Arctic Circle Island Hopping – 5 Days
Arctic Circle Island Hopping – as seen in the Sunday times
Imagine how much more you could see and experience with 24 hours of glorious sunlight a day – Golden hour, every hour!
Midnight sun island hopping in the Arctic is the perfect way to explore the spectacular landscapes of Norway. The gold gleam from a red sun sitting just above the horizon at midnight lights up dramatic mountains, azure blue seas, white beaches and red fisherman’s cabins nesting on stilts over the water.
Midnight Sun Sommarøy
Kayak Sommarøy
Tungeneset Senja
| Included | Optional extras - we can book these for you | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 nights/ 5 days accommodation with breakfast | Additional activities | ||
| Rental Car | |||
| Price from £1500 per person, based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room and a rental car |
Prices do not include flights. Each trip is tailor made and can be expanded, the basis of the trip is clearly illustrated here.
Tour Program
Arctic Circle Island Hopping
Day 1: Sommarøy
Arrival Tromsø – Arctic Circle Island Hopping
Arrive in Tromsø by Norwegian or Scandinavian airlines.
Pick up a car from the airport.
Drive the staggering coastline of Kvaløya (Whale Island) and mountain pass of Kattfjordeidet to Sommarøy (Summer island).
The island featured in the NY Times for wanting to get rid of time altogether over the summer months.
Stops are recommended! Stop for a stroll on a white beach, a small trek up a mountain, a refreshing swim or a little fishing is recommended! You can also take a detour to Ersfjord to the café Bryggejentene for some excellent cinnamon buns, coffee and antiques nestled on the waterside quay beneath the towering presence of Peak Buren, popular with the locals for a little trek at midnight for its stunning views.
Transfer time: 1 hour depending on stops.
Arrive on the Island of Sommarøy, where the locals discard time during the 2 months of the midnight sun and take life as and when it comes.
Overnight at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
Things to do:
- Kayaking
- Fishing trip
- Hire a small boat
- Trek up the fairly easy Hillesøy-peak
- Hot-tub on a white beach
- Tour of the local fishing village
- RIB tour to the local lighthouse
- Sea to summit trekking
- Midnight sun hiking by RIB
- Sea eagle safari
Sommarøy Senja
Senja
Tungeneset Senja
Day 2: Sommarøy
Spend the day at Sommarøy, Hillesøy, and Kvaløya. Explore the white sandy beaches on tiny islets via kayak, hire your own little boat, go fishing or take a drive and climb a local mountain. Standing on top of the Hillesøy-pak local mountain at midnight gazing over the arctic ocean is highly recommended. Make use of every hour!
Things to book at Sommarøy:
- Kayaking
- Fishing trip
- Hire a small boat
- Trek up the fairly easy Hillesøy-toppen
- Hot tub on a white beach
- Tour of the local fishing village
- RIB tour to the local lighthouse
- Sea to summit trekking
- Midnight sun hiking by RIB
- Sea eagle safari
- Own trip to see the ancient petroglyphs of the nomads
Overnight at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
Sommarøy
Sommarøy
Sommarøy
Day 3: Senja National Scenic route
Start your journey to the second biggest island in Norway, and a pearl in Northern Norway´s crown, Senja. It is the start of the most spectacular of drives, and the route you take is categorised as one of the 18 most scenic routes in Norway.
Drive to the local ferry port Brensholmen, 10 minutes from the hotel, take the ferry from Brensholmen to Botnhamn on the island of Senja. Ferry time ¾ of an hour.
TOP TIP: Make sure you arrive early for your ferry ride as this is a popular route in summer with locals and the cars are let on on a first come first serve basis, so arrive at least half an hour before departure time.
Arrive at Botnhamn, and start your incredible journey along on Norway´s 18 national scenic roads
Ferry time: 35 mins
Transfer times from Sommarøy to Hamn i Senja including ferry: 2 hours (40 mins ferry time) Depending on stops.
TOP TIP: Make sure you arrive at the ferry port at least half an hour before departure as the ferry can get full and it is a first come first serve basis
Recommended stops:
- Tungeneset
- Bergsbotn
- Kråkeslottet (off the official route)
End up at Hamn i Senja for your overnight stay in one of the most spectacular locations in Northern Norway. Hamn I Senja has it all – luxurious rooms, fisherman’s cabins and apartments, an excellent quayside restaurant and café, stunning views across the crystal waters, dramatic but easily accessible hikes and bike rides, sea life, and activities, and an almost magical vibe with sunken down hot tubs INSIDE old fishing vessels – It has to be experienced to be appreciated.
Dinner and overnight stay in an aurora (luxury) room, with panoramic views across the water and towards the midnight sun.
Things to add at Hamn i Senja, all can be booked with Arctic Holiday.
- Bird safari by RIB
- Fishing
- Biking tour on the national road,
- Outdoor hot tub overlooking the sea, mountains and the midnight sun
- Hot tub inside the old fishing boat
Summer in Senja
Summer in Senja
Hamn i Senja Apartments
Day 4: Hamn i Senja, Hurtigruten and Tromsø
Drive to Risøyhamn and jump on the famous Hurtigruten coast liner at 11:30 with your car at around and back to Tromsø on a beautiful scenic journey
Arrive in Tromsø
Water Sommarøy
Hamn i Senja
Hurtigruten coast liner
Day 5: Tromsø
Optional activities in Tromsø, depending on your flight time:
- Hike up to the cable car
- eBike cycling tours
- Midnight sun and Panoramic views
- Guided midnight sun hiking
- Fishing
Drop off your rental car and depart home from Tromsø airport
Optional extra days available at all stops, variations can be tailored to your needs.
NB: For additional nights and different options, please contact us.
Kayak Sommarøy
