Arctic Wonders : The Northern Lights Break : Aurora Borealis : Arctic Circle Holidays

Winter is without doubt the most exciting time to visit the Arctic regions of Scandinavia. The possibility of stunning Northern Lights, thrilling activities such as husky and snowmobile safaris, and the chance to stay in a hotel made entirely of ice and snow are just some of the attractions, but there are many more. You can now even combine Greenland’s amazing icebergs with your search for Northern Lights! Most holidays can be varied or combined in many different ways, and we will be happy to tailor-make your ideal holiday.

The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) can appear practically anywhere above the Arctic Circle between September and early April if the sky is clear. The aurora is formed by electrically-charged particles from the sun colliding with the gases of the Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing a myriad of tiny flashes. The colour, strength and form of the aurora depends on a number of factors which are being extensively researched in the Kiruna and Tromsø areas. Over many centuries the aurora has given rise to countless myths, and been the inspiration for poets and artists alike.

The Land of the Sami
Sapmi – or Lapland as we know it – stretches across the whole northern region, from the Kola Peninsula in Russia to the Norwegian coast. It is the home of the Sami people who, since time immemorial have roamed this vast wilderness, following the reindeer. On many of our holidays there is the opportunity to meet the Sami and learn about their way of life. This is an experience we would certainly recommend. Their unique sense of peace and harmony with nature could well be one of your most enduring memories of Lapland.

How cold will it be?
Inland temperatures are generally between -10° and -30°, but with a drier cold, and thermal clothing, it is rarely a problem. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, temperatures on the coast are normally between +5 and -10°.

How dark will it be?
From late November until mid-January the sun is below the horizon, and the landscape is bathed in a mystical ‘blue light’ for four or five hours each day. From February, however, there can be many hours of brilliant sunshine to enhance your enjoyment of the landscape and activities.

Tromso City Break 3 nights. From £810pp. Tromsø is the ultimate choice for a winter break, offering a wide range of activities and excellent chances of seeing the Northern Lights. About 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is an attractive city with superb restaurants, fascinating museums, picturesque wooden houses and quaint shops. From the wide range of activities available we have selected some of the best, which can be pre-booked to avoid possible disappointment.	Tromso and Lofoten Breaks 4 nights. From £1195pp. Why not combine the lovely city of Tromsø with the magical Lofoten Islands – linked by the most spectacular sector of the Coastal Voyage? Throughout the holiday there are excellent chances of Northern Lights, and with such a choice of excursions and activities you will probably want to add extra nights!

Land of The Northern Lights 7 nights. From £1450pp. Without a doubt our most popular tour last winter! The tour follows a similar route to that taken by Joanna Lumley in the amazing BBC TV programme. From Trondheim you too can enjoy the spectacular rail journey ‘Across the Arctic Circle’ to Bodø. You then have a couple of days in the magical Lofoten Islands before continuing north on the overnight Coastal ship to Tromsø. The tour finishes with two nights in Tromsø – though most people opt for an extra night as Tromsø offers so much to see and do.	Arctic Norway Experience 6 nights. From £1225pp. The ultimate way to experience Arctic Norway! Our new tour starts with two nights in the beautiful city of Tromsø, then takes you northward on a two-night Coastal voyage to the border town of Kirkenes. En route the ship calls at remote towns and villages, with an excursion to the North Cape included. The last two nights are spent in Kirkenes, with some excellent excursions available into the pristine wilderness on the very edge of Europe. Throughout the tour there is the possibility of stunning Northern Lights, while on the last night of the holiday you have the option of a night in the Kirkenes Snow Hotel for yet another experience!

Nordic Winter Spectacular 10 nights. From £1925pp. An unforgettable journey through the spectacular landscapes of the Nordic winter, with plenty of opportunities for stunning Northern Lights if weather conditions are right. Starting in the beautiful city of Stockholm, you then fly north to Sweden’s amazing Ice Hotel, to enjoy a guided tour of the fantastic ice sculptures, and maybe take part in some of the exciting winter activities available. Whether you choose to sleep ‘on ice’ is entirely up to you!	Ice Hotel Breaks 2 and 3 nights. From £1035pp. The Ice Hotel is locate just 15 minutes drive from Kiruna Airport. From London, Heathrow a same-day connection to Kiruna is possible on most weekdays, departing at 07.00, via Stockholm, arriving at Kiruna about 13.00. A two-night break is therefore possible, although most people prefer to stay for three nights to allow time for more activities. If travelling from Manchester, or on other days/flights from Heathrow, a night in Stockholm will be necessary on the way out.

Tromso and the Ice Hotel 5 nights. From £12955pp. A fantastic combination ! All the attractions of Tromsø, plus Sweden’s iconic Ice Hotel – linked with a truly spectacular journey by bus and train across the Arctic wilderness! Both centres offer a stunning range of winter activities, and, of course, the possibility of Northern Lights to complete a sensational holiday – at a price that represents excellent value for money.	Log Cabins in Lapland 6 nights. From £1825pp. Enjoy the peaceful, snowy wilderness from the comfort of your our log cabin – complete with fireplace and sauna! Our Jeris Winter Week includes exciting activities such as husky and snowmobile safaris, driving a reindeer and snow-shoe trekking – at an easy pace that is suitable for all ages. There is plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, or indulge in simpler pleasures like building a snowman or toboganning. You could even spend a night in an igloo! With all meals and thermal clothing included this package offers excellent value for a truly memorable holiday.

Lapland Adventure Breaks 4 nights. From £995pp. Experience Finnish Laplnd’s unspoilt wilderness with a relaxing 4-night break at Harriniva. Husky and Snowmobile Safaris are included, as well as half-board and thermal clothing, making this package excellent value for money. Further activities are available from the weekly programme, or you can just relax and enjoy the spa facilities and the wonderful location. Extra nights can be added at Harriniva, or even in Helsinki! A variety of other programmes are available from Harriniva, including action-packed Adventure Weeks, and longer Husky and Snowmobile Safaris lasting several days. Tailor-made holidays are also possible. Details on request.