Instead of skiing we opted to go to the far north of Norway this year, to the city of Tromso. This lies within the arctic circle and as you will see from the pictures throughout this post, it’s a winter wonderland even as late as April. In August it’s also the place of the Midnight Sun.
We stayed at Malangen Brygger, a hotel one hour drive away from the city centre. It’s a warm oasis with breathtaking views over the water and mountains. In order to get there you will need a car and travel along the snow covered roads. We were amazed at how well our car with winter tires (and spikes) adapted to the snow.
And this was our little holiday day house. It’s actually a privately owned house which is managed by the hotel.
Not a bad office for a few days…
You can tell from the interiors that the house is privately owned. It’s lovely decorated with all the appliances and utensils you can possibly wish for.
It had breathtaking views too.
On the property is also a sauna that you can use. Have you ever had a sauna with a view?
The picture below gives you a bit of an idea of how deep the snow is.
Closeby are a few hills where you can walk and sledge. The little blue dot is my husband going down the mountain.
I thought I’d try a bit of a different fashion pose…
Here is a glimpse of Tromso. Although locals consider it a big city, it very much has a village atmosphere.
Did I mention that the views from our hotel were magnificent?
Unfortunately, no photos from the northern lights. Although we did see them, albeit quite vaguely, I wasn’t quite capable to capture them. I have lots more photos though from the many activities we did and our trip to Oslo and will show you those in 2 upcoming articles.
You can read more on Tromso in part 2 of this travel report.
Would you fancy going to the Arctic circle?
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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Amazing views and curious for the next report about Norway. Did your experiences meet expectations?
yes in terms of the beauty and activities of this winter wonderland although we were disappointed with the northern lights. I think you will need to come slightly earlier for those to be better (and you need a bit of luck…)
I live in Oslo.
Norway is beautiful, but not for fashion. I have been covered up in wool from top to toe since oktober, now I consider burka for next Winter….
Yes, I can imagine. I feel for you….
It looks like a winter wonderland and the pics are beautiful. I know you won’t show us but I think sensible underwear is the key to staying warm there!
Fabulous photos Sylvia and you look like you are having great fun. I can’t help thinking the snow and cold must be so different from your normal sweltering environment, where you never even wear a coat.
What a lovely house and the blue furniture is gorgeous. It looks like a beautiful location for a romantic get away.
What a gorgeous getaway. I would definitely go there! I used to sail the Arctic circle with a major cruise line that I used to work for in my 20s, and always said I wanted to go back there and do a land-based tour…..adding this one to the bucket list….
Oooh, beautiful place! What a view! Hubby would definitely say yes to this travel! He wants to experience the northern lights.
I really enjoyed your pictures of Norway. I’m going to be weird and say that this is a place that I would like to visit. Although I like the warm weather, I’m really into winter sports; skiing, snow shoeing etc. This looks like the ideal place for these winter activities, even in the spring!
The pictures look like you could be in Banff or visiting Lake Louise in Alberta Canada. it is an hour and half from where I live. It is an amazing place to visit in winter or summer so much to do if you are an outdoor person. As a matter of fact my back yard is covered with all that lovely snow and it is still cold here. Looking forward to spring when it comes
I visited Banff and Lake Louise. Both are spectacular places!
Absolutely, I’d go. Seeing the Northern Lights is high on my list of natural wonders. With the right gear and a cup of hot coffee waiting for me later, it would be magical. Enjoy your time. Looking forward to more.
x Laura
Loved the cold adventure! When I was near the Arctic Circle in Canada, I really loved it. It was just a few days of sub zero temperatures with -20c average, I still loved it. The winter clothes rented were awesome.
Love the photos, but cold weather vacations are not my thing… I do love seeing photos though. I follow a blogger in Canada who does hiking photos because they are so beautiful. You have some really great shots here!!!!
Wow! What a beautiful place and I love the house you stayed at. I’ve never been on a winter holiday but I don’t really like it too hot either.
Beautiful! I’m now looking forward to going back to Norway even more, to so explore further north. Thanks for sharing the photos and information about your trip!! 🙂
Agree with Greetje 🙂 I am 100% summer person and rather have hot and humid Singapore temperatures since our winters are far too long…
These photos are stunnig! I like the typical contemporary Scandinavian interior design of the house you stayed.
Thanks for sharing, Sylvia.
Annette
Lady of Style
No I would not, although you make it tempting. Terrific photos, terrific views. And what an adorable house you were in.
I like your slightly different pose hahaha.
Haha, I’m not sure what I was thinking. It’s certainly not very flattering!
I am with Greetje, no, I don’t, but it sure looks beautiful! What a gorgeous pictures you took and how nice to see you so funny and playful;-)