Northern Lights and Sámi Shamans of Norway, from February 1st to 8th, 2026,
with Catherine Darbord

At Fjellkysten Hotel, you will discover a haven of peace nestled in the Lavangen fjord, where architecture inspired by Sámi and Viking traditions blends with modern comfort, offering breathtaking views and the magic of the Northern Lights. At Scandic Sortland Hotel, contemporary elegance unfolds before the Vesterålen mountains and the ocean, with spacious rooms, refined dining, and unique activities. Finally, Scandic Harstad combines warmth and modernity in the heart of the city, ideally located to explore local culture, enjoy diverse gastronomy, and easily access the surrounding landscapes.

Travel / Transfers

This unique journey was born from an equally exceptional encounter with Espen, who introduced us to his mother, Gunn Tove Minde, a representative of the Sámi people at major Nordic gatherings. Each participant is responsible for booking their own flight to Tromsø, directly through the airline’s website, ensuring simplicity and responsiveness if needed. The meeting point is set at Tromsø Airport on February 1st, 2026, at 4:00 PM, where our driver will welcome us and transfer us to the hotel.

The journey to Tromsø and back is at your own expense.

Total per person (based on 2 participants sharing a room): €2480 + round-trip airfare France – Tromsø (Norway)

Single room supplement: + €350 per person

Notes:

This trip takes place during high season, so we strongly recommend making a quick decision, as demand is high and availability may sell out quickly. We can guarantee this price until September 30, 2025. Beyond that date, an additional supplement may apply.

Price includes:

• All activities mentioned in the program

• French-speaking driver and guide

• 7 nights accommodation

• Half-board (breakfast and dinner)

• Airport transfers

• Transportation to all scheduled stages and activities

Price does not include:

• Flights to/from Tromsø

• Anything not mentioned in the program

• Lunches

Requirements:

• No prior knowledge required

• Warm clothing is essential

• Ability to walk for short hikes

• Willingness to embrace the local outdoor lifestyle

• Openness to sharing in a group setting

• Attentive and respectful attitude

Day-by-Day Program

February 1st, 2026: You are responsible for your flight tickets to Tromsø. Our meeting point is at 4:00 PM at Tromsø Airport, the vibrant gateway to the Arctic, where the magic of the Northern Lights and Nordic charm greet you as soon as you land. The city, balancing modernity and tradition, reveals cultural treasures and unique energy, ideal for immediately immersing yourself in the spirit of the Far North.

After a 3-hour transfer through snowy landscapes, Fjellkysten appears as a haven of peace nestled in the Lavangen fjord. This hotel, inspired by Sámi and Viking traditions, combines warmth, comfort, and deep respect for the surrounding nature. From your room, the breathtaking view of the fjord invites contemplation, while on clear nights, the Northern Lights unfold as a private spectacle.

Here, adventure is lived at every moment: wildlife safaris, snowshoe excursions under the dancing lights, or visits to Polar Park fill your days. Between experiences, the sauna and outdoor hot tub become havens of relaxation, offering renewal before the snowy mountains. The atmosphere at Fjellkysten blends excitement and serenity, striking a perfect balance between wilderness immersion and cozy comfort. Every corner of this eco-responsible place reflects a strong identity, deeply connected to the elements.

The evening concludes with a warm dinner, a prelude to a week rich in discoveries and wonder.

February 2nd, 2026: The day begins with a comforting breakfast before venturing into the snowy landscapes, combining a scenic drive and a winter walk deep into Arctic nature. But it is in the afternoon that the most memorable experience awaits: at Husky Isogaisa, in the small mountain village of Kvernmo, life revolves around dogs, family, and nature. What began with one husky and six unexpected puppies has grown into a true philosophy of life, guided by joy, adventure, and teamwork.

Here, you take charge of your own sled team, feeling the icy air on your face as the eager, spirited huskies pull you swiftly through the snow-covered forests. After the ride, a traditional lavvu tent welcomes you: around the fire, a homemade meal and hot drinks are shared in a simple, authentic atmosphere. Ronald, a Sámi shaman, recounts ancient stories and unveils the magic of the Northern Lights, while Beate cares lovingly for the dogs and welcomes every guest as if into her family. Their daughter Lone, who grew up among the huskies, embodies the rare harmony between daily life and a deep bond with animals.

As night falls, a spiritual ceremony under the Northern Lights unfolds — joik chants, myths, and ancestral rituals reveal the Sámi people’s profound connection with the dancing lights of the sky. This encounter is more than an activity: it is an immersion into the intimate world of a family who lives and breathes the Arctic. You leave with more than just a memory — a profound emotion born from the genuine sharing of adventure, culture, and humanity.

February 3rd, 2026: The day begins gently with breakfast before heading to the Várdobáiki Sámi Center, a place dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and traditions of the Sámi people. Here, you immerse yourself in their living culture through exhibitions, stories, and personal testimonies — a true journey into the identity of those who call the Far North home. After a pause, the evening brings you to Minde Farm, a former farm transformed into an intimate event house where wood and fire create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Your host, Gunn Tove Minde, a Sámi shaman woman, passionate guardian of Arctic traditions, welcomes you with heartfelt hospitality, sharing her stories, music, and heritage. Dinner begins with bidos, the traditional reindeer stew cherished by all, lovingly prepared and served as a symbol of togetherness. The highlight of the evening follows: a private joik concert, accompanied by drum and song, opening a window into the spiritual heart of the Sámi. These deep, resonant sounds echo like a bridge between past and present, connecting generations with the surrounding nature.

More than a performance, this is a sincere cultural encounter, filled with authenticity and emotion. And if the sky graces you with shimmering veils of green and pink, the Northern Lights will crown this unforgettable evening. You return later to your room at the Fjellkysten Hotel, your heart still carrying the echoes of ancestral stories and melodies.

February 4th, 2026: After breakfast, you check out from Fjellkysten Hotel and begin your journey northward. The road takes you through snowy valleys, past fjords glittering under the pale Arctic light, and into the raw beauty of Norway’s winter wilderness. Around midday, you reach Sortland, a charming coastal town framed by the dramatic peaks of the Vesterålen islands. The afternoon is left free for you to settle in, stroll along the waterfront, or simply take in the serene atmosphere of this northern outpost.

In the evening, you enjoy dinner at your hotel, where local flavors bring warmth after a day of travel. The calm rhythm of Sortland offers a gentle pause in your journey, a moment to recharge before the next chapter of discovery begins…

February 5th, 2026

The day begins with a hearty breakfast before setting off for a reindeer farm, where you are welcomed not as a simple visitor but as a guest on Sámi land. Here, reindeer are far more than animals – they embody identity, survival, and spirituality for the Sámi people. You will have the chance to feed them, approach them, and understand how their presence is intertwined with culture and tradition. Afterwards, inside a warm lavvu tent, stories unfold around the fire: your Sámi host shares tales of daily life as a reindeer herder, of the seasons, and of ancestral customs. The meal, often the traditional bidos stew cooked over the flames, becomes an act of storytelling in itself. The experience is completed with joik, the haunting traditional chant that honors people, animals, and the land. This encounter is not just cultural; it is a true initiation into the deep resilience of an Indigenous people who have kept their heritage alive through centuries of change. In the evening, you return to your hotel in Sortland, your heart filled with new images and sounds of the Arctic world.

February 6, 2026

After a final breakfast in Sortland, you set off towards Harstad, a charming coastal town where modernity meets authentic Norwegian culture. The journey, punctuated by sparkling fjords and snow-covered mountains, gently leads you into this new stage of the trip. Upon arrival in the late morning, you settle into the Scandic Harstad, a contemporary hotel ideally located near the waterfront, offering both comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. The elegant and varied rooms cater to all travelers, while the common areas invite relaxation—whether enjoying a generous buffet, savoring Thai-inspired dishes, or sharing a drink at Thors Bar, often enlivened by music.

In the afternoon, everyone is free to discover Harstad at their own pace: a stroll to the Trondenes Church, a visit to the historical museum, or an excursion into the surrounding nature to enjoy hiking trails and breathtaking Arctic panoramas. This day holds a special meaning as it coincides with Sámi National Day, a powerful moment of celebration and cultural pride in the region. The evening concludes with a convivial dinner at the hotel, where the warm atmosphere blends with the festive spirit, creating a privileged moment to savor the richness of this stage of the journey.

February 7, 2026

The day begins gently with breakfast at the Scandic Harstad, overlooking the shifting light of the harbor and surrounding mountains. This stage is deliberately left free, offering the perfect pause to wander through Harstad’s lively streets, explore its local shops, or simply enjoy a moment of rest. Culture enthusiasts may choose to visit the medieval Trondenes Church or the nearby historical museum, while nature lovers might opt for a coastal hike or a sea excursion. Those seeking well-being may prefer to remain at the hotel, relaxing in its modern and welcoming atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, the group gathers for a convivial workshop led by Catherine before sharing dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, where local flavors blend with an elegant ambiance. This day without a fixed schedule thus becomes a breath of fresh air, an invitation to experience Harstad at your own pace—between discovery, relaxation, and conviviality.

February 8, 2026

The final day begins at the Scandic Harstad, a peaceful moment to once again enjoy the warm atmosphere of the city. After check-out, you set out on the road to Tromsø, a journey across fjords, mountains, and coastal villages—an ultimate immersion into the wild beauty of northern Norway. Arriving in Tromsø marks the end of the circuit but also the return to the outside world, after several days of adventure and profound discoveries. At the airport, everyone prepares for their return flight, their hearts still filled with the northern lights, the joik chants of the Sámi, and the pristine landscapes.

This departure is not just a conclusion—it is the continuation of an inner journey, enriched with encounters, emotions, and memories. You leave Norway with the feeling of having touched the soul of the Arctic, and perhaps with the secret wish to return one day. Return flights can be scheduled for the afternoon.

Registration:

First, send an email to request availability for the trip: [email protected]

We are not digitalized, so registration is done the traditional way by filling out this registration form.

ORSO VOYAGE 2026.

ORSO VOYAGE
43, avenue des Molières
78470 Saint Rémy lès Chevreuse

Tél : 01 30 45 20 60

[email protected]