There are trips that entertain you, and then there are trips that change you. My journey through the Arctic North—crossing Norway, Finland, and Sweden—was the kind that leaves snowflakes on your soul. From chasing the aurora to meeting reindeer herders, here’s a look at my unforgettable winter escape.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome in Tromsø
We touched down in Tromsø, Norway, a city known as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” After settling in at the Clarion Hotel The Edge we were ready for dinner—and wow, what a start. The food was absolutely delicious, the perfect welcome to the north. You know a meal is great when you’re already planning to return before you’ve even finished dessert.
Day 2: Exploring Walkable Tromsø
Tromsø has a super walkable downtown, and we took full advantage. We browsed cozy shops and visited one of the city’s museums that gave us insight into Arctic life. A highlight? The Mack Brewery tour, followed by a stop at Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub. The history, the beer, the atmosphere—it was all just so cool and authentic.
Day 3: Into the Wilderness – Kilpisjärvi
We left city life behind and headed to Santa’s Hotel Rakka in Kilpisjärvi, Finland. This place—wow. Remote, peaceful, and with views that made us stop and stare. Even better, we met a Sámi reindeer herder who shared stories about his culture and traditions. Learning about this Indigenous group, who have been herding reindeer here for centuries, was truly humbling.
Day 4: Borderlines and Northern Lights
Snowmobiles took us to the tripoint where Norway, Sweden, and Finland meet—an epic little piece of geography that is in the middle of a lake during the summer. That night, we arrived at Northern Lights Village Levi, a beautiful and quiet but also family-friendly resort complete with Santa, elves, and reindeer encounters. And just when we thought it couldn’t get more magical… the aurora borealis danced across the sky in a show that left us speechless.
Day 5: Dog Sleds and a Taste of Luxury
We got to drive our own dog sleds—hands down one of the most exhilarating things we’ve ever done. Afterward, we had a cozy and delicious lunch at Cahkal resort, then made our way to the elegant and historic Haparanda Stadshotell in Sweden. So much charm, so much history—it felt like stepping back in time.
Day 6: Icebreaking Adventures and Fireside Feasts
If you’ve never swum in Arctic waters surrounded by ice… well, it’s wild. We boarded an icebreaker ship, suited up, and floated in the frozen sea like human popsicles. Lunch was a total contrast—warm, rustic, and fresh. At Kukkolaforsen, fish caught from the nearby river was grilled over an open fire. Simple, perfect, and unforgettable.
Day 7: Santa’s Hometown
In Rovaniemi, Finland, we visited the official Santa Claus Village—yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s every bit as charming as you’d hope. We stayed at Santa’s Hotel Rovaniemi, and later that evening, we toured the stunning Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos. After a drink at the ice bar we dined in a Kota restaurant where the meat is actually cooking over the huge fire in the center of the room. Pure magic.
Day 8: A Parisian Encore
Our adventure ended with a brief overnight stop in Paris. Though short, we managed to squeeze in a glimpse of the city’s charm—and it sparked something in us. France, we’ll be back.
Your Arctic Adventure Awaits
This journey was more than just a vacation—it was a soul-filling, snow-sparkled experience that reminded us how wide and wonderful the world really is. Ready to start your own snow-dusted story? Let Next Travel help you plan an unforgettable Arctic journey—complete with auroras, reindeer, and all the magic the North has to offer!
