Step into the world of the Northern Lights | A complete experience including icebreaker, reindeer sled, husky sled, and Santa Claus Village
Nordic Winter • Aurora Season
Winter in Northern Europe offers the chance to see the Northern Lights, ride husky/reindeer sleds, take an icebreaker cruise, and stay in a glass igloo; it's a journey about snow, light, and temperature.
When people think of winter in Northern Europe, they often think of cold, polar nights, and endless snow. But when you travel to Finnish Lapland and the northern border of Norway, you'll find that winter here is more like a slowly unfolding scroll: the footsteps of sled dogs, the movement of the aurora borealis, and the crackling of fireplaces in wooden houses combine to create the most unforgettable winter scenes.
Winter Activities Picks: Pack Your Wish List All in One Go
Santa Claus Village in Finland
On the Arctic Circle line in Rovaniemi, send a postcard with an Arctic postmark, take a photo with Santa Claus, and walk across the white line symbolizing the Arctic Circle. The cabins are twinkling with lights at night; the festive atmosphere doesn't need to be created—it's there naturally.
Icebreaker Cruise
Sailing into the frozen sea aboard an icebreaker, you can hear the sound of the ice being slowly pushed aside by the ship. Floating on the icy sea in a specially designed thermal floatation suit is many people's first real experience of the "Arctic Ocean."
King Crab Safari
Head to the fjords or the Arctic coast and listen to local fishermen recount the history of king crab, how it's caught, and the culture and history of Kirkenes. Steam rises, and the sweetness is especially pronounced in the cold wind—one bite, and even winter feels warm and comforting.
Husky Sledding
A pack of huskies races across the snow, their routes winding through forests and along frozen lakes. The exhilaration of speed combined with the tranquility of the snowscape makes for one of Lapland's most iconic winter experiences.
Snowmobile Aurora Chase
I rode my snowmobile out of the town lights at night, searching for a clear sky. When the aurora rose from the horizon, all the waiting became worthwhile—photographs can hardly capture that flowing, layered beauty, but seeing it with your own eyes will stay with you for a long time.
Reindeer Farm
Step into a local reindeer farm and learn about Sami culture and the daily life of reindeer. The farmer's smiles, hot drinks, and stories are the most authentic warmth of a Nordic winter.
Experience the scenery of a winter night: wooden cabins and glass houses
Accommodation in Scandinavia places great emphasis on "temperature." The log cabins are mostly suites for 3-8 people , with multiple separate bedrooms (usually double rooms), ideal for families or groups of friends. The common living area often features a fireplace and kitchen, where you can gather around the fire in the evening for conversation and hot drinks – the most comfortable way to spend a winter night.
For something more unique, consider a Glass Igloo . The heated glass roof allows you to enjoy stargazing and the aurora borealis from a warm room, ensuring comfort even when it's -20 degrees Celsius outside. Rooms are limited during peak season, so advance booking is recommended.
Winter travel tips
- Layering: Inner layer of thermal underwear, middle layer of fleece/sweater, outer layer of windproof and waterproof jacket; bottoms to wear with thermal pants or snow pants.
- Shoes are more important than coats: Choose non-slip, waterproof snow boots, and thick socks and warm insoles are a big plus.
- Shorter daylight hours: In some areas, daylight hours are only about 4 hours in December and January. Outdoor activities should be scheduled around noon.
- Aurora season: September to March is the core season. Check the Aurora forecast before you go and try to stay away from light sources.
- Advance booking is recommended: Glass igloos, husky/reindeer sleds, and icebreakers are most sought after during the Christmas to New Year period.
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Experience local life: sauna, mulled wine (Glögi), and stews are the most down-to-earth ways to warm up in winter.
Pack light and travel to see your own aurora and snowfields.
