Vesterålen - A Guided Arctic Adventure
Vesterålen - A Guided Arctic Adventure
The Vesterålen archipelago is off the beaten track, tucked as it is between the Northern Light heavyweights of Tromsø and Lofoten. However, this undiscovered gem is an Arctic wildlife and Aurora magnet. Join this small group adventure, led by self-confessed aurora addict, Chris, who is also determined to introduce you to the treasure trove of photographic, wildlife and authentic experiences available in this region.
Your Guide
A self confessed Aurora addict for over 10 years, Chris achieved notoriety when he shut up shop in England and spent 5 months in Lapland chasing the Aurora in a 7m long motorhome. Unable to stay away, he returned to Norway, settling in Vesterålen, the perfect location to satisfy his aurora addiction.
It wasn’t long before visiting friends and family encouraged Chris to harness his enthusiasm, drive, love of Norway and the Aurora into a business. His extensive knowledge meant that he wanted to be able to offer the sort of authentic experiences that he had so enjoyed throughout his travels. This means that no group will have more than 8 guests and the tour is suitable for families, couples and groups of friends. A sighting of the Aurora is of course the goal, however one of the main focuses is to ensure that people also left with a glimpse of life in this remote wilderness. Incorporating stunning scenery, wildlife viewing and possible wild weather all contribute to making the journey just as exciting and where a Northern Lights display becomes the icing on the cake.
DAY 1 To Sortland
Fly to Evenes (via Oslo).You will be met by your guide & transferred to your hotel for the evening. The 2-hour journey offer a scenic introduction to the area and of course if it is dark, there is always the opportunity to spot the Aurora on your way. Check into your chosen accommodation and familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Dinner is not provided the first evening, there are opportunities to buy food en route.
DAY 2 Sami Culture and Reindeer Encounter
Ease in to your stay with a relaxing first day & a small amount of travelling. Today’s excursion introduces you to the life of the Sami and includes a visit to a traditional working reindeer farm. Meet some of the four-legged residents, as well as the Inga’s, who continue the 150 year-old family tradition of raising reindeer. Their delight in presenting an authentic insight into the indigenous people of the region is all too apparent, when sharing the myths and magic that surrounds the Sami culture. A home made and warm lunch will be served at the farm, perhaps accompanied by a Joik, afterwards enjoy meeting & feeding the resident reindeer. Return to Sortland for an afternoon of leisure, after dinner head out in pursuit of the northern lights.
DAY 3 Andøya and Spaceship Aurora
Depart on the stunning scenic drive along the picturesque west coast of Andøya. Designated a National Tourist Route, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is the chance of seeing eagles, reindeer, moose, whales and dolphins and ample photographic opportunities, including Bleik Beach, one of Norway’s most scenic. The drive is around 100km, arrive at Andoy, famous for its weathered mountains and long sandy beaches.
Visit Spaceship Aurora, an educational and activity centre showcasing the history and science behind the Northern Lights, as well as their impact on Norwegian culture. This interactive experience allows you to experience a virtual trip into space and take part in ‘scientific experiments’, illustrating day-to-day life in a Space Centre. If you make it back safely from space, you will get to meet a real life rocket scientist for a guided tour as well as asking any questions.
Lunch is taken locally or bring a picnic lunch (own expense).
After dinner, head out again for another Aurora chase. Chris will have been monitoring the Aurora forecasts throughout the afternoon and, at the appointed time, will head towards the area where the forecast is strongest. Ensure you wrap up warm as temperatures can drop significantly. If appropriate, a campfire will be lit and a marshmallow or two added whilst you wait for the dancing lights. If and when they do appear, it just completes the magical atmosphere. Chris is also on hand to give you tips on how to capture this natural phenomenon on your camera.
DAY 4 Wildlife Safari
Breakfast will be a welcome sight after last nights foray into the wilderness.
Refuel before heading out to far west of Vesterålen to meet with a local wildlife expert. for a day enriched with wildlife & fantastic photo opportunities.
After a short presentation, you will board a boat and sail into the heart of the archipelago and amongst the fjords in search of this magnificent bird and other fauna.
Returning to the tiny harbour, enjoy a delicious hot soup lunch, before making your way back to your hotel. There will be a short time to relax before dinner and tonight’s Aurora quest. Changeable weather can mean travelling inland or remaining on the coast in order to try and witness this phenomenon, but you can be assured that Chris will do his utmost to locate this marvellous spectacle.
After a short presentation, you will board a boat and sail into the heart of the archipelago and amongst the fjords in search of this magnificent bird and other fauna.
Returning to the tiny harbour, enjoy a delicious hot soup lunch, before making your way back to your hotel. There will be a short time to relax before dinner and tonight’s Aurora quest. Changeable weather can mean travelling inland or remaining on the coast in order to try and witness this phenomenon, but you can be assured that Chris will do his utmost to locate this marvellous spectacle.
DAY 5 UK
Once again, you have a choice of return flights. The early departure includes a return transfer to the airport. If you wish to have a little longer in Sortland, then there are regular local bus transfers to the airport approximately 2-hours away (pay locally). Either way, you will return to the UK having experienced the hidden delights that this unique region has to offer.
What's Included
- Return flights from London to Evenes (via Oslo)
- Maximum of 8 Guests
- Return airport/hotel transfers, where applicable
- 4 nights accommodation
- Lodging in a twin/double room
- Breakfast and dinner throughout, plus 2 lunches
- Spaceship Aurora, Wildlife Sea Safari and Reindeer Encounter excursions as described
- 4 Aurora chases, each 4-6 hour duration (depending on conditions)
- Services of local guide
- From price based on 2 people sharing a Double / Twin Room
- Single Occupancy Rooms available from £150
Departure Dates
September - March
Price per Adult
£2390 Prices are 'from' and are subject to availability and are based on 2 people sharing a Twin / Double Room
Child Price £2090
