Chasing the Northern Lights: A Winter Adventure in Finland and Norway

On arrival at Helsinki Airport, make your way to the city, taking a taxi to the 4-star Hotel Pier 4, where our pre-trip adventure begins. Once you check in, you'll have time to settle in and relax at this comfortable, modern hotel, centrally located on the waterfront. 

We’ll enjoy dinner at Nokka, a celebrated Helsinki restaurant known for its seasonal, locally sourced Nordic cuisine. It's the perfect way to kick off the journey in Finland, surrounded by great food and the warmth of a welcoming hotel.

Our day begins with a tasty breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for the exciting activities ahead. We'll take a scenic taxi ride to the heart of Helsinki for a guided walking tour, exploring the city’s rich history through the stories of the women who shaped it.

Next, we'll head to Löyly, a unique restaurant and sauna with a spa offering an authentic Finnish experience. Enjoy a delightful lunch with fresh, local flavors and stunning Baltic Sea views. After lunch, we'll relax in the sauna and cool off by swimming in the sea. Embrace nature like the Finns do. 

In the late afternoon, we'll return to the hotel and enjoy some free time. As the evening winds down, we’ll sit down for a relaxed and delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Harbore.

For those on the pre-trip extension, we'll head to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for our flight to Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland.

The core trip starts today. For those on the core trip only, be sure you arrive at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport no later than 11 am for our 1 pm flight to Rovaniemi, Finland. 

We’ll be greeted by a local guide upon arrival in Rovaniemi, who will accompany us on a private transfer to Roka. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch featuring modern Nordic cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and local flavors from Lapland. It’s a great introduction to the region’s food scene in a relaxed, contemporary setting.

Next, we'll head to the Invisible Forest Lodge to check into our invisible glass suites, complete with warm winter clothes for the adventures ahead. Once settled into your private panoramic glass suite surrounded by nature, join us in the traditional Finnish sauna with 360° panoramic forest views. 

After some time to refresh ourselves, we'll gather to indulge in a memorable Hot Rock dinner. This method of preparation draws inspiration from ancient practices, creating a slow, intentional way to share a meal. A large, hot stone will be placed on our table, and we'll have a variety of premium meats and vegetables to cook on it. 

We'll also have the pleasure of meeting Olga, the lodge's owner, and hear how she created this beautiful business into what it is today.

We'll begin the day with a filling breakfast at the lodge, then head to the Arktikum Museum for an intriguing tour about the Sami people and the nature of the North. You’ll learn about the region’s history, traditions, and landscapes.

After the tour, we'll savor a delicious lunch at the museum before heading to the Snow Hotel Lehtojärvi, where the ice sculptures, ice bar, and the magical atmosphere will leave you mesmerized. It’s a truly unforgettable Arctic experience.

Next, we'll try our hand at ice sculpting during a guided workshop where we'll learn the tricks of the trade. After we've created our masterpieces, we'll return to the lodge with time to relax or explore. Note: We do not stay at the Snow Hotel because temperatures inside are too cold for an overnight stay. Most guests find it too uncomfortable for long periods. 

Dinner is a short drive away at Gallis Restaurant, which combines classic French cuisine with local Nordic ingredients and global influences.

After breakfast, we head to a local, authentic Arctic farm, where we'll meet Ms. Mia, an inspiring entrepreneur who runs the farm. We'll take a lovely reindeer sled ride surrounded by breathtaking winter landscapes. Mia will share her experiences of life on the farm, offering insight into a unique way of life in the Arctic.

Next, we’ll transfer to the city center, where you’ll have free time to explore and soak in the area's charm. Whether you wander through the local shops or relax with a warm drink in hand, you’ll have an opportunity to experience the city's essence.

Indulge in a delightful lunch at Gustav Kitchen, known for its delicious dishes and warm ambiance. Then, relax and enjoy free time back at the lodge. Why not book a spa treatment and pamper yourself a little bit?

As the evening winds down, we’ll gather for a memorable Lappish cuisine dinner in a cozy Aurora Igloo, where we’ll dine beneath glass ceilings with views of the snowy forest—and perhaps even the Northern Lights. It’s a magical and intimate setting to enjoy local flavors and end the day.

Rest will come easily after a day of adventures. 

Wake up to our final morning in the Finnish Lapland with a cozy takeaway breakfast, perfect for the scenic ride to the airport. Soon, we'll be soaring across Arctic skies on our way to Tromsø, Norway, one of the world’s best places to witness the Northern Lights.

Once we touchdown, take your time getting to know this Arctic gem. Spend a few hours wandering the town, ducking into boutiques, savoring lunch at a cozy cafe, or perhaps wandering the halls of a museum. Today is Sámi National Day, so there will be a festive feel in the air and cultural activities to explore around town. 

In the afternoon, let's step into the stories of remarkable women who’ve shaped Tromsø on a guided walking tour that explores the city from a female perspective. It's empowering, insightful, and full of hidden gems.

From there, we'll check into The Dock 69°39 by Scandic, an inviting 4-star hotel set right on the waterfront with stunning city views. It's a relaxing escape steps from the vibrant heart of Tromsø. 

Our evening wraps up with a delicious dinner at our hotel's restaurant, featuring local flavors and Arctic specialties. This is a relaxed close to a day full of new sights, traditions, and landscapes.

Our morning starts with a leisurely breakfast as the Arctic light glows over the city. Once everyone is fueled up, we'll take a scenic cable car ride up to a mountaintop viewpoint where sweeping panoramas of Tromsø and the surrounding fjords unfold before us. At the top, warm up in the cozy cafeteria and enjoy the picture-perfect views.

Next, we'll head down to the harbor for lunch at Full Steam. The restaurant is known for local seafood and flavors of the North. 

We have a unique experience scheduled for this afternoon. After lunch, we'll board the Vulkana Spa Boat, touted as a "floating sanctuary in the Arctic". Gently floating among the towering fjords, make your way between a wood-fired Finnish sauna, a traditional Turkish steam hammam, or an outdoor wood-fired hot tub on the boat's deck to relax and rejuvenate. 

After some time back at the hotel to freshen up and rest, the adventure continues on an enchanting Aurora Dinner Cruise. Glide through icy waters aboard a warm, comfortable boat, with a delicious meal as you watch for the Northern Lights. If the skies cooperate, we'll witness the aurora dancing overhead—a thrilling end to a full day of Arctic culture and charm.

Our day begins with a relaxed breakfast as we slowly ease into a day of travel. Around noon, we’ll check out of our accommodation and take a transfer to the airport, ready for the next leg of the journey.

Grab a snack or meal at Tromsø Airport, where cafes and eateries offer light bites before we board our flight to Oslo. Once we touch down, it's only a short, scenic trip to the 5-star Grand Hotel Oslo for check-in.

The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. You can dine at the hotel or ask your guide for some local recommendations for a meal. 

Savor breakfast before we head out for a walking tour of Oslo, soaking in its unique blend of history and architecture. After we wrap up, take some free time to shop along the vibrant Johans Street. Explore local shops, boutiques, and charming cafes as we take in the city's lively atmosphere. 

Lunch will be on your own, allowing you to find a cozy spot in town to enjoy a leisurely meal.

In the afternoon, we'll take a scenic taxi ride to Holmenkollen, where we'll experience an inspiring speech and introduction to famed athlete Annika Malacinski, a pioneer in women’s Nordic combined sports. Originally from Colorado and now living in Norway, Annika will share insights into her career and the progress of women’s sports in this exciting discipline.

After the talk, we'll settle in for a farewell dinner at the renowned Holmenkollen Restaurant, known for its stunning city views and excellent cuisine in a wooden building dating back to 1892. 

It's just a short taxi ride back to the hotel, where we can unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

After a lovely breakfast, our fabulous journey comes to an end. As we head to Oslo Airport, we'll reflect on the unforgettable memories we've created together. This trip has brought new friendships, shared laughter, and cherished moments, leaving us with lasting recollections.

We have to check out of the hotel by 12 pm at the latest, so feel free to book your onward travel anytime this morning. We'll arrange a taxi for you from the hotel. 

If you're joining us for the post-trip extension, onward!

After we say goodbye to our friends who are not joining us on the extension, we'll head to the train station for one of Europe’s most stunning rail journeys. The Oslo to Bergen train has been voted among the world’s most beautiful routes, gliding past snow-dusted peaks, icy waterfalls, and remote mountain villages. A cafeteria on board makes it easy to enjoy a warm drink as you enjoy the views on this 6-hour train ride.

We’ll check into the elegant Bergen Børs Hotel when we get to the end of our train ride. Housed in a former stock exchange building, this 4-star property blends historical charm with modern sophistication. We'll each stay in a Deluxe Room with a city view that's refined, spacious, and ideal for relaxing between adventures.

After checking in we’ll head out on a private city walk to uncover the stories of Bergen’s past, think Hanseatic merchants, wooden houses, and cobbled alleyways steeped in maritime history.

You’ll have free time to stroll the colorful harbor or browse cozy boutiques before we reconvene for dinner at Frescohallen, the hotel’s elegant restaurant set beneath beautifully painted frescoes, offering a refined dining experience in a truly memorable setting.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll go to the pier for a fjord cruise to Mostraumen. The narrow waterways, towering cliffs, and waterfalls of the fjords are even more magical from the water, and the boat’s panoramic deck allows us to observe every dramatic turn.

Back on land, lunch is at Fjellskål, Bergen’s premier seafood restaurant on the wharf. Known for its ultra-fresh catches and sea-to-table philosophy, this spot is beloved by locals for good reason.

Next, we’ll ride the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen. The view over Bergen, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the North Sea. Enjoy a peaceful alpine wander or just enjoy the crisp mountain air.

After free time back at the hotel, we'll venture out for our farewell dinner. It's fair to say that we've had an extraordinary sampling of Arctic cuisine over the past week, so let's switch things up with a meal at Piman, a modern Thai restaurant that's only a short walk away.

On our final morning, we’ll enjoy one last breakfast at Bergen Børs Hotel before checking out and heading to the airport. With multiple short flights back to Oslo, you can choose a time that fits your onward plans.