Plan Your Budget-Friendly Northern Lights Trip to Scandinavia in Europe

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, have been a lifelong dream for many travelers. My husband and I were no exception; witnessing this natural wonder was high on our bucket list. However, after hearing from several people about the luck factor in spotting the lights, we decided to do our homework to maximize our chances. Initially, we planned to visit in December, but after further research, we chose March, which coincided with my birthday. And what a great decision that turned out to be!

In this blog, I'll share our itinerary, tips, and experiences to help you plan your Arctic adventure and make the most of your Northern Lights trip. You’ll find information on:

• Maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights
• Quick trip summary (places, costs, duration)
• Day-by-day itinerary
• Useful tips and links

 

When to Plan Your Northern Lights Trip?

To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, keep these factors in mind:

1. Darkness: You can’t see the Northern Lights in daylight, so winter, with its long nights, is the best time to visit.
2. Clear Skies: Cloud cover will obstruct your view of the lights, so check weather forecasts for clear skies.
3. Solar Activity: This is primarily luck-based, but solar activity is generally higher in September and March.

We opted for March because of the stable weather and increased solar activity—and we weren’t disappointed! We were fortunate enough to witness the Aurora Borealis on four separate nights, and it was an experience we’ll never forget.

 

Quick Trip Summary

Along with the Northern Lights, we wanted to immerse ourselves in the Saami culture, stay in glass igloos, and enjoy winter activities like reindeer rides, husky sledding, and snowmobiling. We also made it a point to visit the famous fjords of Norway.

• Countries Visited: Finland, Sweden, Norway
• Duration: 10 days (Delhi to Delhi)
• Places to Stay: Ranua (Finland), Kiruna and Abisko (Sweden), Tromsø (Norway)
• Transportation: Primarily public transport as we were inexperienced with driving on snowy roads.
• Budget: INR 5-6 lakhs for two people

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi to Helsinki

We took an early morning flight from Delhi and arrived in Helsinki by afternoon. After a quick visit to the city center, we boarded the Santa Claus Express (night train) to Rovaniemi. If you prefer to take it slow, you can stay a night in Helsinki and continue your journey the next day.

Day 2: Rovaniemi to Ranua

We arrived in Rovaniemi at 7 AM, greeted by a frosty -22°C! Bundled up in layers, we made our way to Ranua, where we booked a stay in glass igloos, we were lucky to get upgraded to a larger igloo in a different resort. The igloos were spacious, complete with a private sauna and kitchenette. The view from the igloo, overlooking a frozen lake, was breathtaking—and we even saw a glimpse of the Northern Lights right from our bed!

Day 3: Ranua

We visited the Ranua Zoo, where we saw owls, reindeer, wolves, and even a polar bear. While many animals hibernate in winter, walking through the snowy zoo felt like exploring a winter wonderland.

Day 4: Ranua to Kiruna

We started our journey from Ranua to Kiruna, crossing the Sri Chinmoy Peace Bridge, which connects Finland and Sweden. A funny mix-up occurred when we panicked about a late bus, only to realize our phones hadn't adjusted to the time difference between the two countries!

That night, we saw the Northern Lights dance above us in Kiruna, right outside our hotel. A tip: while many people book tours, you can save money by simply using an Aurora app to track the lights and head out when the solar activity is high. If you are in a location flooded with city lights, head to some remote location. 

Day 5: Kiruna to Abisko

We had originally planned to visit the Ice Hotel before leaving Kiruna, but due to limited public transportation, we decided against it. Instead, we took a train to Abisko National Park, which is known for its clear skies. That night, we were treated to yet another mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights.

Day 6: Abisko

We spent the day hiking around Abisko National Park, exploring the frozen lake and Grand Canyon. The trails were well-marked, making it easy to choose a hike based on your schedule. That night, we went on a snowmobile tour, hoping for another sighting of the lights. Unfortunately, the solar activity was low, but the snow-covered park was still enchanting.

Day 7: Abisko to Tromsø via Narvik

One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the ride from Abisko to Narvik offered stunning views of frozen lakes and fjords. The last half hour was particularly magical, with everyone on the train standing in awe, taking pictures.

From Narvik, we took a bus to Tromsø. Despite a 3-hour delay caused by an iron ore train accident, we finally arrived in Tromsø by 9 PM.

Day 8: Tromsø

On my birthday, we explored Tromsø’s city center, visiting a beach and a park. With the weather cloudy, many Northern Lights tours were canceled. But as we sat in a restaurant checking our Aurora app out of habit, the lights appeared! We rushed back to the beach, and I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present than such an spectacular Northern Lights show.

Day 9 & 10: Tromsø to Delhi

After a snowy morning in Tromsø, we caught our flight to Helsinki and then headed back home to Delhi.

Quick Tips for Your Trip

1. Other Aurora Locations: Near Rovaniemi, places like Sinetta, Kemi, and Levi are also great for Northern Lights viewing.
2. Use an Aurora App: These apps provide real-time updates on solar activity and the best viewing spots.
3. Photography: A good camera with long exposure is a must. My iPhone 13 worked well, but a professional camera would be ideal.
4. Vegetarian Food: Vegetarian options are limited in remote areas, so pack some ready-to-eat meals and snacks.
5. Clothing: Temperatures can drop significantly, so dress in layers. Here’s a helpful winter packing guide.
6. Plan Ahead: Book early to secure accommodations, especially glass igloos, which fill up fast during peak seasons.
7. Public Transport in Sweden: Buses don’t run on Saturdays in some parts of Sweden, so plan accordingly.
8. Ticket Purchases: In Norway, it’s cheaper to buy bus tickets through apps rather than directly on the bus.

 

Important Links

1. Train Booking:
• Finland
• Sweden
2. Bus Booking:
• Finland
• Sweden
• Norway

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments; I’ll be happy to help!