February half term · Arctic Norway
Northern lights.
Island shores.
Arctic Norway.
A five-night itinerary designed for a client, combining the “Maldives of the Nordics” with time to explore Tromsø and the chance to see the northern lights.
Designed for a client · 18–23 February 2027
A family trip, built around you
£3,600–£4,000 total
For two adults and two children · flights with luggage included and five nights’ accommodation.
Hotel transfers are excluded and can be arranged. Transfers in northern Norway can be expensive. We can help arrange and quote airport transfers and travel between the two stays, so those costs are considered from the start.
An indicative budget for this example itinerary, subject to availability and confirmation. Your quotation will confirm the final price, children’s ages, room arrangements and exact inclusions. Optional activities are additional.
How this client itinerary came together
From the brief
to a fuller trip.
The request
The client wanted a February half-term trip to Tromsø, with opportunities for activities and the chance to see the northern lights. That was the starting point for the research and planning.
What the research added
While researching the trip, we came across Sommarøy. Its island setting, pale beaches and blue water offered something different alongside Tromsø. We built in two nights there before three nights at a waterside base near the city, giving the family two sides of Arctic Norway in one trip.
Flights chosen with the family in mind
The flights for this itinerary were specifically selected for short connection times, with luggage included in the quoted fare. The aim was to make the journey work well for a family half-term break, alongside getting the stays and experiences right.
18–20 February · Two nights
The “Maldives
of the Nordics”.
Begin at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, surrounded by the island’s distinctive beaches, sheltered water and mountain views.
This is the slower part of the trip: time to settle in, take in the coast and enjoy evenings away from the city lights. In February, that pale sand and blue water come with an Arctic backdrop rather than tropical temperatures.
Keep an eye on the night sky when it is clear, while enjoying a stay that has more to offer than the hope of an aurora sighting.
20–23 February · Three nights
A waterside base.
A city to explore.
Continue to Steam Pier Adventure Hotel on Kvaløya, outside Tromsø. It brings together a coastal setting and access to the city and surrounding region.
Leave time for Tromsø’s harbour, cafés and museums, then choose the experiences that suit your family. Guided northern lights outings, reindeer visits and trips into the winter landscape can all be discussed as additions.
The hotel is outside the city centre, so we will help you think through transport for city visits as well as the journey between your stays.
Make the trip your own
Things to do
around Tromsø and Sommarøy.
Pick a few highlights and leave room to enjoy being there. These are ideas to consider, not activities included in the guide price.
Look for the northern lights
Choose a guided evening outing to look for clearer skies away from city lights, or watch for them from your accommodation when conditions allow. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Take the Fjellheisen cable car
See Tromsø and the surrounding mountains from above. A useful addition to a day exploring the city, subject to weather and operating conditions.
Visit Polaria
An indoor Arctic experience centre with marine life and exhibits — an option for a family day in Tromsø or a change in the weather.
Meet reindeer and learn about Sámi culture
Look at a hosted reindeer visit with opportunities to learn about Sámi traditions. Some experiences also offer sledding when snow conditions allow.
Try a husky or dog-sledding experience
A chance to meet the dogs and explore winter landscapes. We can help check which trips suit the children’s ages and your preferred level of activity.
Explore the fjords
Consider a guided coastal or fjord excursion for a different view of the region’s mountains, water and fishing communities.
Make time for Sommarøy’s beaches
Enjoy the island scenery and short walks when conditions permit. Think winter layers and coastal views rather than a warm-weather beach day.
Explore Tromsø at your own pace
Leave time for the harbour, cafés and the Polar Museum, with room to follow your interests rather than fill every hour with an excursion.
Availability, weather, snow conditions and minimum ages vary by activity. We can check suitable options and prices for your family before anything is booked.
The right balance for your family
Build your own
Arctic half term.
The northern lights are a wonderful reason to visit, but they should not be the only one. We can shape the pace, accommodation, transport and activities around you.
Talk about a Norway trip0800 054 8522Northern lights sightings depend on weather and aurora activity and cannot be guaranteed.
Explore further: Visit Tromsø’s family winter guide · Tromsø attractions · Steam Pier location.
Photographs supplied in the example itinerary. They show the destinations and accommodation; conditions during a stay will vary.