boutique bakeries in larger towns if you enjoy something more interesting. Keep an eye out for lefse, the Norwegian flatbread similar to a soft tortilla, usually served with butter and sugar, sometimes with cinnamon, and occasionally made with potato.
Waffles: Norwegian waffle stalls are the equivalent of a sausage sizzle. They are the most common community fundraising food and turn up everywhere. Do not expect sweet jam and whipped cream. These are fresh, chewy waffles served with sour cream and homemade tart berry jam. Never walk past one.
Chocolate: try Freia milk chocolate while you are here. It is genuinely excellent.
Berries: in early autumn, roughly mid to late August, the forests come alive with berries. Ask a local where to look and head up into the hills. You may find blueberries, lingonberries, raspberries, and if you are in the far north or the central mountains, the rare and prized yellow cloudberry.
On a self-drive journey, always slow down for small farm shops and roadside stands.
Strawberries: if you are travelling during strawberry season, stop. Norwegian strawberries, grown in soil that has rested through a long winter, are extraordinary. If you pass a self-pick farm, put everything else on hold and go in. Norwegians wait all year for this.
New potatoes: look for new season potatoes sold in small stands beside the road, often on an honesty system where you take a bag and leave the money in a tin.
CLASSIC RECIPE: brown cheese sauce
Basic Brown Cheese Recipe – can be used with meatballs, reindeer, with added mushrooms.
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3⁄4 cup light cream
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth (optional - just use water if you cannot find this)
• 1 cup shredded gjetost or brown goats cheese
• 3⁄4 cup rømme (crème fraiche)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh dill
Using the pan from your browned meat, remove as much oil as possible and blend in the butter and flour over heat. Remove from heat and blend in the cream. Add the broth, return to heat and bring to the boil, stirring until thickened. Mix in the gjetost. Turn the heat to low. Blend a little of the sauce into the rømme to temper it, then stir it all back into the pan. Add the parsley or dill and serve.
Happy shopping and cooking!
