Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Alta - Kirkenes - Finnmark
100% customisable for you
Don your woolliest hats and fluffiest socks, because your icy Norwegian adventure begins today. With two flights to catch, you’ll leave the UK early in the morning to board your two-hour flight to Oslo, Norway’s capital. Soak in what you can from the window, because your second flight to Alta departs soon after you land. After flying for two hours to reach Finnmark, at the northern tip of the country, hop off the plane and transfer to your impressive igloo hotel. Spend the rest of the day ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the ice sculptures, ice chapel and views of the Alta River before collapsing into your ice bed (don’t worry, it’s cosier than it sounds…).
There’s no better way to speed across Finnmark’s ice-encrusted landscapes than aboard a snowmobile, so we’ve secured you a thrilling day of precisely that. As either driver or passenger, this tour will take you through the ever-changing Arctic conditions, from snowy forests to open plateaus and frozen lakes. Head back to your hotel with bright pink cheeks and ruffled hair, ready to indulge in dinner made from locally sourced ingredients: seafood from the Alta River, moose from the tundra and vegetables from the wilderness.
Consider yourself a dog whisperer? Today’s your chance to prove your skills as you lead a team of huskies over a long, snowy trail, weaving through forests along the way. Perched atop a sled, you’ll glide past the river with only the water rushing and the dog’s barking to break the silence. Refuel with a light snack before returning to your hotel, where a sauna and outdoor hot tub are waiting to melt your icy muscles. After dinner, head outside to try your luck at spotting the Northern Lights – with little to no light pollution, they’ll be impressively vivid (if they decide to make an appearance).
Bid farewell to your igloo hotel, because this morning, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport in time for your one-hour flight to Kirkenes. After landing, another quick transfer will drop you off at your next seriously cool snow hotel. To give you an idea of how remote you’ll be, the only thing between Kirkenes and the North Pole is the isolated archipelago of Svalbard. But this hotel does comfort by the gallon, ensuring you’ll feel right at home within its cosy restaurants and outbuildings (which you’ll soon discover during your first night here).
If you think you know crabs, think again. On today’s king crab winter safari, you’ll face the largest crustacean in the world – the mighty king crab, whose leg span can reach a mind-boggling five feet wide. Despite their alien appearance, these creatures are found in the fjords around Kirkenes, where fishermen cast traps through holes in the ice. You’ll be taken out on a snowmobile to help pull these beasts from the waters, before heading to a rustic farmhouse restaurant to enjoy a juicy king crab meal.
Feast on a hearty Norwegian breakfast (think scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and freshly baked bread) ready for today’s exciting activities. The first is a visit to Andersgrotta, Kirkenes’ largest bomb shelter. Built in 1941, the shelter could provide refuge for up to 2,500 people at once during the 300 air attacks of World War II. Learn about the life of civilians during wartime and why Kirkenes was Norway’s most bombed city.
The day’s second activity is an invitation into the home of a local Northern Norwegian. As hugely hospitable people, they’ll be eager to serve you steaming coffee and cake over a chat about their culture and traditions, while sharing stories of everyday life in the extreme north. Afterwards, head back to your hotel for one final night of hunting down the dancing Northern Lights in the inky night sky.
Wave an icy goodbye to your snow hotel, zip up your bags and begin the first leg of your journey home. You’ll be transferred to Kirkenes airport to board your two-hour flight to Oslo, where a quick layover will allow you to stretch your legs before the two-hour flight back to the UK.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
