Arctic Route Winter: between Narvik and Tromsø

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Arctic Route by Best Arctic

Welcome to the Arctic Route between Narvik and Tromsø in Norway. - From 1 December to 31 March, this route takes you between Tromsø and Narvik. - The bus departs at 09:00 from Tromsø, 100 meters from Scandic Ishavshotel. - The bus departs at 14:00 from Narvik train station, Narvik Quality Hotel, and Narvik Scandic Hotel. - Along the route, it has extra pick-ups at Aurora Husky, Polar Park, Lapphaugen, and Isogaisa. - This bus connects with the arrivals and departures of the (night)train to/from Kiruna/Stockholm. This scenic journey through a winter wonderland takes us through seven municipalities in the North Norwegian counties of Nordland and Troms. Thank you for choicing a sustainable way of traveling in the Arctic.

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中文, Nederlands, Français, Deutsch , Italiano, 日本語, Español, Português, Suomalainen, English (British)

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Points of interest

#1

Information Route Narvik-Tromsø

- The bus departs at 09:00 from Tromsø, 100 meters from Scandic Ishavshotel. Be 10 minutes before. See Google link below. - The bus departs at 14:00 from Narvik train station, Narvik Quality Hotel, and Narvik Scandic Hotel. Be 10 minutes before. See Google links below. Facilities Arctic Route buses: - English-speaking drivers - luggage storage - free wi-fi > network: Bussring - password: 40002196 - toilet on board - comfortable seating - charging points for USB - customer support - no food or drinks available onboard. Bring drinks and food for the trip. All of us at The Arctic Route, along with our partners, welcome you to share the Arctic experience with us! Need for assistance? We are here to support you: info@bestarctic.com and 0047 953 03 888.

Audio guides available in:

中文, Español, Nederlands, Italiano, 日本語, Deutsch , Norsk bokmål, English (British), Français

#2

We are here for you

Visit us in the Tromsø centre at our Booking Point Best Arctic: Sjøgata 7. We speak the following languages: English, Norwegian, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Arabic, and Portuguese. In need of assistance: - Booking Point: Sjøgata 7 in Tromsø - daily from 8 am to 7 pm (from October to March) - info@bestarctic.com - 0047 953 03 888 - daily from 8 am to 7 pm (from October to March) - www.bestarctic.com We love help creating your magical Arctic holiday in the North.

Audio guides available in:

Italiano, Français, Nederlands, Español, Deutsch , 日本語, 中文, Português, Suomalainen, English (British)

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#3

Scandic Hotel Narvik

Arctic Route Stop: in front of the entrance of Scandic Hotel - please be outside before departure time. Narvik is a small town with a rich history and a big personality! This charming town offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, nature, adventure or culture, Narvik has it all! Narvik has a majestic setting on the shores of the Ofotfjord. You can explore the rich history of Narvik at the Narvik War Museum and learn more about the battles and the brave resistance that took place here during the Second World War II. Can you see the impressive silver freedom monument in front of the war museum? If you stay in Narvik, walk into the Scandic hotel and take the lift to the top floor where you can enjoy stunning views of Narvik from the Scandic Skybar. Narvikfjellet is a great choice for skiing enthusiasts! Fjellet means 'mountain' in Norwegian. The ski resort has a combined ski slope length of 9.7 km as well as 3.8 km of cross-country ski trails. During the summertime, when it's not possible to ski, the slopes are used for downhill mountain biking. We invite you to walk up Narvikfjellet and admire the view or take the cable car up to the restaurant at the top.

Audio guides available in:

English (British), Deutsch , 中文, Español, 日本語, Italiano, Português, Nederlands, Français

#4

Quality Hotel Narvik

Arctic Route Bus Stop: in front of Quality Hotel - please be outside before departure time. The iron ore made Narvik a strategic target during the Second World War, and the town was invaded on 9 April 1940. Norwegian, French and Polish soldiers fought bravely together to push back the Nazi German forces. The Battle of Narvik was one of the first Allied victories of the war and became a symbolic resistance against fascism. During the occupation of Narvik, the Nazi demanded a hostage list from the mayor. These hostages would be arrested and shot if the residents of Narvik did not obey the Nazi orders. This was a strategy that had been highly successful previously, as the occupied cities would typically make a list of people the city could manage without. By making such lists, the mayors were also accomplices. The Mayor of Narvik bravely did the opposite. He made a list of Narvik's leading men that the Germans would not manage without. In a very bold and honourable move, Theodor Broch put himself at the top of the list. He was awarded several medals for his service, including the War Cross with Sword, Norway's highest military decoration. In 2022, the Battle of Narvik was made into a film, which was filmed on location in Narvik. In January 2023, this was the most streamed film in 86 countries.

Audio guides available in:

English (British), Português, Deutsch , Français, 中文, Español, 日本語, Italiano, Nederlands

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#5

Skiing in Narvik

In winter, Narvikfjellet Ski Resort offers excellent off-piste ski conditions and one of Scandinavia’s largest fall heights. Pay a visit to the restaurant on top, serving delicious meals and drinks. All equipment can be rented on the spot. Are you located in Tromsø? Hop on the Arctic Route in the morning, and go skiing in the afternoon at Narvik.

Audio guides available in:

English (British), 中文, Français, Norsk bokmål, Nederlands, Deutsch , Español, 日本語, Italiano

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#6

Train Station Narvik

Arctic Route Bus Stop: next to the train station entrance. Narvik was founded in 1902 as a port for exporting iron ore from Swedish Lapland. This natural resource made a necessary connection to the mining town of Kiruna, 180 km to the east. Trains still arrive in and depart from Narvik every day. It's possible to take a train ride along Ofotbanen, one of Europe's most scenic railway lines. The Arctic Train takes you to the Swedish border in the heart of the Abisko National Park and back again. You can even hop on the night train from Narvik to Sweden's capital: Stockholm. This comfortable journey takes around 15 hours - a green way of travelling in Scandinavia. When you wander around the train station, visit the statue of 'Svarta Bjørn', located 100 m from the station. The statue with a bowl in her hand overlooks the area. Svarta Bjørn took care of the hardworking navvies who built the railway. You can explore Narvik by foot or by bike, organised by the Narvik Museum. When you enter or leave Narvik, you will drive over an impressive suspension bridge. The total length of the Hålagaland Bridge is 1,533 m. After five years of construction, the bridge opened on 9 December 2018. The old route, which leads around the fjord, is 17 km longer.

Audio guides available in:

English (British), Português, Deutsch , Français, 中文, 日本語, Italiano, Nederlands, Español

Wolf Visit Polar Park (c) Thomas Eckhoff

#7

Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Centre

Visit Polar Park : download the separate Voice of Norway tour within Polar Park (see link below) Polar Park is the world's northernmost animal park, and home to Norway's large predators such as bears, wolves, and lynx as well as deer, moose, reindeer, and muskox. Opened in 1994, the park is based on exhibiting animals in their natural surroundings. The landscape around the park is breathtaking and provides the perfect backdrop for your arctic wildlife experience. You are welcome to walk around at your own pace or join one of our guided tours to learn more about our animals. We also have a restaurant and cafe where you can enjoy a meal created from local produce, or you can have a picnic in the park and enjoy the fresh air if the weather permits. Predator guiding is included in your entrance fee and takes place on weekends in the winter season. Opening hours 10am – 3:30pm (closed 24 – 26.12 and 1.1.) Guiding every Saturday and Sunday 1pm. Did you know you can even visit the wolves? Contact Polar Park directly for this via: post@polarpark.no.

Audio guides available in:

English (British)

#8

Bus stop Tromsø

The red bus, market with Arctic Route, from the big parking 50 meters from Scandic Ishavshotel - see Google Maps link below. Be outside, 15 minutes before departure. In need of assistance? 0047 953 03 888.

Audio guides available in:

English (British), Français, 日本語, 中文, Italiano, Deutsch , Español, Nederlands, Suomalainen, Português

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#9

WWII - General Fleischers vei

The section of the E6 highway between Narvik and Bardufoss is known as General Fleischers vei, but who is General Fleischer and what was his role? Carl Gustav Fleischer was a Norwegian general who became the first land commander to win a major victory against the Germans in the Second World War. That victory came on 28 May 1940 when Norwegian, French, Polish and British forces under his command recaptured Narvik from the Germans. Unfortunately, the Allied task force was withdrawn following the German invasion of France and the Germans reoccupied Narvik two weeks later. General Fleischer was made commander of the Norwegian Army in exile and ordered to follow King Haakon VII and the Norwegian Cabinet into exile in the United Kingdom. Keen on visiting this area: check Lapphaugen Turiststasjon in Lavangen, for war history tours, ice fishing, local food and accommodation (see link below).

Audio guides available in:

English (British)

#10

Dogsledding from Tromsø

In this area, a bit more to the east in Breivikeidet, you can join a dogsledding tour, with daily departure from Tromsø. We have morning and afternoon tours. Go on a dog sledding tour and ride through the winter wonderland of Northern Norway! A holiday above the Arctic Circle is incomplete without going on a husky sledding adventure. How does dog sledding work? Usually you need a team of four to six dogs to pull a sled. The dogs are tied in pairs to a single towline, which is then attached to the sled. Our tours involve 60 to 90 minutes of dog sledding. A briefing on how to handle the sled will be given. It’s not that hard as the dogs are well-trained and know the route. Most of our tours give you the chance to be a musher or, in other words, drive your own husky sled with a passenger sitting on it. You will have the chance to switch places halfway. An experienced guide will lead a small group of guests on the trails. Our huskies look forward to running with you. Find our tours below and join.

Audio guides available in:

English (British), Français, Nederlands, Italiano, Español, Deutsch , 中文, 日本語, Português, Suomalainen

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#11

Snowmobile tours from Tromsø

All our snowmobile tours have arranged transport from Tromsø centre. Snowmobile, snow scooter, Ski-Doo or skimobile, whatever the name, driving this motorised vehicle is so much fun! Go on an adventure in the stunning winter Arctic landscape and enjoy the best views of the mountains during the day or go in the evening to admire the beautiful Northern Lights. We have guided snowmobile tours including return transport from Tromsø. Riding a snowmobile is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in the snow! Driving a snowmobile is not hard and is quite intuitive. No previous experience is needed but it’s important to follow the safety rules given by your snowmobile guide. Do I need a valid driving license? Yes. The passenger doesn't, though has to be 6 years old minimum.

Audio guides available in:

Italiano, Nederlands, English (British), Français, Español, Deutsch , 中文, 日本語, Português, Suomalainen

#12

Bardufoss activities and stay

Bardufoss is the main settlement in Målselv municipality. It’s a hidden gem in the north where guests can experience the authentic North Norwegian way of life and relax at the Polarbadet indoor waterpark. Polarbadet is open year-round and is popular with young and old alike. It features everything from a water slide, diving tower and jacuzzis to a training pool, saunas and toddlers’ pool. Guests can stay at the Bardufoss Hotel in the main street and book packages including dog sledding and a reindeer experience. Bardufoss has a civilian and military airport., and a war memorial landscape nearby. Activities in the neighborhood are dogsledding and snowmobile tours (return transport from Tromsø can be added during the booking).

Audio guides available in:

English (British)

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#13

Reindeer & Sami from Tromsø

The indigenous Sami people and their reindeer have been living and working on the land for centuries. It’s only in recent times that the Sami have invited guests to be part of their life. But who are the Sami? Why are reindeer so popular in Norway? Learn more about the Sami people and their culture, where are they from and listen to their stories. The Sami were the first indigenous people of Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Their presence extends from Norway to Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Studies suggest that they have inhabited these northern areas for more than 9,000 years, suggesting that they were the first people living in the Arctic after the Ice Age!An estimated Sami population of between 60,000 and 100,000 is spread around the world. Although the Sami people are now part of modern society, they retain some ancient traditions such as joik (a Sami chanting generally about a place, a person or a thing), duodji (handicrafts) and reindeer husbandry. The animal that best represents the Sami is the reindeer! It plays an important role in Sami food, storytelling, myths and legends, clothes, and even souvenirs that are made from reindeer hide and antlers Join them on one of the authentic activities in the area of Tromsø: 1) daytime reindeer farm visit where you can feed the reindeer, with optional reindeer sledding. 2) evening reindeer farm visit, including dinner, where you can feed the reindeer, with optional reindeer sledding. 3) spend the night on the reindeer farm in a traditional wooden-oven tent During all activities, you will be told stories by a Sami in a traditional 'lavvu' or 'gamme', including the powerful and intimate joik (chanting). Don't leave the Arctic without a taste of this important knowledge about the Sami people.

Audio guides available in:

Français, Nederlands, Español, Italiano, Deutsch , 日本語, 中文, English (British), Suomalainen, Português

#14

Aurora and Northern Lights

Booking point Best Arctic/Arctic Route in Tromsø: Sjøgata 7, Tromsø. The Northern Lights, with their different hues and shapes, are truly awe-inspiring, especially when they dance across the sky. If you are dreaming about seeing this beautiful phenomenon, the best way is to join a Northern Lights tour. Chasing the Northern Lights is our strength, with our experience spanning more than 17 years and 8,500 tours. 1) In for a chase? Hop on our Aurora Safari minibus and drive into the night to find the lights. Including is driver, English-speaking guide, warm wintersuits, light meal, pictures, and a unique bonfire in the snow, if the weather allows that. The tour starts from Tromsø centre at 19:00 (7pm). 2) In for some more comfort? Join our unique Aurora Safari Camp (one of them is here in the area, overlooking the fjord) where you will visit a private locally-owned camp, hosted by a local. Included is an English-speaking guide, hot meal, pictures, wintersuits, toilet at the camp, a truly comfortable experience, while hoping to see the Northern Lights. The tour starts from Tromsø centre at 18:30 (6.30pm). 3) Or in for a culinary experience? Join our only-in-town Northern Cuisine and Aurora Chase, a minibus chase including a 3-course dinner at a lavvu (tipi) restaurant out in a remote area.

Audio guides available in:

Français, English (British), Nederlands, Italiano, Español, Deutsch , 中文, 日本語, Português, Suomalainen

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#15

Hidden f(r)ee gems in Tromsø

Keen on strolling around in Tromsø and experiencing hidden gems? FREE - Keen on seeing Northern Lights by yourself? Head to the top of the island to Prestvannet (the Priest's lake) and look up. - Another free spot is in the south of the island: at the beach of Telegrafbukta, often a social place during the day and evening. - Visit the oldest cinema in Tromsø: Verdensteater. At the back of the Cafe, you find the cinema, with wonderful decorative wall paintings. Check the website for a screening of an 'off-the-beaten-track' movie. The bar is often the place to dance in the weekend. - The Edge Skybar, located on the 12th floor of The Edge Clarion Hotel. It is free to enter, though I bet you will stay for one of their delicious cocktails. - Bastard Bar Music Jams every Tuesday. Tromsø has a music school and here, many of the students hit it off, every Tuesday on the open stage. Do you dare to hop on the stage? - Hit the little quay, behind Polaria Museum. You often can spot local people trying their luck to catch a fish. Also, a wonderful place to witness the blue hour or the sunsets. - Keen on making a bonfire outside while grilling sausages or waffles? Go under this Gappahuk and enjoy a truly Norwegian activity. FEE - Get steaming hot a sauna and jump into the cold water. In the small harbor, spot the strange wooden construction: this is PUST (which means 'breathe' in Norwegian) - our beloved sauna, daily used by locals too. Nice to know: pass by PUST KAFE afterward and get a discount on your delicious organic lunch. - At PUST KAFE, they have a free open stage every Sunday! And yoga sessions. - Indoor minigolf .. and it is way more fun than it sounds. Go to Storgata Camping (it is not a camping spot) and golf and dance on the beats of this colorful bar. Often, Storgata Camping hosts many events in the weekend. - Looking for a t-shirt with ... a reindeer? Visit the local store REINLOVE in Storgata, the main shopping street in Tromsø. The ideal place to buy a local, sustainable, and awesome gift for your friends and family back home. Feel the vibe and check their page, they sometimes host music events in the shop!

Audio guides available in:

English (British), Français, Nederlands, Italiano, Español, Deutsch , 中文, 日本語, Português, Suomalainen

#16

Whale Watching

In the north of this area, one of Northern Norway's most spectacular events happens every winter: humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins are visiting the northern fjords. Skjervøy, about 250 km north of Tromsø, has become a popular destination for whale-watching safaris. People travel there each winter to get a close-up look at humpback whales and orcas while they feed on herring. Check out our whale-watching tours from Tromsø. Observing these majestic marine mammals only a short distance from your boat is an unforgettable experience! Activities start from Tromsø, by boat or by road transport to the village of Skjervøy. Tours by Rigid Inflatable Boat - level: Medium. Join our whale-watching partner Suzanne and her team on an adventurous boat trip, in search of the whales - Whale Watching by RIB Tours by big boat - level: Easy. Join our whale-watching partner BRIM on a silent hybrid tour, leaving by boat from Tromsø - Silent Whale Watching.

Audio guides available in:

English (British)

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#17

Skiing in Tromsø

Skiing in Tromsø: Kroken, the Alpin Park in the backyard of Tromsø - 15 minutes drive by bus - offers fun slopes for everyone, and a warm lavvu, where you can buy hot chocolate, waffles, and sausages during your pause. All equipment can be rented on the spot. Keen on experiencing another resort? Hop on this Arctic Route and go skiing in Narvik. You get to Tromsø Alpin Park by public transport - line 20.

Audio guides available in:

English (British)

Arctic Route Winter: between Narvik and Tromsø

Points of interest