WINTER 21/2022
WELCOME TO THE ACTIVITY RESORT
AT THE ARCTIC FRONTIER Malangen has something truly unique to offer. Combine the area's rich culture, deep history, picturesque fjord and mountains with our very own Malangen Resort. From the moment you arrive, we want to give you a truly authentic experience. From your meals based on Northern Norwegi an tradition to the thrill of dog sledding through pristine landscapes, it is our goal to create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
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Breathe the fresh air, relax by the fjord and enjoy yourself just a stone's throw from the Arctic wilderness and your next adventure. We wish you a warm welcome to our resort.
Conny Gustavsson General manager
CONTENTS ACTIVITY DAY PLAN ........................................................... 4
SNOWMOBILE .......................................................................... 22
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MALANGEN . . .................... 6
NORTHERN LIGHTS SNOWSHOEING ............. 24
SAUNA & HOT TUB .. ........................................................... 8
TRAPPER'S DAY ON SNOWSHOES .. ................... 25
RESTAURANT & THE NAUST .................................... 9
SNOWY FORESTS ON SKIS ......................................... 27
WHAT IS THE AURORA? . . ............................................... 10
FAQ . . ..................................................................................................... 28
MYTHS ABOUT THE AURORA .. ................................ 11 NORTHERN LIGHTS WATCH ..................................... 12 CAMP NIKKA ............................................................................... 14 DOG SLEDDING ..................................................................... 16 SAMI STORYTELLING ........................................................ 20 3
Time
Dog Sledding
Sami & Reindeer
Snowshoeing
07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00
Dog Sledding
11:00
09:00 - 12:30 3.5 hrs 2-16 pax
Sami & Reindeer 09:00 - 13:00 4 hrs 2-16 pax
12:00 13:00 14:00
12:30 - 16:00 3.5 hrs 2-16 pax
ACTIVITY DAY PLAN
Every day, 1 December 2021 – 31 March 2022
Overlaping
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16:00
18:00
09:30 - 13:00 3.5 hrs 2-12 pax
Dog Sledding
15:00
17:00
Trapper's Day on Snowshoes
Dog Sledding
Sami & Reindeer 14:00 - 18:00 4 hrs 2-16 pax
Trapper's Day on Snowshoes 14:00 - 17:30 3.5 hrs 2-12 pax
15:00 - 18:30 3.5 hrs 2-16 pax
19:00 20:00
Northern Lights Snowshoeing
21:00
19:00 - 23:00 4 hrs 2-12 pax
22:00 23:00 00:00
Skiing
Snowmobile Safari
Northern Lights Watch
Regular Transfers
Restaurant
Breakfast 07:00-10:00 3 hrs
Dep. Malangen 09:00 Arr. Airport 10:15 Arr. Tromso 10:30
Skiing 10:00 - 12:30 2.5 hrs 2-12 pax
Dep.Tromso 10:45 Arr. Airport 11:00 Arr. Malangen 12:15
Lunch 12:00 - 14:00 2 hrs
Snowmobile Skiing 13:30 - 16:00 2.5 hrs 2-12 pax
12:00 - 18:00 6 hrs 2-12 pax
Dep. Malangen 16:15 Arr. Airport 17:30 Arr. Tromso 17:45
Regular Dinner Dep. Tromso 18:20 Arr. Airport 18:35 Arr. Malangen 19:50
17:00 - 21:00 4 hrs
Northern Lights Watch 21:30 - 01:30 4 hrs 2-32 pax 5
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF MALANGEN
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he name is derived from Mala, the Norse word for border. Malangen has long been a border between the agriculture society and the “wilderness people” (Sami). At the head of the fjord, we can see traces from the hunting people who lived in the fjord. We believe that hunter-gatherers settled in these areas when the ice melted about 10,000 years ago. The 4,000-year-old rock carvings in Malangen provide evidence to this theory.
From the 7th century, Norsemen settled along the fjord. From around 1000 AD, Malangen was the border between the Kingdom of Novgorod and Norway. The Malangen region experienced several assaults from the Chud people of Novgorod in the past. The final border was settled in 1326. From the 16th century, Norwegians from the south of the country started moving here in search of land. This was followed sometime later by people from Northern Finland, who migrated to Norway to escape poverty and hunger. This mixture of cultures sometimes led to conflicts between the indigenous Sami people and the Norwegians, which often ended in violence.
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However, the mixing of cultures also resulted in the marriages between the three cultures. In fact, Skutvik where Malangen Resort is situated, was the last bastion of the Sami peoples, even beyond 1800. Consequently, Malangen has often been called a melting pot. It is the meeting place of the three cultures: The indigenous Sami culture, the Norwegian (Norse) culture and the Kven culture (Finnish emigrants). From the 17th century, most of Malangen was owned by the Danish-Norwegian king. In 1666, the rich businessman Joachim Irgens received all the Crown land in several northern parts of Norway, including Malangen. After his death, the area was taken over by Hans Andreas Moursund, and his son and grandson continued as landowners for nearly a century. Today, the region is famous for its farms and local products, and Malangen constitutes the largest agricultural district in Northern Norway. This allows us to serve meals based on fresh local ingredients produced by farmers who can trace their roots back hundreds of years in Malangen.
Today, the region is famous for its farms and local products, and Malangen constitutes the largest agricultural district in Northern Norway. 7
SAUNA & HOT TUB
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e take our statement that every room at Malangen Resort comes with a view seriously. Our large glass-fronted sauna is located right by the waterfront, so you can enjoy unsurpassed views of the spectacular fjord and mountains while relaxing in the warmth of the sauna. The view adds an extra dimension to your sauna experience. Could we claim to have the world’s most scenic sauna? A changing room with shower and toilet facilities is located adjacent to the sauna. Towels are included in the price. Our open-air hot tub is located alongside the glass-fronted sauna. The hot tub is ideal for groups, families or couples wanting to share a special experience together.
Like the glass-fronted sauna and virtually every other facility at Malangen Resort, the hot tub offers spectacular views of the fjord and mountains. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Northern Lights during a relaxing dip in the warm water. The open-air hot tub and sauna may be hired as a package on request. It is necessary to book in advance, as the hot tub needs time to reach the optimal temperature. The glass-fronted sauna and open-air hot tub have a secluded location right at the end of the resort down from the Aurora event cabin.
RESTAURANT AND THE NAUST
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he menu at Malangen Resort is built around traditional Northern Norwegian cuisine. Our chef emphasizes using local ingredients and products in all our dishes to ensure the freshest and healthiest food for our guests. The sea is the main supplier to our menu due to the proximity and easy access to the freshest seafood available.
THE NAUST The “naust” is a 100-year-old boathouse that has been renovated and relocated inside the hotel building. All the decorations are authentic and donated by locals who have handed the memorabilia down from generation to generation. This cosy building serves as our “living room” for our guests to relax in during the wintertime with board games, books and candles.
WHAT IS THE AURORA?
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he Northern Lights occur when the solar winds from the sun bring charged particles, electrons and protons towards the earth. The phenomenon we experience on the ground occurs when the particles collide with the atmosphere. It occurs more than 100 km above the ground. However, it is only visible in clear skies on dark evenings. The Aurora forms a belt around the Magnetic Northern Pole, which is seen in different colours, like blue, green and red,
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and behaves like a wave or a flickering curtain. THE PERFECT LOCATION: The Tromsø region, and Malangen especially, offers the perfect location for observing the Northern Lights. It is on the exact latitude with the highest concentration of the phenomenon, and due to the Polar Night, you will have the necessary dark sky for observing the lights. The Aurora is visible from late August to mid-April.
DO YOU KNOW THE MYTHS ABOUT THE AURORA?
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he Northern Lights also have a mythical side, with long traditions in the North. Children were told that they should never whistle or shout at Northern Lights, since the Aurora might capture and abduct them. The old folks thought that whistling or shouting might tease the Northern Lights
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and make them angry! Folk in Nordic countries also believed that the Northern Lights were linked to the souls of maidens. One of the most popular myths is the Vikings version, believing that the Northern Lights were a gateway between heaven and the earth, which they called Bivrost.
One of the most popular myths is the Vikings version, believing that the Northern Lights were a gateway between heaven and the earth, which they called Bivrost. 11
NORTHERN LIGHTS WATCH
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alangen Resort is situated in one of the most visited Northern Light hotspots in the Tromsø area. "The Watch" enhances our guest's opportunity of seeing the mystical Northern Lights. We prepare for this magical journey with a briefing about this natural phenomenon and the current conditions before we set off to our very own basecamp, Camp Nikka, located just a 20-minute walk from the resort.
that chances of experiencing Northern Lights here are around 85 per cent!
Camp Nikka is strategically located behind our resort in a location that experiences less cloud activity. Our guides statistics in recent years show
A light meal and hot drinks by an open fire are included.
Please note that our tour does not include "chasing" the lights in a minibus because of our unique location. Instead, we have chosen this basecamp experience to allow all our guests to enjoy the Northern Lights combined with comfort and relaxing around a fire in our cosy lavvu.
INCLUDED • A light snack with coffee or tea • Winter overall suit
BOOK AT RECEPTION
• Boots, gloves and headwear • Headtorches • English-speaking guide • Instructions about how to photograph the Northern Lights • Free photographs of the tour
RECOMMENDED • Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended) • Vegetarian food will be provided if advance notice is given • Tripod and DSLR camera 12
CAPACITY
2-32 PEOPLE
TIMES
21:30 - 01:30
PRICE CHILDREN U/15
NOK
1,595
NOK
957
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CAMP NIKKA WILDERNESS CAMP
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omprising two large lavvus (Sami herdsmen’s tents), a rustic shelter and toilet facilities, Camp Nikka is just a 15-minute walk from Malangen Resort. It is the base for our nature-based adventures and forms an important part of our complete resort concept. Instead of sleeping at one place, eating at another and spending hours driving in between activities or chasing the Northern Lights, everything at Malangen Resort is within walking distance. Camp Nikka is situated on the shores of the picturesque Nikkavannet (Lake Nikka). The camp is situated 70 m above sea level in the pristine wilderness behind the resort. During winter, you can walk on the frozen lake and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The surrounding forest trails are the venue for our popular and personalised excursions. There is no electricity up at Camp Nikka, which means there is virtually no artificial lighting. This enhances your Northern Lights experience and makes Camp Nikka a real hotspot in the Tromsø region for experiencing this natural phenomenon. On cold winter nights or during nature-based experiences in the daytime, you can warm up in one of our lavvu tents. Sitting on a warm reindeer skin on a wooden bench beside the open fire, you will quickly warm up and get new energy for your next adventure. This also adds an exciting dimension to the overall experience. Coffee brewed on the open fire up in the wilderness tastes great and will also help to keep you warm. Welcome to memorable wilderness experiences at Camp Nikka!
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DOG SLEDDING THROUGH THE WHITE SILENCE
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ead a team of eager huskies through the snow-covered Arctic landscape while admiring the breathtaking scenery. Did you know that Malangen Resort is one of few dog sledding providers in Northern Norway where the huskies can wander freely in the dog yard instead of being chained up? Located near Camp Nikka, we have an intimate group of eager huskies just waiting to take you into the wilderness. We will start the adventure with a lesson about how to manage your own husky team. We drive in pairs (one driver and one passenger) with a chance to swap places halfway. The adventure concludes with a delicious hot meal by an open fire. We have built our camp small enough, so there is no room for mass tourism and stress of any kind. You can focus on enjoying one of the best experiences the far north has to offer!
All our dog sledding trips include thermal clothing, a lesson in managing your husky team and a hot meal after we take care of the dogs.
BOOK AT RECEPTION INCLUDED • A light snack with coffee or tea
CAPACITY
1-12 PEOPLE
• Winter overall suit • Boots, gloves and headwear • Headtorches
TIME 09:00-12:30, 12:30-16:00, 15:00-18:30
• English-speaking guide • Instructions about how to drive your own dog team
PRICE
NOK
1,695
CHILDREN U/15
NOK
1,017
RECOMMENDED • Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended) • Vegetarian food will be provided if advance notice is given
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UNCHAINED DOGS The dog yard at Malangen Resort has been designed with the welfare of the dogs in mind. The dogs at Malangen Resort live in a top, modern dog yard, which offers many advantages compared with an ordinary dog enclosure. The dogs can play together freely and develop natural behaviour.
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SAMI STORYTELLING AND REINDEER FEEDING
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oin us on a journey through Sami culture. The Sami are the indigenous people living in Europe’s northern extremes. Enter a lavvu (Sami herdsmen’s tent) with a Sami specialist and hear fascinating stories about the way of life of the indigenous Sami people, their history and beliefs in the glow of the open fire. You will see traditional Sami artifacts and taste authentic Sami food cooked on the fire. You will then have a chance to visit and feed the reindeer that graze near the lavvu and learn about the traditions of reindeer herding and the art of lasso throwing. As a souvenir of this memorable experience, our guide will assist you to make your very own handicraft from reindeer antler.
BOOK AT RECEPTION INCLUDED • Authentic Sami food cooked on the fire • Winter overall suit • Boots, gloves and headwear
CAPACITY TIMES
1-16 PEOPLE 09:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00
• English-speaking guide
RECOMMENDED • Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended) • Vegetarian food will be provided if advance notice is given
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FIT RATE CHILDREN U/15 (40% OFF)
NOK
1,395
NOK
837
SNOWMOBILING A 60-minute scenic drive from the resort by minibus will bring our guests to a wilderness camp in Inner Troms, where the snowmobiles await us in a deep valley in the Arctic winter landscape. This unique excursion provided by Aurora Husky is especially designed for people going on a snowmobile adventure for the first time. The scenic valley is situated between high Arctic mountains. We drive on a prepared trail in a wide-open area on hard, frozen ground past small, picturesque forests with spectacular views of the famous mountain Istinden. We drive in pairs (one driver and one passenger) with a chance to swap places halfway. All drivers must be aged 18+ and hold a valid driving licence. All passengers must be aged 15 or over. Please note that there are no exceptions to this rule.
BOOK AT RECEPTION INCLUDED • A hot meal • Helmet
CAPACITY
2-12 PEOPLE
• Winter overall suit • Boots, gloves and headwear • English-speaking guide
RECOMMENDED • Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended) • Vegetarian food will be provided if advance notice is given
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TIME FIT RATE CHILDREN U/15
12:00-18:00
NOK
1,995 N/A
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NORTHERN LIGHTS SNOWSHOEING
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he best way to enhance your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights is to be outside in the evening. This exciting and informative activity gets you out and about in the white winter landscape above the resort.
will provide a detailed explanation about the Northern Lights help any guests who require assistance with camera settings. You will have the opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights from various scenic vantage points.
We walk up to the white winter wilderness above the resort with our headtorches showing the way. Away from artificial light sources, we find open areas that are ideal for observing and photographing the Northern Lights. Our guide
We will stop along the way and make a bonfire, which we can sit around to warm up and relax. We will serve hot drinks and biscuits before beginning the walk back down to the resort.
BOOK AT RECEPTION INCLUDED • A light snack
CAPACITY
2-12 PEOPLE
• Snowshoes • Winter overall suit • Boots, gloves and headwear
TIME
19:00-23:00
• English-speaking guide
RECOMMENDED • Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended) • Vegetarian food wil be provided if advance notice is given 24
PRICE CHILDREN U/15
NOK
1,295 n/a
TRAPPERS’ DAY ON SNOWSHOES
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earn how to experience the wilderness like the famous Norwegian explorers. This exciting and informative tour combines the joys of snowshoeing through the beautiful silence of the snowy forest with practical and fascinating information from our knowledgeable wilderness guide. Learn how to make a fire with a magnesium stone instead of matches and a variety of other skills needed in the wilderness. You will
learn about local flora and fauna, how to avoid any natural obstacles covered by the snow and which animals made the footprints we discover. If you’re lucky, you may even see a willow grouse or an Arctic hare going about their daily routines. When you return from the adventure, you will have a much wider perspective of the local nature.
BOOK AT RECEPTION INCLUDED • A light snack
2-12 PEOPLE
CAPACITY
• Snowshoes • Winter overall suit • Boots, gloves and headwear
TIME
09:30-13:00, 14:00-17:30
• English-speaking guide
RECOMMENDED
PRICE
NOK
995
NOK
597
• Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended) • Vegetarian food wil be provided if advance notice is given
CHILDREN U/15
25
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SNOWY FORESTS ON SKIS
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ross-country skiing has a special place in the hearts of the Norwegian people. Over the years, skiing has moved from being a means of transportation to pure fun. We will start with the very basics and take you for a short skiing trip through the snowy forests. Prepare to slide, fall onto the soft snow and
laugh! We will ski on prepared tracks. However, more experienced skiers will have the option of skiing through the forest and making their own tracks. The guide will adapt this tour to suit the conditions and the level and experience of the guests. We will have a break during the tour to enjoy hot drinks and a sweet snack.
INCLUDED • A light snack
• Winter overall suit • Boots, gloves and headwear
TIME
10:00-12:30, 13:30-16:00
• English-speaking guide
RECOMMENDED • Warm under garments (wool or fleece is recommended) • Vegetarian food wil be provided if advance notice is given
PRICE CHILDREN U/15
NOK
895
NOK
537
BOOK AT RECEPTION
• Cross-country skis, boots and poles
2-12 PEOPLE
CAPACITY
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MEETING POINT: Bus/minibus departure and arrival at Scandic Ishavshotel in downtown Tromso. Please note that the transfers must be booked 48 hours in advance as our service does not operate without reservations.
TRANSFERS Transfer services
Service time
Capacity
Price
Child u/15 (40% off)
Morning departure from Malangen: Malangen - Tromso Airport - Tromso City
09:00-10:30 (10:15 airport)
Unlimited
NOK 450
NOK 270
Morning departure from Tromso: Tromso - Tromso Airport - Malangen
10:45-12:15 (11:00 airport)
Unlimited
NOK 450
NOK 270
Afternoon departure from Malangen: Malangen - Tromso Airport - Tromso City
16:15-17:45 (17:30 airport)
Unlimited
NOK 450
NOK 270
Evening departure from Tromso: Tromso - Tromso Airport - Malangen
18:20-19:50 (18:35 airport)
Unlimited
NOK 450
NOK 270
Private Transfer Service (per group)
Anytime
1-8
NOK 3,595
N/A
Private Transfer Service (per group)
Anytime
9-15
NOK 4,995
N/A
London Direct Flights: Tromso - Tromso Airport - Malangen
Friday: 19:05-20:35 (19:20 airport)
Unlimited
NOK 550
NOK 330
TEA TIME WITH OUR GUIDE
FAQ
Your will find one of our guides in the lobby of the resort daily from 19.00 ready to answer any questions you may have about the activities, Northern Lights or the local nature. Free coffee and tea are also available here.
CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER?
Sure! The tap water in Norway is among the safest and purest in the world.
WHERE DOES THE WIFI WORK?
The Wi-Fi works in the hotel building as well as the apartments.
ARE THE CABINS PRIVATELY OWNED?
Yes, all the cabins are privately owned and rented out on behalf of Malangen Resort.
WHAT WILDLIFE LIVES IN THE AREA?
CAN WE VISIT THE DOGYARD?
Of course, our dogs are friendly and love attention! Please make sure our guides are present before you enter inside the enclosure.
CAN I RENT SNOWSHOES OR SKIS?
Unfortunately, we do not rent out our equipment as we use the snowshoes and skis for our tours. Guests are welcome to bring their own snowshoes or rent some from Tromsø Outdoor.
CAN I RENT THERMAL SUITS?
The area surrounding Malangen Resort contains an abundance of Arctic animals, such as Arctic hares, red foxes, snow grouse, reindeer, white-tailed eagles and porpoises.
Guests can rent our thermal suits for NOK 150 per day, depending on availability. Please note that we are unable to rent out suits during the Christmas and New Year period due to a high volume of guests on our tours.
WHEN DO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS OCCUR?
CAN I GO FOR A WALK AT NIGHT?
The Northern Lights can occur at any time providing it’s dark and the sky is clear! There is no certain time as this is a natural phenomenon. It’s worth noting that as Malangen Resort is situated right under the Northern Lights Oval, the Northern Lights can appear in any direction and not just to the north, as is the case in places further south.
DO I NEED TO MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS?
We kindly request dinner reservations so that we can anticipate how many guests to serve each evening. Please make your reservation at reception.
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Feel free to explore the lovely nature surrounding our resort. As we care about the safety of our guests, please visit reception to pick up a headtorch and a reflex vest.
IS THERE ANY DANGEROUS WILDLIFE IN THE AREA? No, there are no dangerous wild animals around Malangen.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES?
You can ask any of our staff. We are here to help. We also have tea time with a guide at 19.00 every evening.