Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Autumn and Winter Experiences in Norway
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 that 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
Enjoy magical winter mountains riding a dog sleigh Norway Husky Adventure is a provider of local husky sledge tours in the Norwegian mountains. Based near Meråker at 400 metres above sea level, they are located a mere hour’s drive away from Trondheim Airport. “The company was founded in 2000 with the objective of sharing views of local natural beauty and high speed dog sleigh tours with others,” explains founder and manager Bodil Bakken. The team consists of Bodil, her partner and 45 active dogs from puppies to 12 years of age. By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Bodil Bakken, Husky Adventure
Several packages are on offer. These include day trips and weekend trips for two people, school classes or corporate team-building groups as well as multiple-day tours just
for women. Families with children are also very welcome. Each sleigh will be pulled by four to six dogs. “Everyone can participate, as proper instructions on how to ride will
be provided,” Bakken says. Visitors can also choose not to participate in riding the sledges and enjoy the trips as spectators. The winter season lasts from midNovember to mid-April, although some years extended days of cold and snow have allowed for trips as late as May. Adequate winter clothing will be provided, as will local food, including moose, reindeer and wild berries. “Proper preparations allow for our visitors to truly enjoy snow-capped mountains basking in winter sun or moonlight, and preparing traditional Norwegian food heated over an open fire,” concludes Bakken. Serving Norway’s third largest city, Trondheim’s airport is accessible from Europe with direct flights from hubs like London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Stockholm, as well as from most of Norway. For more information, please visit: www.huskyadventure.no
68 | Issue 92 | September 2016