2_1_ScanMag_80_Sep-Oct_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 15/09/2015 19:39 Page 88
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Autumn and Winter Highlights
Hunting the light Chasing the northern lights is one of the most quintessential arctic adventures in Norway. But how do you get the best experience? By Maria Lanza Knudsen | Photos: Dan Steinbakk
As autumn and winter approach and darkness falls, northern Norway awaits nature’s own festive lights, the aurora borealis. These multi-coloured streams of light decorate the sky and attract people from afar. Dan Steinbakk, the owner of touring company Arctic Experience, runs tours from Tromsø from September to April. He prides himself on offering personalised tours for groups of up to eight people. The knowledgeable guide, who grew up under
the northern lights, guarantees the comfort of each guest by providing appropriate clothing and the enjoyment of the lights around a bonfire. “You can experience four seasons and landscapes in one trip – from forests and the tundra to arctic snow-capped mountains and the ocean,” says Steinbakk. “There really is something magical about the landscape, especially with the autumn colours in addition to the beautiful colours in the sky!”
Arctic Experience’s focus on small groups allows Steinbakk to tailor the tour and ensure guests get the best viewing of the beautiful lights. In addition to showcasing the magic in the sky, Arctic Experience has a unique handheld radio called a VLF receiver that allows you to listen to the spectacular natural phenomenon. To capture the moment, Steinbakk always takes professional-quality photographs for guests to take home. Indeed, for avid photographers he even provides instructions on how best to capture the lights. Let the chase begin!
For more information, please visit: www.arcticx.no
Meet under the northern lights A mere 45-minute drive outside the city of Tromsø, known as the ‘Paris of the North’, Hav og Fjell’s nature camp offers visitors serenity and a chance to get closer to nature. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Hav og Fjell
With its peace and quiet and close proximity to the city, Hav og Fjell is the perfect place to host a conference. The meeting room, suitable for 20 people, fulfils all modern meeting requirements and offers stunning views of the sea. A ‘lunch-tolunch’ overnight stay is a popular conference option, says owner Marit Mydland. Accommodation is available in five seven-bed sea cabins, each with a private sauna and balcony. Guests may even catch a glimpse of the elusive northern lights from the camp’s open-air Jacuzzi. “We are far enough away from city lights that the northern lights are a frequent occurrence,” Mydland promises. Hav og Fjell can arrange a variety of activities such as fishing expeditions, mountain hikes, snowshoe walks and ski activities to fit
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any level of skiing ability. From December to February, whale safaris can also be arranged. “Particularly in the last couple of years there has been an explosion in the number of whales in the area,” says Mydland. After plenty of fresh air or a long day in the conference room one should always eat well. Hav og Fjell’s fully licensed restaurant and pub opens exclusively for the camp’s guests. “We don’t have a set menu, so we ask what the guests want before we make menu suggestions,” says the camp owner, who is also an experienced cook. Mydland’s kitchen focuses on halibut, arctic cod, shrimp, lamb, reindeer meat and other local, seasonal products. Hav of Fjell’s restaurant always serves generous portions. “Nobody goes to bed hungry,” concludes Mydland with a smile.
For more information, please visit: havogfjell.no