At the northernmost tip of Norway, where the border passes through Finnmark, Nordland, Lapland and Norrbotten Lan, lies the wild corner of Troms County. Famous for its dazzling Northern Lights in winter and its endless midnight sun in the warmer months, Troms County is also home to Tromso, one of Norway's most beguiling cities, located 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Known as the capital of the Arctic, Tromso is home to the imposing Arctic Cathedral, the Polar Museum and numerous seals and other wildlife wonders. Troms County abounds with hiking trails, dog-sledding opportunities, humpback whales lobtail in the icy waters and ancient Sami culture. It's also a university town, which means it's thriving and buzzing with life, offering a chic scene of local cafés, restaurants and bars.
Charter guests who are passionate or curious about the art of deep-sea fishing will be in their element at Steinfjord. Located on the island of Senja, you'll find world-class fishing on your doorstep, with halibut and cod taking pride of place. With its pristine waters surrounded by verdant mountains, Steinfjord is a must for sailing in the spectacular fjords. Even for those who don't want to cast off their lines, there are plenty of other things to do to inspire you in this corner of Norway. Hike sharp peaks, try scuba diving or explore the island in greater depth by bike or kayak. Steinfjord's location is also ideal for witnessing the dance of the northern lights or the summer phenomenon of the midnight sun.
Wind-swept and beautiful, the charming little town of Andenes lies at the northern tip of Anydøya, in the Vesterålen. While many charter yachts and adventures flock to neighboring Lofoten, these isolated islands remain unspoiled, wild and much quieter than their neighbors. While the Andenes don't boast the same spectacular peaks as the Lofotens, they do offer a grandiose coastal landscape. Drink in the crystal-clear air, visit the most beautiful white and blue beaches along the way, watch whales and eagles, pick blueberries and find your way among the rocks and fossils from the Jurassic period that litter the region. Andenes has been a thriving fishing village since the Middle Ages. With its 19th-century lighthouse and whale-rich waters, Andenes is an ideal place to see sperm whales crossing the coast in summer and humpback whales in the colder winter months.
Like something out of a fairytale, the Lofoten Islands lie at the edge of the Arctic Circle. Known for their crystal-clear waters, powdery mountains sculpted by ice and snow, and colorful wooden fishing villages that give the impression of cozy comfort in this spectacular setting, the Lofoten Islands are one of the most memorable yachting destinations you can visit. Charter guests should anchor at Henningsvær, where gleaming fishing boats float in the waters and cod hang out to dry on the line. Head to Gravdal for its evocative wooden church, flocks of birds and enigmatic views of the Arctic Circle. Sailing around the Lofoten Islands, charter passengers are sure to see whales in the waters, white-tailed eagles in the sky and curious puffins perched on the rocks. With an end-of-the-world feel and a litany of wildlife and dreamy landscapes, the Lofoten Islands are a beauty to put on any yachtsman's bucket list.
One of the most famous landmarks in the Norwegian fjords, Trollfjord is only 2 km long, but it makes quite an impression. With its majestic flanks and narrow entrance, sailing a yacht along this tight, winding road can feel like a real adventure. The towering cliffs can be covered in swirling emerald or cream-colored snow, and sea eagles soar overhead, only adding to the spectacular nature of an already awe-inspiring spectacle. It's hard to believe that this was once the site of a 19th-century battle between local fishermen and industrial steamships. Sea eagle safaris, kayaking and simple sailing to marvel at the majesty of the place are just some of the ways to be seduced by Trollfjord's tantalizing panoramas.
Located in the Lofoten archipelago, Svolvaer is a small town whose main activities are fishing and, more recently, tourism. In addition to whale- and orca-watching excursions in late autumn and winter, the town boasts a center for downhill and backcountry skiing. A meteorological anomaly allows the town to have a much warmer winter temperature than other places at the same latitude, and even further south. Located inside the Arctic Circle, tourists enjoy the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter.
Affectionately dubbed Lofoten's answer to Venice, Henningsvaer is an iconic fishing village where dramatic mountains and charming wooden buildings collide in a spectacular landscape. A must-see destination for adventurous charters, Henningsvaer is a mecca for art and the outdoors, home to a contemporary art museum, a photography gallery and an iconic soccer pitch, seemingly perched atop a rock. The village is surrounded by other small islands, and the night sky is often illuminated by the unforgettable emerald tones of the Northern Lights. With its many trendy cafés and fine restaurants, Henningsvaer promises unrivalled experiences, both visually and in terms of taste, and offers charter passengers the very best of Norway.
Norway's largest fishing port, Tromso is also the largest city inside the Arctic Circle, outside Russia, and a place where you can watch the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter. It's a great place to visit if you've got a lot of time on your hands, as there's plenty to do, especially if you like sport and outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy basketball, volleyball, ice hockey, Nordic skiing, a ski jump and much more. Sports enthusiasts may also enjoy a game of tennis.
Tromso is both island and mainland, with a number of mountains nearby. Viewpoints abound, and you can reach the best of them either by cable car or by climbing the 1,200 steps to the top. Adventurers will long remember excursions by snowmobile or dog sled. Hiking, fishing, skiing, skating and kayaking are all available to the most energetic tourist.
The city has been dubbed the Paris of the North by some, and is home to unforgettable cultural activities: museums, a science center, music festivals, walks to admire the wooden architecture, the Arctic aquarium called Polaria and an experience of Sami culture. The Sami people, sometimes called "Lapps" in English, have their own culture and you'll be captivated if you're exposed to it. You may even have the chance to take a ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, perhaps pulled by Santa's reindeer.
In and around the town, you'll find food to suit all tastes, but the local cuisine will always be the best and tastiest.