Brutally Honest Guide for Cruise Ships Passengers Arriving to Gravdal
Lofoten is, hands down, one of the most stunning places you’ll ever visit on a cruise—dramatic peaks, white-sand beaches, and charming fishing villages. But here’s the catch: You won’t see any of that when you dock in Leknes (Gravdal Port).
Gravdal is an industrial harbor in one of the least exciting parts of Lofoten.
If you want to actually experience what makes Lofoten special, this is one place where you absolutely need to book a shore excursion—either through your cruise line or with a local tour company.
Why? Because if you don’t book a tour or rent a car, you’ll be stuck in the port with nothing to do within walking distance, while all the jaw-dropping scenery is just a short drive away—but impossible to reach without transport.
Would You Want a Cable Car Up to Reinebringen?
Reinebringen is one of Lofoten’s crown jewels, offering breathtaking views of Reine and Reinefjorden that attract around 250,000 visitors every year. If you’ve hiked up those famous Sherpa stairs, you know it’s not an easy feat, but the reward at the top is unforgettable.
Now, there’s a proposal to make that view more accessible—a cable car.
The gondola and expanded infrastructure are being planned for visitors like you—to make Reinebringen more accessible. But is this really what you want?
How Difficult is Driving in Lofoten in Winter?
Driving in Lofoten during winter can range from relatively easy to highly challenging, depending on the weather. Icy roads, heavy snowfall, and strong winds are common, and you’ll often encounter narrow, winding roads. The key is to prepare thoroughly and adjust your driving to the conditions.
How to Get to Tromso in Winter
Following a record-breaking winter season 2023/2024, European airlines are doubling down on Tromsø as a key Arctic destination. Instead of routing through Oslo, they’re offering direct flights from major international cities straight to Tromsø. In the winter of 2024/2025, there will be more than 30 direct routes per week from cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen, making it easier than ever to visit Tromso in winter. In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need about getting to Tromsø—from Norway, the Nordic regions, Europe, or the US.
Where to Watch the Northern Lights in Tromso
Every single day, people in our FB group focused on the northern lights in Tromso ask if the aurora will be visible tonight and where the best places are to see the northern lights in Tromsø—ideally places reachable on foot or by bus. To cut to the chase, the best places to see the northern lights in Tromso (or anywhere else) change daily based on the weather.
Renting a Car or Campervan in Lofoten
While it’s totally possible to explore Lofoten using public transport, on foot, by hitchhiking, or joining guided tours, renting a car is still the most popular way to get around. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach trailheads to hiking trails. So, now that we established that renting a car in Lofoten is almost a must, the next most common question is, “What’s the most budget-friendly car rental in Lofoten?”
Honestly, the answer is—it depends.
Christmas in Tromso 2024: Honest Guide & Opening Times
I could start by painting a picture-perfect scene of snowy landscapes, cozy Christmas markets, the smell of freshly roasted almonds, and gluhwein, with Christmas carols playing in the background while the Northern Lights dance above your head. That’s what most people imagine when they think of Christmas in Tromsø.
I’ve checked out a few articles that pop up when you search for “Christmas in Tromsø,” and they all promise exactly that. But let’s be honest from the start.
Ethical Whale Watching in Tromso: Best Tours (2025)
For over a decade, whale watching in Tromso has become one of the most spectacular winter experiences. From late October to early February, the fjords around Tromsø are a hotspot for large pods of orcas and humpback whales as they follow the herring migration.
Do you want to see or photograph whales in their natural habitat, and do it in an ethical way? Then you’re in the right place!
How to get to Senja from Tromsø
Tromsø has become one of Norway’s top winter destinations, especially with the booming Northern Lights tourism. Once people book their vacation to Tromsø, they often start exploring what other incredible locations are nearby and frequently stumble upon Senja, a wild and beautiful island that offers a wilder experience. But how do you get to Senja from Tromso, especially in winter? Can you make it a day trip? Let’s walk you through the different options!
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Tromso
When’s the best time for Northern Lights in Tromso (or Lofoten, or northern Norway, for that matter)? Is it September? February? Maybe during the polar night in December? The truth is that in Tromso, there’s no single “best” month for the Northern Lights in terms of weather or likelihood of seeing the aurora. It really depends on what else you want to do besides chasing the aurora borealis. So, in this article, we’ll walk you through the weather, available tours, and the pros and cons of visiting Tromso at different times of the year.