Nordic Winter Odyssey

Practical information about Scandinavian Hotels

• Hotel rooms in Scandinavia are normally furnished with twin beds, which can be moved together to form a double bed or placed separately. Please note that single rooms are generally smaller than doubles, and are often equipped with a shower instead of a bath. Purpose-built triple or family rooms are likewise unusual in Scandinavian hotels. Whilst it is possible for 3 persons to share a room, this will normally be a double room with an extra bed, with correspondingly less space to move about in.
• It is also unusual to have a porter at hotels to carry your luggage.
• There is free wi-fi in many hotels in Scandinavia.
• Unexpectedly, all forms of Scandinavian accommodation rarely provide tea and coffee facilities in their rooms. If you are lucky, a kettle will be supplied but nothing else. Please ask at reception for some provisions when you arrive or just carry a small selection from home.
• Please also note that in Scandinavia - in particular, during winter - the included lunch will often be a hearty warm soup with bread.
• More remote hotels in Lapland will offer dinner at an additional cost. In some spots, there will be limited choices else where. Generally, you get a very nice home-cooked Scandinavian dinner. However, you may sometimes find only one or two choices only for your main course.
• In Scandinavia, it is normal for washing and laundry facilities to be in the basement. If you are staying in apartment type accommodation, check downstairs or ask for assistance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. Please ensure that you have this organised as we will need to see proof of this upon issuing your tour documentation. Please contact us for a quote or visit http://www.suresave.net.au/

Practical information before your Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Hurtigruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable, as shown in the Hurtigruten brochure and the above detailed itinerary, carrying goods, vehicles and foot passengers between ports, by night and day, as an integral part of Norwegian daily life (some noise may be experienced during docking and loading/unloading). It may very occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail stops due to weather or other conditions. Some stops may be very short and some are at night. As Christmas approaches itineraries may change in order for ships to host dinners and celebrations for local communities. Please ensure you are back onboard by sailing time, especially if the ship has arrived late, as it may leave as scheduled to make up time.

The departure time is advertised at the gangway and vessels are NOT able to wait for passengers who are late. If you miss the ship it is your responsibility to make arrangements to rejoin the voyage at the next possible stop or return home.

Cafe

This is generally available 24 hours a day serving beverages, sandwiches and a small selection of hot and cold dishes. On some departures the catering service at night will be managed by the reception staff.

Cars

If you are travelling by car further information on vehicles and parking at ports is available from Hurtigruten. Access to the vehicle deck is only permitted when the ship is moored.

Credit cards/currency

We accept VISA, American Express, Eurocard, Diners Club and JBC International, plus most currencies.

Cruise card

We recommend that passengers acquire a cruise card to make payments on board. This may be obtained from reception onboard and used to make payments throughout the ship. They accept credit cards or cash as a deposit. You need to get the bill sorted on the last night to be sure it is finalised.

Diets

Special diets, such as vegetarian must be ordered well before departure.

Disabled guests

All ships have lifts and cabins for disabled guests. People with severe disabilities or who are unable to take care of themselves must be accompanied by a carer.

Drinks

The ships are licensed to sell drinks onboard, however please note the price of alcohol in Norway due to heavy taxes. The water package can be included into your voyage at a small extra cost

Electricity

220 V AC 2 pin, and a continental adaptor is required.

Fitness room/sauna

Available on all ships except MS Vesterålen.

Be sure to bring some swimming attire for the jacuzzi!

Internet access

All ships offer internet access via satellite. In most harbours, mobile/cellular networks (3G) are available if bringing your own PC and a mobile access subscription. The wireless coverage varies from ship to ship and will be improved yearly. The passengers have to contact the reception on board for information on how to get access to the internet (free of charge). No internet access in the cabins (except in some suites). Internet cafe (if present), with minimum 2 PCs.

Itinerary

Kystruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set schedule, carrying vehicles, cargo and foot passengers by day and night (some noise may be noticed during docking or loading). Some stops are short and/or are during the night. It may occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail visits due to weather/local conditions, and you will be notified of this.

Laundry

Most ships have laundry facilities with washing machines and tumble dryers. Tokens may be purchased from reception.

Luggage

A daily baggage service is available in Bergen from the airport and selected city-centre hotels to the Hurtigruten terminal. For groups, luggage handling must be agreed with Hurtigruten prior to travel. This in not included in the price of your voyage.

Meals

Meals are served at set times in the restaurant. In high season, times may vary if there are several sittings. A breakfast buffet (open seating) with a wide selection is served 07.30hrs -10.00hrs. A buffet lunch (open seating) with hot and cold dishes and desserts is usually served 12hrs-14.30hrs and a three course set dinner 18.30hrs-21.00hrs. In Bergen a buffet is usually served 18.30hrs-21.30hrs. Exact times are given on board. Tea and coffee facilities are only provided in cabins above U Class. Tea and coffee are available free of charge after lunch and dinner but can be purchased around the clock. Please read our news articles about dining on board Hurtigruten. 

Pets

It is recommended that pets are not brought on long journeys and special rules apply to the transport of animals; contact us for further information. We do however welcome guide dogs on board.

Pharmacy/doctor

As there are only short distances between ports there is neither a doctor nor a pharmacy on board.

Playroom

Most ships have a playroom except MS Midnatsol and MS Trollfjord.

Remember

Do not forget to bring your binoculars, camera and/or a video camera. Take practical, warm and windproof clothing for going out on deck. Smart, but casual clothes are recommended on board. Good comfortable footwear is vital for excursions.

Shop

Souvenirs, knitwear, postcards, DVDs of the journey, stamps and a small supply of toiletries are sold on board.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in cabins or public areas. It is allowed up on the open deck but prohibited at all times when the ships are in port.

Safety regulations

For reasons of safety it may sometimes be necessary to keep cabin ventilators/port-holes obscured.

Sick bay

On all ships except MS Vesterålen and MS Nordstjernen

Telephone and fax

All ships have payphones and a fax machine. There is generally good coverage for mobile phones.

Tour leader

There is a tour leader on board all year round. On some departures this service is managed by reception. External tour leaders (groups) are requested to contact the reception for information on practical details.

Transfer

We can offer transfers in Bergen, Trondheim and Kirkenes.

Valuables

There is a safe in reception. Hurtigruten accept no responsibility for valuables and money kept in cabins.

Wake-up calls

When arriving at night disembarking passengers are woken between half an hour and one hour before arrival.

Weather and climate

Temperatures usually vary between 2°C and -10°C in winter. Summer temperatures in northern Norway vary between 10°C and 30°C depending on latitude.

End of your voyage

On your final morning of your voyage, be sure to take everything with you when you go for breakfast. The ship gets prepared for the next voyage and your rooms will be cleaned promptly. You may be charged for re-entry.

Optional Activities on board your Norwegian Coastal Voyage

You can pre-book your optional excursions with us. However, you can also wait until you are onboard and do it then - however, there is a maximum number and they can book out. It is not possible to pre-book within 2 weeks prior to departure. Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers and weather/local conditions. During quieter months, some excursions may not get the numbers required so please ask us when booking about the minimum numbers needed for each excursion.

Recommended Scandinavian Winter Tour Packing List:

• Warm wind and water proof jacket and trousers large enough to fit thick woollen jumper/clothing underneath
• Rain trousers – waterproof and breathable material
• Warm windproof cap/hat
• Warm gloves or mittens. Mittens where all fingers except the thumb are together are often warmer than gloves.
• Windproof gloves or mittens, which you can pull over the warm gloves
• Warm scarf
• 2 pairs of long woollen underwear (Merino wool in a few different thicknesses is perfect)
• 1-2 warm woollen jumper(s), or one jumper and a warm fleece
• Woollen or fleece trousers
• 2-3 pairs of warm woollen socks
• Warm & sturdy footwear with good grip
• Clothes for indoors, i.e. a shirt, T-shirts and jeans or cotton trousers
• Back pack for day trips (approx. 30 litre)
• Light footwear/trainers (mainly for indoors)
• Sun screen & Lip salve (the sun reflects off the snow and the air is dry)
• Sunglasses
• Hand warmers
• Nordic Grip anti-slip soles for walking on ice
• Personal medication
• Water bottle - thermo, or include a cover to keep warm (or you can stick it into a warm sock)
• Travel documents (including insurance)
• Photo ID
• Note book and pencil
• Camera, memory cards and charger
• Chargers for other gadgets
• Extra batteries for your cameras as they are used fast in cold conditions.
• Adapters

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS AT THE ICEHOTEL

At 50 Degrees North, we generally include at least one of our favourite activities into your tailor-made itinerary but there will also be extra time when you could add something extra. There are lots of different optional excursions to enjoy during your stay at the ICEHOTEL. Now that it is open 365 days a year, the range is even wider.

During the summer months, enjoy the 24-hour daylight with kayaking, hiking or bike riding. You can rent your own equipment for half or whole day adventures.

An indication of what can be rented during your ICEHOTEL 365 stay:

• Canoe: Whole day SEK 395 Half day SEK 295
• XC BIKES (Cross Country bikes): Whole day SEK 395 Half day SEK 295
• SUP (Stand Up Paddle): Whole day SEK 395 Half day SEK 295
• Fishing equipment: Whole day SEK 295 incl. fishing permit

During summer, autumn & spring, optional activities include:

• Meet the Reindeer
• Challenge Park
• Wilderness Skills
• Wilderness Dinner
• Jukkasjärvi Sauna ritual
• Fishing adventures
• Expedition Flow of the Iron ore
• River rafting

During winter, optional activities include:

• Ice sculpturing
• Reindeer sledding
• Snow mobile adventures
• Dog sledding
• Saunas
• Northern Lights photography
• Horseback moose safari
• Cross country skiing
• Wilderness Skills
• Northern Lights by horseback
• Jukkasjärvi Sauna ritual including ICE PLUNGE - do you dare?

Prices and validity dates vary - we will assist you with up to date information at the time of booking.

ICEHOTEL OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES CONDITIONS:

The tours always include top quality equipment and our guides are trained in wilderness safety and touring in Arctic climate. Your tour begins with an introduction and safety demonstration by the guide. All outdoor activities are weather dependent and may be cancelled or replaced by more suitable alternatives should the conditions not permit to run the tour as planned. The snow depth at the beginning and end of the season determines start and finish dates for activities.

All tours start and finish at ICEHOTEL Meeting Point, Jukkasjärvi. Please note that there must be a minimum of two adults per tour, as it will otherwise be cancelled.

We also recommend you calculate for some “warm time” between activities, for you to go inside for a couple of hours, change clothing if necessary and re-heat.

Never shower, wash your face or put on water-based creams or make-up before going out on an excursion as this means you remove the skin’s natural protective layer of oil and you are more exposed to the cold.

ICEHOTEL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

The activities start and finish at ICEHOTEL meeting point so no transfers to/from the activity are necessary. Our snowmobiles are purchased from contractors who are leading in environmental sustainability. The machines have four stroke engines that are environmentally friendly and not very noisy so good for our guides and our neighbours too. All vehicles are run on unleaded petrol or environmentally friendly diesel. ICEHOTEL staff or our suppliers prepare and maintains the snowmobile and dog sledding tracks so that we can ensure that it is done in a way that is not harmful for our surroundings. ICEHOTEL management works closely with local land-owners and Sámi villages to continuously maintain sustainable levels of land-use in connection with our activities. ICEHOTEL seeks to work with local suppliers of food in order to minimise our carbon footprint and promote local entrepreneurs. ICEHOTEL strives to avoid using disposable items where possible.

We recycle and re-use as much as possible and our guides always bring back wastage from the tours to dispose or recycle at the main hotel facilities. ICEHOTEL has set out a goal to become CO2 negative, which means that we will contribute to producing more energy than we consume.

SAFETY & INSURANCE INFORMATION

All our guides are trained and hold the Swedish Transport Board’s permission to work as a snowmobile guide. All snowmobile tours begin with an induction to the vehicle that you will be driving. Should a damage occur during a tour, the snowmobile will be inspected and if necessary taken out of service to be repaired until it can run on tour again. In order to drive a snowmobile on a tour operated by ICEHOTEL, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a driver’s license. If your license has been issued before Jan 1, 2000, you are entitled to drive snowmobile on your own or in connection with a guided tour.

If your license was issued after this date, you are only eligible to drive a snowmobile under the supervision of a certified guide. To attend Ice driving as a driver, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a driver’s license that is valid in Sweden. If you are unsure, please check with our Destination Specialists.  Alcohol must not be consumed prior to or in connection with a
snowmobile or ice driving activity. A breath alcohol test may be carried out prior to the tour and ICEHOTEL reserves the right to refuse your participation without refund if levels are found to be too high. All our guides are trained in wilderness safety and to prevent associated dangers such as frost bite. First aid and other health and safety equipment are always brought on the tour and our health and safety policies are developed in collaboration with the local emergency services. ICEHOTEL provides necessary safety equipment for our activities, e.g. helmets for the snowmobile and ráidu tours. Crossing frozen rivers is always done by ICEHOTEL snowmobile guides before customers in order to check the resilience of the ice. Despite this, accidents may still occur.

Booking an optional tour:

We recommend that you book your activities at least three weeks prior to your stay, to ensure that there is space for you on the excursions that you are interested in.

Practical budgeting information before your departure to Norway:

Budget surprises:

Norway has a few items that typically surprise travellers when visiting Norway for the first time. Alcohol and luxury items are heavily taxed and therefore prices are higher than you would expect. On the other hand, necessities such as bread and milk, are taxed low and therefore are great value.

Alcohol import allowance into Norway:

We recommend that you bring all the alcohol you’re allowed to bring into the country when you arrive. There are many lovely parks and balconies where you can enjoy your duty free. However, be sure not to bring more than you’re allowed!

As of May 2014, the allowances according to Visit Norway are:

Alcoholic beverages:
Minimum age: 18/ 20*

1 litre of beverages with more than 22% up to and including 60% alcohol per volume as well as 1½ litre with more than 2.5% up to and including 22% alcohol per volume or three litres with more than 2.5% up to and including 22% alcohol per volume
and
2 litres of beer with more than 2.5 % or other beverages with more than 2.5% up to and including 4.7% alcohol per volume.
This means that you may for example bring with you five litres of beer provided you do not have any other alcoholic beverages with you.

*For importing alcoholic beverages with more than 22% alcohol per volume the minimum age is 20.

It’s illegal to bring extra alcohol into Norway and can end up costing you. Another thing you should bring and not buy in Norway is razor blades. Good razor blades in Norway are expensive.