Monday 17 November 2014

Christmas Getaways - Tromsø

Christmas Getaways

Christmas is a time for family to spend some good quality time together. Over the last couple of years we have created a new family tradition to visit a new place in December to build up the excitement to Christmas. In part we did this as a reminder to my dad who loved travelling and was the first person to introduce me to Christmas markets (Cologne). 

This is the third part in my Christmas getaway adventures. If you haven't read the first two instalments (Copenhagen and Iceland) then have a quick read here and here. The idea is to give you some inspiration for where you could visit and get you in the Christmas spirit.  

Now for those of you who have read Philip Pullman - His Dark Materials epic trilogy of novels, the North and Northern Lights has always held some mystery for me. As a child I dreamt of meeting the armoured polar bears in the ice forts. 
Polar bear
If you haven't read the novels you really must they are brilliant. 

So when we picked Tromsø a city and municipality in Northern Norway with an average temperature around Christmas of -6 and a brilliant viewing platform for the Northern Lights, it seemed the perfect winter getaway. A five hour flight from London we landed in the gateway to the arctic and freezing conditions. 

During late November to January the sun remains below the horizon which creates a 'blue twilight' (Polar Nights) which gives a truly unique feeling whilst visiting this special City.

Our aptly named hotel Radison Blu was right in the City centre and had wonderful views over the port. Surrounded by mountains, fjords and islands what a view to wake up too. 
Tromsø
Tromsø
One of our main reasons for visiting Tromsø was to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). I also knew exactly the man who I wanted to take me on this adventure, Kjetil Skogli

Who is this man? I hear you ask. Kjetil is a Northern lights chaser, he captured my imagination when he lead Joanna Lumley and the 6.6 million viewers watching her to see the Northern lights.  

There aren't many times in my life when I have been left speechless, but lying back on a frozen lake in the mountains of Tromsø, in anticipation of seeing the dancing particles of wonder which make up the Northern Lights has to be one of the most memorable moments of my life.
Northern Lights

With clear skies and a heavy wind made seeing the northern lights extra special. There is something magical about standing in the pitch dark, coldness settling into your limbs, across the snowy mountains a ghostly spectacle of light begins to appear the Northern Lights. 

Northern lights
Northern Lights
As well as the Northern Lights Tromsø has breathtaking sceneryIn case you were wondering what the lake that I lay on looked like in the day this is it. 
Tromsø
Tromsø
Another want whilst in Tromsø was to try dog sledding. 

Dashing through the snow on a one horse open sleigh, laughing as we go...... Well in reality I was hooked up to 6 scruffy looking dogs that didn't really resemble huskies, but as they started to pull my romantic view of beautiful huskies was left rapidly behind as one of the most exhilarating rides of my life began. Up and down hills, weaving between trees, jumping over small crevices, crossing narrow bridges over icy frozen streams, whilst in an awe-inspiring backdrop of snow covered mountains and valleys, truely was an experience to behold. 
Dog sledding
Tromsø
Tromsø
Tromso

Only seconded by driverless husky sleds racing past us with their owners running way behind shouting for anyone to stop them. An amazing experience that had me absolutely sobbing with tears of joy and laughter. Take note this is not a pursuit for the unfit or those of a nervous disposition. 

Everywhere you go outside of the main town, Reindeer are free to roam and it won't be long before any journey you are left waiting for a heard of the Christmas fellows to meander across their very own highway. 
Reindeer
Reindeer
Only Santa knows why he chose them to pull his sled, I would have had  huskies pulling mine any day after seeing them go!

Tromsø is like no other holiday I have had previously it is a truly magical place at Christmas and I cannot recommend a visit enough. 

Watch this space for this years adventures to follow soon. 

Where in the world have you visited that you would recommend?





 photo foodieforce_32.jpg

22 comments:

  1. Wow! amazing photos! I don't really travel at xmas but I would love to experience different places at xmas :-)

    ohmystyle.co.uk

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    1. Tromso defintely is an amazing place to visit, really beautiful and with winter sporting activities the perfect place at christmas Lucy x

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  2. NO WAY! I would absolutely LOVE to see the Northern Lights! Your photos are breathtaking!

    Style Sunrise ☀

    :)
    x

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    1. Thanks Karen, the scenery is amazing as is the northern lights Lucy x

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  3. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and how amazing to be able to see the northern lights! xx

    Toasty

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    1. The views are amazing stunning, The Northern lights are well worth visiting they really are a wonder of the world Lucy x

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  4. I'm so so so jealous of you! I'd love to go to Norway, the northern lights look stunning and the sledge ride sounds awesome :)

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    1. I never really travelled until recently there is plenty of time but I definitely recommend and Iceland and Tromso, dog sledging is so much fun I cannot recommend it enough. Lucy x

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  5. I like your family tradition - it is just amazing!!! The northern lights look superrrr.

    Good night love, Liuba x

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    1. Hello my lovely, it is a lovely thing to do as a family. Life is very short and making the most of one another is important. The northern lights are amazing Lucy x

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  6. omg!!! AMAZING!!! i'd love to see the northern lights!!

    Animated Confessions

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  7. I love the idea of a Christmas getaway rather than a summer one! I would LOVE to see the northern lights, they just look so magical. Your photos are gorgeous, the scenery doesn't even look real! x

    Josie’s Journal

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    1. I hope that you are now feeling better and enjoying being back home. Doing Christmas getaways is rather chilly but beautiful. The views are spectacular and the Northern Lights breathtaking Lucy x

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  8. If your photos are that good, in person it must have been quite breathtaking for sure. What a great experience. We've always wanted to see the Northern Lights. We'll have to read Philip's novels too; thanks for sharing :-)

    x Roch & Tash x
    www.next-route-style.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. We were tempted to see the northern lights in iceland but because of light pollution you are not guaranteed but the possibilities in tromso were superb Lucy x

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  9. Seeing the Northern Lights is one of my dreams, it would be absolutely amazing!

    The Velvet Black // UK Style & Beauty Blog

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    1. Well having dreams and destinations to visit is a good thing to look forward too. They are beautiful Lucy x

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  10. I feel like I'm echoing on every one of your get away posts. I loved Tromsø when I went, but again it was in the summer, and I really want to go back in the winter. You're photos are beautiful anyway, particularly the shots of the Northern Lights. I saw them when I lived up in Aberdeen, but it was a last minute dash and I didn't have my good camera, so I have no photos. I'm very jealous!

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  11. This was stunning! It looks like a winter wonderland. You are so lucky that you got to travel there. The Northern Lights is something I have always wanted to see. Maybe someday I will get the opportunity to go.

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  12. Oh gosh Lucy, I've enjoyed the other two posts in this series, but Tromsø sounds magical! I'd love to see the northern lights one day, and ride in a husky sled! I can't wait to see this year's adventure! Have fun! x

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  13. What a fabulous post!!!! I've never seen the Northern Lights, but on my list! I love "Absolutely Fabulous", so enjoyed seeing Joanna's experience. I shared with my hubs, and you are now his favorite blogger (especially since you mentioned tectonic plates in a post). He ate up that video :)

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