Gjøssøy – Northern Lights adventure on a remote island

This tour is operated by Ursa Minor Adventures. Join us for an unforgettable experience on the island of Gjøssøy, located in the open sea on the outer side of Kvaløya/Vengsøya. Here, we offer two overnight stays in a 160-year-old coastal house that belongs to the host’s family. The house is filled with history from days gone by and is situated in a unique location facing the open sea, giving you the chance to experience nature’s beauty and wilderness at its best.

Gjøssøy is the perfect place for northern lights observations, with no light pollution to disturb the spectacular light show in the night sky — not to mention the starry sky! But that’s not all: the journey to and from the island is an experience in itself. Your adventure starts at Tromsø harbour aboard the sailboat Ursa Minor, which transports you to and from the island. The trip takes between three and four hours, during which you will see the northern side of Kvaløya and the outer islands. In the right weather, you can fish along the way and, with a bit of luck, bring the day’s catch to the dinner table later.

When you arrive on the island, your days can be filled with both short and longer hikes to explore all that Gjøssøy has to offer. There is much to discover, and the island is an ideal place to observe eagles and seals, often accompanied by the local reindeer that roam here. There are also two caves to explore — exciting for both young and old. This is a coastal experience packed with variety, from magnificent natural encounters and northern lights to cultural impressions.

Your stay includes breakfast, a packed lunch, and dinner, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients so that you can enjoy delicious meals while soaking up the island’s unique atmosphere.

Please note that the house is not a hotel. The coastal house has three double rooms and is not connected to electricity or running water, but it does have power from solar panels and a battery bank. Water comes from the local well. Here, you are “off-grid” in a cosy and comfortable way. You are in a remote location and should be prepared to live a little more simply. There is a sauna in the house where you can wash or warm up before taking a dip in the North Atlantic. The hosts take care of cooking and logistics in the house, while you are free to explore the island on your own.

Welcome to Gjøssøy – a place that promises memories for life!

Included: Transport to and from Tromsø harbour by boat (duration 3–4 hours), dinner, breakfast, lunch, dinner and breakfast (non-alcoholic beverages included with meals), two nights in one of the house’s double rooms, sleeping bag liners for use with the house’s bedding, guided tour of the island’s caves, sauna

Please bring: Good, weatherproof clothing, pack light – from the sailboat to the island (and back), both luggage and people must be transferred to a smaller boat

Number of participants: Min. 2 - Max. 6 

Difficulty level: Medium

Departure time and place: Start at 2 PM (14:00) from Tromsø Central Harbour – sailboat Ursa Minor. End at 12 PM (12:00) at Tromsø Central Harbour

Duration: 46 hours