Gjøssøy – Northern Lights adventure on a remote island

The Northern Lights reflected in the sea at Gjøssøy.
Aerial view of Gjøssøy, surrounded by the sea and rugged coastal scenery.
Historic coastal houses surrounded by a snow-covered landscape on Gjøssøy.
Two reindeer in the snow-covered landscape on Gjøssøy.
The sailing boat Ursa Minor travelling through the coastal waters of Northern Norway.
Prices from

10150 NOK

per person

Spend two nights in a historic coastal house on the remote island of Gjøssøy.

General information

This tour is operated by Ursa Minor Adventures.

Spend two nights in a historic coastal house on the remote island of Gjøssøy. This tour is operated by Ursa Minor Adventures.

The journey begins at Tromsø harbour, where you board the sailing boat Ursa Minor for the three- to four-hour voyage to the island. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the northern coast of Kvaløya and the surrounding islands.

Depending on the weather conditions, there may be an opportunity to fish during the boat journey. If you are lucky enough to catch something, the fresh fish may be prepared for dinner.

Gjøssøy lies in the open sea off the coast of Vengsøy. Your accommodation is a 160-year-old coastal house that has belonged to your host’s family for generations. Its remote location and absence of light pollution provide favourable conditions for observing the night sky and, when the weather and solar activity align, the Northern Lights.

During your stay, you can explore the island independently on short or longer walks. You may encounter eagles, seals and reindeer, and a guided visit to two caves on the island is included.

Your hosts take care of the meals and practical arrangements throughout the stay. Breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner are prepared using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Important information:

The coastal house is not a hotel. It has three double rooms and offers a simple, off-grid experience without mains electricity or running water.

Electricity is supplied by solar panels and a battery bank, while water is collected from a local well. A sauna is available for washing and warming up, and guests who wish may take a dip in the North Atlantic.

Minimum age to participate: 6 years

Included:

• Return boat transport from Tromsø harbour
• Two nights in a double room
• Two breakfasts, one packed lunch and two dinners
• Non-alcoholic beverages with the meals
• Sleeping bag liner for the house bedding
• Guided visit to the island’s caves
• Access to the sauna

Please bring:

• Warm, weatherproof clothing suitable for changing coastal conditions
• Comfortable footwear suitable for walking
• Personal toiletries
• A small amount of luggage, as guests and luggage are transferred from the sailing boat to a smaller boat

Number of participants: Minimum 2 – maximum 6 participants

Difficulty: Moderate

Departure time and place:

Departure at 14:00 from Kystens Hus, Stortorget 1, 9008 Tromsø, aboard the sailing boat Ursa Minor.

Return:

Arrival at Tromsø Central Harbour at approximately 12:00.

Duration: 46 hours

Prices from

10150 NOK per person

  • Adult 10150 NOK
  • Children 6-12 years old 9575 NOK

Facilities

  • Family-friendly
  • English
  • German
  • Boat (up to 12 passengers)
  • Afternoon (12:00–16:59)
  • Norwegian
  • Vegetarian options
  • Toilet on board the boat
  • Medium
  • Adventure accommodation
  • Northern lights experience
  • 8+ hours

About Ursa Minor Adventures

Ursa Minor Adventures offers memorable ways to explore the magnificent landscapes of Northern Norway.


We specialise in everything from longer expeditions and shorter guided tours to accommodation surrounded by nature.



Our main base is in Bardu, a municipality known for its vast wilderness. Here, we offer a range of activities and accommodation at Bardu Huskylodge. You can also stay with us on Gjøssøy, a remote island off the coast of Vengsøy, near Tromsø.



With more than 20 years of experience, our small, family-run company has guided guests from around the world through the northern wilderness. We keep our groups small, allowing for close contact between guests and guides and more personal experiences of the region’s nature and culture.


Ursa Minor Adventures
Phone: +47 994 02 728
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://ursa-minor.no
Bonesveien 1186, 9360 Bardu