One of the most spectacular natural phenomena, which has mesmerised the attention of travelers across the world since decades, is Northern Lights, or popularly known as Auroras. Northern Lights might seem to be a complex scientific occurrence, but for a layman traveler, it is the most spell-binding, romantic and overwhelming experience to witness. (Image: Reuters)
Interestingly, the sun goes through an 11-year cycle of activity. During certain years of this cycle, the sun typically emits more particles than usual and yes, you guessed it right! 2024 is one such year where there will be more opportunities to see the northern lights! Let us dive straight into it and discover the magic of Auroras from the supposed capital of Northern Lights, also popular as the “Santa Claus Village” - Lapland in Finland. (Image: Reuters)
Engulfed in darkness for most part of the day and covered in thick white snow, Lapland checks almost everything on your childhood bucket list - from dreamy Reindeer Rides through the snow covered forests, to the adrenaline rush of riding high speed Snowmobiles, to witnessing the skyfire dance of Auroras from a warm Jacuzzi in your wilderness cabin.
Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland. The small beautiful town of Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland. If the skies are clear, Northern lights can be seen in Lapland right from September till the end of March. However, Christmas has a certain charm in Lapland. Officially known to be the home of Santa Claus, the Santa Claus Village in Lapland, built on the Arctic circle line is a must visit for everyone. Pay a visit to Santa Claus, especially if you have kids, to get the true feeling of a happy, snowy Christmas.
Reindeer Rides, Husky Rides and Snowmobiles on thick layers of snow add to the fairytale of Lapland. Riding into the deep forests to chase Northern Lights, sitting by a bonfire barbecuing Reindeer Sausages and Marshmallows waiting for the dancing lights to fill the eerie silence of snow-covered forests is truly a spiritual and heavenly experience. (Image: Reuters)
However, the beauty of Lapland lies in its wilderness cabins spread across the length and breath of this place. For example, one such AirBnB cabin is Arctic Villa Tuomi. Situated at a driving distance of only 20 minutes from the city center of Rovaniemi, the drive to Arctic Villa Tuomi is haunting and eerie in a beautiful way. You drive through an aisle of thick snow covered long trees and reach this villa situated on the shore of a vast frozen lake called Tuomijarvi. Overwhelming Finnish nature surrounding the villa comes alive when you switch off the lights and take a relaxing dip in their warm Jacuzzi as it snows over you in -20 degree.
The sighting of Northern Lights from Arctic Villa Tuomi is magical to say the least. While you have the whole cabin, Sauna and Jacuzzi to yourself, the modern amenities of the Villa leave you extremely satisfied. As Indian tourists, you often crave for some interaction and cultural understanding in an unknown land far away from home. The hosts at Arctic Villa Tuomi make sure that they welcome you, share their cultural insights, Finnish ways of lifestyle and make you feel comfortable during your stay. Arctic Villa Tuomi is one of the hidden wonders of Lapland which makes the sighting of Northern Lights an experience of a lifetime.
This is the Finnish beauty of Lapland - amazing hospitality, luxurious amenities with breathtaking views of northern lights all across the sky. The best way to enjoy Northern Lights on a good viewing day is from the comfort and privacy of your Villa’s jacuzzi or going on an Aurora hunting tour on Reindeers. (Image: Reuters)
On a 3-4 days of Lapland experience, another must-do activity is taking a dip in the frozen lake after a stint of Sauna. To get an actual Finnish experience, this is a memorable lifetime experience if you are comfortable with extreme temperatures and something adventurous.
Another wilderness cabin where this can be experienced along with spending some time on a Reindeer farm is Napapiirin Jarvilomat. Interestingly, located further away from the town (50 minutes drive from the city center of Rovaniemi) and the human race in general, the 19th century villa compound is closer to the Sweden border. Also situated on a lakeshore, the villa is surrounded with nothing but white snowy forests. If you are an indoor person, it boasts of a cozy fireplace, a beautiful Sauna after which you can take a jump in the thick layer of snow. The surrounding forests invite you to pick berries and go Ice fishing. Free bicycles, snow shows, and kick sleds are available to make the most of your stay.
Napapiirin Jarvilomat also makes it a perfect destination to witness the dance of the lights as it is further away from pollution, city lights and has a higher chance of clearer skies.
So think no more, 2024 has just started and as we said, it is going to be the Year of Auroras! We will tell you more about the activities, cuisines and wonders of Lapland to help you make the perfect itinerary. Start planning now if you want to spend the winters of 2024 witnessing the heavenly Northern Lights dance across the sky.