Description
In the heart of the fjords, gentle and accessible slopes
In the north of Norway, not far from Tromsø, the island of Kvaløya and the island of Senja offer a huge playground that is still little visited for those who want to take a trip to Norway to discover the fjords in winter. Snowshoeing through these wilderness is a fun activity that is quick to learn for those who have never practiced this discipline. The gentle and accessible valleys are followed by steep massifs that give an alpine dimension to the landscapes. The island of Kvaløya and the island of Senja are located directly on the coast and thus offer extremely varied panoramas of the mountains and fjords but also of the open sea. To the far reaches of the horizon, the immense view of the Norwegian Sea adds a majestic dimension to this alpine setting and further accentuates the exhilarating feeling of adventure, freedom and humility.
A base camp on the beach
For this trip to the heart of the Norwegian fjords, our base camp is located on a white sand beach. “Båthuset” is the name of our eco-lodge. It will quickly become the “Home Sweet Home” that is good to find again at the end of a snowshoe breakaway. It has everything you need to feel good. It is south-facing and offers a vast panorama of the north of Senja Island. The decoration, sober and neat, refers to the polar expeditions carried out by 69Nord. The rooms resemble boat cabins whose original dimensions have been respected to keep an energy sufficiency more necessary than ever.
The magic of the Northern Lights
The long evenings by the fireplace are an opportunity to witness the unique and fascinating spectacle of the Northern Lights. We have front-row seats. Our position on the east coast is a considerable advantage from this perspective, as the state of the sky changes quickly and can allow for beautiful observations even when the sky is overcast. At the beginning of December, the days are long enough for hiking, but the long nights provide great observation opportunities for the auroras. In early April, it’s the opposite; the days are long, but the nights are short for observing the auroras.
Reasonable temperatures at 69° north latitude
Thank you Gulf Stream!
Although we are located in the north of Norway, the sea does not freeze in winter. Temperatures remain around -5°C at sea level while we are at 69°38′ north latitude, 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. This unique climate is unique in the Arctic. Only the Norwegian coasts benefit from it, everywhere else, in winter, it is -350C at the same latitude and the sea is completely frozen. Even locally, it is enough to travel a few dozen kilometres inside the terrain to find a biting cold. These relatively mild temperature conditions on the coast allow you to enjoy magnificent snowshoe hikes without encountering extreme conditions.
The price includes:
Supervision of snowshoeing hikes by a professional guide, snowshoes and poles, insurances specific to the activity, accommodation at the lodge, food provisionning.
The price does not include:
Air travel, meal preparation, personal insurance, repatriation, cancellation, cereal bars for the hikes.
Notes:
– For a double room for a single person, an additional charge of €300 is to be expected. In this case, please reserve by email without using the online booking platform above.
– We offer a free airport shuttle at 7pm for participants who arrive by plane after the departure of the last bus.
Please register by email
Find out more about how to get to us in Sommarøy
Discounted price available for group of 8 pers.
Program
Program
For those arriving with their own transport or with the last bus from the airport, we look forward to meeting you on Sunday at 6pm at our eco-lodge in Sommarøy. For others who arrive by plane after the last bus and have signed up for the free shuttle, we look forward to meeting you on Sunday at 19:00 at the airport.
The snowshoeing program is built up as the week progresses. We deliberately do not offer a ready-made tour because 30 years of experience in the Arctic have taught us that there is no point in setting up a tour in advance. We analyse the situation every day in order to propose the best formula.
Day 0: Arrival in Sommarøy at 18:00 or 20:30 depending on the case, welcome at the lodge, check-in to the rooms and preparation of the evening meal. First evening on Sommarøy Island, with a bit of luck you will have the opportunity to observe the first Northern Light.
D1 to D6: Departure on Monday morning for the first hike. Snow almost doesn’t change into a day, so there’s no need to get up in the middle of the night. The first hike allows the guide to assess the level of the group on which the rest of the week’s program will depend.
Return to Sommarøy after 4 to 6 hours of hiking.
The guide builds the week’s program as you go along to offer you the best according to the weather conditions, the level of the group and its aspirations. The area in which we do the snowshoe hikes is huge. The choice of races is inexhaustible. The island of Kvaløya and the north of the island of Senja are still largely wild. It is good to stroll along the snow-covered slopes with the majestic view of the immense fjords, the mountains as far as the eye can see and the sea to infinity.
On Friday afternoon, the week comes to an end, the last evening in Båthuset.
Saturday morning after breakfast, departure to the airport by bus or free shuttle bus for those who need to be at the airport before the bus arrives.
Practical
Practical Information
How to reach us in Sommarøy?
Those who arrive by their own means: see Google Maps at the bottom of the page to locate us (by clicking on the address) 🙂
From Tromsø:
BUS: We recommend that you use public transport (App SVIPPER)
Tromsø / Sommarøy: The last bus departs from Tromsø Airport (Tromsø lufthavn) at 16:01 and from Tromsø city centre (prosteneset havnterminal Tromsø) at 15:45.
Search for timetables, enter “Tromsø Lufthavn” and “Sommarøy baptistkirka”
FREE SHUTTLE: For those who arrive by plane after the departure of the last bus and do not have their own transportation, we offer a free airport shuttle at 7pm. Please register by email on olivier@69nord.com
We are 50 km from Tromsø Airport. Only one rotation is possible on arrival on Sunday afternoon and on departure on Saturday morning. We therefore recommend, as much as possible, not to plan to arrive after 7 p.m. on Sunday and to leave before 11 a.m. on Saturday.
If you are unable to meet the recommended range, please let us know your flight schedule so that we can notify other participants of any change in the shuttle schedule.
From Senja:
FERRY: Departs from Botnhamn (Senja Island), arrives at Brensholmen (Kvaløya Island). Sommarøy is only 7 km from the Brensholmen Ferry Terminal.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is in our ecolodge (in shared room) which will offer you all the comfort you need to start off on the right foot the next day towards new adventures.
Food:
Meals are prepared by the group, it’s a collective effort.
The lunch (picnic) for the hike is prepared the day before or in the morning before departure. We provide waterproof boxes so you can put it safely in your bag.
To save you a waste of time, we do the shopping before your arrival and provide the guide with a list of possible menus. On site, 200 meters from the lodge, a grocery store can allow you to buy additional personal provisions if needed (confectionery, dry cakes, chocolate, etc.)
Energy:
220 volts, standard French plugs.
Supervision: The mountain guide is French (speaks english), he is a professional sports educator used to the region.
Hikers:
This stay is aimed at those who regularly walk on hilly terrain. It is not necessary to have a good level in snowshoeing.
Levels:
December stays: We have chosen “all levels” for this stay because it takes place during the polar night. There are a few hours of daylight available for snowshoeing, of course, and to see the landscape, as the sun rises to less than 6 degrees below the horizon, but it does not rise from November 19 to January 22. When you are asked what you were doing on the night of November 19 to January 22, you will know what to answer 🙂 This period is ideal for discovering the enchanting winter landscapes in polar areas. When the sky is clear, the nights are blue. When the northern lights come into the scene, the magic is complete, which is not uncommon, but darkness is needed to observe them. You will be in prime position for a long observation period. That’s why we are opening this stay to everyone.
April stays: We have chosen the “intermediate” level for this stay because the races start at sea level and there is not much climbing needed to reach high mountains. In April, the days are long. It is a favorable time to discover the enchanting winter landscapes in polar areas..
– Daily walking time: 4 to 6 hours
– Medium paces: uphill: 250 m/h, flat: 3.5 km/h, downhill: 300 m/h
– Average elevation gain: 500 to 900m / day.
– Distances covered: from 10 to 15 km / day.
For all stays (December and April): The goal is not to do cardio but to discover and immerse oneself in unique and fascinating atmospheres. This can be an opportunity for the more skilled to share a unique experience with friends or family members who are less capable. The charm of the lodge, the power of nature, and the quality of the support will do the rest. For those who are afraid of being cold, know that thanks to the Gulf Stream we never experience extreme temperatures in coastal areas even 340 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.
Equipment provided:
Snowshoes and poles. The snowshoes fit on all walking shoes. Strong and lightweight, they are adapted to the conditions encountered in northern Norway.
Personal equipment to bring in your luggage:
30/40 liter backpack on which you can attach snowshoes and poles
Waterproof walking shoes (laces in good condition or spare pair)
gaiters or trousers covering the opening of the shoe
mountain pants
Windproof fleece jacket
Jacket
Windproof and waterproof soft shell
Warm gloves or skunks
silk gloves
Hood or cap
Fleece neck warmer
thermal underwear and tights (merino is a natural material that dries quickly and does not retain odors)
Warm socks
1 pair of slippers or light shoes to be comfortable once at the lodge
1 rechargeable headlamp or spare batteries.
Toiletry bag
Personal pharmacy
Sunglasses (side protection recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
thermos
Pair of binoculars, always welcome to observe nature 🙂
Camera Stand (Northern Lights)
Swimsuit for the bravest
Dates & registrations
Dates & registrations 2026 /2027
2026:
Spring
From Sunday April 5 19h to Saturday April 11 8h
From Sunday April 12 19h to Saturday April 18 8h
Automn
From Sunday Dec 6 19h to Saturday Dec 12 8h
From Sunday Dec 13 19h to Saturday Dec 19 8h
2027:
Winter
From Sunday January 3 19h to Saturday January 9 8h.
From Sunday January 10 19h to Saturday January 16 8h.
Spring
From Sunday April 4 19h to Saturday April 10 8h
From Sunday April 11 19h to Saturday April 17 8h
Automn
From Sunday Dec 5 19h to Saturday Dec 11 8h
From Sunday Dec 12 19h to Saturday Dec 18 8h
Availibility : 8 pers
Registration:
You can register on this page (payment by card or bank transfer) or by e-mail (payment by bank transfer only)
Online registration:
1- Choose on the calendar the date corresponding to the first day of the stay on which you wish to register
2- click on “I register” and follow the instructions
3- 40% deposit is taken to validate your registration.
4- A “pending payment” balance sheet will then be stored in your customer account and must be paid no later than one month before the start of the activity. You will receive an email for each of the important steps of registration.
Email registration:
to olivier@69nord.com
Please put the stay, the dates, your surnames, first names and those of other people you wish to register with you, mobile phone(s).
Keep in mind that behind the screen there are humans! In case of technical difficulty or other question do not hesitate to contact.
Thank you for your trust and welcome on board 🙂
Travel guide
Travel guide
In this tab you will find general information to help you prepare for your trip to Norway.
For those arriving by plane, the destination airport is Tromsø Langnes, the last stop before taking the road to Sommarøy.
Not all flights pass through Oslo, some are even direct to Tromsø from abroad
.
The two Norwegian airlines are SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian.
If you are transiting through Oslo and are not on an SAS or Norwegian flight, you must collect your baggage and re-check it before boarding the domestic flight.
Plan for at least one hour of transit regardless of the stopover airports.
Keep your essentials, or even something to do the first hike with you in the cabin to anticipate a possible baggage delay.
It is not necessary to bring change before departure, credit card is accepted everywhere. If you want cash, ATMs are available at Oslo airport
The standard weight of checked baggage is 23 kgs.
A soft or semi-soft bag usually travels better than suitcases that are put to the test during the trip.
We provide snowshoes and poles so as not to clutter your luggage during the trip.
The snowshoe routes are decided by the guide each day, usually the day before, so that everyone can participate in the decision-making process and get an overview of the next day’s race.
The difference in altitude has little influence on the breath because the hike usually starts from sea level or almost at sea level.
The safety rules to be followed during the snowshoe hike will be given by the guide at the beginning of the races and may evolve during the day depending on the conditions encountered.
The period we have chosen for this snowshoe hiking trip allows us to observe the Northern Lights. Photography enthusiasts can come with a stand for the camera as the pause time is usually several seconds. Don’t forget spare batteries because of the cold.
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