This years trip to Norway was an amazing success with reports coming back into us saying that it was the best holiday that they have ever had. View pictures below of our February Trip and testimonials from the guys and girls on the trip!

"Since the moment they plane landed on the snowfilled runway in Kirkenes, I knew that this was going to be a holiday of a lifetime. Norway is an incredible place and is more of a life experience than a holiday. The scenery is breathtaking and the air is really fresh and crisp. The people are some of the nicest people you can encounter in life and make such an wholehearted effort to make you feel welcome and really quickly become friends with you. (Leaving the holiday, I felt like I knew some of the people years) Extreme Ireland did an excellent job of coordinating the holiday while we were over there making the holiday very organised (If your in for a relaxing holiday, this isnt for you, its more of an invigorating one!) which ensured we got to see as much as was possible (which is a lot!) Kirkenes is simply put, Paradise and Rune and his family make you feel very welcome and part of their family almost, during the stay. The huskies are amazing and I personally couldn't get enough of them (so much so, that I hope to return to them this time next year for a month of so) The food is beautiful and reminded us of really good auld homemade Irish pub food a lot of the time but with a Norwegian twist! The Minke whale is a must as is the chocolate fondant in the restaurant. We were lucky enough to catch sight (albeit a glimmer) of the northern lights one of the nights (Id defiantly recommend a tripod to get some really good photos). The Husky Sleighing was a truly awesome experience and something that I have always wanted to do and most definatly do again. The snow mobiling is also an incredible experience with plenty of things to see and the guide we had, Oulf , was extremely friendly, enthusiastic and willing to share the stories of Kirkenes's history over tea and Reindeer heart! (Try it, just to say you did even!) Also, the other people on the tour were really nice and I am still in very close contact with a lot of them. Overall, I would defiantly consider Kirkenes as a destination again and wouldn't hesitate in organising it and other adventures through Extreme Ireland. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life." Derek Casey.

"Hello Keith, Just getting back to you now, had a great time in Norway, Darren did a very good job, kept us organised and kept everyone together, we had a good time in Oslo making the most of our time there, thanks to Darren doing a bit of preparation the night before and giving us options . Up North all went well it was a relaxed location in between the husky run and king crab stuff etc, food was very good and the snow was excellent. Everyone was able to choose their own activity on the free day and that worked out well. I have friends living in southern Norway so I have been there a few times but I wanted to see the north and you could not get more north than Kirkenes, it didnot disppoint and I had a great time." Harry Lester.

Two years ago the Extreme Ireland team took a trip to Kirkenes in a province called Finnmark in the most northerly part of Norway. It is in the middle of the Arctic Circle and very close to the border of Russia. Immediately we all fell in love with this amazing beautiful place. Now Extreme Ireland is offering this once in a lifetime trip to join us on second year of international tours to Norway.

We have all dreamed about what the Arctic Circle is like and now you have your opportunity to experience this first had, meeting with the fantastic and friendly locals.

This is a once in a lifetime trip that you will never forget!

Flying into Kirkenes airport is spectacular. Underneath you for endless miles are a sea of white, snow topped mountains and frozen lakes. On this tour you will get the opportunity to discover this area. You will go on a husky safari, go ice-fishing, go on a king crab safari or visit the snow hotel.

There are optional activities available like "bob sledging", snow shoe walking, hiking, "snow ball war" or day courses in survival in this harsh environment.

Sollia will be our base for this adventure. It is a family owned resort. Rune the musher and guide has worked for Extreme Ireland for the last two years in Ireland. Born and bred in Kirkenes, Rune and his family will treat to some great food and hospitality that you wouldn't get anywhere else. Rune's father is the chef and has over 5 years of experience. In his culinary restaurant you will see exciting local ingredients like salmon, king crab, halibut and reindeer.

Your accommodation will be chalets that have just been built the last couple of years. They all have ensuite rooms, sitting room with open fire. It is a very comfortable location to stay.

Rune, your musher has over 30 Alaskan huskies in kennel. You may get to feed them while there! On your husky safari you can lead your own dog team or be a passenger.

At your accommodation you will be able to relax in the evening with saunas and an outdoor Jacuzzi. There is a seating area with heating elements, fireplace and bar. We will be organising this trip for January, February and March 2011. The itinerary is changed a little from last year. Have a read and be jealous:-)

We will be coinciding the February trip with the Barents Spectakle Festival, a popular festival held there each year. You will be flying direct to Oslo with Norweigean Air and staying in Oslo for 2 nights before making your way up to Kirkenes. We will advise of all flight details and we will provide you with a recommended clothing list prior to your departure. Have a look at our itinerary below. It will follow the same timetable as this years February trip as feedback was terrific about this trip.

Day 1:
You will be flying from Dublin to Oslo Torp this day. You will be picked up from Kirkenes Airport by your Extreme Ireland rep and transferred to your accommodation in Oslo where you will have your welcome dinner. This will be the first time for many to see the capital of Norway so tonight we will be introducing everyone to each other and having a few drinks in the hotel to warm up.

Day 2:
Today will be spent in the city of Oslo. One of Europe's best-kept secrets, magnificent Oslo stands as an exercise in contrasts. On one hand is its growing metropolis of more than half a million people, whose gleaming, glass-and-steel skyline and ultra-modern shopping centers form a fascinating juxtaposition with wide avenues and stunning late 19th- and early 20th-century Neoclassical architecture. On the other hand are Oslo's vast forested areas, public parks, botanical gardens, and network of pathways, which traverse the mountains on which the city was built – a true nature lover's city if ever there was one. There is lots to do in Oslo and your Extreme Ireland guide will fill you in on all the activities that will take place.

Day 3:
This morning we will be taking the plane up to the much anticipated town of Kirkenes in the arctic circle. We will arrive in the afternoon, enough time for a stroll around the town before we arrive at your guesthouse. Marvel at the expanse and beauty and clean air of the region. Its such a wonderful site landing at Kirkenes airport, looking out your window at endless forestry and snow under you. Have a lovely Norwegian dinner tonight with Rune and his family. It will your first time to see the Northern Lights. Have a drink outside at the barbecue area or if you are brave enough, take to the jacuzzi and look at lights bouncing across the sky.

Day 4:
Start off with a traditional Norwegian breakfast in the guesthouse and be ready for your first days Husky Safari. Husky safari starts at the kennel at the guesthouse. You go in mixed terrain through forest, valleys and on frozen lakes. Enjoy the silence of the landscape while going with your own dog team, or are seated comfortably in the sledge as a passenger. Feel the interaction between you and the dogs while being guided safely through the winter borderland. The trip ends with a warm lunch of local raw materials in Gapahuken restaurant. Duration: about 3-4 hours. That evening you will have a sauna and a jacuzzi. The outdoor jacuzzi will leave you breathles

Day 5:
Breakfast followed by your Optional activity - King crab safari NOK 1290,- pr person - Snow mobile safari from NOK 1800,- pr person - Lunch and transportation included in activity For those not attending optional activities there are possibilities for several activities at the guesthouse, i.e. bob sledging, hiking, ice fishing, making camp fire, making snow hut, "snow ball war"… etc. -Three course farewell dinner in Gapahuken restaurant

Tears will be flowing as the group departs for Oslo and back to Dublin. Relationships built and held together by the ice of the North and the romantic northern lights will be tested as they fly back to Dublin! Im sure they will be strong for a long time to come yet. A lot of people that come on our tours remain friends for a long time afterwards. That is the spirit of the tours that we offer.

This is an all inclusive tour except for the one optional extra activity on day 4. You will also be paying for your food on day 2 in Oslo as this is a free day in the city. You will be given the option of going sledging that day and your guide will bring you around the city and talk you through different things to do. If you choose not to do the extra optional activity there are numerous other free activities that your guide will show you around the Guesthouse for the day. From the time you arrive in Dublin airport all your needs will be looked after. All your transportation needs, accommodation, all food and activities are included in the price. The only time you will have to put your hand in your pocket is if you want to buy a drink! Accommodation is on a twin room basis. Each evening you will have a fantastic 3 course dinner. Like all our international tours you will have to arrange the flights. We will let you know the correct flights to be on for the trip. We can offer this trip at the excellent price of €750. You could not get a tour as exciting or as exclusive for better than this!

OPTIONAL activity information – day 3

King Crab Safari

Do you have the courage to face a live King Crab, which can grow to the size of 12 kilos with a two meters span between the toenails? We guarantee you the largest and freshest King Crabs in the world. Join us by scooter or boat depending on the season and watch our diver catch the giant crab, giving you the chance to experience the giant at close range. Eat the delicacy while watching a unique multimedia lecture by the crab specialist, Arctic Adventure Resort.

Duration: 10 am-2 pm Price per person: NOK 1290,-

Snowmobile safari to Barentshavet (ice sea)

Drive a snow scooter over the sea ice and mountain along the Norwegian-Russian border all the way to the Barents Sea. Visit King Oscar II's Chapel.

We serve a light meal on the beach by the Russian border before we return.

The program is subject to change based on the weather and ice conditions.

The guide will provide a short introduction to snow scooter driving and safety prior to departure.

Driving distance approx. 85 km.

Duration: Approx. 5 hours

Price 1 person per snow scooter NOK 2300 Price 2 persons per snow scooter NOK 1800

We will publish our recommended flights to take for this holiday closer to the time

Contact our office staff info@extremeireland.ie or by telephone on +353-1-4100700 or +353-86-4076985 for further details.

Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime.