I visited Tromsø in Norway early January on the hunt to see the Northern Lights. I thought it’s a good idea that I share with you this charming hotel which I stayed in cause honestly I’d be selfish if I didn’t.
What makes it special you asked? Due to its location, you can see the Northern lights from your bedroom window and that was purely the reason why I chose it.
*Please don’t forget that seeing the lights depends on the weather and it is unpredictable.*
Where is it?
Sydspissen Hotel is actually situated by a beach, close to a popular park to the far south of Tromsøya island. It is approximately 45 minutes walk to the city centre – keeping in mind it was in the middle of winter and I don’t walk fast in general especially on icy pavements. However, the locals say it takes 20 minutes!
There are taxis or buses which cost approx £3.50 each way which you can take and there is a big supermarket 10 minutes walk away. They also have a carpark if you are to rent a car at the airport.
It is a charming hotel with friendly staff who were just incredibly welcoming. The lady who greeted us upon arrival could not be more helpful, she gave us a kettle to boil our tea (very English I know) in our room, and made a note to call us if she notices any signs of northern lights that night.
The Rooms
You have a selection of 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, comes with a television, mini fridge, and heating with an ensuite shower room. It wasn’t a massive room but it accommodated us well – I have to say the heating works very well for minus 15 degrees. We had the room that faced the beach which is the best as you can see the lights from here (turn off all the lights in your room) or head outside for a better view.
The Food
Breakfast is served every morning till 10 am, and they serve a variety of breakfast food including gluten free option.
You have cereal and milk, juices, ham, vegetables, pate, loaves of bread, condiments (jam, butter..etc) and cheese with some local delicacies such as caviar (a fish paste in a tube) and fish curry type thing which I honestly cannot recall the name!
Location and the view
The hotel is on the very southern tip so there is little light pollution and it’s very peaceful.
During winter, the sun rises at around 11 am and “sets” at around 2 pm. Behind the hotel going through the trees and a slight downhill path, you will find yourself surrounded by mountains and a tiny rocky beach. It is a residential area, you will frequently see locals jogging or walking their dog.
During the day, take a walk down the path and you will arrive at a viewing point – this was where I was absolutely blown away by the sunrise. The sky was enveloped in red and orange – despite the cold, it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.
Northern Lights
This location is one of the best in the area as it has low light pollution. The hotel provides the latest weather forecast for the day and how clear the sky will be. From my experience, I started to see the lights from the front of the hotel as I walked up to it from the city centre at around 8 pm and it gets stronger later on the night. It is better to see it from the beach behind the hotel as it is darker.
In my opinion, I know this hotel isn’t as fancy as some in the city centre, but what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for it in charm, wonderful hospitality, and location. It has a darn good view during the day and especially during the night in Winter to see the Northern lights. Plus it is affordable which is always a good thing in my books with its advantages I’ve mentioned.
Website: Sydspissen Hotell
If you fancy reading what to do in Tromsø – head over HERE or HERE for tips and food suggestions.
Courtney xx
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p.s: This was not a sponsored post, I just really like the hotel and my stay. All pictures above are all mine.
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