Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
Your travel tips
From protecting your face and fingers against the icy Arctic chill to the best places to spot the aurora borealis, here are your top tips for visiting Europe’s fabulous far north...
Where to go, what to see and how to stay warm in Lapland.
Ride in the dark
Aurora Sky Station
“Visit the Aurora Sky Station at Abisko, Sweden. Take the chairlift to see the stars and have a gourmet dinner at the top station. Then look for the northern lights.”
Alison Hawkins
Arctic eating
Nabo Restaurant
“At amazing Nabo, in Rovaniemi, Finland, they use local ingredients to create modern, fine-dining dishes. There is a reasonably priced plant-based set menu, including many delicacies from Lapland.”
Annapurna Mellor
Swedish strolling
Padjelanta Trail
“Try Sweden’s Padjelantaleden, a well-marked 140km wilderness trail through Padjelanta National Park, with huts and camps en route. You can take a helicopter flight to the trail’s mid-point to halve the length if that sounds too tough.” Peter Crawley
Snow screen
Remember protection “Wear waterproof sunscreen. Even though it’s cold it’s easy for your face to burn as the sun reflects up from the snow.”
Tracy Astwood
Finger thoughts
Glove advice
“Wear two pairs of gloves – the first pair being fingerless and the second (outer) pair made of fur-lined waterproof fabric.”
Pat Reed
Dog days
Husky sledding
“If you go husky sledding, you really do have to hold onto the brake of the sled when stopped – no matter how relaxed the dogs look, they will just take off if you release the brake!”
John King
Glass ceilings
Utsuvaara
“Utsuvaara fell in Levi, Finland, has 12 glass igloos – the views are spectacular. The restaurant is also made of glass so you can eat under the northern lights. I increased my chances of seeing the lights by monitoring the Aurora Forecast – you can even sign up for text alerts.” Elaine Muller
Nippy dip
Saunas
“A visit to a sauna followed by a dip in an ice hole cut into a lake, while the stars twinkle overhead, is the most incredible way to feel alive!” Sarah Whittaker-axon
Silent slopes
Pyhä
“The Swedish resort of Pyhä is really quiet, with hardly anyone on the ski slopes. I tried fat-biking and visited the amethyst mine, where you can dig for your own gems. Also, go snowshoeing with a guide at night to search for the aurora.”
Tatum Burgess
Making tracks
Train to Rovaniemi
“Take the train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland: it’s relatively cheap for the distance, travels through spectacular scenery and runs all year round.”
Andrew Coker
Splendid isolation
Oulanka
“Fly into Kuusamo, Finland, and visit the unspoilt wilderness of Oulanka National Park. It is one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe – you can enjoy a variety of winter activities in this beautiful landscape and hardly ever see another soul.” Derek Mepham
Super snow spot
Ylläs
“The Finnish ski resort of Ylläs is perfect – not too commercial, but still plenty to do. We found a hire shop and rented snowmobiles – it was cheaper than booking with the tour operator.”
Keri Hassett
Eye on the weather
Sunglasses
“You might need sunglasses for the glare of the snow, but remember that metal frames will stick to your face in the freezing temperatures.” Alison Thackray
Webcam wisdom
Porjus
“Try the Arctic Colors cabins in Porjus, Sweden. I had good views of the northern lights there. It has webcams so you can keep an eye on activity from your laptop while nice and cosy inside. Just be prepared and prepped to go outside at a moment’s notice though!”
Hazel Young
Visit wanderlust.co.uk to submit your tips. Next month’s topic is:
Easter Island and Chilean Islands