Norwegian Adventure

januar - februar 2025
  • Aimee Onderlinde
  • David Onderlinde
Join us as we explore the remote island of Senja and City of Tromsø in Northern Norway with our awesome friends, Ron & Shannon Jones. 🇳🇴 Les mer
  • Aimee Onderlinde
  • David Onderlinde

Liste over land

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  • Danmark Danmark
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Kategorier
Vennskap, Natur, Sightseeing, Ferie, Villmark, Dyreliv
  • 19,2kreiste kilometer
Transportmidler
  • Flyvning16,5kkilometer
  • Bil1 210kilometer
  • Buss29kilometer
  • Går-kilometer
  • Fotturer-kilometer
  • Sykkel-kilometer
  • Motorsykkel-kilometer
  • Tuk Tuk-kilometer
  • Tog-kilometer
  • Campingvogn-kilometer
  • Campingvogn-kilometer
  • 4x4-kilometer
  • Svømming-kilometer
  • Padling/Roing-kilometer
  • Motorbåt-kilometer
  • Seiling-kilometer
  • Husbåt-kilometer
  • Ferge-kilometer
  • Cruisebåt-kilometer
  • Hest-kilometer
  • Skikjøring-kilometer
  • Haike-kilometer
  • Cable car-kilometer
  • Helikopter-kilometer
  • Barfot-kilometer
  • 20fotspor
  • 13dager
  • 304bilder
  • 48liker
  • Waking up to fresh snow ❄️
    There is free firewood throughout the park to take and use in designated areasThey found some deep snow 😉Reindeer sighting! We were told afterward that it's unusual to see them in the parkJust one of the old silver-grey natural deadwood monumentsThe trail was packed enough that I decided to just walk in boots about 1/4 way into our hikeJust one of the old silver-grey natural deadwood monumentsA view of our Norwegian Wild home from the National ParkBack home and ready for hot cocoa!Nice way to end the day!

    Snow! ❄️

    5. februar, Norge ⋅ ❄️ 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.
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  • Our travel route around Senja over the past 5 days
    Drive from Senja to the Tromsø

    Tromsø Bound 🚗

    6. februar, Norge ⋅ 🌬 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!
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  • Trolls are an important part of the cultural heritage in NorwayWe fell in love with Norwegian waffles 🤤Beautiful Library 📚Yep! Reindeer hotdogs

    Exploring Tromsø

    6.–7. feb., Norge ⋅ 🌧 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.
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  • Sami Reindeer Community

    8. februar, Norge ⋅ ☁️ 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.
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  • Beautiful view of the cathedral & bridge joining Tromsø to the mainland
    View going up from inside the cable carInside the cable car. Good view of the bridge & cathedral on the far right sideWow! What a breathtaking viewDavid on the viewing platformCafe at the topA great aerial view of the cafe & viewing platform (not my pic)

    Arctic Cathedral & Fjellheisen Cable Car

    8. februar, Norge ⋅ 🌙 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! 😱
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  • Lights over the City! 💚

    8. februar, Norge ⋅ 🌙 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.Les mer

  • Changing room in the front hull of the boatChanging room in the front hull of the boatStairs from the hull to the main deck cabinWaffle brunch is served! 🤤Wood-fired hot tub on the viewing deckTraditional wood-fired sauna with a great viewDry sauna zen lounge and Turkish hammam (steam room)

    Sauna on a Boat? Yes Please!

    9. februar, Norge ⋅ 🌬 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! 🥶
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  • Stunning Mountain View's surrounded us on our way to camp
    We were outfitted with all the essential gearReady to ride!🧡Our sled, notice the cozy reindeer fur lined passenger seatDog sled 101David was first in the handlesAnd we're off!Such a beautiful landscape to enjoyRon & Shannon were in front of usRon posing while stopped for driver changeUs and our team of awesome dogs 🐾My turn to drive 😁These dogs are READY to goAnd we're off!

    Dog Sledding Adventure, Part 1

    10. februar, Norge ⋅ ☁️ 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.

    David took the reins as the musher (driver) while I settled into the sled, soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Midway through, we switched roles, and I had my turn guiding the sled, experiencing firsthand the thrill of steering through the snowy terrain.

    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. 🐕
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  • Our awesome lead dogs, Happy & Munta
    Me and Remington, the work horse of the teamOur lead pupsOur lead pupsOur stoic & beautiful middle team dog, BreckarRemingtonAll the dogs resting, drinking water & getting lots of love after sleddingRon & Shannon's lead dogsRon & Shannon's lead dogsRon and Shannon's beautiful middle team dogRon and Shannon's work horse dogThe lávvus (a traditional Sámi tent)A warm drink, fish soup and traditional polar breadA great way to cap off a wonderful vacation with our amazing friends 🥰Our awesome dog team. The sound you hear at the end is the break being appliedThe ride was little hair raising at times 😆

    Dog Sledding Adventure, Part 2

    10. februar, Norge ⋅ ☁️ 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. ❄️🐾🩵
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  • The nearly full moon lit up the Sky as we approached Oslo, Norway
    Good morning OsloFree carts to use in the Copenhagen airport🎉 Finally landed in Detroit after an unexpected overnight in NY

    Farewell Norway

    11.–12. feb., Norge ⋅ ☀️ 25 °F

    “Fantastic” hardly does justice to our incredible Norwegian adventure!

    Over the years, we’ve been so blessed to explore amazing destinations and create lifelong memories with the Jones family. 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 their infectious passion for travel and adventure, and we’re beyond grateful for the friendship our families share. Cheers to many more incredible journeys ahead!

    Today we began our long journey back home.

    Tromsø ➡️ Oslo, Norway (2hrs, 10min ✈️)

    Oslo ➡️ Copenhagen, Denmark (1hr, 15min✈️)

    Copenhagen ➡️ JFK, New York (8hrs ✈️)

    Unexpected overnight in NY due to a cracked windshield on the plane after de-icing. 😱

    JFK, New York ➡️ Detroit (2hrs, 18min ✈️)

    Detroit ➡️ Dorr (2 1/2hrs 🚗)

    After such loooong days of travel with long layovers, a cancelled flight and 6 hour time change 😴, there’s no place like home. 🇺🇸
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