Family Travel through Norway's Arctic Circle
For writer and professor Claire Lynch, her wife, Bethan, and their three children—twin seven-year-olds and a four-year-old—a snowy adventure in Tromsø, Norway, was the ultimate test of what kind of travel their family could really handle. They weren't interested in the typical santa-in-Lapland vacation, Claire, who recently published her debut novel 'A Family Matter,' says: 'We wanted something real. Something beautiful and a bit adventurous, but also manageable with small children.'
Writer Claire Lynch, wife Bethan, and their three children—twin seven-year-olds and a four-year-old.
Claire Lynch
What they got: six wintry days in the Arctic Circle that combined snow play, reindeer encounters, Northern Lights boat tours, and museums with hot chocolate cafés and board games. There were surprises, detours, and even a lightning strike on the plane—but the trip delivered something more than just a postcard-perfect holiday. It gave them proof that travel with young kids doesn't have to be limited to theme parks or short-haul escapes.
Snow covered Tromso during the polar night.
Getty
Why they chose Tromsø
The family was looking for something beyond their usual European beach or city holidays—something that felt like an adventure without being overwhelming. 'The kids had never seen proper snow,' Claire explains. 'Just the kind that melts before you've even found your rain boots. We wanted to show them something entirely new.'
The trip was timed to the February school holidays, and planning was extensive—though Claire credits Bethan with handling the details. 'She did all the research … seeing that other families had pulled it off gave us the confidence to try it.'
They booked the Scandinavian Ishavshotel hotel in Tromsø's city center with half-board included, meaning breakfast and dinner were always sorted. 'When you've been out all day in the cold, not having to figure out meals with three kids is such a relief,' Claire says. 'That setup really worked for us.'
Balancing adventure and downtime
The family took a deliberate approach to balancing bold outings with moments of recovery. Their itinerary included snowy outdoor experiences, such as feeding reindeer, sledding, and searching for the Northern Lights, as well as indoor stops like a children's science museum, an observatory, and a polar explorer exhibit.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
As Europe's free-travel zone turns 40, is Schengen under threat?
On June 14, 1985, government representatives from Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands gathered on a boat in a small Luxembourg village. The symbolic location – on the Moselle River at the point where France, Luxembourg, and Germany meet – was the town of Schengen. It was there, 40 years ago, that the Schengen Agreement was signed. The deal aimed to gradually eliminate border checks between member states, paving the way for the free movement of people. It was fully implemented in 1995, creating a passport-free travel zone across much of Europe. Today, the Schengen area is made up of 29 countries: 25 EU members plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus are the only two EU members not signed up. The former has not joined as it has a common travel area with the United Kingdom and it would create border headaches, while the latter is currently in the process of joining. Other countries want to enter the club, such as Albania, which has growing economic, political, and security cooperation with Schengen countries and has benefited from visa-free travel since 2010. Often described as a cornerstone of European integration, Schengen enjoys strong public support. In a Eurobarometer poll from October, 72% of respondents identified it as one of the European Union's most important achievements. The economic benefits of Schengen Romania and Bulgaria's full accession to the Schengen club in January - after years of delay - underscores why. The full removal of border checks has ushered in noticeable economic benefits. The move has boosted Romania's appeal to foreign investors, according to Finance Minister Tánczos Barna. The elimination of border controls has simplified logistics, cut waiting times and reduced costs, making Romania more competitive across European markets. In Bulgaria, then-premier Nikolay Denkov called the milestone "the greatest success of Bulgarian diplomacy" since joining the EU in 2007. Dimitar Dimitrov, of the Chamber of Bulgarian Road Hauliers, said border delays with Romania had previously cost the sector around €300 million ($345 million) annually, with an average waiting time of 10 to 15 hours. Likewise in Croatia, which joined in 2023, Schengen membership enjoys near-universal support. The abolition of border controls is extremely important for Croatia as a tourist destination, given that many come by car. Since joining Schengen, kilometre-long queues at the border crossings with Slovenia and Hungary in the summer months have disappeared. Is the Schengen area being eroded? Despite its many benefits, the Schengen area has faced challenges too, particularly in the last decade. Several countries have reintroduced border controls, usually in a bid to curb migration and terrorism. Since such spot checks don't target every car crossing the border, many travellers experience little to no disruption - unlike during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many countries closed their borders almost entirely at times. In response to the terrorist attacks of November 2015, France reinstated spot checks at its land, sea and air borders with other Schengen members. It has renewed the scheme every six months since then, most recently for the period through October 2025. In 2015, Austria also introduced temporary border checks with Slovenia and Hungary in response to high levels of migration, but these have been repeatedly extended, causing difficulties for cross-border businesses and travellers. In October 2023, Slovenia imposed checks at its borders with Hungary and Croatia. Previously, Italy had reinstated border controls with Slovenia due to increased migration flows along the so-called Balkan route and national security concerns. Reimposing controls The European Commission says temporary border checks are allowed "in the event of a serious threat to public policy or internal security" but that they must be applied as a last resort measure, in exceptional situations. Countries can introduce the checks if they provide a valid justification and they can be extended every six months, usually up to two years. The justification then has to be changed for border checks to remain in place. Currently Slovenia, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Bulgaria and Italy have temporarily reintroduced border controls to some extent. Germany's new government has increased border patrols since it took office last month, to the frustration of some neighbouring countries. "We must avoid creating borders in people's minds again. Schengen must live on," Luxembourg Interior Minister Léon Gloden said in a meeting with his German counterpart Alexander Dobrindt at the end of May. The mayor of Strasbourg and her counterpart across the Rhine river in the German town of Kehl have complained about the ramped-up border checks between them, in a protest letter to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The mayors say this is hurting daily life and causing fewer Strasbourg shoppers to visit Kehl. Over the past ten years, Germany has gradually reintroduced temporary checks along all of its land borders in a bid to reduce irregular migration. But the new government which took office on May 6 has since intensified the checks, as well as allowing border guards to reject those looking to claim asylum. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has also criticised the move, which has seen thousands of migrants sent back across the border from Germany. He threatened on Wednesday to introduce temporary border controls with Germany, should the pressure on border regions persist. Some countries avoid border checks Several Schengen countries have resisted the trend among their neighbours to reimpose border controls. Belgium has rarely tightened its border rules, only doing so temporarily during the pandemic in 2021. That's telling, considering that Belgium, like its neighbours, has come under pressure from migration and security incidents, such as the 2016 terror attacks in Brussels. Whenever neighbouring France, Germany or the Netherlands have reintroduced border controls, Belgium has defended the free movement of goods and tried to make sure trade was not overly disrupted. Likewise, Portugal has not reinstated border controls, except for some major events like the pope's 2010 visit to Lisbon and the pandemic. Portuguese public opinion has remained largely supportive of Schengen membership, viewing it as a symbol of European integration and freedom of movement, despite growing awareness of the associated security and migration control challenges. Schengen museum The changing attitude of some countries towards the Schengen area has been noticed by the curator of a museum dedicated to it, in the Luxembourg town where it all began. Following renovations, the museum will be reopened on Saturday as part of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary. Much has changed since the museum first opened in 2010, said its director Martina Kneip. "Back then, open borders were actually celebrated," she said. With Covid-19 and the refugee crisis, the sudden cry was: "Schengen is dead and no one wants it anymore, it's to blame for everything." The museum wanted to respond to this change in perception – one reason for the renovations. In the museum, everyone can see for themselves "how valuable and meaningful the idea of Schengen is," said Schengen mayor Michel Gloden. "We have succeeded in dismantling the borders between countries and the borders in people's minds must never be allowed to reappear." The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, Agerpres, ANSA, ATA, Belga, BTA, dpa, EFE, HINA, LUSA, STA and PAP as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
Northern Lights Update: 10 States Could See Aurora Borealis Friday
Intermittent geomagnetic storming may produce strong northern lights displays this week, and nearly a dozen states may have the chance to see aurora borealis Friday night, according to the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast. The northern lights may be visible in some states Friday night. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via ... More Getty Images) Friday night's northern lights forecast has a Kp index of 4, measured on a scale of 0 to 9, indicating 'more auroral activity' that can be 'quite pleasing to look at.' NOAA issued a geomagnetic storm warning early Friday, projecting a G2 level storm, indicating moderate strength, noting the storm could pull the northern lights southward as far as northern New York. The stormy conditions are expected to continue this week: NOAA issued a storm watch for Saturday, projecting a 'coronal hole high speed stream'—meaning solar wind may escape the sun and travel toward Earth, likely producing a moderate geomagnetic storm. Saturday night's preliminary northern lights forecast looks as strong as Friday night's forecast, according to NOAA, with a Kp index of 4 and about 10 states included within the view line. Alaskans and Canadians have the best chance of viewing the northern lights Friday night, according to NOAA's forecast. Other states with strong chances include Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. States included along the aurora's view line, its southern boundary of visibility projected by NOAA, include Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine. Friday night's northern lights forecast. The lights are brightest from about 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time, NOAA says. The agency recommends finding a high vantage point, traveling as far north as possible and avoiding light pollution to get the best view. Travel photographers told National Geographic the best way to capture the lights is by using a tripod for stability, a lower shutter speed, a wide-angle lens and night mode, if using an iPhone. The northern lights have made frequent appearances in American skies over the past year because the sun is in its 'solar maximum,' the period in its 11-year cycle during which it is most active, producing more geomagnetic storms. This solar maximum has been especially active: NASA estimated northern lights activity in 2024 reached a 500-year peak, and scientists expect strong aurora activity to continue throughout this year before declining later in the decade. Some recent solar flares and geomagnetic storms have been especially notable, including a series of solar flares in May 2024 that triggered severe geomagnetic storms, producing northern lights displays as far south as Florida. Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here's Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025 (Forbes)
Business Insider
4 hours ago
- Business Insider
After riding dozens of trains across America, Europe, and Asia, there's one that has wowed me the most
I've gone on many train rides throughout the world, from American Amtrak rides to Eurostar trips. Recently, I journeyed from Northern Italy through the Swiss Alps on a UNESCO World Heritage route. The Alpine Bernina Express won me over as I rolled past soaring mountains and frozen glaciers. I'm a train enthusiast who's traveled on dozens of routes worldwide. After all, there's nothing like a laid-back method of transportation with scenic views. I've embarked on long and short trips down both of America's coasts on Amtrak, zipped between iconic European cities on the Eurostar and ItaliaRail, and sped along at almost 200 miles per hour on Japanese bullet trains. Although I've already enjoyed some of the best-known and majestic train routes, the Alpine Bernina Express has topped my bucket list for years. This UNESCO World Heritage train route travels from Northern Italy through the Swiss Alps and is filled with breathtaking views. On a recent vacation to Europe, I finally got to experience it for myself. Here's what made it so special — and why it's my favorite train ride to date. This route travels along some of the steepest tracks in the world. Crossing through the Alps requires taking the high road or, in the case of the Bernina Line, the high tracks. As such, the route is a gentle roller coaster ride up, down, and through steep, elevated passes, offering a more laid-back way to explore this dramatic scenery. The Bernina Express begins in the Italian town of Tirano and rolls through romantic Swiss landscapes. I started my ride at the southernmost end of the route and quickly passed into Switzerland. As my trip was in late November, I was almost immediately greeted with glimmering snow-covered landscapes and some of the most stunning Alpine vistas imaginable. My 2 ½ hour journey to St. Moritz, Switzerland, took me through tunnels and over bridges. Ascending into Switzerland, I passed through the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct — a marvel of engineering where the train loops around itself to navigate steep terrain. The entire four-hour Bernina route passes over 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels. I did only a portion of this journey, so I missed some of these marvels, but the many I did see were seriously impressive. Chugging past snowcapped Alpine mountains, frozen glaciers, and dramatic gorges took my breath away. Climbing high into the mountains allowed me to soak up epic views I'd never be able to see otherwise. The craggy landscapes and glacier-filled backdrop had me constantly pulling out my camera. My favorite part of the journey was crossing the Bernina Pass, which reaches an altitude of over 7,000 feet and provides an awe-inspiring look at Lago Bianco and the Morteratsch Glacier. Large picture windows allowed me to truly soak up the idyllic scenery. Unfortunately, I couldn't secure first-class seats, which have massive panoramic windows. However, my view from the "cheap seats" didn't disappoint. The windows here were large and could be opened for a better look at the scenery outside. The views were so picturesque, in fact, that I didn't even mind the chill rushing in through the open panes. My constant rush back and forth between sides of the train kept me warm as I took in the sight of mountains and lakes rushing by on both my left and right. My destination was St. Moritz, Switzerland, which was also stunning. This Alpine crossing is my new favorite rail journey to date — and experiencing it in winter made it even more magical. Exploring the Alps on the Bernina Express was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime journey, but I'm already plotting a return trip. The scenery was mesmerizing, and the time passed so quickly that I'm eager to take another journey on this practically perfect route. Although trains are meant to just get you from one place to another, this ride has quickly become one of my most beloved vacation experiences.
