Fascinating Finland
A trip to see the Northern Lights should be on every traveller’s bucket list, writes designer Ana Rocha
Amid reports of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights fading (they may be seen less frequently in the next decade), there is a noticeable rush to go see them. Whether, indeed, there is a scientific basis for these reports, or they are merely the sales pitch of travel agents, the breath-taking sight of this phenomenon remains a top priority on many destination lists.
A trip to the Arctic region to chase the Northern Lights must be made with utmost care in preparations. You might be wise, therefore, to seek the help of a good travel agent like Destinations Unlimited, which has a regular Aurora Borealis tour.
The Arctic Circle Adventure starts in Rovaniemi in Finland—the official hometown of Santa Claus, the capital of Lapland, and the gateway to the Arctic. Upon arrival, each one is led to a log cabin to change into regulation Arctic suits, boots, and gloves to combat the below-freezing temperature for the duration of the tour. In the meantime, rangers are preparing the huskies for the forest run.
When the sleds are ready and the path through the forest is defined, the forest run starts. If, however, you start the forest run with apprehension, the beauty of nature will surely erase your fears. Snow-capped trees, powdery flurries, clean crisp air—a perfect combination to calm the nerves. This serenity, however, finds a counterpoint in the ride with the huskies and its adrenaline rush.
After that rush, a calming reindeer sleigh stroll is served as a treat. You bundle up in warm blankets while your sleigh traverses through the meandering path amidst the silence. The sun sets early, around 2 pm, casting a fiery golden glow amongst the tree tops.
In the evening, everyone takes a short trek leading to a clearing with a log cabin. Inside, everyone gets warm while taking sips of hot berry tea and munching on soft rolls.
Suddenly, a shout from outside: “Aurora! Aurora!” Everyone dashes out into the darkness, but a faint light in the sky is enough to guide you through a wooden walk that leads to the edge of a frozen lake. Slowly, the dim light becomes stronger. It draws everyone to look up and view a truly mesmerising sight; truly a phenomenon that keeps you in awe. To what do we owe this visual wonder? First, to clear skies; then to electrons colliding with the atmosphere at the right time. Then the Aurora will emerge.
After Aurora
The next day was snowmobile day. Twenty snowmobiles speed away towards the frozen lake in the middle of the forest. Equipped with a crash helmet and a face mask, one is ready for another thrill-of-a-ride. Negotiating a path through the trees, you eventually reach a clearing with the widest expanse of fresh snow.
No matter how great the experiences have been so far, a visit to Santa’s village is a must. Big and small, everyone whispers their wishes to Santa.
Finally, it’s time for a good night’s rest. Choose from the well-appointed igloos of the Arctic Snow Hotel or the floating glass villas of the Arctic Treetop Hotel. Inside each igloo is a warm orthopaedic bed that can be raised at any angle. It is designed with warm wooden details, equipped with the latest modern conveniences of a deluxe hotel room, and features a clear-glass roof for easy gazing at the skies. What sets them apart from a six-star hotel experience anywhere in the world is the sound of the bell when the Northern Lights appear during the night.
The Arctic Circle Adventure ends at Ranua Wildlife Park, the home of animals endemic to the region—foxes, owls, eagles, polar bears, minks, wolverines, and more. Santari identifies each one and delights everyone with some of his personal experiences and encounters with these animals in the wild. He was, after all, a reindeer herder once upon a time, as well as a group leader for The Arctic Safari.
On the last evening, the host treats everyone to a bonfire and teach the basic skills on how to make a fire and keep it burning. Who knows? You just might be stranded in a forest in the dead of winter. He tells many tales of his search for elusive (and imagined) Yeti and sings a folk song or two. As the last embers flicker, it is time to bid adieu to the Arctic Circle. Farewell, Finland; you truly were fascinating! For more information, visit Destinations Unlimited at Unit 434 Citiflex Tower Uptown, BGC or call +63917.566.1913.