The lights fantastic
From hot air balloons to mobile meals, chasing the aurora is more fun than ever, says
DAYS are darker and colder, but there is an upside to winter: an opportunity to see the northern lights. Already, there have been good reports of strong activity with some solar flares visible as far south as the UK.
There are no guarantees you’ll see it of course, but with several exciting new activities available for this season, aurora hunts have even greater appeal.
WALKING IN THE AIR
One of the downsides of searching for the aurora in Finland is coping with temperatures that can dip down to minus 250C.
Remedying the problem, the Iso-Syote hotel have constructed a glass panel walkway offering panoramic views of the aurora and surrounding landscape.
Sleep in traditional log cabins spread throughout the forest – or opt for the Bear Cave suite, with interior walls made from stone, pine and lichen. Located in Finland’s southernmost fell, 90 miles from the Arctic Circle, the opportunities for aurora viewing are excellent.
How: Best Served Scandinavia (0207 664 2241; best-served.co.uk) offers a four-night half-board stay from £880pp per person (two sharing) including return flights to Rovaniemi and transfers.
A ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
A lack of light pollution is vital for aurora viewing, so it’s good to get as off the beaten track as possible.
Although thousands of tourists head to southern Iceland every year, few venture to the remote Westfjords region. Historically, roads have been poor but a new route – the Westfjords Way – opens up the isolated area. Measuring 950km, it takes in stunning landscapes.
How: Hire a camper van for a flexible journey and follow vedur.is for the latest aurora forecasts. From £76 per day off peak; happycampers.is
RISING INFLATION
According to Sami folklore, if you listen hard enough, it’s possible to hear the aurora pop and crackle. Take the chance to tune in by getting up close on a hot air balloon, an exciting new activity set to launch in Swedish Lapland in February 2022.
The evening trips will use balloons tethered to one spot for optimal aurora viewing (£199). For a longer trip, take the morning ride above the snow-covered landscapes of the Rane River Valley and its frozen lakes and forests, keeping an eye out for wildlife far below (£510).
How: Stay at the company’s luxury Arctic glampsite, Aurora Safari Camp, to be close to the action. A three-night stay with return airport transfers starts from £2,219 per person (two sharing). aurorasafaricamp.com
AURORA-LIT DINNERS
Dine out on fine food beneath a ceiling of electrifying views with Aurora Hideaway Dinners. The small mobile restaurant moves around the Lulea archipelago depending on cloud cover and light viewing opportunities.
Travel out by snowmobile to reach the evening’s chosen spot and spend 2.5 hours enjoying a three-course meal (from £208 per person).
Combine this with a stay at Brandon Lodge which offers a wide choice of winter adventures including husky sledding, a snowmobile forest safari and a Northern Lights sled tour.
How: Discover The World (01737 214 250; discover-the-world.com) offers a four-night fullboard stay from £1,323 per person, including excursions.
Flights extra.