Overview:
Experience first-hand the breathtaking beauty of the Lofoten Islands over New Year staying in the cozy waterfront rorbu cabins, joining our local Northern Lights guide on an exciting hunt for the Aurora Borealis and celebrate New Year`s Eve with local specialities. The Lofoten Islands are known for the steep mountains, deep fjords and in wintertiem the elusive Northern Lights and snowcovered landscape are just a few of the highlights in this wilderness.
Holiday price is from £ 1,720 per person based on availability and 2 people sharing a small rorbu.
2022 Departure Dates:
| DEPARTURE |
RETURN |
| 29 Dec |
02 Jan |
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to the majestic Lofoten Islands
Arrive to Svolvaer and check-in for your New Year celebrations in a traditional Rorbu. Overnight in a Small Rorbu with seaside location, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom.
Day 2: Northern Lights Chase
Breakfast at the rorbuer and enjoy the day exploring the surrounding mountains and fjord just outside your doorstep. The Lofoten Islands are known across the World for its steep and rugged mountains, beautifully waters and local culture of fishing. You can also book optional excursions such as our Lofoten Nature Safari or a Sea Eagle RIB Safari. In the evening you will enjoy our Northern Lights Chase with our local English-speaking guide. Searching for the elusive Aurora Borealis is on most people's bucket list and the Arctic region of Norway is one of the best areas in the World to see the Northern Lights. Overnight in your Rorbu.
Day 3: New Year's Eve Celebrations
Breakfast at the rorbuer and enjoy your day taking in the breathtaking views in Svolvaer. Today you can also participate in optional excursions before the New Year celebrations will start in the evening. For your New Year celebrations you will enjoy a special 3-course dinner made with traditional recipes and local produce. After dinner you can see firewirks light up the winter skies, and if you are lucky, the Northern Lights might give you a show on this last day of the year. Overnight in your Rorbu.
Day 4: Archipelago Tour incl.
With this tour, which lasts about five hours, we want our visitors to see the most spectacular locations that these islands offer, both natural, and historical and cultural. It will be possible for you to sit on pure white beaches facing a crystal sea, to admire imposing mountains which for billions of years have guarded, like ancient Viking warriors, magnificent cliffs where the waves of the North Sea break. You will smell the scent of that same sea, united with the perfume of the arctic flowers. At the same time, you might also visit archaeological sites which tell the story of the Viking population, and the origins of this land. Walk amongst the old “Rorbu” (old fishermen’s houses) in the different, colourful villages of the islands. You will also have the chance to taste the various typical products of these islands, while sitting in some characteristic local restaurants. With this excursion, we would like to take you to discover these islands; we will not only visit some of the characteristic fishing villages which have made these islands famous, and are appreciated all over the word, but we’ll also take you to explore unspoilt nature, the most genuine and extraordinary part of this beautiful archipelago. We will guide you through Henningsvær, and we will visit the ancient fishing village. Guiding and time to take many beautiful photos. Continuing our journey towards the western part of the islands, in the direction of Eggum. Eggum faces the ocean, and here nature expresses herself with all her extraordinary strength and beauty. Eggum has become famous in the last few years for its amazing light. It is the best location to catch the authentic atmosphere of the North Sea. We then continue to the stunning Utakleiv and its unforgettable views. The mountains will be at our backs, and the crystal sea, the white sand, silence, “genuine” nature… it will be difficult to believe that we are 200km above the Arctic Circle as we gaze upon nature of such lush and varied colours. The beaches of Haukland were defined in the “Times” magazine as one of the most beautiful locations in the world. We will then carry on to Unstad, which is a small spot with a handful of little houses perched at the foot of the mountains, from where we can admire the striking seascape. Overnight in your Rorbu.
Day 5: Farewell Lofoten
Breakfast at the rorbuer. Enjoy your last day in Svolvaer until y our return flights back to the UK.
Package Includes:
- Return flights from London Heahtrow to Bodo on Scandinavian Airlines (other UK airports upon request)
- Return flights from Bodo to Svolaver on a domestic airline
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 20 kg)
- 4 nights' accommodation in a Small Rorbu with seaview, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom
- Breakfast daily
- 5 hrs Discover The Archipelago Tour
- Northern Lights Chase
- 3-course New Years Eve dinner on 31st Dec
- 24-hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
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You'll see...
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:
Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.
Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm.
In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.
Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.
The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.
As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.
Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.
Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.
Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.
Transportation
Railway mostly serves domestic routes and is used as an easy and quick way to get from the capital to major cities of the country. There are some international routes, like to Moscow and St. Petersburg, but time spent on the way will be quite long.
Buses are one of the most convenient ways to travel between the Baltic States. Eurolines will get you between Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. One way tickets will cost £ 15 - £ 20 and approximate travel time is 5 hours between the cities. Ticket reservations in advance are recommended.
Taxis are the quickest and most convenient way of travelling round the city. You'll find them located close to the main hotels. Usually it's quite easy to catch a taxi on the street, however, it's much better and safer to order one by phone. Taxi costs in all of the Baltic countries and Poland are approximately the same and a ride in the centre of the city will cost you approx £ 5 - £ 7. Taxis in Finland and Russia are considerably more expensive. It is always a good idea to get your hotel to book a taxi for you and ask approximately how much the trip will cost before you get in.
We would not recommend you to take public transportation within the city, as it's usually crowded and it may cause you unnecessary anxiety about where to stop.
Car Rental
You can rent a car, as long as you have a valid EU or international driver's license. Most cars will have manual transmission.