The 11-year solar-cycle was approaching it’s end. So it was time to go and see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) since we hadn’t seen it before. Conditions aligned and a trip to Tromsø, Norway, at 69° 39′ N was the perfect fit. We met my nephew and niece and her family there for a week hoping we would get a chance to see the Aurora. We decided to go for a week to get the decent chance, since weather conditions and solar activity have to align for a viewing. For the day time we came up with some arctic latitude activities.
Exploring around our accommodation
On day one we walked up the hill behind our Airbnb for some great views. We also explored the water front across the street.
(click on any image to enlarge/start slide show)
Snow Shoeing
In our group only Srisuda and I had experience with snowshoeing. So a little sampler was needed. Unfortunately, it had warmed up and the snow was not in the best condition. We rented some gear, took the bus to our starting location and went out. Malte got to test his strength by pulling the sled with Maja in it.
Summary video of the snowshoeing
Dog Sledding
One day we signed up for a self-driving dogsledding experience. It was great even thought the snow conditions at the location as less then perfect again. We all could have gone for a longer ride though.
Summary video of the dog sledding
Aurora
The main event! We went on this trip knowing that a good viewing was not guaranteed despite solar maximum, high northern latitude, etc. Weather and solar activity have to align just right for a great aurora experience.
We arrived in Tromsø in the evening and getting off the bus from the airport we already got our first glimpse of the northern lights. A good sign. Later that evening we got a really good show and a couple of nights later we had an even better show. For the remainder of the week it was either cloudy or we had a perfectly clear sky, but no or minimal solar activity.
