Norwegian Adventure 2025

Join us on our adventure as we explore the remote island of Senja and the City of Tromsø in Northern Norway. Leggi altro

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Inizio del viaggio
31 gennaio 2025
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Off We Go!
31 gen–1 feb 2025, Danimarca ⋅ 🌙 36 °F
Today we officially kicked off our long trek to the Island of Senja in Northern Norway .

David & Aimee's Route
Dorr ➡️ Detroit ( 2 1/2hrs 🚗)
Detroit ➡️ Newark, NJ (2 1/2hrs ✈️)
Newark ➡️ Copenhagen, Denmark (7 1/2 hrs✈️)

Ron & Shannon's Route
Indianapolis ➡️ Boston (2 1/2hrs ✈️)
Boston ➡️ Copenhagen, Denmark (7 1/2 hrs✈️)

🇩🇰 After crossing the Atlantic on separate paths, we finally reunited in Copenhagen ~ tired, excited, and ready for the final legs of our journey.

Copenhagen ➡️ Tromsø, Norway (2 1/2hrs ✈️)
Tromsø ➡️ Senja (3hrs 🚗)

Northern Norway is known for the midnight sun in the summer and the polar night in the winter.

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon in Tromsø, Norway, where the sun is visible 24 hours a day during the summer from the end of May to the end of July.

The polar night in Tromsø, Norway, is a period of several weeks when the sun doesn't rise. It usually begins around November 27th and lasts until January 15th. There is a subtle twilight light from about 9 AM to 2 PM when the sky is full of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple sunsets.

During our stay, sunrise will be around 8 am, and sunset will begin at 2:30 pm. By 4pm, it’s dark enough to need headlights while driving.Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
1
Hello Norway!
1 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ☁️ 34 °F
After a day and a half of traveling, we arrived in Tromsø and drove 3 hours to Norwegian Wild, our home away from home for the next 6 days on the beautiful island of Senja.

With an area of 1,586.3 square kilometres (612.5 sq mi), Senja is Norway’s second largest island (outside of the Svalbard archipelago), located roughly 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Its landscape varies greatly from east to west where you get a mix of sea, mountains, beaches, fishing villages and forests all within a day’s drive.

The Northern part of this Nordic island boasts of countless narrow fjords with jagged cliffs plunging straight into the sea.

Senja is often referred to as "Norway in miniature", as the island's diverse scenery reflects almost the entire span of Norwegian natural geography and is called a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! We were left awestruck by vast fjords and one of the most dramatic coastal roads in the country.Leggi altro
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Wow! [Trix]
05/03/25Risposta
3 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Exploring North West Senja
2 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °F
Road Trip! After catching an amazing sunrise, we explored the areas of Silsand, Langbaren and Gryllefjord. We stopped in the town of Langbaren for lunch.

The roads around Senja are no joke! They are all covered in about 2-3 inches of ice and extremely slick. Luckily we found out today that the tires on our rental car have metal studs! In Northern Norway, all vehicles must be equipped with winter tires from 15 October to 1 May.

Road maintenance consists on plowing, grading the ice and applying crushed black rocks for traction.Leggi altro
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4 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
1
The Northern Lights 💜💚💙
2–3 feb 2025, Norvegia ⋅ 🌙 21 °F
We arrived back at our home away from home just in time to catch a breathtaking sunset, followed by an incredible display of the northern lights.

To the naked eye, the aurora appeared as streaks of gray, white, and faint green, but through a phone screen, the colors came to life in vivid detail.Leggi altro
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♥️♥️♥️ [BARBARA]
03/02/25Risposta
Wow!!! 🙌🙌 [Trish Reif]
03/02/25Risposta
That is amazing! [Brenda]
03/02/25RispostaTradurre
Beautiful!! [Tom Crandell]
04/02/25RispostaTradurre
3 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Road Trippin’ to the North East, Part 1
3 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °F
I lost count of how many times we said “wow” today—it was that incredible. We hit the road on the Senja National Tourist Route, venturing into remote villages on the north and east sides of the island. Our journey took us through several mountain pass tunnels, where we braved freezing gusts of wind, but every challenge was more than worth it.

The reward? Breathtaking views of towering mountains and stunning fjords, including the 44-meter-long Bergsbotn viewing platform. From the platform we enjoyed a magnificent view of Bergsfjorden and the high surrounding mountains.Leggi altro
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♥️ [BARBARA]
06/02/25Risposta
3 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Road Trippin’ to the North East, Part 2
3 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °F
Part 2 of our northern island road trip along the Senja National Tourist Route started with more wow moments as we took in the amazing views of Oksen Mountain (also known as the "Devil's Teeth").

Oksen is a peninsula at the north side of the Hardanger Fjord. Its strategic location made it part of the ancient coastal defense system. In times of unrest, a bonfire would be lit at the mountain, signalizing that unfriendly ships were coming, and that the local defense should mobilize. This system was in use until the end of the Napoleonic wars.

For lunch, we stopped in the village of Senjahopen. Located along the Medfjorden on the northwest part of Senja, it is one of the most important fishing villages on the island.

Another memorable stop after lunch was the Husøy island overlook. This small village covers the entire island of Husøy which is located in the Øyfjorden off the northwest coast of Senja. Husøy is home to around 300 people and is Senja’s most active fishing community. Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
A Quest to Find Rudolph 🦌
4 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ❄️ 21 °F
On Tuesday, we set out for the remote west side of the island, where we’d heard reindeer are often spotted in the winter.

Mission accomplished!

We saw several herds of wild reindeer grazing in fields and even right alongside the road at times. They were much smaller than I expected, which gave me a new appreciation for the line from ’Twas the Night Before Christmas that mentions “eight tiny reindeer.”

Here are some fun facts about reindeer…

🦌 Female reindeer also have antlers - it's not just the males.

🦌 Reindeer can see ultraviolet light. Unlike humans, reindeer can see UV light with the naked eye - an adaptation which is vital for their survival over the dark winter months.

🦌 Reindeer may not be able to fly, but they can swim. The air trapped in their coat fibres, not only helps to keep reindeer warm, but also makes them buoyant.

🦌 Their eyes change color!
Reindeer eyes change color with the seasons. In the summer, their eyes are gold. However, in winter, their eye colour changes to a deep blue, which helps the reindeers see better in the low winter light.Leggi altro
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3 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
WW ll Fort Skrolsvik
4 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ❄️ 25 °F
While exploring the southwestern tip of Senja, we spent a few hours crawling through bunkers, scrambling over rocky terrain, and carefully avoiding remnants of old barbed wire. The abandoned German World War II fort, with its maze-like underground tunnels and old bunkers, was both fascinating and eerie. 👻

Originally built by the Germans in 1941 to control shipping routes to Narvik, Skrolsvik Fort remained in use by the Norwegian military until 1989. Today, much of the site is still intact, including several bunkers and imposing German artillery, offering a haunting glimpse into its wartime past.Leggi altro
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3 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Cherry On Top
4 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °F
After a full day of exploring the far southwestern tip of the island, we enjoyed a delicious dinner in Stonglandseidet before returning to our cozy Norwegian Wild home. There, we unwound with a relaxing sauna, card games, and an unforgettable surprise—the aurora dancing through the fast-moving clouds was the cherry on top of a fantastic day. 💚Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Snow! ❄️
5 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ❄️ 25 °F
Senja is a breathtaking island, and we were lucky to have Ånderdalen National Park right across the street from our cabins.

On our last full day on Senja, we finally woke up to fresh snowfall! With rain likely on the way in the coming days, we seized the moment, heading into the park for a beautiful four-mile snowshoe trek after breakfast. 🌲

In Ånderdalen, the trees are allowed to stand until they die and are transformed into silver-grey natural monuments. It takes many hundreds of years for the trees to become like this. Free firewood is offered in stands throughout the park to deter hikers from using standing dead wood. We saw several of these cool looking grey twisted trees along our hike.Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Tromsø Bound 🚗
6 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ 🌬 37 °F
We explored so much of this stunning island in just five days and now truly understand why Senja is often called “Norway in miniature.” It’s a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its vast fjords, rugged peaks, and one of the most breathtaking coastal roads in the country.

With Senja behind us, we’re now setting up our home base in Tromsø for the rest of our Norwegian adventure. Located on the island of Tromsøya, it’s about a three-hour drive northwest of Senja.

Originally, we planned to stay on Senja until Friday, but with rain in the forecast, we decided to pivot and head to Tromsø a day early. Northern Norway has been experiencing unusually warm temperatures—so much so that some days were actually cooler back home in Michigan!

Excited to see what Tromsø has in store for us next!Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Exploring Tromsø
6–7 feb 2025, Norvegia ⋅ 🌧 41 °F
We arrived in Tromsø late Thursday afternoon and took advantage of some downtime that evening and on Friday to explore the city before our scheduled excursions on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Tromsø, situated on the island of Tromsøya, is a vibrant and thriving city located 350 km above the Arctic Circle. With a population of 76,000, it holds the title of the largest city at this latitude. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Tromsø is naturally shielded from the harshest Arctic storms, making it a vital urban hub in northern Norway. It’s also home to world’s northernmost university 📖 and brewery! 🍺

The city has a rich history, from its deep connections with the Sámi people to its role as the main departure port for North Pole expeditions. Today, Tromsø is booming as travelers from around the world flock here to chase the Northern Lights, earning its reputation as one of the best places on Earth to witness this natural wonder.Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
1
Sami Reindeer Community
8 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ☁️ 37 °F
We happen to be visiting Norway during the celebration of Sámi National Day on February 6th.

The Sami are the indigenous people of Northern Europe. They are counted among the Arctic indigenous people. The Sami people of Norway have a unique culture and traditions and speak ancient languages.

The Sami are descendants of nomadic peoples who have lived in northern Europe for thousands of years. Historically, Sami people were nomadic. Until quite recently, reindeer herding was the basis of the Sami economy and way of life. They would migrate with reindeer herds, living in tents or huts. There are about 80,000 Sami people in the world today, and they are spread around Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. About half of the Sami people live in Norway, and the Sami people have traditionally been reindeer herders.

We traveled 90 minutes by bus to one of the local Sami communities to feed reindeer and learn about their culture.Leggi altro
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Viaggiatore 🤔
18/02/25Risposta
2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Arctic Cathedral & Fjellheisen Cable Car
8 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ 🌙 34 °F
After visiting the Sami community, we returned to Tromsø beneath the first clear skies we’d seen in days—perhaps the last we’d see for the rest of our trip. With the weather finally in our favor, we were eager to make the most of what might be our final chance to witness the Northern Lights.

It felt like the perfect night for a walk. Crossing the impressive bridge that links Tromsø to the mainland, we were met with the striking sight of the Arctic Cathedral, its sharp angles illuminated against the darkening sky. From there, we made our way to the Fjellheisen cable car, hoping for breathtaking views of the city—and, with a bit of luck, the elusive Aurora Borealis. This vantage point is said to be the best in Tromsø for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, and we could only hope the night would deliver.

By day the Arctic Cathedral is impressive, but at night it’s breathtaking. Tromsdalen Church, also called the Arctic Cathedral, was inaugurated on November 19, 1965. The 11 aluminum-coated concrete slabs on each side of the roof give the cathedral its shape.

The main entrance in the west wall is surrounded by a large glass facade with a distinctive cross. The east wall's stunning glass mosaic was only added in 1972.

The Fjellheisen Cable Car goes from Solliveien in Tromsdalen up to Storsteinen Mountain. The lower station is located on Tromsø's mainland, 50 meters above sea level. The upper station, Fjellstua, is located 421 meters above sea level. The trip takes four minutes.

Fjellheisen is Tromsø's most popular tourist destination to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Tromsø, with a near endless view of islands, fjords, mountains and sea.

The view did not disappoint! 😱Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Lights over the City! 💚
8 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ 🌙 32 °F
While the panoramic views of Tromsø from the top were breathtaking, our true hope was to witness the Northern Lights.

After an hour of waiting in the crisp night air, our excitement began to wane. We retreated to the café, warming up with cocoa and waffles, accepting that tonight might not be our night. But before heading back down, we stepped onto the viewing platform for one last look—and there they were! What began as a faint green haze soon blossomed into a mesmerizing display, dancing across the sky above the city’s twinkling lights.Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Sauna on a Boat? Yes Please!
9 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ 🌬 34 °F
After a long Saturday spent feeding reindeer and chasing the Northern Lights, we embraced a slower pace on Sunday with a leisurely brunch and some well-deserved pampering aboard a floating spa. Tough life, right? 😉

From Fishing Vessel to Whaling Boat, to Luxury Spa—Vulkana has had quite the transformation. Launched in 1957 at Lista and originally named Viga, she began her life as a hardworking fishing boat, navigating the North Sea and Norwegian coast.

Where 60 tons of cod were once stored, there’s now a serene, Japanese-inspired Zen Lounge and a revitalizing Turkish hammam. The former crew’s quarters have been reimagined into a wood-fired sauna and a cozy dining space for brunch.

We indulged in the wood-fired hot tub on the viewing deck, the traditional sauna, the tranquil Zen Lounge, and the rejuvenating hammam. And for the bravest among us, Ron and David took the ultimate plunge—leaping off the side of the boat into the frigid Arctic waters. Now that’s a cold plunge! 🥶Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Dog Sledding Adventure, Part 1
10 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °F
An hour and a half outside of Tromsø, we arrived in the remote wilderness of Tamokdalen, home to a secluded Arctic camp nestled among towering mountains and deep valleys. The dramatic landscape set the perfect stage for an authentic northern Norwegian adventure.

In preparation for the dog sledding, we were first outfitted with all the essential gear including thermal suits, boots, gloves and warm hats, ensuring comfort and warmth for the adventure ahead.

After a brief introduction on handling the dogs and sleds, we met our enthusiastic husky teams—tails wagging, eager to hit the trail and take us on an unforgettable dog-sledding journey.

The huskies love to run, but teamwork is key—you have to help guide them, slow them down when needed, and lean into turns to navigate the winding trails. It was an exhilarating experience that left us grinning from ear to ear, our cheeks rosy from the crisp Arctic air.

Now, if you’re wondering why some of the dogs don’t look like typical huskies, 🤔 there’s a good reason for that explained in part 2 of our sledding adventure. 🐕Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Dog Sledding Adventure, Part 2
10 febbraio 2025, Norvegia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °F
After our ride, we spent time bonding with our huskies, rewarding them with well-deserved cuddles before gathering around an open fire inside a lávvus (a traditional Sámi tent) to warm up with a hearty meal and a hot drink.

Now, if you’re wondering why some of the dogs don’t look like typical huskies, 🤔 there’s a good reason for that. The dogs at this camp are Alaskan Huskies.

Unlike Polar Huskies, which are purebred Arctic dogs built for endurance and heavy loads over long distances, Alaskan Huskies are a mixed breed designed for speed and agility. They’re typically a cross between Arctic breeds like Polar Huskies and working dogs such as hunting and farm breeds, making them ideal for sled racing and short-distance sprints.

Beyond the adventure, what stood out most was the incredible care and respect the guides had for their dogs. It was clear that these huskies weren’t just working animals—they were family. ❄️🐾🩵Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Norwegian Adventure 2025
Farewell Norway
11–12 feb 2025, Stati Uniti ⋅ ⛅ 32 °F
That’s a wrap on another great adventure!

Over the years, we’ve been so blessed to explore amazing destinations and create lifelong memories with our families. From wandering the emerald landscapes of Ireland to navigating Lake Powell on a houseboat with our kids, from that unforgettable cliff house in the Red River Gorge to countless ski trips and our dreamy catamaran voyage through the British Virgin Islands—every adventure has been filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments.

We absolutely love Ron & Shannon’s infectious passion for travel and adventure, and we’re beyond grateful for the friendship our families share. Cheers to many more incredible journeys ahead!Leggi altro
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3 mi piace

Fine del viaggio
12 febbraio 2025