Group Tours in Europe's Arctic Circle
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Europe's Arctic Circle
Europe's Arctic Circle Travel Guide
Soppero
Located close to the Finnish/Swedish border, deep in the heart of Saami country, Soppero lies amongst the frozen landscapes of Swedish Lapland, one of the last great unspoilt areas of wilderness left in Europe. Although a relatively modern village, its people still follow the traditions of their ancestors and local Saami herders still migrate with their reindeer herds into neighbouring Norway. Home to Arctic fox, elk and wolverine, it was amongst these wild and forested landscapes that Ray Mears learnt firsthand how to survive following the old ways of the Saami. Soppero provides an ideal opportunity to discover a little something of the indigenous traditions and remarkable endurance of the Saami people and their way of life. During the winter freeze, its nearby river and forests also provide the perfect setting for snowmobile and dogsledding adventures.
Havvnnes
Situated at the southern tip of the island of Uløy, where the Rostund empties into the Lyngenfjord, Havvnes is home to Norway’s most northerly trading post. Founded at the latter end of the 18th century, and still operational today, the trading post sits before the backdrop of the spectacular Lyngen Alps, amidst a landscape that has been home to human habitation for over 6,000 years. A wonderfully preserved living museum, the trading post is still owned by the family of the original founders and was honoured with the title of Troms Landscape of The Year in 2004. The island is accessed via a short ten minute ferry ride from Rostund, which itself lies some 66 kilometres from the airport at Tromsø.
Kiruna
Sweden’s northernmost city, Kiruna lies 145 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Set in the heartland of Saami culture, Kiruna and its surrounding landscapes provide a stunning destination for a variety of winter activities such as dogsledding through a landscape bathed in the dark blanket of a Polar night. You can visit the famous Icehotel or fish, or snowmobile one of the six rivers and countless lakes that pepper the landscape.
Tromso
The self-styled capital of the Arctic, fondly referred to as the ‘Paris of the North’, Tromsø is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle. Situated on an island and surrounded by a breathtaking ring of spectacular mountains, Tromsø’s historic centre is home to the world’s northernmost cathedral, brewery and university, as well as the largest number of old wooden houses left in Northern Norway. A city of fascinating historic and cultural contrasts, Tromsø is filled with the architectural reminders of its pioneering past, whilst its iconic Arctic Cathedral can trace its inspirations back to Norwegian folklore. A centre for regional culture, the city enjoys a reputation for art and music. In spite of its apparent isolation, the city also enjoys a superb reputation for Arctic cuisine, with some excellent restaurants located in the heart of the city.
The Lofoten Islands
Most people associate the Lofoten islands with the Midnight Sun and beautiful summers but it is in the winter months that these islands truly come to life. Lying approximately 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands stretch along more than 100 miles of the Norwegian coastline, making it the perfect location for not only some wonderfully unusual light displays but also for the abundance of rare marine life that take refuge here during the winter months. Fishing has always been an integral part of the Lofotens’ communities and on any trip here you should visit the famous fishing village of Henningsvaer, the largest one in the Lofotens, situated about 20km from Svolvaer, which will give you a great insight into the fishing industry and how it has been maintained over the centuries. This way of life continues to support the local communities, as these islands and the surrounding waters continue to attract the huge numbers of cod and herring that come here to re-produce; it also attracts tourists who come here to watch the killer whales that eat them!
Europe's Arctic Circle Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders do not require a visa to visit the Scandinavian Arctic Circle.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408 0583.
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to the Arctic Circle though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
