Chasing autumn & northern lights: Our dreamy Norwegian getaway

Our recent two-week adventure in Norway felt like stepping into a fairytale, where autumn hues and the elusive northern lights painted the landscape in breathtaking beauty. Traveling from Dubai, our journey began in style with Qatar Airways Business Class — an experience of pure luxury (If you want to read more about our Qatar Airways experience). Eight hours of gourmet dining, cozy bed service, and uninterrupted relaxation landed us in Oslo, refreshed and ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Our cozy Cabin by the River

From Oslo, we embarked on an early morning Scandinavian Airlines flight to Tromsø! And oh, the unpredictable Nordic weather welcomed us with a surprising rainfall – adding an extra touch of adventure to our journey. With the help of Qeeq (always reliable for a diamond customer), we swiftly got our rental car and hit the road towards Storslett instead of the usual Tromsø stay. Our cozy cabin by the river was like something out of a fairytale, surrounded by the most vibrant autumn hues that instantly stole our hearts!

Our first real snowfall together!

The next day was absolutely magical as we upgraded to a stunning glass igloo in Lyngen North! Just in time for the first snowfall of the season and our very first glimpse of the breathtaking northern lights! We opted for the 360-degree igloo, but trust me, the more budget-friendly options are just as fantastic. Pro-tip for all you fellow travelers out there: while aurora forecast apps are handy, nothing compares to watching the skies with your own eager eyes. The incredible setup, mouthwatering food, and heavenly views of Lyngen from our igloo created an unparalleled experience - truly a must for every adventurer's bucket list!

Mesmerizing view behind our stay at Lyngen North

Our journey back to Tromsø was absolutely stunning! The fresh snowcapped mountains were sparkling

under the radiant sun, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. The lakes mirrored the landscape and the warmth of the sun truly melted our hearts away. A hot cup of coffee, the cool breeze in our hair, hide and seek with the sun, and this view - definitely made up for the long road trip. Every few minutes, we were compelled to stop and admire the breathtaking views, capturing the beauty in photos. Upon arriving in Tromsø, we were welcomed by a city painted in a palette of greys, yet exuding undeniable charm. We enthusiastically suggest booking an aurora hunting tour - Chasing Lights was our top pick for two nights, and it truly made our experience unforgettable!

The first night may have been a no-show, but oh, the second night was an absolute marvel! The auroras put on a breathtaking display, painting the skies with their mesmerizing dance - a performance that will forever be etched in our memories. From the subtle green hues that gradually intensified, to the vibrant waves of colors transitioning from greens to purples and even hints of red, it was as if the universe itself was crafting a masterpiece just for us. The sheer magic of experiencing the northern lights in all their glory is something that will stay with us for eternity. We were left in awe, standing in the chill of the night, utterly captivated by nature's symphony of light. But don't underestimate the temperature drop possible in the Autumn season (Here's a quick guide on what all we packed)

Experience the vibrant daytime in Tromsø bursting with limitless activities, from invigorating hikes to delightful lakeside meals! And when you're planning your epic adventure to Norway, make sure to include a visit to the breathtaking Lofoten Islands! This mesmerizing archipelago boasts some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, making the road trip an absolute must-do. Picture this: spending a night in a mesmerizing glass cabin (Wonderinn Arctic, one of the most Instagrammable cabins we have ever visited) on your way to Reine, indulging in mouthwatering wood-fired pizza at charming cafes along the way. You won't be able to resist grabbing an extra slice for the journey ahead! We literally spent the entire two days just driving around the island and savoring every tiny site it had to offer, driving from Tromsø to Lofoten is a must for any hodophile. And yes, we witnessed rainbows almost at every other turn, even a full 180-degree arc. We reached Reine quite late in the evening after an adventurous road trip but the unexpected sunset at the hotel lobby just took away our entire tiredness. Just look at these colors, doesn't it remind you of your favorite childhood sceneries?

Continuing our journey from Svolvær to Bergen was an absolute thrill! We set sail on our first overnight cruise with Havila Voyages, and let me tell you, any nerves I had quickly vanished in the face of their incredible hospitality, mouthwatering cuisine, and luxurious spa treatments. Those three nights on board? They were an absolute whirlwind of beauty as we glided past breathtaking fjords and picturesque coastlines.

And when we finally arrived in Bergen, it was like stepping into a dreamland! The charming cobblestone streets, the vibrant wooden houses, and the lively waterfront welcomed us with open arms. Oh, and let's not forget the exhilarating funicular ride up Mount Fløyen - the views were simply out of this world! As we reached the top and watched the sun dip below the horizon, the entire city below us was bathed in a magical golden light, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale painting. It was pure enchantment!

What an incredible evening it was when we stumbled upon a charming bakery nestled atop the hill! Our taste buds were treated to the most luxurious hot chocolate and a divine slice of vanilla apple cake. Picture this: basking in the breathtaking view, every bite felt like a taste of paradise, a moment frozen in time. This short hike from the Fløibanen was just the beginning of our epic adventure before embarking on the renowned “Norway in a Nutshell” tour. From exploring Voss and Flåm to cruising the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, we were left speechless by the enchanting waterfalls and majestic mountains along the Flåm and Bergen railway. Trust me, this is an experience you absolutely cannot miss!

What an incredible journey we had! Our return to Oslo was nothing short of amazing, as we enjoyed a relaxing 7-hour train ride back. Pro-tip: Make sure to bring a snack or pre-order from the train café to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth trips. The vibrant fall colors, bustling cafes, stunning monuments, and the cozy charm of Karl Johans Gate welcomed us back to Oslo with open arms! And for all you luxury seekers out there, this is the place to be—with fantastic VAT refunds to sweeten the deal! Oslo is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, and the best part? It's a city that you can easily explore on foot, making every step a delightful adventure. Every turn revealed something new, from charming cafes to impressive monuments, making our three days of walking an absolute joy.

The autumn season added a touch of magic, with golden leaves painting the streets and parks in a breathtaking palette. Oslo truly offers something for everyone—whether you're into history, culture, shopping, or food. We couldn't resist popping into the adorable souvenir shops, where we found a treasure trove of handcrafted items, traditional Nordic keepsakes, and quirky trinkets that we just had to take home. The city's unique blend of laid-back charm and lively atmosphere never failed to surprise us, making it the perfect grand finale for our unforgettable Norwegian adventure!

Norway in autumn is absolutely enchanting! Despite Tromsø’s chilly weather, the vibrant colors, mesmerizing northern lights, and unforgettable sights made every single moment truly magical. From experiencing luxury in the skies to embracing the tranquility of Norway’s autumn beauty, this journey was an adventure of a lifetime that we will be reminiscing about for years to come!