Traveling to Norway and visiting Tromsø? Discover the region in an original and fun way by opting for a snowmobile excursion!
To discover all that the Tromsø region has to offer, why not opt for a snowmobile tour? This original and fun means of locomotion will take you across snow-covered plains, along majestic fjords, into the heart of forests, and even to the top of a few peaks for an exceptional panoramic view of the valley. Escape for a few hours in the midst of majestic, unspoilt nature.
Many providers offer this activity, with several destinations and options available. To help you find your way around, Generation Voyage presents its mini-guide to snowmobile outings in Tromsø.
How to choose your snowmobiling activity in Tromsø?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Tyler Olson
Snowmobiling is accessible to all, young and old, from the age of 7. It’s an activity that can be enjoyed by couples, families and friends alike, as passenger or driver. Many service providers offer excursions adapted to the size and age of your group, to give you a unique and extraordinary experience.
Your choice of activity will depend on what you want to do:
- You can embark for the Lyngen Alps and its grandiose landscapes, or head for the Finn Valley.
- You can also discover ice driving at an altitude of almost 900 m, or explore the Skibotn valley.
- For a more family-friendly experience, Lyngen Adventure offers a Norwegian folklore-themed outing. Immerse yourself in local tales and legends, and take advantage of breaks to try and spot a troll during your snowmobile safari. An activity sure to please even the youngest adventurers!
The snowmobile tour allows you to travel reasonable distances, and thus to combine several destinations or activities.
- Take advantage of your snowmobile safari, for example, to visit the ice domes with your guide, who will explain the history of these buildings carved each year as polar night approaches, in the purest Sami tradition.
- Unless, of course, you’d prefer to try your hand atspottingboreal aurora in undeveloped areas, unhindered by light pollution, or try your hand at ice fishing.
- You can even cross the borders of Norway, Sweden and Finland in a single exit.
How does a snowmobile ride in Tromsø work?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Tyler Olson
The service provider will pick you up at the meeting point in the center of Tromsø, in front of the Scandic Hotel, the Radisson Blu or the Clarion in general, to take you to the starting camp for your snowmobile outing. The main departure points are :
- Camp Troll located 1 hour from downtown.
- Camp Tamok located 1h30 from downtown.
- First, you’ll be equipped with warm, waterproof clothing and a helmet, on loan from the service provider. Then it’s time to learn how to handle a snowmobile, with a practical demonstration and explanations of safety rules, particularly with regard to speed and braking.
- Once your preparation is complete, you pair up on your scooter, one driver and one passenger. Then it’s off on your snowmobile ride through the sumptuous, pristine landscapes of Norwegian Lapland. Several stops are planned to allow you to take photos, play in the snow, learn anecdotes with your guide, and swap places so that everyone can enjoy the experience.
- After a few hours of snowmobile safari, you’re back at base camp. Here, you can prolong the adventure with a hot drink and a traditional dish or hearty cakes, the perfect way to warm up after exploring the polar territories.
- Finally, a minibus takes you back to Tromsø for a well-deserved rest.
Good to know: only people over 18 with a valid driver’s license are allowed to drive the snowmobile. All others must be passengers.
When is the best time to snowmobile in Tromsø?
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Snowmobiling means snow. So, of course, you can snowmobile in winter. In Tromsø, this is from November to April, and hopefully October if there’s enough snow.
And winter in the Arctic capital means polar night! Between late November and January, the sun never fully rises. Depending on the weather, days are reduced to twilight at best. This is a parameter you absolutely must take into account for all your activities, especially if you want to enjoy the scenery. On the other hand, the polar night has one major advantage: it multiplies your chances of seeing the Northern Lights!
- If you want to admire the snow-covered landscapes, fjords and forests, and perhaps come across a few reindeer, you’ll prefer morning departures.
- Tours departing in the afternoon are likely to end after sunset, giving you the chance to enjoy the unique light and watch for the aurora borealis.
Our tips for snowmobiling in Tromsø
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Tyler Olson
To make the most of your snowmobile safari, here are a few essential practical tips to make your outing a little easier.
- First of all, as with any winter activity, especially in Norway, you’ll need to dress warmly! Wear thermal underwear, and don’t forget to protect your extremities with warm, waterproof gloves, and to bring scarves, hats or mufflers to protect you from the sometimes violent polar wind.
- As the light can be fickle, take along suitable cameras and lensesto get some great shots. And make sure you have straps to prevent you from falling!
- Between the pick-up, the drive, the explanations, the snowmobile ride, the snack and the return, this is an excursion that will keep you busy for a good part of the day. And one that’s likely to put your body to the test, especially in icy winds. Plan a sauna rather than a second visit after your activity.
Important: to drive your snow scooter, you must have a valid driving license. There’s no need to apply for a European license – your French license will suffice, but you must present the original to your service provider.
How much does a snowmobile ride in Tromsø cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Max Topchii
The price of a snowmobile ride varies according to a number of criteria: age, duration of the excursion, destination, complementary activity, etc. On the other hand, prices are more or less the same between different providers. On the other hand, prices are more or less the same from one provider to another.
- A 2-hour snowmobile tour of the Lyngen Alps costs between €180 (NOK 1,800) and €200 (NOK 2,000) per adult, and around €100 per child (up to age 12).
- For more distant excursions, involving several activities such as a visit to the Ice Domes or a sauna at Crystal Lava, or over several days, prices soar to a minimum of €350 to €400 per adult.