Searching for the Invisible: A Winter Quest for the Northern Lights in Lapland
- What is the Activity: An ethereal adventure chasing the Northern Lights, combining snowmobiling, ice fishing, and staying in an igloo hotel.
- Where it is located: Lapland, Finland
- How to get there: Fly into Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). From there, transportation can be arranged with tour operators to reach your accommodation or starting point of the tour in Lapland.
-
Where to stay:
- Low range: Snowman World Igloo Hotel
- Mid range: Arctic Light Hotel
- High range: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
- What to bring? Thermal clothing, layers, camera with a good low-light setting, portable charger, and snacks.
- Did you know? The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can produce almost any color, although green is the most common. Legends say that the lights are spirits of the deceased.
- Lingo deck: Unfortunately, we do not currently have specific Finnish Lingo Cards, but learning a few Finnish phrases will certainly enrich your experience!
- Recommended product: Swedish Wayfarer Tin as the closest option for Scandinavian languages.
Chasing the Ethereal Lights: A Lapland Adventure Beyond Imagination
Have you ever experienced the overwhelming sensation of watching the sky dance in hues of green, pink, and violet? I pondered this as I embarked on a journey to Finnish Lapland, the kind of trip that bridges the gap between earthly existence and the celestial dance above.
The chase for the Northern Lights is not for the faint-hearted. It requires patience, the braveness to face the Arctic chill, and a touch of lunacy—the same kind I've nurtured over my five decades of traversing the globe. But beyond the chase lies an adventure in the form of snowmobiling through the Lappish wilderness, ice fishing under a chilling, clear sky, and the surreal experience of sleeping in an igloo hotel, with the possibility of the Lights as your ceiling.
Lit by a crackling fire and a flask of warm lingonberry juice in hand, I waited. And when the skies finally opened, painting a spectral ballet of lights, it was clear: this was no ordinary spectacle. This was the world laying bare its most intimate artistry.
In planning this trip, I valued the stark contrast of experiences—from the calm, almost meditative art of ice fishing to the adrenaline rush of snowmobiling through snow-laden forests. It illuminated the fact that adventures need not be defined by how far you push your limits, but by how you embrace the elements around you.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of this journey was the overnight stay in an igloo hotel. Encased in glass, cozy under reindeer skins, I found myself gazing upwards, half-expecting the skies to erupt into color at any moment. This blend of natural wonder, cultural experience, and unique accommodation encapsulates what true adventure should be about: immersion, respect, and a touch of magic.
For those eager to embark on this luminous quest, remember to pack your warmest clothes, keep your camera charged, and let your heart be light. The Northern Lights are not just a display; they're a reminder of the earth's wonders, a shimmering connection to the legends and tales of old Lapland.
