The northern lights are one of the biggest draws to visiting Iceland and Finland.
Although it would be great to easily pinpoint a how to see them, there are a lot of variables to consider for seeing them: season, weather, length of stay, location and luck. Of course, there are lots of fantastic things to do in Iceland and Finland and it’s always best to think of seeing the northern lights as an added bonus, so plan your trip with unique experience with Charlotte Travel.
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Day 1
Arrival Reykjavik, Iceland
Private transfer to your hotel and leisure in your own pace.
In the evening, your guide will drive you out of the Reykjavik city lights in search of the elusive Northern Lights. On this evening tour you may be lucky enough to see them swirling and dancing across the sky endlessly changing colours, shape and size.
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Day 2
Golden Circle & Northern Lights
Visit some of Iceland´s most stunning sights along the famous Golden Circle route. You’ll visit the historical and geological wonder Thingvellir National Park. There you can see where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. Thingvellir was also the setting of the world´s oldest parliament founded around 930. Thingvellir has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004.
Next you’ll head to the Geysir geothermal area is where the geyser Strokkur shoots a column of water up to 25 to 30 meters into the air every few minutes in a thrilling display of nature’s forces.
The tour continues to Gullfoss, a two tiered waterfall in the river Hvita. The river tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m (105 ft.) deep in an extraordinary display of natural power. Gullfoss waterfall that narrowly escaped being harnessed for the building of a hydroelectric dam.
In the evening, head out to explore the mysterious nights of Iceland searching for the dancing Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights
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Day 3
Explore Reykjavik city & Northern Lights
Reykjavik is a modern vibrant city offering a whole range of interesting places to check out.
Towering over the centre of Reykjavík is Hallgrímskirkja church, visible from almost every angle of the city and therefore making it very easy to find. At the top of this 74.5m expressionist building is a viewing platform boasting 360° views over the entire city. Along with the view from Perlan on Öskjuhlíð hill, this is probably the best view you will get of the city, save for from air.
From Hallgrímskirkja church you'll want to explore the nearby streets of Reykjavík's city centre, best explored on foot or by bike. To truly soak up the culture, you'll want to make sure to visit the main shopping streets; Laugavegur, Bankastræti, Austurstræti, Lækjargata, Skólavörðustígur - all easily accessible in the central area of Reykjavík.
In the evening, head out to explore the mysterious nights of Iceland searching for the dancing Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights
Austurvöllur Square is just north of the city pond, an excellent spot to gather with friends and family.
Over the weekend, the flea market is located down by the Reykjavík harbour and has a lot of interesting stuff for sale, including many local delicacies.
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Day 4
Relax at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is situated approximately 39 km from the capital city of Reykjavik. The steamy waters of this stunning geothermal spa are part of a lava formation. The warm, sky-blue waters are rich in minerals like silica and sculpture and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is said to help people suffering from psoriasis and other skin conditions. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37-39 °C. The lagoon is fed by the water output of a nearby geothermal power plant.
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Day 5
Departure for Ivalo, Finland
Take a flight to Finnish Lapland Ivalo and stay overnight in Glass Igool, and enjoy your Northern Lights hunting this evening.
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Day 6
Snowmobiling to the Reindeer Farm
Visit the local reindeer farm and try out your herding skills!
You will visit a reindeer farm with snowmobiles where you will meet the reindeer herders and learn about the importance of reindeer in Lapland. You will learn how to lasso a reindeer and you will also have a short reindeer sleigh ride.
Chasing Northern Lights
On our Aurora Hunt by Car, you will spend the evening hunting for possible Aurora Borealis, traveling with car and having some warm drinks to keep you warm. Depending on weather conditions, there might be slight changes on which route we select, but on this tour we do our very best to catch some lights!
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Day 7
Leisure in day time & Aurora Camp in evening
Sledge ride to place where you will enjoy the northern sky all the way to the camp place. At the camp there is a hut with an open fire to warm us up on a cold night Aurora Hunting.
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Day 8
Transfer to Rovaniemi and visit Santa Claus Village
You can meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland. Santa Claus spends his time at the Santa Claus Village every day of the year to take care of his mission in life; to enhance the well-being of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spreading the message of love and goodwill and the Christmas Spirit across the globe.
Northern Lights Safari by snowmobile
Your will be on a different kind of a snowmobile adventure in the nearly unlit nature, where only moonlight, stars and snowmobile light systems will light your way.
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Day 9
Day trip to Sweden with Icebreaker cruise and Lunch
Transfer to Kemi, and onboard Icebreaker journey to Sweden across the frozen water of Bothnian sea.
During 3 hours you will be a witness of a massive ice breaking power of the vessel, have a guided tour all the way down to the engine rooms and all way up to Captain’s bridge. You can relax in the cozy saloon, enjoying warm juice or go for walk on the frozen sea ice during the stop. The icebreaker makes a pool free of ice and every visitor can take a swim in the dark icy water in flotation survival suit. The captain will present Cruise & Swim Certificate to everyone as a memorable gift.
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Day 10
Visit Ranua Zoo & Departure
Ranua Wildlife Park offers opportunity to observe arctic animals throughout the year, in an as authentic environment for the animals as possible. The park animals consist of approximately 50 wild animal species and 200 individuals.
In accordance time, transfer to Rovaniemi Airport and return home.
