Family Adventure in Tromsø: Chasing the Northern Lights

Chasing Auroras and Embracing Sami Traditions

Today was a day of contrasts, blending the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights with the rich, grounded traditions of the Sami people. It’s a day that reminded me why we chose Tromsø for our family adventure – a place where nature's wonders and cultural heritage intertwine so seamlessly.

Our day began, as many do here, with a hearty breakfast at Art Café Bistro. I opted for the reindeer sausage and eggs, a local delicacy that provided the perfect fuel for our day's adventures. Astrid, of course, chose the waffles, and Maximilian went for the classic Norwegian salmon. It's a cozy little place, the Art Café Bistro, filled with colorful art and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It’s quickly becoming our go-to spot for a morning boost.


Discover the vibrant flavors of Norway at Art Café Bistro in Tromsø - where culinary artistry meets local tradition.

After breakfast, we bundled up in our warmest layers, ready for our adventure with Spiritinthesky.Northern Lights & Fjord tours. The anticipation was palpable as we boarded the bus, joining fellow aurora hunters from around the globe. Our guide, a local Tromsø native, shared fascinating insights about the Northern Lights, explaining the science behind the phenomenon and recounting local folklore. He told us about the Sámi beliefs surrounding the lights, how they were seen as spirits of the dead, and how one should never whistle at them, lest they come closer and potentially carry you away! Astrid was particularly captivated by these stories, her eyes wide with wonder.


Discover the breathtaking Northern Lights and majestic fjords with Spirit in the Sky, your gateway to Tromsø's natural wonders.

As we drove away from the city, the landscape transformed into a pristine winter wonderland. The snow-covered mountains loomed in the distance, and the fjords sparkled under the dim Arctic light. The weather forecast wasn't particularly promising, but our guide remained optimistic, assuring us that the aurora is often unpredictable and can appear even when conditions seem unfavorable.

We drove for what seemed like hours, stopping at several locations to scan the sky. At each stop, the guide would set up his equipment, checking the aurora activity and pointing out constellations in the inky black sky. The anticipation was building, but the lights remained elusive. I started to feel a little disheartened, but Maximilian reminded me that the journey itself was an adventure, and the beauty of the Arctic landscape was a reward in itself.

Finally, just as we were about to give up hope, a faint green glow appeared on the horizon. It was subtle at first, barely visible against the dark sky, but then it began to intensify, morphing into a vibrant ribbon of light that danced across the heavens. A collective gasp went through the group as the aurora borealis revealed its full glory. It was a truly magical moment, one that I will never forget. Astrid was jumping up and down with excitement, pointing at the sky and exclaiming, Look, Mama, the Northern Lights!

The Northern Lights are a reminder that even in the darkest of nights, there is always light and beauty to be found.

We spent what felt like an eternity watching the aurora dance, mesmerized by its ethereal beauty. The colors shifted from green to purple to white, swirling and pulsating across the sky. It was as if the heavens were putting on a show just for us. I tried to capture the moment with my camera, but no photograph could ever do justice to the real thing. It's an experience that must be seen and felt to be truly appreciated.

After the Northern Lights tour, we grabbed a quick lunch at La Famiglia. The aroma of Italian herbs and spices was a welcome change from the crisp Arctic air. Astrid was thrilled to have her favorite spaghetti bolognese, and Maximilian and I shared a delicious pizza. It's a cozy, family-friendly restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere, a perfect place to refuel after our chilly adventure.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at La Famiglia in Tromsø - where every meal is a celebration of culinary artistry.

In the afternoon, we embarked on a journey to Tromsø Lapland for a Sami cultural experience. This was something I had been particularly looking forward to, as I have always been fascinated by the indigenous cultures of the Nordic region. As a librarian specializing in Nordic literature, I’ve read countless stories and myths about the Sami people, and I was eager to learn more about their traditions and way of life firsthand.


Discover the breathtaking outdoor adventures and rich cultural experiences at Tromsø Lapland in Norway's stunning Arctic landscape.

As we arrived, we were greeted by a Sami guide dressed in traditional clothing. He welcomed us with a warm smile and led us to a traditional lavvu, a Sami tent made of reindeer hides. Inside, a fire was burning in the center, casting a warm glow on the interior. The guide explained the history of the Sami people, their connection to the land, and their traditional way of life as reindeer herders. He spoke of their deep respect for nature and their sustainable practices, which have allowed them to thrive in the Arctic for centuries.

We learned about reindeer herding, a central part of Sami culture. The guide explained how the Sami people follow the reindeer herds throughout the year, moving with the seasons and relying on the reindeer for food, clothing, and transportation. He showed us traditional Sami tools and handicrafts, explaining their purpose and significance.

One of the highlights of our visit was the opportunity to feed the reindeer. We were given buckets of lichen, a type of moss that reindeer love to eat, and we were allowed to approach the herd and offer them the lichen by hand. Astrid was a little nervous at first, but she quickly warmed up to the gentle creatures, giggling as they nibbled the lichen from her hand. It was a truly special moment, connecting with these animals in their natural habitat.

After feeding the reindeer, we gathered around the fire in the lavvu and listened to the guide share traditional Sami stories and songs. He spoke of ancient myths and legends, of spirits and gods, and of the Sami people's deep connection to the natural world. His voice was captivating, and his stories transported us to another time and place. He also performed a traditional Sami yoik, a type of vocal music that is used to express emotions and tell stories. The yoik was haunting and beautiful, filling the lavvu with a sense of reverence and connection to the past.

Before leaving Tromsø Lapland, we had a chance to browse their handicrafts shop. I bought a beautiful Sami bracelet made of reindeer leather and silver, a memento of our visit and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Sami people. I also picked up a small, hand-carved wooden figure of a reindeer for Astrid, which she immediately named Rudolf.

On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at Jekta Storsenter to pick up a few essentials. I needed to replace the travel adapter I had forgotten to pack, and Maximilian wanted to buy some local snacks to take back to Hannover. Astrid, of course, was drawn to the toy store, where she spent a good half-hour admiring the stuffed animals and building blocks.


Explore Jekta Storsenter, Tromsø's largest shopping mall, featuring diverse stores, dining options, and entertainment for the whole family.

For dinner, we decided to try Nyt, a restaurant that had been recommended to us by several locals. It's a cozy little place with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that features modern Norwegian cuisine. I ordered the reindeer burger, which was absolutely delicious, and Maximilian had the fish soup, which he raved about. Astrid, surprisingly, opted for the grilled salmon, which she devoured with gusto. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.


Experience exceptional dining at Nyt in Tromsø – where innovative cuisine meets vibrant cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from our cozy apartment at the Enter City Apartment Hotel, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. We witnessed the magic of the Northern Lights, learned about the rich cultural heritage of the Sami people, and enjoyed delicious food and warm hospitality. Tromsø is truly a special place, a destination that offers something for everyone.


Discover comfort and convenience at Enter City Apartment Hotel, your perfect base in Tromso for exploring stunning attractions and winter sports.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit The Arctic University Museum of Norway and Telegrafbukta. I'm particularly excited about the museum, as I'm eager to learn more about the Arctic region's history and culture. And Telegrafbukta seems like a perfect place for a leisurely stroll and some fresh air. Perhaps we'll even pack a picnic and enjoy a quiet lunch by the sea.

As I close this entry, I'm reminded of a quote by the Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen: The history of the human race is a continuous struggle from darkness towards light. It is, therefore, to no purpose to discuss the use of knowledge; man wants to know, and when he ceases to do so, he is no longer man. These words resonate deeply with me, as I believe that travel is a form of exploration and discovery, a way to expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of the world and its people. And Tromsø, with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, is the perfect place to embark on such a journey.

Until tomorrow, takk for i dag (thank you for today)! I can’t wait to share our next adventure with you all.