Northern Lights and Arctic Adventures!

To bear witness to one of nature’s most spectacular light shows, the Northern Lights, has always been on my ‘bucket list’. For this trip to Lapland we were based in Karesuando village, deep within the Arctic Circle on the border of Sweden and Finland. Our accommodation was in a quaint little timber cabin nestled amidst several feet of snow. Almost as soon as the sun set there was a knock on my door and a cry of ‘The Lights are out!’ I quickly bundled my son in a duvet and we rushed out into the icy landscape so we could stare at the night sky in anticipation.

I have to be honest and tell you that the sight of the swirling, misty green lights in the sky made my eyes fill for it has to be one of the most beautiful, crazy and surreal things I’ve ever seen. I’d read so much about the science behind the Aurora Borealis- the KP index, solar flares, magnetic resonance and the suchlike that I could scarcely believe something so mathematical and factual could produce a display of such magnitude and raw beauty.

The activities that were offered were amazing and really hit the spot with the kids and adults alike. The husky sleigh ride was exhilarating and had me whooping like a child as our team of dogs effortlessly pulled us at high speed through a glittering icy landscape with not a soul in sight - it felt like we were racing to the end of the world and I did not want the adventure to end. Afterwards we fed the huskies and helped their trainers put them into their individual kennels, getting to know each animal’s personality and getting a fascinating insight into the lives led by the dogs and their attentive carers.

The snowmobile expedition was a real highlight- the controls are incredibly easy to use and the kids all travel in a wooden sleigh pulled by an experienced guide so they can enjoy the exhilarating ride as well. Having never ridden a skidoo before I was a little cautious at first but after five minutes or so I was zooming along like a pro, admiring the frozen rivers and marvelling at the beauty of the frozen landscape around me. We were taken to a lookout point, high up above the treeline with 360 degree views all around. It felt like we were literally on top of the world- no photos could have done the view justice - nor captured the spirit of adventure that you feel stood atop a hill with nothing but the frozen arctic surrounding you.

Meeting the reindeers was a surprise as they were much smaller than I’d imagined, and also very tame! We sat around the fire in a kota, a traditional Lappish tent, and enjoyed reindeer sausages roasted on an open fire washed down with loganberry juice - both local specialties.

I must admit to being a bit of a sun seeker when it comes to holidays in the past but this trip to Lapland has changed my perception completely. This was a true adventure to the ends of the earth and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list too then give me a call or email me and we can chat about the various ways you can do this as there are lots of options (cruising, Lapland, Iceland, with/without kids etc) and I’d be more than happy to discuss these with you. Lapland isn't just about Santa and his elves - it's a great playground for big kids too!