A Captivating Winter Kayaking Vacation Awaits At This Stunning Island In Norway

When it comes to embracing your wild side in Europe, few places are better than Norway. From picture-perfect fjords with captivating nature views to massive frozen forests and snow-covered mountains, Norway is a paradise for adventure-lovers. The Norwegians have a passion for what they call "friluftsliv" (outdoor living), and take every opportunity to get out into the wilderness and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors. And because of this passion, there isn't really a best time of the year to visit Norway, as you can have amazing experiences all year round. Spring and summer are perfect for fjord hikes and waterfall exploration, while autumn and winter bring skiing, snow-shoeing, and incredible Arctic wildlife watching opportunities.

One of the most exciting and adventurous things that Norwegians and tourists love to do in the winter is get out on the water and paddle. Winter kayaking through glittering, crystal-clear water backed by gloriously stark mountains, crags, and cliffs covered in snow is a special experience. One of the most amazing places for a winter kayaking adventure in Norway is the stunning island of Rebbenesøya, in the far north of the country.

Rebbenesøya, or Ruobbá in the Northern Sami dialect, is a small island in Troms County. It's a remote spot, roughly two hours drive from the city of Tromsø on a winding road that clings to the side of the fjords and offers some extraordinary views. The drive ends with a car ferry that operates year-round from Mikkelvik across to Rebbenes on the island. The nearest airport is Tromsø International Airport, which serves several cities in Norway and across Europe.

Kayaking in winter might sound like a mad idea, but, done properly, it's a thrilling, otherworldly experience unlike any other. There's a classic Scandinavian saying that goes "there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes," and this really applies when it comes to paddling through the frozen seas around Rebbenesøya. The key is to dress properly with thermal suits, hats, gloves, and scarves.

The pay-off is truly magical. Kayaking is a serene outdoor activity, with your light craft slipping through the water smoothly and silently, and the gorgeous, washed-out colors of the low Arctic winter light give the scenery an astonishing shimmer. The landscape is spectacular, with rugged mountains rising out of the mist, stunning fjords, dramatic cascades, and frozen glaciers. The temperatures will drop well below freezing, but you'll barely notice wrapped up warm and drinking in the views.

Norway's Right to Roam policy allows visitors to access uncultivated land freely, meaning that the boldest back-country explorers can DIY their Rebbenesøya kayak adventure. But for most travelers, a guided excursion is the best way to do it. Elements Arctic Camp is an excellent choice — an off-grid, eco-conscious glamping site that offers multi-day kayaking excursions with professional guides and all the equipment you need.

The stunning setting of the Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya Protected Area isn't just somewhere to enjoy by boat. It's a gorgeous frozen wilderness that's ideal for rugged exploration and there are plenty of other options for travelers looking to see the best of the Norwegian Arctic. There are great snow-shoeing trails and routes, and crunching through the pristine, silent snow is a magical experience, only made better if you manage to catch sight of some of the delightful wildlife that populate the area, like white-tailed eagles, otters, or seals. It is also an excellent spot to try your hand at cross-country skiing. For birdwatchers, it is worth heading to the bird cliffs at Sørfugløya, which are filled with a dizzying array of species nesting on the rocks and soaring overhead. You'll see gulls, cormorants, and gannets, guillemots and razorbills, and even a few cheeky puffins!

Finally, when you get back to camp and snuggle up to the warmth of a roaring log fire, don't be tempted to call it a night too early. Rebbenesøya is within the Arctic Circle, which means that during the winter, the night sky is often filled with the dazzling, dancing, mysterious light display known as the aurora borealis. With no light pollution, it is one of the top places on Earth to see the Northern Lights in all their glory.