Northern Lights Holidays

Introduction

On a clear winter night in Lapland you have the chance to view the most magnificent light show that nature has to offer, the Aurora Borealis. The sight of the lights shimmering and dancing across the night sky will be etched in the memory of all those who are lucky enough to witness it.  

 

The phenomenon of the Northern Lights has fascinated the Sámi people for centuries and there are more than 20 folk tales that attempt to explain their existence.

In many parts of Lapland the lights are known as the Firefox. Legend has it that the tail of a running fox brushing against the powder snow causes the sparks in the sky. It is also said that the Arctic Sea contains so many fish that the sun’s light is reflected off their scales and creates the patterns in the sky.

Today’s science means that we now know that the displays we see are caused by electrically charged particles in space hitting the earth’s atmosphere. When they collide with oxygen and nitrogen particles they emit excess energy as light.

 

Image credits to Pekka Luukkola Image Bank Finland, Credit Stockshots - No Innovation Norway, Leuku JL 1000 

Overview

Although the Aurora Borealis can be seen from northerly parts of the United Kingdom, the occurrences are rare and the intensity of the displays tends to be low. The further north you travel, the better your chances of viewing the Northern Lights,  so all the destinations we feature provide great opportunities to see the Lights.

New destinations such as Nellim at 68.5° North and the magnificent ICEHOTEL® at 67.5° North provide areas free from large amounts of light pollution and can experience magnificent shows.

The optimum time for viewing the lights is between 9pm and 1am in the morning. Be careful not to go to bed too soon or you may miss out.

The intensity of the displays can vary and may start with a small stationary glow or arch in the night sky before building into a spectacular show.

The lights are a purely natural phenomenon and therefore cannot be guaranteed whichever destination you choose. However, the further north you travel and the further away from man-made light you are, the better your chances.

Many of the destinations offer night time and overnight safaris that will give you the perfect opportunity to spot the Aurora as you go deep into the darkness.

Lying on a reindeer skin in deep snow, watching the sky shimmer and drinking hot berry juice is an excellent way to spend part of your holiday!

Whatever you believe about the Aurora Borealis there is no more spectacular experience on Earth than sitting in a winter wonderland watching the lights dancing across the sky. It is truly magical!

We offer a range of Northern Lights holidays to various Lappish destinations – all of which will provide you with the optimal chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis shimmer in the night sky. Please see below for the description of each destination, and contact Medway Travel to discuss your wishes for your winter adventure holiday.

Abisko

Abisko has been scientifically designated as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. It is situated smack in the middle of the Auroral Zone and due to its topography there are very rarely cloudy skies. Coupled with spectacular mountains and lakes Abisko truly is a special destination.  It is also around 100kms from the magnificent ICEHOTEL® so we've added a night there for good measure!

We run two tours here in Abisko.  Level 1 where guests do not miss out but the pace is more sedate and a more demanding level 2 holiday which includes ice climbing and longer activities.

 

Alta

Alta has truly earned its title as ‘Town of the Northern Lights”. It was at the top of the Haddle Peak that the worlds first Northern Lights Observatory was built in 1899. The main building had four flats and an office. Up to three families (complete with children and pets) lived here over the entire winter period. Two children were even born in the observatory and between them the men who lived here even carried a piano up the 9km track for a little light evening entertainment!

During your visit you will visit Alta Museum which won the European Museum of the year award in 1993. There are several fascinating exhibits which your guide will explain. One of which is detailing the Rock Carvings around the Alta Fjord, some of which date back as early as 4200BC. The museum offers some fantastic views across the stunning Altafjord.

We have designed two different itineraries here in Alta to ensure there is something to suit everyone. We have also arranged some optional activities so the programmes are flexible allowing you to add in additional activities if you are want to spend more time exploring this fantastic area through the activities alternatively you can explore at your own pace leaving plenty of time for relaxing.

 

Luosto

The unspoilt village of Luosto is almost entirely surrounded by the fells of Central Lapland. This small ski resort offers genuine wilderness encounters but from the comfort of your own log cabin or one of two excellent hotels.

This trip aims to maximise the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. On arrival at the hotel you will be given a mobile phone and if the aurora appears in the night sky you will be alerted by text. We've included the Northern Lights Academy and three evening excursions. We can't guarantee that you'll see nature's spectacular light show but we'll do our very best to optimise your chances.

We must stress that the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and we can not guarantee that you will see them during your stay in Luosto. We also reserve the right to alter the above programme in response to local weather condition in order to maximise your chances of seeing the aurora.

 

Nellim

The words 'genuine' and 'unspoilt' are used all too freely to describe travel destinations. In Nellim's case they are wholly appropriate.

You will this tiny "one street" town in the far North-East corner of Finnish Lapland on the shores of Lake Inari and just a short distance from the Russian Border. The terrain here is hillier and more rugged than in other parts of Finland and the spectacular winter scenery is all the more dramatic for that.

And, to add to the magic, this far north there is an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Indeed, three of us here at Activities Abroad saw the Aurora for the first time while visiting Nellim so it holds a special place in our hearts.

There's so much here that is different. For example, if you walk close to the Finland/Russian border fence then motion-sensitive cameras follow your movements. It's spooky and exciting at the same time!

Depsite Nellim's remote wilderness location you are assured of a warm and genuine Lappish family welcome from your hosts Jouko and Mari. In our opinion, Jouko is probably the hardest working man in the world. Among his many projects last year has been the construction of some fabulous new apartments across the courtyard from the main building.

If you haven't had enough exercise then grab a sledge and race down the slope to the lake. Take a reindeer skin with you and you can lie back, insulated against the frozen ice, and gaze skywards at probably the best free entertainment anywhere in the world.

 

Tromso

Where else can you drive a team of huskies across terrain that combines fjords, snowy mountains and the Aurora Borealis?

Congratulations! You have just become privy to one of Europe's best kept short break destinations. Tromsø may only be home to 50,000 people but it boasts more than its fair share of attractions, shops, bars, restaurants and, of course, the Northern Lights.

If you do nothing else, you have to wander past the many coloured houses and buildings of the main street "Storgata" and down to the harbour. It was from here that Amundsen, amongst others, set out on his polar expedition giving Tromsø the name "Gateway to the Arctic".  The fascinating polar museum is also a ‘must see’.

Destination Information

Climate

Finland and Norway, particular the north of the country, do get affected by severe cold weather (and lots of snow!) during the winter months.  Temperatures can be extremely low and if you visit in winter you should come prepared for these harsh conditions with lots of warm layers to wear underneath the thermal overalls you will be provided with whilst in resort.

The winter is long (from mid November through to April) and temperatures can drop to minus 25 degrees Celsius, and below. There is also wind chill factor to take into account, particularly in unsheltered areas (i.e. mountain ranges). Weather conditions can deteriorate quickly.

Visas and Passports

Visas are not required to enter Finland or Norway, but you need a valid British passport. There is no minimum validity required but you should ensure that your passport is valid for your return journey.

Health

You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK, which is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Finnish and Norwegian nationals.

For the latest medical requirements for travel to Finland and Norway, please consult your GP.

 

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.

Testimonials

Dear Mel,

The holiday was fantastic! The hotel was excellent, with the huge breakfasts setting us up for the day.

We saw a phenomenal display of the Northern Lights on Sunday evening - pale green moving streaks filled the whole sky for at least 90 minutes. Apparently the show was not as fabulous as sometimes occurs but it bowled us over and was more entrancing then we had dared hope.

We filled the days with loads of activities. Probably the highlight was driving our own dog sledge for two hours. We were surprised to be given full control of the dogs, but they knew what to do and pulled us magnificently. We only fell off once!

 Generally, it was not as cold as we expected - never above freezing but never less than -5 deg C in Tromso. The inland dog sledging was much colder at -18 deg but the operator kitted us out in great clothing.

Marks out of 10? At least 11, so thanks very much. Keep us on your mailing list as we would definitely consider using Medway again, maybe to somewhere hot next time.

 

 

 

Dear Mel,

Our trip was wonderful and met all our expectations. I am very pleased to add that you have been ever so helpful from day one and would like to thank you for it.

I was touched when you wished us a happy holiday.

I might be in touch for a family holiday in October.

Many thanks for all your help.

 

 

 

Hi Mel

 

We had an amazing time - we absolutely loved it especially the husky sledging. We didn't get to see the Northern Lights unfortunately as it was too cloudy - but it a good excuse to go again next year.