Tromso, Bjorkliden and the ICEHOTEL

The illumination of the Northern Lights occurs when charged solar particles collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. Green bursts of light are most commonly witnessed; these are collisions with oxygen atoms 100-200km above the surface of the Earth. Blue colours are collisions with nitrogen atoms at the same distance, whilst oxygen atoms glow red when excited by the solar particles.

This seven night itinerary combines Tromso, considered one of the best places in the world to see the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis; the Swedish mountain resort of Bjorkliden and the world-famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjarvi, all destinations are above the Arctic Circle and situated under the Aurora oval.

Day One
On arrival at Tromso airport, you will be transferred to Clarion Hotel The Edge.

Day Two- Dog sled tour – Wake up and see the Arctic and Aurora Hunt
This morning, the tour includes a husky dog-sled adventure. The chosen dog sled provider offers intimate, small group tours and, in our opinion, the highest standard of dog-sled excursions in the area.  All guests have the opportunity to try their hand at mushing their own team of husky-dog sled.

In the evening, depart Tromso on a 6-hour Aurora hunt. This small group tour will take you in search of the Lady Aurora and will travel to whichever location is deemed to have the best atmospheric conditions for a sighting. You may stay close to Tromso, drive along the Norwegian coastline or head inland towards the Finnish border. Hopefully, if conditions permit, your journey will be illuminated by the dazzling Aurora swirls overhead.

Day Three
After breakfast, depart Tromso by bus and travel to the harbour town of Narvik (c. 4 hours).  Self-transfer to the Scandic Narvik.

Day Four
Today continue by train to the Bjorkliden Mountain Resort on the outskirts of the Abisko National Park (c.2 hours). Self-transfer from Bjorkliden train station to the Bjorkliden Mountain Resort (c.10-minutes walk).

Day Five- Aurora photo tour
Day at leisure in Bjorkliden. Opportunity to participate in a snowmobile tour, snow shoe tour and to visit an ice cave.  Alternatively, there are 19 ski runs and 24 km of cross-country ski trails to try. In the evening, participate in an Aurora photo tour in the Abisko National Park. Due to its high percentage of clear night skies and virtually no light pollution Abisko is one of the greatest places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Under the supervision of a professional photographer you will have a high chance of going home with beautiful Aurora photographs and memories that will last a lifetime.

Day Six- Northern Lights snowmobile tour
After breakfast, transfer to Jukkasjarvi and the location of the original ICEHOTEL (c.90 minutes drive). This evening, before settling down to sleep in your ornately decorated Art Suite, you will enjoy a snowmobile tour in search of the Northern Lights. Exploring the wilderness areas surrounding the frozen River Torne and away from artificial light pollution, there is a good chance of a sighting should conditions permit. An evening meal is included as part of the tour.

Day Seven
Day at leisure in Jukkasjarvi. Opportunity to participate in a dog sled tour, reindeer sled excursion or to try your hand at ice sculpting or cross-country skiing.  Tonight, your accommodation will be in the comfortable warm accommodation at the ICEHOTEL.

Day Eight
After breakfast, transfer to Kiruna airport for your return flight to the UK.