Day 1: Arrival in Tromso
rrival in Tromsø. Transfer by a shuttle bus to Tromso town centre. Accommodation at the Clarion Collection Hotel With or similar. Depending on your arrival time, you might have a chance to enjoy some of our Northern Lights tours. Please see list below.
Days 2 - 3: Enjoy Tromso - city stroll, winter activities or Northern Lights Tours
Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast at the hotel. Days at leisure to discover the Arctic Tromsø known as ‘Paris of the North’. Tromsø is the largest city in the Nordic countries north of the Arctic Circle and is home to the world’s northernmost university, brewery and cathedral. We recommend a visit of the Arctic Cathedral that with its large, angular form and light color can easily be associated with an iceberg. We would also suggest a visit to Polaria - adventure centre with themes from the polar regions. Watch the panorama film from Spitsbergen, the arctic walk and the aquarium with arctic wildlife and live seals.
Tromsø also offers a lot of winter and Northern Lights activities:
- Dogsledding
- Reindeer safari
- Snowmobile safari
- Snowshoeing
- Ice fishing
- Fjord cruise
- Whale safari
- Northern Lights tours
Day 4: Departure from Tromso
Breakfast at the hotel. If time permits, go shopping in the Paris of the North (so named due to the ships coming with all the fashions of Paris in stock on their way to Russia) before departure. Hunt down some beautiful reindeer fells, some high fashion or some traditional souvenirs, or simply sip lattes in a street café and watch the local fashionistas go by. Transfer to the airport. Return flight.
Winter activities and tours in Tromso 2013-2014:
Dogsledding
|
| Say hello to a bunch of barking huskies that are ready for action (but still very friendly). The dog sledding winter adventure starts with learning how to train and groom dogs. You will get detailed instructions on how to drive a dog sledding team. Then you drive the dog sled into the white, winter landscapes, through the beautiful valley of Vass, a total distance of 16 km. The area is totally uninhabited, and the speed of the dogs will impress you. You will drive in pairs, one driver and one passenger on each sled, with opportunity to switch places half way. You will receive a hot meal during the excursion. |
| Season: |
November - March |
| Availability: |
Every day, minimum 2 people |
| Pick-up (daytime): |
09:00 outside Rica Ishavshotell, Tromsø centre.
Return: 16:00 |
| Pick-up (evening): |
17:00 outside Rica Ishavshotell, Tromsø centre.
Return: 24:00 |
| Duration: |
4.5 hours + transportation (total 7 hours) |
| Price per person: |
£ 215 pp
Children (4-15 years): 50 % discount;
if traveling with children less than 4 years, please contact us for availability. |
Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you can spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures free of charge. This non-guided Camp Stay includes a cold dish, access to all areas of the camp and to the dog yard/puppies. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea. Another option is our guided Snowshoeing activity including a cold dish wich can be booked at £ 85 pp supplement.
Included:
- Transportation with minibus or bus, both ways.
- A simple hot meal (stew with fish or reindeer, etc), coffee or tea boiled over open fire.
- Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
- Head lamp (evening trips).
- English speaking guide.
- Evening trips will give you an excellent chance to experience the Northern Lights.
Excluded:
- Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
- Vegetarian food will be provided if given notice in advance.
About our dog sledding adventure:
Dog sledding excursions can come in many variations. Some dog sledding suppliers offer excursions where the distance and duration of the adventure is much shorter than ours, and where you only participate as a passenger on the sled. Our service is fully dedicated to giving guests a chance to learn and experience dog sledding first hand through active participation. However, as we are fully aware that different people have different comfort zones you may also choose to participate as a passenger on the sled. The length of the trip is set to make it a full day experience.
Reindeer Sledding
|
| Reindeer sledding is the oldest form of transport in the north, and an ancient part of Sami culture. This winter adventure will have you driving in pairs, with one sledge for each reindeer. The trip is approximately 3 km long, going across the valley of Tamok. The adventure includes trying out lasso-throwing, visiting a Sami lavvo, and an introduction to Sami culture and history. You will receive a hot meal during the adventure. Reindeer sledding can be booked as either a daytime or an evening trip. |
Season:
|
November - March |
| Availability: |
Every day, minimum 2 people |
| Pick-up (daytime): |
09:00 outside Rica Ishavshotell, Tromsø centre.
Return: 16:00 |
| Pick-up (evening): |
17:00 outside Rica Ishavshotell, Tromsø centre.
Return: 24:00 |
| Duration: |
4.5 hours + transportation (total 7 hours) |
| Price per person: |
£ 215 pp
Children (4-15 years): 50 % discount;
if traveling with children less than 4 years, please contact us for availability. |
Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you can spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures free of charge. This non-guided Camp Stay includes a cold dish, access to all areas of the camp and to the dog yard/puppies. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea. Another option is our guided Snowshoeing activity including a cold dish wich can be booked at £ 85 pp supplement.
Included:
- Transportation with minibus or bus, both ways.
- A simple hot meal (stew with fish or reindeer, etc), coffee or tea boiled over open fire.
- Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
- Head lamp (evening trips).
- English speaking guide.
- Evening trips will give you an excellent chance to experience the Northern Lights.
Excluded:
- Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
- Vegetarian food will be provided if given notice in advance.
Snowmobile Safari
|
| The snowmobile safari winter adventure goes through the valley of Finn, to the lake of Tamok, a distance of 15 km one way. At the lake you can try out ice fishing. You will be driving in pairs, one driver and one passenger on each snowmobile, with opportunity to switch places half way. A thorough safety introduction will take place ahead of starting up. Due to the dramatic topography reduced speed is held during parts of the tour. On flat land and frozen lakes you can speed up. A hot meal will be served during the adventure, and there will be opportunities for ice-fishing if permitted by time and weather conditions. The snowmobile safari winter adventure can be booked as either a daytime or an evening trip. |
Season:
|
November - April |
| Availability: |
Every day, minimum 2 people |
| Pick-up (daytime): |
09:00 outside Rica Ishavshotell, Tromsø centre.
Return: 16:00 |
| Pick-up (evening): |
17:00 outside Rica Ishavshotell, Tromsø centre.
Return: 24:00 |
| Duration: |
4.5 hours + transportation (total 7 hours) |
| Price per person: |
£ 215 pp
Children (4-15 years): 50 % discount;
if traveling with children less than 4 years, please contact us for availability. |
Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you can spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures free of charge. This non-guided Camp Stay includes a cold dish, access to all areas of the camp and to the dog yard/puppies. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea. Another option is our guided Snowshoeing activity including a cold dish wich can be booked at £ 85 pp supplement.
Included:
- Transportation with minibus or bus, both ways.
- A simple hot meal (stew with fish or reindeer, etc), coffee or tea boiled over open fire.
- Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
- Head lamp (evening trips).
- English speaking guide.
- Evening trips will give you an excellent chance to experience the Northern Lights.
Excluded:
- Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
- Vegetarian food will be provided if given notice in advance.
Northern Lights Visit
|
| The Northern lights visit in the wilderness camp is a winter adventure with the main purpose of watching the northern lights. Due to the stable climate of this region the persistent Aurora watcher will have excellent chances of spotting the frail rays of this shy beauty. In this uninhabited area no artificial light will disturb your experience or your attempt to catch the Aurora Borealis with your camera. The visit also includes a hot meal and social time by the open fire in the big Sami tent. |
| Season: |
November - March |
| Availability: |
Every day, minimum 2 people |
| Pick-up: |
17:00 outside Rica Ishavshotell, Tromsø centre.
Return: 24:00 |
| Duration: |
4.5 hours + transportation (total 7 hours) |
| Price per person: |
£ 135 pp
Children (4-15 years): 50 % discount;
if traveling with children less than 4 years, please contact us for availability. |
Planning tip: If you book this winter adventure as a daytime activity in combination with an activity in the evening, you can spend relaxing time in Camp Tamok between the two adventures free of charge. This non-guided Camp Stay includes a cold dish, access to all areas of the camp and to the dog yard/puppies. Relax by the fire in the lavvo and enjoy a drink of coffee or tea. Another option is our guided Snowshoeing activity including a cold dish wich can be booked at £ 85 pp supplement.
Included:
- Transportation with minibus or bus, both ways.
- A simple hot meal (stew with fish or reindeer, etc), coffee or tea boiled over open fire.
- Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
- Head lamp (evening trips).
- English speaking guide.
- Evening trips will give you an excellent chance to experience the Northern Lights.
Excluded:
- Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended).
- Vegetarian food will be provided if given notice in advance.
Night in a Sami Tent or Wilderness Cabin or Aurora Chalet
|
If you take two of above excursions (one in the evening and one in the daytime the following day) you can also choose to spend the night after the evening excursion in a traditional Sami tent or Wilderness cabin or Aurora chalet in Camp Tomok. This is an arctic experience in it self. Our skilled guides accompany you, making sure you are safe and comfortable all the time. Sauna and breakfast is included. The camp consists of Sami tents and a wilderness timber cabin, a sauna and a hot tub. There are toilet facilities in the camp, separate for men and women. In the period from September to April you will have a great chance to see the Northern Lights from the camp. Take this opportunity to spend the night in a wilderness camp far away from the stress of city life, and with the Aurora dancing across the sky...
The camp is the starting and ending point for excursions by dog sled, snowmobiles, reindeer sled, snowshoes and skis. |
Season:
|
November - March |
| Availability: |
Every day, only in combination with the same date evening tour and following date morning tour
Minimum 2 people |
| Duration: |
22:30-10:00 (11.5 hours) overnight stay
17:00-16:00 (23 hours) full package including 2 adventures and overnight |
| Price per person: |
£ 450 pp for Northern Lights Visit + overnight + daytime Dog Sledding/Snowmobile Safari/Reindeer Sledding
Children (4-15 years): 50 % discount; if traveling with children less than 4 years, contact us for availability.
or -
£ 535 pp for evening Dog Sledding/Snowmobile Safari/Reindeer Sledding + overnight + daytime Dog Sledding/Snowmobile Safari/Reindeer Sledding
Children (4-15 years): 50 % discount; if traveling with children less than 4 years, contact us for availability.
|
Planning tip: If you spend the night in the camp, we can take care of your additional luggage during your stay, so that you do not need a hotel room in town the same night. Enjoy, feed the fire and drink your coffee or tea made in the main Sami tent.
Included:
- Transportation with minibus or bus, both ways.
- A simple hot meal (stew with fish or reindeer, etc.) on each of 2 adventures.
- Breakfast after overnight and sauna.
- Coffee or tea boiled over open fire.
- Insulated body suit, shoes, gloves, and headwear.
- Head lamp (evening trips).
- English speaking guide.
- Evening trips will give you an excellent chance to experience the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights Chase
|
| During the Northern Lights Chase our very experienced guides will bring you to the best places for spotting the Northern Lights according to the last weather forecast. You will be driven in either big bus or minibus to places where the chances for seeing Aurora borealis are the highest. It is a natural phenomenon, and we do not give a Northern Lights guarantee however the last season the success rate for seeing the Northern Lights on this tour was 90 %. The crew is on one specific mission: to take you wherever the chances to admire the magnificent Aurora are the best at that precise moment. Our guides do not only have a good sense for finding the Northern Lights, but they are also very experienced in taking photos of the most beautiful Lady of the North. It is fully guided tour on a bus or minibus with a professional driver and an authorised guide on board. It includes hot chocolate and cookies. |
Season:
|
15 October - 31 March |
| Availability: |
Every day |
| Pick-up: |
18:30 outside Radisson Blu Hotel. Return: 00:30 - 01:30 |
Duration:
|
6-7 hrs |
| Price per person: |
£115 pp
Children (3-12 years): 50 % discount
|
Included:
- Guided Aurora chase
- Transportation by minibus/bus
- Hot chocolate & cookies
Chase for the Northern Lights with Kjetil Skogli
|
| The priority and the idea about this tour is to chase for clear skies to get the best possible chance to see and/or photograph the Northern Lights. It is not just to go out there and believe that the lights are there and waiting for you. To get the best chance to experience the Northern Lights, you must be prepared to wait - but when Aurora Borealis performs one of her celestial dances, you’ll never forget it. |
| Season: |
September - April |
| Availability: |
Minimum 2 and maximum 10 passengers.
There can sometimes be a 16 seat bus running with up to 14-15 persons in the group. |
| Pick-up: |
19:00 (up to 15 March) / 19:15 (from 16 March) outside the Radisson BLU Hotel. Return: 01:00 – 02:00 |
| Duration: |
6 hrs or more |
| Price per person: |
£ 235 pp |
Included:
- Transportation by minibus
- Coffee/tea and biscuits/cookies
- Thermal suits to put on your own clothes
- Snow shoe walking possibilities
- A badge to prove that you are an Aurora chaser of Tromsø
Aurora Sightseeing
|
| If you want to chase down the Northern Lights then you should join a guide who will bring you to where the best conditions are. What is most important is that you as a guest shall have the absolutely best possibility to experience what you have come here for - to see the dance of Aurora on the night skies. Bring your passport with you because sometimes the tour will run a little further into Finland to catch the best weather and clear skies. |
| Season: |
September - 5 April |
| Availability: |
Every day, maximum 12 passengers. |
| Pick-up: |
18:30 outside Tromsø Cathedral. Return: 23:30 – 03:30 (Oct - 19 Mar)
19:30 outside Tromsø Cathedral. Return: 00:30 – 04:30 (Sep and 20 Mar - 5 Apr) |
| Drop-off: |
Your hotel in the city of Tromso |
| Duration: |
5 - 9 hrs |
| Price per person: |
£ 165 pp or children (up to 12 years) £ 115 pp |
Included:
- Transportation by minibus
- Experienced Northern Lights guide
- Coffee / tea and local snacks
- Warm suit and thermo boots if required
- Few tripods are available for cameras to use free of charge
Aurora Comfort
|
| If you want to chase down the Northern Lights then you should join a guide who will bring you to where the best conditions are. What is most important is that you as a guest shall have the absolutely best possibility to experience what you have come here for - to see the dance of Aurora on the night skies. Bring your passport with you because sometimes the tour will run a little further into Finland to catch the best weather and clear skies. Hot light evening meal and hot drinks included. |
| Season: |
September - 10 April |
| Availability: |
Every day, maximum 12 people |
| Pick-up: |
18:30 outside Tromsø Cathedral. Return: 23:30 – 03:30 (Oct - 19 Mar)
20:00 outside Tromsø Cathedral. Return: 01:00 – 05:00 (Sep and 20 Mar - 10 Apr) |
Drop off:
|
Your hotel in the city of Tromso |
| Duration: |
5 - 9 hrs |
| Price per person: |
£ 185 pp |
Included:
- Guided Aurora chase
- Warm suit and thermo boots
- Dinner (vegetable soup prepared on fire)
- Local sweet snacks
- Coffee, hot toddy and mineral water
- Return transport to your accommodation
- Few tripods are available for cameras to use free of charge
Ice Fishing
|
| We will bring you away from the noise of the city by offering you an exotic tour into an alpine and maritime environment. You will get out in the nature and feel the excitement of waiting for the fish to catch bate. Our guide will take you on the ice where you will have the best chances of catching your own fish. |
| Season: |
January - April |
| Availability: |
Every day, maximum 12 people |
Pick-up:
|
09:00 outside Tromsø Cathedral. Return: 15:00 |
| Drop off: |
Your hotel in the city of Tromso |
Duration:
|
6 hrs |
| Price per person: |
£ 165 pp |
Included:
- Guide
- Transportation by minibus
- Equipment (ice fishing gear, snowshoes and walking sticks)
- Warm suit and thermo boots
- Warm drink on the ice
- Lunch (fish meal on the lake)
Evening Snowshoeing
|
| Mastering snowshoes is essential for making your way around the terrain in the Arctic winter. You will learn how to use snowshoes and venture into the white landscape. This snowshoeing winter adventure will give you the chance to experience the northern lights. |
| Season: |
January - April |
| Availability: |
Every day, maximum 12 people |
Pick-up:
|
20:00 outside Tromsø Cathedral. Return: 01:00 |
| Drop off: |
Your hotel in the city of Tromso |
Duration:
|
5 hrs |
| Price per person: |
£ 135 pp |
Included:
- Guided Aurora chase
- Transportation by minibus
- Equipment (snowshoes, walking stick and head torch)
- Warm suit and thermo boots
- Warm drink and local snacks
- Few tripods are available for cameras to use free of charge
Northern Lights in Aurora Camp And Dinner
|
| Enjoy the darkness out at the wilderness centre on a Northern Lights visit to Aurora Camp only 25 minutes away from Tromsø Centre. You will be served hot drinks and you can grill sausages over an open fire inside a Sami Tent (lavvo) while you wait for the lights. Outside you can lay down on reindeer skins or sit on chairs while you scout the dark sky for the lights. Your guide will answer all the questions you have. We can of course never guarantee that it will come, but if not, a visit to the dog yard with puppies is well worth! You also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional local dinner (Bidos). You can also take a warm bath outside in the Jacuzzi. |
Season:
|
15 October - 15 March |
| Availability: |
Every day |
| Pick-up: |
18:15 outside Radisson Blu Hotel. Return: 22:30 |
| Duration: |
4 hrs |
Price per person:
|
£ 110 pp including dinner / £ 150 pp including dinner & Jacuzzi
Children (4-12 years): 50 % discount |
Included:
- Guide
- Transportation
- Hot drinks and snacks
- Dinner
- Jacuzzi if you chose this option
Visas
For your holidays to Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland or Ukraine, you will not need a visa if you have a valid passport from any EU country, Australia, Canada, USA, Japan (there are more, so check with us to make sure). Please note that your passport should be valid for at least six month after the date of your return.
However, if you plan to travel to Russia, you will need a visa, which we can help organise for you.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm.
In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.
Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.
Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.
The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.
As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.
Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.
Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.
Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.
Insurance
Travel insurance is required and also advisable. If you do not have a valid policy, please check our Insurance link on the bottom of our homepage. Our recommended partner is Essential Travel, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Language
You will be able to communicate quite well with the locals, as most people in the service industry are quite adept at speaking English. If English doesn't work, then try Russian (if you can), or German. The further you go from the major cities, the less English you will hear. However, do not let the language barrier keep you from exploring the beauty of the country side. We can always arrange English speaking guides to accompany you wherever you wish to go.
The Estonian language is similar to Finnish and is unrelated to Latvian, Lithuanian or Russian. Latvian and Lithuanian are two of the oldest languages, with roots traceable to Sanskrit. This makes them quite challenging to learn, but attempting a few words will put a smile on the local faces. Russians use the Cyrillic alphabet, so reading street signs and tube maps will be a challenge in St Petersburg .
Car Rental
You can rent a car, as long as you have a valid EU or international driver's license. Most cars will have manual transmission.
Currency
You can get local currency from ATMs at the airport where you land or in the major cities. Be aware that your bank will charge you a service fee and exchange rate fee for the transaction, but this is likely to be less than exchanging money in the UK before you depart. Please note that in Russia exchange bureau's and banks will not except Scottish bank notes.
We suggest choosing the right credit card for spending abroad. Most credit cards will have an additional cost (about 3%) to the bank exchange rates. You can avoid it by obtaining a specialist overseas card that does not add this % and will give you good exchange rates that are better than money exchange bureau rates.
Credit cards charge you interest rates, but some debit cards (bank account cards) could have fees that could add up to £ 1.50 every time you spend.
We recommend checking with your bank what fees/interest rates will be applied to your card when using it abroad in order to make an educated decision on what card to use.
Most restaurants and shops will take credit/debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, however, many places will not accept AMEX.
Traveller's cheques are difficult to cash, so we recommend not to use them.
Airport or ferry terminals in most cases will have the worst money exchange rates, so if you must get it from the airport, pre-order money for pick-up to get a better rate.
The local currencies are (alphabetic order):
Denmark - Danish Krone
Estonia - Euro
Finland - Euro
Greenland - Danish Krone
Iceland - Icelandic Kroner
Latvia - Latvian Lat
Lithuania - Lithuanian Litas
Norway - Norwegian Kroner
Poland - Polish Zloty
Russia - Russian Ruble
Sweden - Swedish Kroner
Ukraine - Hryvnia
Restaurants
Dining opportunities are plenty, from ethnic to exotic. We would suggest you to try some national dishes and get a real taste of the region. Note that most traditional dishes contain meat and are fairly heavy, but very tasty.
Reservations in advance are recommended for up-market restaurants, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Tipping - many of the up-market establishments will let you know how good their service is by including it on the bill. Rounding up the bill is usually sufficient, unless you feel your server deserves an extra bit of recognition.
Transportation
Railway mostly serves domestic routes and is used as an easy and quick way to get from the capital to major cities of the country. There are some international routes, like to Moscow and St. Petersburg, but time spent on the way will be quite long.
Buses are one of the most convenient ways to travel between the Baltic States. Eurolines will get you between Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. One way tickets will cost £ 15 - £ 20 and approximate travel time is 5 hours between the cities. Ticket reservations in advance are recommended.
Taxis are the quickest and most convenient way of travelling round the city. You'll find them located close to the main hotels. Usually it's quite easy to catch a taxi on the street, however, it's much better and safer to order one by phone. Taxi costs in all of the Baltic countries and Poland are approximately the same and a ride in the centre of the city will cost you approx £ 5 - £ 7. Taxis in Finland and Russia are considerably more expensive. It is always a good idea to get your hotel to book a taxi for you and ask approximately how much the trip will cost before you get in.
We would not recommend you to take public transportation within the city, as it's usually crowded and it may cause you unnecessary anxiety about where to stop.
Mobile Phones
There are several mobile operators in each Baltic country, the Nordics ( Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland incl. Iceland and Greenland as well as Poland, Ukraine and Russia. If you have an international connection, there shouldn't be any problems with your incoming and outgoing calls.
In case your phone doesn't work, please check in the local mobilephone shops and you can buy Calling cards etc. or ask in your hotel, they should be able to advise you too.
Internet Access
Internet access is available at Internet Cafés, which mostly are located in the central part of the city. Most hotels have internet access.
Postal Services
Stamps are available in the post offices and in most newspaper kiosks. Approximate price for a stamp to European Union countries will vary but between appx. £ 0.30 to £ 0.70. You'll see post boxes on the streets or you can ask hotel representative to send your post card, they'll gladly help you.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency telephone number for the police, ambulance services or fire department in Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine and Poland - 112.
Greenland uses 911 and for mobile phones only 112.