The Northern Lights are beautiful ripples of bright greens, turquoise blues, with slight tinges of violet and even sometimes pink and red lights that have captivated people for centuries. They are one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World and appear at the top of most people’s bucket lists, year after year.
The Aurora Zone offer more than 60 activity holidays, providing travellers with the very best chance of experiencing the captivating Northern Lights. All of their holiday packages take place at 66°North and above, in Finland, Norway, Iceland and Sweden, where the Kp levels are three or less and it’s more likely to be visible regularly. The Aurora Zone also works with expert-local guides and scientists in each destination that know how to give guests the best possible chance of seeing a spectacular Northern Light display.
Included in their experiences are:
Gastronomy and Northern Lights Trip to Tromsø, Norway
A brand-new sustainable food-focused trip to Tromsø, in Norway. Over the four days (three nights), enjoy fresh fish – caught minutes from the restaurant – delicately pan fried in butter with locally-picked chanterelles; try the award-winning famous Norwegian brown cheese expertly paired with smooth regional wine by the in-house sommelier; join the Sámi reindeer herders for a traditional feast served under the stars; and learn how to catch fish with the local fishermen on a fjord cruise, before preparing and cooking the catch with the onboard chef. Throughout this trip, hunt for the spectacular Northern Lights on two bespoke evening cruises (maximum 12 people) on the fjord and dine under the mesmerising night skies.
BOOK IT
A three-night Gastronomy and Northern Lights tour to Tromsø, departing between 1 December 2022 and 29 March 2023, costs from £1,245 pp (two sharing) and includes return airport transfers, accommodation at Clarion Hotel – The Edge, three breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners (including dinner at Fiskekompaniet) plus a Polar Fjord Cruise, visit to the Reindeer Camp with dinner and Northern Lights Watch, Arctic Fishing Tour, and Northern Lights Dinner Cruise.
Cold weather clothing will also be provided – except for on the dinner cruise – and guests will also benefit from fully-qualified guides and instructors during the activities.
Saariselkä – Glass Igloo Aurora Escape
Saariselkä is located in the far north of Finland, high above the Arctic Circle. It is at the heart of the Aurora Zone and the winter nights ensure excellent conditions for seeking out the Northern Lights. To maximise your chances, you will spend the duration of your stay in a north-facing, glass-roofed Aurora Cabin, which is protected from the artificial light of the town. Rather than fight off sleep in order to keep an eye on the sky, make use of your free Aurora alert system inside your cabin!
The Aurora Cabins lie on the doorstep of a natural winter playground and includes evening activities, which not only focus on seeking out the Northern Lights but also provide some unforgettable Arctic experiences. You’ll hunt the lights on foot using snowshoes and enjoy the silence of the wilderness. On another night, you’ll take to the trails for an Aurora snowmobile safari.
The Northern Lights Village is less than 1km from the ski town of Saariselka. There are shops, restaurants and cafés to enjoy here as well as a good selection of ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails. So, during one day, you have some free time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Saariselkä or perhaps take to the downhill ski slopes for some alpine action.
The daytime highlight, however, has to be the husky safari that’s included. This is an unforgettable ride, as you take control of a team of huskies with your partner for a thrilling dog sled trip into the Arctic wilds.
BOOK IT
A three-night Saariselkä – Glass Igloo Aurora Escape costs from £1,545 pp (two sharing) departing between 2 December 2022 and 17 March 2023, and includes return airport transfers, accommodation in an Aurora Cabin, three breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners, plus Northern Lights snowshoeing, 5 km husky safari, Northern Lights snowmobiling.
Cold weather clothing will also be provided –– and guests will also benefit from fully-qualified guides and instructors during the activities.
For more information or to book, visit The Aurora Zone, www.theaurorazone.com.
