Arctic Adventures in Tromsø: A Photographer's Dream

Chasing the Northern Lights (and Relaxation) in Tromsø

The day started with a hearty breakfast at Kaia. The bistro is located along the waterfront, and offers beautiful views of the harbor. I opted for their famous fish soup, and it was delicious. It was the perfect way to fuel up for the day ahead, especially knowing that I had a spa day planned! I love how Tromsø seamlessly blends its natural beauty with unique experiences. After breakfast, I met up with my friends, and we headed to our first adventure of the day: the Vulkana Arctic Spa and Adventure Boat.


Experience authentic Norwegian flavors at Kaia Bistro in Tromsø - where tradition meets contemporary cuisine amidst stunning Arctic scenery.

The Vulkana is unlike any spa I’ve ever been to. Housed in a converted fishing vessel from 1957, it’s a floating oasis of relaxation. As soon as we stepped on board, we were greeted by the friendly staff and the aroma of woodsmoke. The spa boasts a wood-fired hot tub, a traditional Finnish sauna, a Turkish hammam, and even an ice-bathing opportunity for the truly brave. I was immediately drawn to the sauna, eager to warm up from the crisp Arctic air. The heat was soothing, and the panoramic views of the Tromsø harbor were simply breathtaking. I could have stayed there for hours, but I also wanted to experience everything the Vulkana had to offer.


Explore the breathtaking Arctic landscapes while indulging in luxurious spa treatments aboard Vulkana, a unique adventure boat in Tromsø.

Next, I ventured into the Turkish hammam, where the warm steam enveloped me, melting away any remaining tension. Liam, of course, was the first to try the ice bath. I admire his bravery, but I decided to stick to the slightly-less-extreme hot tub. Soaking in the warm water, surrounded by the stunning scenery, was pure bliss. It wasn't quite as hot as I would have liked, but the view made up for it. Sipping on a glass of champagne as the boat gently swayed was the perfect way to unwind. The Vulkana also had a Zen lounge, where they served frozen fruit and water. It was a lovely touch, and I felt completely pampered.

After a few hours of pure relaxation, it was time for lunch. We decided on Graffi Grill, known for its delicious burgers and vegetarian options. I went for the vegan burger, and it was surprisingly good. The atmosphere was lively and fun, and it was the perfect spot to refuel after our spa adventure. I think I might try the lemon and garlic pasta next time.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine at Graffi Grill Tromsø – where fresh local ingredients meet modern culinary artistry.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the moments of quiet reflection and unexpected discoveries.

As evening approached, the anticipation for the Northern Lights grew. September is a great time to see the Aurora without having to bundle up too much. After doing some research, we decided to head to a dark spot for Aurora viewing, a location recommended for its minimal light pollution and stunning views. We grabbed dinner at Raketten Bar & Pølse, an iconic spot in Tromsø known for its hot dogs. I had to try the reindeer hot dog, and it was surprisingly tasty ! Fuelled up, we drove away from the city center, eager to witness the magical display.


Experience the magical Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway, a breathtaking dark spot perfect for unforgettable aurora viewing.

Finding a dark spot was key, and we eventually stumbled upon a place away from the city lights. The sky was clear, and we waited patiently, cameras at the ready. Unfortunately, the Aurora was shy tonight. We saw a faint glimmer of green on the horizon, but nothing spectacular. While the lights didn’t fully cooperate, the experience was still magical. Being surrounded by the stillness of the Arctic night, with the stars twinkling above, was incredibly peaceful.

To cap off the night, we decided to check out Aunegården Nordic Spirit Bar. This bar is known for its Nordic spirits and cozy atmosphere. It was the perfect place to warm up and reflect on the day's adventures. The bar had a great selection of local drinks, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. It was a great way to end a day of arctic adventures. It is conveniently located in the heart of Tromsø. I enjoyed the Nordic atmosphere, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a place to unwind after a long day of exploring.


Experience the vibrant ambiance of Aunegården Nordic Spirit Bar in Tromsø, where local brews and Nordic spirits come together in a cozy setting.

Even though the Northern Lights weren't as vibrant as I'd hoped, today was still an incredible experience. Tromsø has a way of captivating you with its natural beauty and unique charm. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we'll be exploring The Nature Bow Game and Telegrafbukta. And maybe, just maybe, the Aurora will make a grand appearance then! I am really looking forward to The Nature Bow Game tomorrow. It is supposed to be a lot of fun. It is also nice that we will be having Peppes Pizza for breakfast.

On a side note, I’m realizing how much I miss having a portable phone charger with me. It would have been so useful today, especially while waiting for the Northern Lights. Extra memory cards would have been great too, to capture more of the stunning landscapes. Note to self: always double-check the essentials!

There are a number of events going on in Tromsø this month. The Insomnia Festival Kickoff took place yesterday, and the Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny show will be taking place tomorrow.

Good night from Tromsø!