March 4 - 9 Sun - Fri
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Bodø
Based: Rognan
Walking: Easy to moderate
Description: The Northern Lights - greatest wonder of northern skies - is the principal theme of this excursion to lands beyond the Arctic Circle. Auroras should manifest on most clear nights, March being a period of peak activity – the photo above was taken at the time of out last visit.
Gulf Stream influence ensures that north Norway's coastal waters remain unfrozen during winter, harbouring several bird species of high interest status. White-billed Diver, Little Auk, King Eider and Glaucous Gull are all on the cards, plus Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoter. On previous tours we also saw Harbour Porpoises and Otters.
Bodø is justifiably reputed to be the White-tailed Eagle capital of the world, the Nordland coast containing the greatest breeding density to be found anywhere. Eagles – now paired and on territory - should be seen well every day, including remarkably close encounters.
Based at the head of Saltdalsfjorden our extremely comfortable hotel, with its north-facing aspect, is well located for easy access to a variety of key environments. Rognan is a rather attractive small town, surrounded by afforested hills and small farms. Forests in the vicinity are well populated with Elk - good views may be expected - and birdlife includes Dippers, flocks of Arctic Redpolls, with possibility of Waxwing, Siberian Jay and Pine Grosbeak. We shall listen and look for Pygmy and Hawk Owls at dusk and visit typical Gyr Falcon hunting habitats.
A visit to the Arctic Circle brings us into contact with Reindeer, while a trip up a spur route into neighbouring Sweden may produce Willow Grouse and Golden Eagles.
Scenically the experience is guaranteed to be visually stunning. Midday temperatures will, on average, be above freezing, with early mornings and nighttimes significantly colder. This is, however, a dry cold which is infinitely more agreeable than the dank chill that typifies British winters.
At least one visit is made to Saltstraumen - the world's greatest maelstrom - to witness its awesome turbulence at the turn of the tide, producing formidable whirlpools and a welling up of food that attracts large gatherings of Eider.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sunday: Morning rendezvous at London Heathrow Airport for our flight to Bodø via Oslo. A two-hour drive brings us directly to our tour base at Rognan.
Days 2 - 5 Mon - Thu: Excursions to Saltstraumen, Klungsetvika, The Arctic Circle, Junkerdalen and the coast around Bodø. We also cross the border into Sweden.
Day 6 Fri: We gradually work our way back to Bodø for the midday flight to Oslo.
Cost: £1080...includes: five nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms en suite; all excursions including transfers to and from transport terminals in Norway.
Excludes: Air travel; lunches; coffee stops.
Deposit: £150
Single Room Supplement: £125
Flight cost from London to Bodø: circa £380See 'About Us' for statement about flights.
