Arctic Route Winter - Whale Route from Tromsø

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Arctic Route by Best Arctic

- From 1 November to 31 January, the Whale Route takes you from Tromsø to your whale-watching tour in Skjervøy and back. - The bus departs from Tromsø at 5.30 am in front of Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø - be here latest 05:20 am. - Along the route it has extra pick-ups at North Experience, Skibotn and Lyngen North. - It arrives in Skjervøy at around 09.30/9.45 am, right on time to go on one of the whale watching tours leaving from Skjervøy. - The bus leaves Skjervøy after your tour at 1.30 pm (be back on the bus latest 1.20 pm. You will be back in downtown Tromsø at 5.40 pm. Skjervøy is a lively fishing village about 250 km north of Tromsø that has become one of the most popular destinations for winter whale-watching safaris in Norway.

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Points of interest

#1

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)

#2

Information Whale Route

- Departure location in Tromsø: Look out for the red Arctic Route bus, in front of Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø - see Google Maps link below. - Meeting time in Tromsø: Be on time - latest 05:15 (am) - It takes around 4 hours to drive to the Whale watching location in the village of Skjervøy. - You can safely go to sleep, as the end station of the route is the whale-watching activity center, around 09:45 (am). - Internet: Find wi-fi starting with Bussring. The password is 40002196. - Food and drinks: bring food and drinks along for this day trip as there is no possibility to buy food and drinks along the way or at Skjervøy. There is a supermarket in Skjervøy, though makes sure you are back on time on the Arctic Route bus - latest 13:25 (1.25pm). - Tours at Skjervøy: our tours including whale watching and transport, are conducted with Rigid Inflatable Boats, aka RIB. Activity level is medium, as you are quite exposed to the Arctic weather: wind, cold, and snow. - What to bring/wear: Be prepared and wear warm inner clothing, that goes under the warm and waterproof winter suits you get from our whale-watching partner. You also get boots, hats, and gloves. Important: bring extra dry and warm clothes with you for after the tour. - Back to Tromsø: The bus leaves at 13:30 (1.30pm) - we are in close contact with our partners, so the bus will wait for you to be back from the trip. Be back on the bus latest 13:25 (1.25pm). We stop along the way at Lyngen North, Skibotn (connection to Kilpisjärvi in Finland) and North Experience for passengers staying here (drop-off). You will be back in Tromsø around 17:40 (5.40pm). Need for assistance? We are here to support: info@bestarctic.com and 0047 953 03 888 Facilities Arctic Route bus: - English-speaking bus driver - luggage storage - free wi-fi > network: Bussring - password: 40002196 - toilet on board - comfortable seating - charging points for USB - customer support - central pick-up points

Audio guides available in:

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

#3

Information Whale-Watching

If you booked your Whale watching trip including Arctic Route transport, then this is for you: - Departure: 10:00 at Skjervøy, just next to the arrival point of Arctic Route - Duration: around 3 hours - Back in Skjervøy quay: around 13:00 - Type of boat: open boat - Boat capacity: 12 pax - English-speaking guide on board - Warm and waterproof floatation suits (drysuit) - Safety equipment - Gloves, hat, boots (dep. on the company you go with) - We are in contact with our suppliers in Skjervøy concerning the return timing of the boat. We focus strictly on the value of animal welfare in our activities. With all respect, we will not push the boundaries on these wild animals. Our local guide will make sure the activity is accomplished in a high-quality- and safe way, so you will feel taken care of and safeguarded. Be aware that you will be exposed to the elements of the North: wind, cold, snow, ... The activity level of this activity is Medium. You will receive the necessary equipment to protect yourself as much as possible. Notice: This tour is weather dependent and can be adjusted or canceled due to weather conditions or other security issues/equipment damage.

Audio guides available in:

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

#4

Important: Bus stops of the Whale route

Important information about the bus stops: Departure from Tromsø: - Central departure from Tromsø center: in front of Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø. Be there latest 05:20 (am). The bus leaves at 05:30 (am). - Google Maps. - In Skjervøy, the bus stops at the central location where many of the tours start: Google Maps - The second stop in Skjervøy is close to Maritim Hotel: Google Maps Departure from Skjervøy: - The bus leaves back to Tromsø at 13:25 - be 10 minutes before at the bus stop: - Pick-up: 13:25 - Maritim Hotell - IMPORTANT - the bus stop is not at the hotel, though 100 meters walk down at the water - Please wait there, not in the hotel or at the hotel, see google maps for the exact location: Google Maps - Pick-up: Activity stop close to COOP supermarket - Google Maps

Audio guides available in:

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

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#5

What to wear?

Winter in Northern Norway usually starts in October and lasts until May, with January and February being the coldest months. When travelling to the Arctic, your will surely visit Tromsø. The temperature in Tromsø in winter is relatively mild considering the city is above the Arctic Circle, at a latitude of 69° North. The average temperature is between 0°C and – 5°C thanks to the Gulf Stream. But just an hour’s drive into the mountains, the temperature can drop to – 20°C. Here’s our checklist on what clothes to take to Northern Norway in winter: - Winter base layer: woollen underwear, woollen socks, woollen shirt and woollen tights. - Winter mid layer: wool (or fleece) sweaters - Winter outer layer: warm wind and waterproof jacket and warm and windproof pants such as ski pants - Winter footwear: warm and waterproof winter boots will keep your feet dry and warm, as your body easily gets cold from the extremities.

Audio guides available in:

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

#6

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

#7

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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#8

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

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#9

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

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#10

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

#11

Maximize your stay in the Arctic

The next stories give you a glimpse of other activities that can be joined in the area, often with arranged transport from Tromsø. Check out our stories about Aurora Safaris, dog sledding, snowmobile, unique overnight locations, and exploring Tromsø, the Arctic Capital. From all of us at Best Arctic and Arctic Route, we wish you a magical holiday in Norway. In need of support? We are here: info@bestarctic.com and 0047 953 03 888 and www.bestarctic.com.

Audio guides available in:

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

Wolf Visit Polar Park (c) Thomas Eckhoff

#12

Day trip to Polar Park from Tromsø

Have you always wanted to see wolves, brown bears, wolverines, or even lynxes? All these impressive animals are found at the Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Centre. Wait, there is more! You can even get a glimpse of the much-admired moose! But don’t worry, there are not only carnivorous animals at Polar Park. You can also experience red deer, reindeer, and muskoxen. Daily tour from Tromsø: 1) We start by taking our winter Arctic Route bus from Tromsø, which departs from the parking area by the Scandic Ishavshotel at 09:00. During the bus journey, you get to appreciate the beautiful winter scenery, which is truly magnificent! Keep your eyes open. 2) After the three-hour scenic road trip, you arrive at Polar Park around 12:00 ready for oyur visit. The bus takes you directly to the entrance of the park and from there, it’s only a few steps to the main building. 3) The entrance ticket is included. You will find a restaurant and a café serving meals made with local products. 4) At 15:00, the bus will take you back to Tromsø via the same route you travelled in the morning. You will arrive back in Tromsø around 18:15.

Audio guides available in:

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

Arctic Route Winter - Whale Route from Tromsø

Points of interest