Whales & Auroras
a six-day itinerary
Experience the magic of Arctic autumn as the landscape transforms and the fjords come alive with orcas and humpback whales in mid October. Spend your days on exclusive, private whale safaris and even snorkel with orcas if desired.
In the evenings, enjoy gourmet dinners next to the fireplace in our luxurious lounge, and enjoy the dancing northern lights above your head in our outdoor jacuzzi.
Season: Mid-Oct & Nov
Monday
A warm welcome to your private lodge. You’ll be greeted by your hosts and shown to your exclusive accommodation before settling in for your first dinner made by your private chef.
As darkness falls, you can gather around the outdoor fire pit and keep an eye on the sky - on clear nights, the northern lights often make their entrance.
Tuesday
Tuesday begins with a leisurely breakfast in the dining room, featuring bread and local ingredients to fuel you for the day ahead. Afterwards, you’ll set out on your first whale watching expedition.
From the comfort of a RIB boat, witnessing these magnificent creatures up close, surrounded by towering mountains and Arctic silence, is an experience that stays with you long after.
Back at the lodge, a warm lunch awaits, followed by a relaxed afternoon - perhaps in the sauna, the outdoor hot tub, or simply curled up by the fire. The day ends with a tasty three-course dinner.
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Wednesday
Wednesday invites you to connect with the history of Havnnes. After breakfast, you can join a guided walk around the old trading post, where stories of generations past bring this remote place to life.
Later in the afternoon, we take a gentle hike to a cozy open fire hut hidden in the forest, where you’ll gather around the fire for a rustic lunch. Enjoy your meal while taking in sweeping views of the fjord and surrounding peaks.
Optional is to take a bigger hike on foot or snowshoes, before dinner is served in the evening, another opportunity to taste the season’s finest ingredients.
Thursday
Thursday offers another chance to head out on the water for whale watching. This time lunch is served onboard - often a steaming bowl of fish soup, prepared from the morning’s catch.
After returning to the lodge, the afternoon is slow and restorative. You may choose to join a private yoga session with views of the Lyngen Alps, or simply relax in the sauna or hot tub. Dinner is served at the usual time, followed by yet another night of aurora watching, if the skies are clear.
Friday
After breakfast, a boat takes you along the wild coastline to Aurora Spirit - the northernmost whisky and gin distillery in the world. You’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting of their award-winning spirits, followed by a lunch of local flavors.
The return to Havnnes is peaceful, and you have the afternoon to unwind. You may opt to join a guided natural wine tasting back at the lodge, or simply enjoy some quiet moments. The day concludes with a cozy dinner and perhaps one more chance to watch the northern lights dance above the fjord.
Saturday
Saturday is dedicated to exploring the landscape on foot—or by snowshoe, depending on the snow conditions. After a later breakfast, you’ll set off on a guided hike through varied terrain, from the shoreline to forest and gentle hills, with breathtaking views at every turn.
A packed lunch from the lodge kitchen is enjoyed along the way. Back at the lodge, the afternoon is yours. You can join a seasonal cooking class with the lodge chef, learning to prepare simple but exquisite dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The evening brings a final celebratory dinner, offering one last taste of the Arctic flavors that have defined your stay.
Sunday
Sunday offers a quiet close to your Arctic adventure. After a slow breakfast it's time for check out. The ferry departs Havnnes at 12:00, taking you back toward Tromsø or on to your next destination, carrying memories of a week filled with extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking northern lights, and the serene beauty of life in the far north.