How I ended up in hospital during my Nothern Lights trip
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ธ.ค. 2021
- A journey from Germany to the northern lights without flying. Or: My Norway video :)
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This is where I was all autumn, working hard to bring you this! The northern lights is on everybody's bucket list, and I didn't want to just fly somewhere for a few days and be disappointed if I didn't see them, so I took matters in to my own hands and took a really slow journey through Norway from Hamburg to Aalborg to Oslo to Bergen to Lofoten / Svolvaer, to Tromsø. Travelling all through the Norwegian Fjords to up beyond the Arctic Circle.
Oslo to Bergen, one of the world's most beautiful train rides.
Bergen to Lofoten Islands on a once-in-a-lifetime fjords cruise.
And a wrap-up of my few weeks in the arctic circle in Tromso, Norway.
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ARCTIC CIRCLE BY BOAT | 2000 mile trip to the Northern Lights
Here is what’s special about your travel videos for me-it’s not flashy. You’re not “showing off” your travel. It’s not “noisy”. There’s no brand/service you’re trying to sell. You’re not exerting that “TH-cam personality energy”…you get the point haha.
What it is: a person who simply loves and enjoys seeing the world, sharing that journey with others, and (along the way) inspiring some to do the same. It’s real-sharing the good and the bad. I hope you get more views and subscribers but at the same time I hope your authenticity doesn’t change. Because this is the kind of travel content more people in our world should see. :)
I’ve always wanted to travel solo and now, I have a solo-trip in Iceland planned in two months!!! Northern Lights viewing is part of the itinerary-your video just got me more excited for it.
Thank you for sharing! Will be looking forward for more to come!
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I sometimes will let you tube play while I do other things, small stuff ie. changing batteries, sorting laundry, ect. I was watching and couldn't fig out why I was so drawn to toms vid. Until I read your comment Chloe. You got it exact! And how great is it, no trying to sell us a VPN, no getting drunk and obnoxious, just a person sharing their awesome experience. Ill be subbing and watching more of this content creator!
Also, some great photography and editing skills. And a knack for storytelling. But you are right Tom’s, personality is making these videos is great.
This video made me cry 3 times. He seems so content, happy, and at peace with life it’s really beautiful. I want to travel and have adventures like this alone because it seems so fun and fulfilling.
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same here@@thornton
Planning on sitting down and watching this like a movie later tonight - love how calm your editing style is. Thanks for making these videos and bringing us along with you :)
That's so sweet, thank you!!
I just did that!!!
I'm a quiet, love silence, gentle kind of person who also loves adventure and I used to love travel till something happened and suddenly travel was all about pushy tourists, adrenalin filled seekers, angst filled and ever tuned out of the present, business travelers, and families with kids. I used to fill my imagination with fantasies of travelling like the old authors did where they'd immerse themselves completely, on their own, in the world they were seeing and filled the pages with rich tapestries of the smells, sights, sounds and experiences they had and people they'd meet. Your videos are a tiny tiny spark of that fantasy in their quiet observation and enjoyment of the world. I've been drowned by the adrenaline, smiling face, filled TH-cam travel videos always selling me the 'amazing shot, or amazing experience'. Enough already, show me the quiet beauty that emerges from stillness, from moments of idle boredom, from moments where I'm not chasing, ever hungry, ever desperate. Thanks so much for making these.
The bit where you sitting drinking, and you then look around and get this huge smile. That was so incredibly heartwarming.
It’s the slips on ice and the missed northern lights announcement moments that make the best travel stories. Seeing the world through your eyes is such a joyful experience. Congrats on another beautiful video, Tom.
You don’t know how much comments like yours mean! Thanks for taking the time & take care.
I can't believe your videos aren't more popular, it's just an art piece you created!! ❤❤
9:44 that guy out there putting a bike helmet on getting ready to bike in hellish rain is in the same spirit as me
the most important thing i got from this video is... people actually eat kiwi skin!!!!! this freaks me out everytime i see this! hahaha
no but seriously tom... once again you've outdone yourself with this video!!! everything is stunning and so well put together! congrats on your work! i'm currently home alone sick as hell, this is the perfect cure for this afternoon :) thank you!!
If I can only have half of his positivity. Some days I just feel so weighed down. His videos give me so much comfort. Thank you!
Your videos remind of my mid 20’s when I used to travel a lot through Europe in budget as a student, hopping hostels, sleeping in long Eurolines and Flixbus night journeys. I also remember going up the cable car in Tromso at night to see the city lights, driving with my friend in the middle of cold Arctic night to chase northern lights. Arctic circle is an ethereal place where the sky always looks out of this world even without any northern lights. Your cruise journey in fjords reminds me of a similar journey between Finland and Sweden that I took in frigid cold north sea in the middle of peak winter. Solo trips like these gave me the peace and quiet to contemplate on life and appreciate the smaller things in this world. Your life changes when you settle down and have a family. But the memories of youth you will treasure forever. Thanks for a ride through the memory lane. Good luck on your next adventure.
thanks for your comment :)
I love these tranquil journeys across the world. For a lot of us, we can't quite go yet, so it's nice to hitch a ride and explore in video format. Thanks again, Tom!
You actually pronounced Svolvær good :)
Accidents are just a part of life, don’t get yourself down. You’re clearly getting more out of your travel than 99% of people who just tick off boxes, and you’re sharing it with people who really enjoy it. Thanks for putting in the huge amount of work to make this piece a reality 🙂
Yeah, falling on ice isn't a biggie, even locals do. The good news is not breaking any limbs.
That's totally right Tom, the more you do, the more chances to make mistakes. Nothing to be ashemed of, you made and gave us a film wonderfully made, of a gorgeous country, so congratulations!! I hope some day you could come and do this in my country, Argentina, Cheers!!
Definitely need to go back to South America one day!
Been waiting for this one. This couldn’t be timed any better either. A movie for my soul. Thanks from Wales UK 🏴
So good.
I never leave comments on TH-cam, but I hope you know how special your videos are! I've always dreamt of doing some sort of journey up through Scandinavia to see the Northern Lights but it always felt quite far-fetched and like something for the distant future - after seeing you do it, and do it alone, it has never felt so possible. Keep doing everything you are - the way you travel slowly by land/sea, put such thought into your trips, and have such an appreciation for the privilege it is to be in a position to travel at all is such an antidote to the way travel is commodified on social media. I imagine the channel comes with some level of pressure but take your time with it and know you're doing something good here! Happy New Year everyone 🦋
Thanks for this awesome video!
Very nice journey, and I really like your editing style. It's so nice to see someone shooting and editing in such a calm way. You really should have 37 million subs, not just 37 thousand subs.
2 years ago my wife and I made it not all the way up to Tromsø, but to Narvik. First from Buchholz in der Nordheide to Hamburg (it was the most exciting part of the journey since last time I tried to travel to Hamburg by train I got a 50 minute delay, and a 2 hour delay on my way back...), then from there to Rostock with the RB (9€ ticket for the win!), then by boat to Stockholm, after a short stay there we took the night train to Narvik, the SJ 94. Incredible journey, I highly recommend it. Even though 18 hours on a train can be a bit exhausting. Also we booked a compartment, not just a sleeper seat (which would have been way cheaper).
After hiking for a few days in the surrounding mountains and spending a weekend in a cabin on a camping ground (2 days of hiking without a clearly marked path, over mountains, through thick bushes and through moorland. We were absolutely knackered!) we then ended up in Narvik again and we got so, so lucky: We got to see northern lights, even though we were in a well lit city. Amazing experience. I can't even imagine what it must feel like if we ever get to experience this out in the wilderness.
Also, Narvik is well worth a visit as well, as you can get there quite easily, and it can function as your "main hub" for exploration. It's very well connected by bus routes all over northern Norway. Lofoten is a 5 hour bus ride away, Tromsø is 4 hours, I think. But the busses are pretty comfortable, and a car ride wouldn't be much shorter, and would cost way more. Plus, Narvik itself has everything you need. A few supermarkets, two malls, nice restaurants and cafés, a few bars and a few museums to top it all off. Plus an incredible view of the mountains and fjord.
Our journey back was... interesting as well. First, night train back to Stockholm, then another day spent here. Then back by train to Nyhavn, from there with a boat back to Rostock. The sea was quite rough and a few people couldn't hold their lunch. But I slept through most of it, luckily.
Then we booked a shuttle service from the harbor to the central station. The boat was running a bit late, so we were worried we would miss our train (I think it would have meant spending a few more hours before the next train). The shuttle service was running late as well, but apparently nobody wanted to get off at the first stop, so the driver drove at top speed to the central station, and we made it just in time. Booked our tickets, boarded the ICE, and it was all smooth until Hamburg, where we got delayed for unknown reasons (the announcement said something about "missing maps". What the...?) so we missed out connecting bus in Harburg. But oh well, got onto the next one where of course we could only pay in cash (this IS Germany after all), and also were running late for our next connecting bus, which would stop right in our home village.
But never despair, we got off in a neighboring village and walked for like 2km. It's not like we didn't have enough practice in Norway. ;)
EDIT: Oh man, I should have realised. Of course you are traveling with Hurtigruten. Did that with my wife in 2018. From Bergen to Kirkenes, and then with the car back to Oslo.
10/10 would do it again in a hearbeat. Only this time I would like to have more time on the way back, because 1 1/2 weeks isn't enough to explore the country.
When we were in Tromsø it was raining like it was for you in Bergen. Still we explored the city, saw like 10.000 hair salons and absolutely loved every bit of it.
EDIT again: When traveling back from Kirkenes to Oslo we also stopped on the Lofoten for 2 days. When we got back home, I learned that there were Northern Lights visible just the day after we left the peninsula. So unlucky... :(
I had to smile when you said, wonderingly, "What is going on in my life?" We all wish we could answer that for ourselves these days! But in your case, the answer seems to be unparalleled scenic beauty. The more I see vicariously of Norway the more I think it is a uniquely beautiful country (with a touch of harshness to the beauty). I hope I can get there someday.
Edit: Just got to the end of the video. I think this is some of the finest work you have done, Tom, so do not be overly self-critical. The editing and the soundtrack just make this a joy to watch. The visuals are just stunning. And the mood is calm, uplifting and inspiring. That's your work at its best. Thanks for this. It has made my day and taken a grey winter day into something more energizing.
Your cross country US video inspired my wife and I to go to DC. We went for our sons 2nd birthday and spend 9 days there. It was amazing and man I miss it.
Aw that’s so sweet! Thank you!
As someone with no driving license…I love your videos …public transport all the way!!
Norway is stunning. The scenery, the people, what’s not to love about it.
Once again you made me feel as though I was right there with you, my heart broke when you ended up hurting yourself because knowing how much you were looking forward to this but like you said; you set a goal and you most definitely achieved it my friend! From one artist to another I’m proud of ya lad! I’d travel with ya any day and thank you for giving me 50 mins of peace on a day when life can feel monotonous at times, inspiration can come from anywhere and today it came from you! Happy New Years Tom🍻
Happy new year to you too! Thank you so much, you don’t know how much your comment means to me. It’s so nice that you took the time. :)
I gave up on my TH-cam Channel, because I never thought anyone would agree with my editing style or watch videos like the ones I made. It felt Pointless. I have dozens of video content but never came down to turning them into a film, but after going on a binge watch of your channel - I have to say It's brought back my desire for making films. Your videos are just filled with such small elements and nuances that can't help but make the viewer smile, as if they're going on a journey with you. It's truly a treat to come across your channel Tom, more power to you! And I hope you continue to make such wonderful videos and inspire others like me
Happy birthday!!!! I hope you heal quickly!
Honestly, you are an amazing person and storyteller. I just found your channel with the Deutschland ticket video, and then stumbled upon this gem of a video. I always thought I would need a car to see the northern lights and I don't drive, but you inspire me to try it anyway. And I would also be gutted to get injured during such an expensive trip. So don't be ashamed! And dare I say, long hair suits you so much *__*
💙 thank you
Who hasn’t made mistakes in their life which they could kick themselves for! Don’t beat yourself up, what you did was a massive achievement which most people couldn’t contemplate doing. Loved it! X
Aw thanks meryl :)
Beautiful video, Tom! I discovered your channel through your Amtrak movie, as my wife is an American, and we travel there a lot. But I'm Norwegian, we live in Oslo, and I used to live in Svolvær and worked there for 3,5 years. Seeing this reminded me it's time to go back and visit old friends - and see the Northern Lights again :)
That’s amazing, I bet it was a really interesting place to live. I’m jealous! Thanks for watching :)
The shot at 34:40 was amazing. The tiny village with the massive mountain towering over. Accidents happen, I can completely see that happening to me.
Couldn’t help but notice your “The National” hoodie and T shirt, hello from a fellow fan!
Super cool this is my dream trip most probably happening in November 2023
You have no reason to be 'embarrassed' and you 'ruined' nothing. Falling on ice is part-science, part-art form :) but always unwelcome! I do it often.
Assessing risk vs reward on the go IS what we learn from travel, adventure, ..everything! And it's (one of many reasons) why travel helps us grow and adds value to our lives.
Looks like you had an amazing experience overall and I'm sure you have memories to last a lifetime.
You've given me some ideas. I like how you crafted the bit where you stayed at the hotel + then grabbed the bus to Tromso rather than staying on the boat an additional night. Looked quiet and peaceful. Been obsessively researching this type of trip for a while. Thanks for all the time and money you invested in this trip/video/editing. Very much appreciated. Glad your wrist is better too. I would say don't be too hard on yourself (re injury), but as the spouse of a polite southern English boy I know it'll fall on deaf ears. ;-)
I thoroughly enjoyed watching your adventure to see the Northern Lights. Don’t beat yourself up. A lot of people don’t have your curiosity and that’s a shame. I have done my share of traveling, but I wish I started sooner in my life. The world has so much to offer.
I’m planning a road trip from London to Tromso and then tour from there. I stumbled across your video this morning, on a peaceful and chilled Saturday. It was a really great watch. Thank you
What a wonderful journey.
Tom thank you for helping me through my COVID isolation period. I feel like I am there with you. Take Care!
I just watched, was enjoying your progression so much, loving your skills, as they are getting better with each filming. Was just gutted when I saw "3 weeks later", all I could think of was the sponge Bob segue.
The injuries happen even in skilled cold weather locals. My tendon tore 90% in my index finger 4 years ago from falling on ice in my driveway after a major thaw. It still trigger locks on me after surgery and hand therapy. I am just glad at how honest you are with it, makes it so real and enjoyable.
Keep it up Tom, your fan from Canada enjoys your style so much, I eagerly awaited your video
Thanks for making me feel better, Georgina :) I’m really glad you liked the video and I would love to visit your country some day!
1. Stunning
2. Hopefully it remains undiscovered
I broke my dominant wrist in 2020 and I can really sympathize with how difficult it can make life to not have the use of your hand. I'm glad you were able to make the best of the situation and that it paid off in the end.
Such a wholesome video that oozes calmness and a true appreciation of the beautiful scenery. The journey is just as important as the destination. Thank you, Tom! (Glad your wrist is better now.)
Thank you Imogen :)
Great video Tom! Look forward to the next one, wherever it may be!
I’m only two minutes into the video and already love it. My husband is European and misses his family wholeheartedly. Thank you for the taste of home.
Tom! 50 minutes of edited video...you glorious bastard! 🤣 You came, you saw, you conquered - injuries are a badge of courage, my friend. As long you learn from your mistakes, they hold value. I admire your solo adventurous spirit. Happy belated birthday and hope the new year is full of the places you want to be and the people you want to be with. 🤙Peace, brother.
Dude, awesome video. I drove from Germany all the way there up around and down to Finland. That was 1989. Thanks for sharing.
That sounds like a good time! Thanks for watching, hope it brought back some good memories.
Sure did.
Old video, but still figured I'd leave a comment. I've been travelling around Europe solo, by train, for the last 2 months after being stuck in NZ since early 2020 (pandemic fun). I resonate with so many things you're saying and I really appreciate your honest and low-key style in these. Keep it up! And thanks!
Inspirational. Really enjoyed the video, thanks.
This is beautiful story-telling. The narration , the music , the vibe ... everything was so perfect!
When I watch your video it felt like I was there too! Thank you so much for making this video, not only it’s calming my anxiety but also give me hope to travel there someday.
Seriously blown away . This video is so inspiring as someone who does not drive or wishes not to fly . To experience slow travel . The journey being part of the experience not a chore towards the goal (destination) . Thanks 🙏🏼 for sharing your journey and your oh so evident joy.
I've only recently discovered your channel, but I'm so glad i did! Great content, your videos have become a large part of my evening relaxing sessions after work, so thank you kindly for that 🙂
Tom some of your best work yet. Better than watching TV thanks fir sharing
You are always doing what I have dreamed of doing or simiar things. Only thing stopping me so far of copying your travel has been my anxiiety. Hopefully one day I will be brave enough!
I'm a new subscriber. You do beautiful work! Please don't be so hard on yourself, shit happens. You are human like the rest of us. I hope your wrist has healed by now. Keep making videos!
Visited Tromsø last year, was the most beautiful place I could have ever imagined. I have never felt more at peace and at ease than I did in Tromsø. Even just watching videos of it or images of it my whole body like relaxes just thinking back to it. Truly a magical place.
Wonderful clip. Thank you so much for posting.
Heartfelt thanks from Australia
You know, I actually am most impressed with your patience to set up the camera and then walk away from it just to get a good shot 😂 the entire time I just couldn't help with imagining you walking back and awkwardly picking up the camera again haha.... loved this, made me feel so nostalgic for the north and traveling in general, thanks for capturing everything and sharing it with us
Don’t be hard on yourself! Loved the video! I know nothing about cold weather (being from Texas). I would’ve probably made a lot more silly mistakes. Awesome place! Makes me want to travel. Thanks!
Absolutely amazing video Tom, criminally underviewed…. For now
This was awesome! Sorry that you had an injury during your trip but glad to hear it's healed.
I so enjoy your travel videos, they are so much fun to watch. Seeing how much you enjoy each trip is lovely.
It is a beautiful video with a great pace and rhythm. Interesting and relaxing at the same time! Great 🙌🏼
The train journey between Oslo and Bergen has to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
Could sense your palpable disappointment as you relayed the story of the fall. Sympathy that you experienced that but also admiration that you pulled off what you had planned even with that complication. Did the Oslo-Bergen train in October in 2018 and then came down overland through Stavanger with a ferry across to Northern Denmark. Aalborg transited as well. Brought it all back for me. Thankyou for that. People have commented on your obvious flare for filming and editing (placing and picking up the camera seamlessly takes storyboarding to a whole new level). It's hard and you make it look easy.
OK - a big thing. As a Kiwi from NZ to see you eat a kiwifruit the proper way (skin on) had me almost leaping to my feet. First time ever on film I have ever seen it happen. Congrats.
All the best for 2022. Many more adventures if this blessed virus will finally withdraw. Cheers.
This is a type of brave very few people have. A brave I aim to have very soon. Hats off dude. Your the man!
Thank you for this journey you took us on. Your filming and editing is brilliant. Glad you got to see what you came to Norway for and sorry about your wrist. - greetings from Bergen
I just got recommended your video about traveling across the US and really enjoyed it. This video did not disappoint either others have said it but I'll say it again your editing and vibe is really calming. You have helped me more than you know. With all of the craziness of the past few years a part of me that wanted to travel was pressed down by life. Watching your videos really makes me want to just go somewhere and get out. Keep up the good work I'm looking forward to seeing what is next from you and catching up on old videos as well. Happy new year!
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This will be a beautiful piece to watch when I finish my night shift! Love your style of videos Tom you inspire me so much with my channel just wanna get content out and see the world! Amazing man
I love your editing style and how peaceful it is to see Norway from your perspective. I’ve been wanting to do a Norway trip like this and I got the chills and I teared up because I feel like I’m right there 😭
I loved your video so much, except for hearing about your accidents! You're right that your body often conspires against you on holidays, I broke a tooth at the Hurtigruten breakfast buffet. If you ever go again and can choose the dinner option, they have a vegan menu on the ship that changes every night. So wonderful that you got to see the lights! Hope you've recovered well now.
I really enjoyed watching your amazing journeys ❤Thank you for sharing your inspiring adventures with us. Take care always and safe travels. liebe grüße 😊
thank you :) liebe Grüße
eye-wateringly (is that a word?) beautiful Tom, thanks.
Your videos are so beautiful! Thank you!
I got chills seeing your photos and videos of the northern lights!
I cannot explain what it was like to be there! I’m just glad I get to share it as best I can :)
I love your videos. They're so calming.
Beautiful framing, pacing, music choices, and so personal. Another gem Tom! Looking forward to more adventures
Good job. Your Tromso/Norway experience will give light to travelers all over the world.Thank you for sharing. You have good attitude, I salute you. Stay safe.
Lovely production. Makes me want to go.
Truly stunning, loved every single second 🧡
Thank you for sharing this adventure.
Tom, I so enjoyed this. Inspiring, peaceful and optimistic. Thank you for creating and sharing :)
Thank you Alfred, that means a lot!
What a calming, beautiful trip. I loved the rooms on the cruise ship. Keep making these travel docs please!
Thank you Jesse! I will hopefully be making more this year :)
Brilliant film Tom scenery spectacular! I did a fjord cruise years ago brought back fond memories! I didn't travel as far north as you did and never witnessed the northern lights! Maybe one day! 👍
Amazing. This was so refreshing to watch.
"I hope my next stop has a nicer weather than this"
Me: a Bergensian: "oh, you sweet summer child"
Beautiful pictures and scenes. I enjoyed it a lot. Your travel reports are always something like a declaration of love to the beauty of nature, silence and landscapes. In these videos, you reflect the landscapes that surround you with your personality. Great work, Sir.
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Tom,
That was brilliant! Stoked for you brother.
So glad you liked it :)
What a relaxing and inspiring way to start 2022. All of your films are just so easy to follow. And your calm Englush style is confident reassuring and fun... looking forward to this years films. Happy New Year.🙂
You are extremely cute and authentic 😊 I just love watching your journey
Wow Norway looks SO beautiful. Thanks for taking us along, Tom!
Brilliant video, beautiful and stunning scenery
The entire video is very calm. And coming from someone who’s studying in Tromso and has just returned home for a while, it was beautiful to see the city again.
Incredibly well done!
Can't want to see what will become of you and your channel, it's bound to blow up.
In the meantime, thanks for taking me along on this journey across my former homeland :)
Well worth the wait as always, Tom.
Your films are so inspiring. Chuffed for you that you got to see the lights. The fjords cruise has definitely moved up our to-do list after seeing this. We look forward to seeing your next adventure!
Happy Birthday 🎉
This is a great video. I hope your wrist is doing better. Don't be so hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. We all have that in common 😊
So heartwarming video … 😊
Hi, I am really grateful to you for putting hard yards into making such soothing videos. I hope you get the reach which you want.
What a trip! You're appreciation is infectious. Wonderful!