Your gateway to unforgettable arctic adventures

Aleksi is our Finnish guy, who lived most of his life near Turku (in southern Finland).

After eight years in a long-distance relationship with his Norwegian girlfriend, he finally decided to move in together with her in Tromsø. He then started working in the industry, which he’s been passionate about since graduating from high school. Aleksi is interested in a wide variety of historical and scientific topics, from palaeontology and medieval history all the way to the latest news in space exploration. He likes to spend his free time reading books and playing video games, especially those with sci-fi and fantasy themes.

As a Finn, sauna and ice bathing are very dear to him! Aleksi also wishes to be involved in creating a sustainable Nordic tourism system to preserve the Nordic way of life, nature and destinations for the years to come.

Languages: English & Finnish

Anna, a proud native of Tipperary in southern Ireland, was taken from the Emerald Isle to the Arctic Circle, where she now works in de Booking Department. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and New Media from the University of Limerick, her professional experience includes working as a radio news anchor for major Irish stations, showcasing her talent for communication and public engagement. Anna’s thirst for knowledge and adventure led her to New York City, where she studied TV production at SUNY New Paltz. This experience not only honed her skills but also fueled her passion for travel and cultural exploration. An avid traveler, Anna has explored most of Europe, Canada, the USA, and Australia, visiting 20 countries to date. Anna’s goal is to visit as many countries as possible in her lifetime, documenting her adventures through her writing. Anna maintains an active lifestyle. She enjoys various forms of exercise, including pilates, yoga, hiking, and running. Her love for the outdoors aligns perfectly with Norway’s emphasis on nature and personal well-being, making Tromsø an ideal location for her current chapter. Anna’s decision to work in Tromsø was inspired by her previous visits to Norway, a country she has grown to love.

Originally from Belgium, Antoine started showing an interest in languages and cultures at a young age, which ultimately led him to the USA, where he got his high school diploma. It was only after going to an open day at university that he was introduced to Scandinavia. Intrigued, he signed up at the Faculty of Translation and started learning Danish. While on exchange in Denmark, he took the opportunity to spend a few days in Norway. This short trip turned out to be a revelation: the raw nature, rich culture and, above all else, the colourful dialects spoke to him. Antoine then moved back to Belgium, where he completed a master’s in translation, now focusing on Norwegian. After completing his studies, he worked from home in B2B logistics for Nordic companies before ultimately moving to Tromsø. In his free time, he loves hiking, watching Formula 1 and watchmaking.

Languages: English, French, Danish & Norwegian

The best way to stay healthy is to take a nice morning early swim, just ask Bente! She is great at dealing with people, which is why she takes care of all our employees and our well-being. Norwegian, extremely kind, patient, and good at managing people, you will find her at the office constantly being followed by her 4-year-old little dog Balder.

Languages: English & Norwegian

Hold onto your sushi rolls, folks! Meet Carolina, our Portuguese Marketing Manager, who moves between Tromsø and Portugal, as a constant adventure-junkie. When she’s not busy cooking up Best Arctic’s marketing strategy, Carolina is probably eating (an incredible amount of…) sushi, trying new Asian recipes, listening to Queen or watching Harry Potter for the 19356 time. She is probably the only person on Earth who could eat Chinese ramen and sushi every day! In her spare time, she lures unsuspecting friends into her home with promises of home-cooked feasts. Little do they know, they’re in for a night party and a full belly! She loves to cook as much as she loves travelling the world. Warning: Side effects may include uncontrollable giggles, food comas, and a sudden urge to book a flight to Portugal… or maybe Norway? So, if you ever spot a whirlwind of high laughter, congratulations! You’ve just encountered Carolina in her natural habitat. Approach with caution and a good sense of humor!

Languages: English, Norwegian, Portuguese & Spanish

Claudia, a Swiss native with a degree in Tourism, is a passionate traveler and outdoor enthusiast who has found her calling in the breathtaking landscapes of Norway. For the past two and a half years, she has been immersing herself in the world of whale safaris in Andenes, Northern Norway. Recently, seeking a new challenge and a more vibrant environment, Claudia made the move to Tromsø in September, where she is now part of the booking department at Best Arctic. Claudia’s travels are characterized by a desire to explore off the beaten path, as evidenced by her impressive five-month cycling journey around Australia and visits to remote locations like Easter Island and São Tomé. An avid diver, she relishes the opportunity to explore underwater worlds in these unique destinations. Claudia’s global perspective has been shaped by an around-the-world trip, which allowed her to immerse herself in diverse cultures and forge lasting friendships. She maintains connections with friends in Japan, Australia, and the United States, often visiting them to further enrich her international experiences. When not working or traveling, Claudia indulges in her love for the outdoors. She enjoys hiking in the mountains, cross-country skiing (with a preference for skating style), and camping. A true food enthusiast, she takes pleasure in campfire cooking and, true to her Swiss roots, is always eager to savor a great cheese dish. Yoga and knitting are among her newer interests, reflecting her desire for both physical and creative pursuits. Despite her extensive travels, Claudia still has destinations on her bucket list, with a road trip through Oregon and Washington State topping the list. In Tromsø, Claudia is excited to embrace new challenges, including learning classic cross-country skiing techniques!

Languages: English, German & Norwegian

Einar is an authentic “tromsøværing”, raised in the arctic capital. He studied Marine Business Management at Norway’s Fisheries College (bachelor’s degree) and, in 2008, he moved to London for his master’s in Finance from Bayes Business School. In 2019 Einar returned to his roots in Tromsø with his family after a “little detour” in Oslo. Prior to joining Best Arctic, Einar worked 10 years within the recycling industry and 3.5 years in management consulting. He has two sons and enjoys going on cabin trips with friends and family, gathering around a bonfire, and being outdoors. Skiing and exercising at the gym are also how he enjoys his free time.

Languages: English & Norwegian

Full of energy and extremely active, Emma came from Belgium for the stunning nature, and, eventually, love made her stay. She started as a guide, and that precious knowledge brought her into the office, to create, develop and sell the best activities, tours and packages for you! Extremely sporty and outdoorsy, Emma loves to go hiking, skiing, playing volleyball and she also learning new skills on the gardening world!

Languages: English & Dutch

One of the founders of Bussring and Best Arctic, Henry was born in Nordreisa (Troms county), and has been working in the travel industry since 1993! He is now working as a business developer, checking new business possibilities and opportunities! Henry enjoys swimming, playing volleyball during his free time, but especially cooking (we heard he is a master of moose stew!). He recharges his energies by spending time with his family and friends and his dream is to spend more time out, in the wilderness, in contact with nature, fishing, and hunting.

Languages: English & Norwegian

Originally from Karasjok (550 km northeast of Tromsø), Ken-Even grew up in a reindeer-herding Sámi family. He moved to Tromsø in 2010 to fulfill his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Administration and has been working in the company since 2019. During his free time, he enjoys relaxing, chilling and he is a big gamer of World of Warcraft!

Languages: English, Norwegian & Sámi

Margot, is part of our fantastic booking team. She discovered her true calling through an unexpected journey: after obtaining a master’s degree in project management, a challenging experience led her to volunteer in Iceland, where she fell in love with tour guiding. Drawn to Nordic culture, Margot eventually settled in Tromsø, captivated by its vibrant yet intimate atmosphere and proximity to nature. Margot appreciates the city’s safety, slower pace of life, and respect for people and nature. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, yoga, running, hiking, and playing board games. While she misses her family, friends, and pets back home — not to mention the delicious French cheese and cuisine — Margot has embraced the Norwegian lifestyle.

Languages: English & Norwegian

Maria isn’t just our AI customer service team member – she’s a spirited, 28-year-old from Belgium, with a passion for all things Arctic. Since January 2025, she has made her home in Tromsø. She adores the magical northern lights and never tires of sharing the latest news, events, and happenings from Tromsø and the surrounding region.

Deeply curious about Arctic tourism, Maria is always exploring new ways to make your journey to the North unforgettable. She’s the friendly face you’ll see in our newsletters and chat, keeping you connected to the wonders of the Arctic no matter where you are.

You can ask Maria anything – from what you should do in Tromsø during the month of October, to the best time to see the aurora. And if she ever comes across a question she doesn’t have the answer to, she’ll happily check in with her human colleagues in our customer service department to make sure you get the right information.

For Maria, helping our guests is more than a task – it’s part of her Arctic adventure.

Languages: She speaks yours for sure!

Living in Norway since 2015, Paolo traded the warm island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean for the cold Northern Lights nights and the never-ending Midnight Sun summer nights of the Arctic. He is a landscape architect, specialising in the Arctic and extreme environments. He is a fan of bushcraft. The cold doesn’t scare him, and he loves challenging himself in different ways and survival situations! Paolo is a very active person. He started as a surfer and skateboarder when he was a child back home, and nowadays in Norway he loves being outdoors, close to nature, hiking, biking, fly fishing and snowboarding. Other than sports, he enjoys sciences, cultures, languages, philosophy, art history, painting and music. With years of experience in photography, he started as a Northern Light tour guide and is now coordinating our guides team.

Languages: Italian & English

Born in Lyngen (Furuflaten) but living in Tromsø, Roger is also an international guy, having lived in the Canary Islands and 18 years in the UK (Northumberland and West Yorkshire). He has a calm and dreamy personality, which explains his interest in astronomy. He is also a big fan of classic music, photography and has a big passion for fishing on his little boat in Lyngen! He has been working for our company since 2014 and has a background in Tourism, Economy, and Administration, working with Booking activities (mainly for Tour Operators and travel agents). His life dream is to join a conservation project of nature/wildlife somewhere in the world when he retires!

Languages: English & Norwegian

Rolf Gunnar, our operations manager, is a Tromsøværing (native of Tromsø). He has so many years of professional experience that he could retire very soon: he started working when he was 6 years old, helping his grandparents sell newspapers, hot dogs and sweets at their kiosk. Amazed by the fact that so many people travel to Northern Norway to see what he sees so frequently (The Northern Lights), he found our company many years ago, where he worked as a tour bus driver. He fell in love with the tourism industry and is now part of the office staff! His interests include traveling (he says he’s been in Turkey more than 20 times!), photography, mountain biking, and, like a good Norwegian, downhill skiing and ski touring! He has also been a football coach for more than 15 years. Rolf Gunnar has two grown-up children and usually refers to his girlfriend as “his better half”. .

Languages: English & Norwegian

With a bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Suhail’s passion for the travel industry is undeniable. Born and raised in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, one of the sunniest regions in Europe, his journey to the Arctic was an unplanned adventure. Drawn by the northern lights and the magic of the Arctic landscapes, what was meant to be a temporary stay turned into a long-term love affair with Tromsø. Now, instead of counting the days, Suhail is counting the years he’s spent embracing the beauty of the region. In his free time, Suhail enjoys baking, running, and finding solitude in the mountains, where he can connect with nature. If anyone is willing to give him Norwegian lessons, he’s happy to pay with as many pastries as they can eat!

Languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese & Italian

Tromsøværing (from Tromsø), Trond-Arne has a background in IT and built over 25 years of experience managing IT businesses. He is a professional and trained project manager and has over the years managed quite a few large business development and implementation projects in various organizations. He started in Bussring in 2016, as a part-time driver (coming from a family of driving instructors) and he is now our Chief Executive Officer. During his free time (especially Friday evenings, we heard!) he enjoys driving to his hytte (a traditional Norwegian holiday cottage) and relax there, contemplating the beautiful landscapes of Malangen, as well as cooking, skiing, biking and building things (he is a true handyman)!

Languages: English & Norwegian

Anastasia, a vibrant 24-year-old girl from Romania, is one of our Northern Lights guide. Her journey began two years ago when she earned a scholarship to complete her master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Norway. After graduating, Anastasia’s adventurous spirit led her to work as a tour guide in Senja before settling in Tromsø. Passionate about education and cultural exchange, Anastasia combines her love for teaching with her current role as a tour guide. She conducts Northern Lights tours, city tours, and occasionally works in museums, sharing her knowledge about Norway’s culture and natural wonders. She is a multifaceted individual with a creative soul. She enjoys painting landscapes, cooking Romanian cuisine, and crafting handmade items. An avid traveler and language enthusiast, she values the wisdom gained from exploring different cultures. Her interests extend to philosophy, particularly topics of morality and freedom. A night owl by nature, Anastasia finds her nocturnal tendencies perfectly suited to her Northern Lights guiding. She has a diverse taste in music, ranging from electronic and underground genres to classical and folk. Anastasia approaches life with a “carpe diem” attitude, constantly working on self-improvement and embracing new experiences.

Languages: English & Romanian

Douae, a 24-year-old Moroccan, is one of our dedicated northern light guides at Best Arctic, in Tromsø. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in linguistics with a focus on English acquisition and multilingualism, she chose Tromsø for its renowned linguistics program and stark contrast to her homeland. Her diverse background includes working with Doctors Without Borders and as a bartender at Magic Ice Bar, also in Tromsø. Guiding northern lights tours allows Douae to gain new experiences, expand her network, and grow personally. She appreciates Tromsø’s safety, natural beauty, and calm pace of life, though she admits the icy conditions can be challenging. An accomplished writer, Douae is eagerly anticipating the publication of her book next year. Her unique talents include making delicious brownies and singing in ancient Egyptian and Sumerian. Despite her love for Tromsø, Douae misses her family, her beloved cat, and the sunny days in Morocco. She fondly remembers picking flowers with her grandmother and enjoying mint tea-flavored conversations while immersed in poetry.

Languages: English, French & Arabic

This ragazzo comes directly from Milan, escaping to Tromsø to “get a bit of fresh air”. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Milan and he is a passionate photographer, with a special interest for landscape photography. The first time he was in Tromsø was during his Erasmus exchange, during his bachelor’s degree, when he started photographing the Northern Lights. He loved this place so much that he decided to move here for his master’s degree in computer science and started working as a guide (he has been a guide at Best Arctic since 2015!). Enrico is now doing his PhD in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. But don’t get a nerdy impression of him! He’s very social, extrovert and keen on both outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, as well as indoor ones such as tennis and karate (he’s got a black belt, so don’t mess with him!).

Languages: Italian & English

Fabian, one of our incredible Northern Lights guide in Tromsø, combines his passion for the outdoors with his people skills. After completing his master’s in linguistics in 2024, he traded big city life in Germany for the natural beauty of Norway. With experience in outdoor retail and guiding since 2016, Fabian embraces both winter’s skiing season and summer’s hiking trails. He’s active with the local DNT and finds peace in photography and reading by the fire. His global experiences, including stints in New Zealand and Canada, enrich his perspective. While adjusting to Norway’s social climate, Fabian revels in Arctic nature’s offerings, from fishing to foraging, always in awe of the mesmerizing aurora.

Languages: English, German & Norwegian

Meet Juan, our Spanish addition to the team! Natural from Pamplona, Spain, he has a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Environmental Sciences, having discovered Tromsø during his Erasmus program. He is now studying Marine Biology with a specialization in Arctic Marine Ecology, as his Master’s degree. His professional journey revolves around scientific research, where he strives to make a mark. During his spare time, he indulges in amateur nature photography and is a licensed scuba diver. His passion for nature extends to hiking and exploring breathtaking landscapes worldwide. Notable trips throughout his life include venturing to the sea ice in Greenland, the Amazon Basin, the Andes in Ecuador, the wonders of Costa Rica, and the stunning Yosemite National Park. Currently, in Tromsø, he finds solace in this magical place, contemplating his next steps towards a better world for future generations to relish.

Languages: English & Spanish

Macarena, a Chilean-German medical professional, was born in Viña del Mar, Chile. In 2016, she moved to Munich, Germany, where she specialized in Dermatology and Sexual Health, building upon her medical education from Chile. Her passion for holistic well-being led her to become a certified Yoga teacher, graduating from the Sama Yoga School in Sweden. Drawn by the allure of the Northern Lights, Macarena relocated to Tromsø, Norway, in February 2024 after several visits since 2018. She now works primarily as a dermatologist while also teaching yoga. Known as the “Northern Lights witch,” she has a reputed ability to summon the aurora borealis with a wave of her white handkerchief (this is true!). Macarena’s diverse interests include music (she plays violin and drums), with a preference for 70s and 80s rock, indie rock, and electronic genres. A nature enthusiast and animal lover, she feels a special connection with cats, wolves, and whales. Her life philosophy centers on the healing power of nature and devotion to Mother Earth.

Languages: English, Spanish, German & Norwegian

Max, or Maximilian, is one of our passionate northern lights guide, currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Law of the Sea at UIT Tromsø. His love affair with Norway began during three adventurous road trips in his trusty camper van, where he captured the country’s breathtaking landscapes through his camera lens. These journeys ignited a deep passion for Norway’s natural beauty, ultimately inspiring him to relocate and share his enthusiasm with visitors. Before settling in Norway, Max’s wanderlust led him to live in Costa Rica, Colombia, and Nicaragua, enriching his global perspective. An avid outdoorsman, he embraces an active lifestyle that includes climbing, skiing, hiking, and camping. Max’s combination of academic pursuits, international experience, and love for nature makes him an ideal guide, offering unique insights into Norway’s stunning northern lights and rugged terrain. His infectious passion ensures that every tour becomes an unforgettable adventure for those lucky enough to explore the Arctic with him.

Languages: English & German

Rabi is one of our many charismatic northern light guides, hailing from the sun-drenched island of Sicily, Italy. Born to an Italian-Tunisian family, Rabi’s heart has always been drawn to the enigmatic allure of the Far North, a passion ignited in his childhood by two pivotal books gifted to him by an old family friend. A graduate in Political Science and International Relations, he eschewed a traditional career path in favor of a nomadic lifestyle that has taken him across Europe and North Africa. His diverse experiences range from sailing with the Italian merchant navy to working as an Arabic interpreter in Rome, and from horse grooming in Normandy to farming in Andalusia. Rabi’s love for the North culminated in his move to Narvik, Norway, where he lived for some years. It was here that he encountered the Sami culture, which resonated deeply with his interest in mysticism and folklore. He also worked as an outdoor guide in Lapland (Finland) guiding people with snowmobiles around the Lappish nature. Now splitting his time between Northern Norway and Andalusia, Rabi has found his calling as a northern light guide, sharing his passion for the Arctic with visitors from around the world. A natural storyteller, Rabi’s eclectic interests – including poetry, outdoor activities, Arabic lute playing, sicilian mouth harp and cinema – enriching his guiding experiences.

Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French & Arabic

This very British accented guy has been living in Tromsø for so long that sometimes he slips in a word in Norwegian instead of English. But worry not! He has been guiding both day and evening tours for Best Arctic since 2016 and knows this area like the palm of his hand! He is currently working as a researcher at the Meteorological Institute in Tromsø and enjoys mountain running during summer (ending with a swim in glacial lakes or the sea after a long run!). He has probably seen more polar bears in his life than anyone else at the company, having spent a lot of time in Svalbard and Greenland for work. He has been a photographer since age 13. Before moving to Tromsø, he used to be a storm chaser back in the UK (how cool is this?). Keep William away from lefse (the traditional Norwegian cake we offer during our tours), as he is highly addicted to it!

Languages: English & Norwegian