This is what Arctic dreams are made of.
Whether or not
you’re a “bucket-list kind of a person,” you probably still consider the
northern lights a must-see experience. For those of us who dwell at lower
latitudes, the aurora borealis is one of the most exciting and spectacular
natural phenomena we can witness. Even those lucky enough to see the ghost
lights regularly agree that the sight of those mad, silent, and mysterious
electric lights dancing across the northern sky is special. It’s worth braving
the harsh Arctic winters and short, dark days just to see them.
But hold on to your wool hats: The experience is about to
get even more outstanding.
The aurora borealis may be worth the cold, but imagine
spending the night out under the northern stars, protected by your own heated
bubble. We’re not talking igloos here—starting in December, you can spend the
night in a personal, snowmobile-pulled, transparent-roofed mobile hotel room
for the coziest and most creative northern lights viewing experience
imaginable.
Off
the Map Travel—a U.K.-based travel company that specializes in
personalized, private northern lights experiences—is launching its “Aurora
Bubble Sled” (pictured at top) as a new twist on an iconic experience.
Off the
Map offers an overnight in the sled as part of its
Lapland Aurora program, which introduces travelers to
the wonders of northern Finland’s wilderness. The tailored trip is based in
Kilpisjärvi, which sits right on the border of
Sweden,
Finland,
and
Norway, at 69 degrees north (borealis junkies will know
that latitude as one of the most ideal for northern lights viewing), and can
include other classic arctic activities such as a wild reindeer tour, ice
fishing, and snowshoeing.
So how does
that tiny pod stay warm? The sled-mounted bubble built for two is encased
in see-through polycarbonate and lined with beanbags. A thermostat-controlled
heating system means that not only will you stay warm, but you’ll stay at the
exact temperature that you find most comfortable. And while you don’t have to
commit to a full (and clearly romantic) overnight, why wouldn’t you? Overnight
guests are provided with sleeping bags and traditional reindeer skins to ensure
that they stay extra warm after their snowmobile driver departs for the night.
The Aurora Bubble
Sled is available as part of the Lapland Aurora program from December through
April.
01
Open space outside of Reykjavik
First time: We took the Northern Lights tour out about an
hour outside of Rekyjavik and they didn't show. Second time: Northern Lights
tour canceled for the night because of visibility problems (cloudy day). Third
time: We went an hour outside Reykjavik, patiently waited, and they magically
appeared, waving in the night sky. Beautiful and amazing! Tip: Book your tour
for your first day in
Iceland so you
have more chances to reschedule (they allow free re-booking if you don't get to
see it).
Hvammar, Kópavogur, Iceland
http://www.re.is/DayTours/Activity/Details/Northern-Lights-Tour-Oct-March/
02
Aurora Sky Station
Around me was utter silence even though dozens
of people were above and below me. Nearby towering mountains were coated in
snow. Unnerving and eerie in one sense yet utterly humbling. The chairlift I
was riding in had to be stopped for every single passenger to board so it
pulled to a quick halt and left me suspended mid-air, sitting there for a
minute or two taking in the massive ice-coated panorama that was Abisko. Riding
up towards the sky station in the massive star-filled ink black night sky felt
like an ascent into heaven. I was scared yet calm enveloped me. Finally at the
top, we fought off a hoard of travelers crowding out space, their eyes arched
towards the sky looking for the very same thing we were there for. But Peter
knew where to go. Like a kid seeking out his favorite hiding spot, he took us
behind one of Mount Nuolja’s slopes to one of the best spots for photographing
Northern Lights in all of Sweden. And the lights were nothing short of
spectacular. Vibrant green curtains that unraveled and unfolded across the
crisp clear winter sky, swirling in every direction. We didn’t know where to
turn. From 9pm until past midnight, the lights danced across the sky. After
awhile, we stopped taking photographs overwhelmed by the shimmering lights
which we couldn’t keep up with. We just stood in awe. - Peter Rosén runs 5-day
Aurora and Sápmi courses with Nutti Sámi Siida which incorporates photographing
parts of indigenous Sámi culture and reindeer sledding.
Abisko Turist Station, 981 07 Abisko, Sweden
03
Sommarøy
Situated upon the northern tip of
Norway, Tromsø is an
arctic gem well worth hopping on that 2 hour flight from
Oslo. The city
itself is reflective of its inhabitants; friendly, slow-paced and possessing a
beauty so natural and fresh you have to look twice most times. As if aware of
its allure, the still surrounding fjords pose as mirrors making the combination
of charming Scandinavian architecture, low-drooping clouds and the Aurora
Borealis (if you're lucky to be there at just the right time) a photographer's
haven. A one hour drive west of the city is Sommarøy or Summer Island, a tiny
coastal town home to just over 200 residents. It's known as Tromso's best kept
secret (sorry for not keeping mum!) and if not for staying with a local family
friend we probably would've missed this unique vista boasting of beguiling
grass-roofed houses and mossy island blobs. If you make it out there, make sure
you drive slowly to appreciate the rural splendours. My favourite: white silage
bales sprinkled across green pastures like marshmallows. I've included the most
descript article on Sommarøy I could find below, which goes through some
seasonal highlights. It's been said that Norway has a different magic act
depending on the time of year, so a winter visit is in line in hopes to finally
catch those impulsive Northern Lights, skate on a lake, or if I'm really lucky,
both at the same time.
Sommarøy, Norway
04
Haukadalur
We got to the Langjokull Glacier by Super Jeep, reaching an
elevation of 4,500 feet above sea level. Being the second largest glacier
in
Iceland,
approximately 950 square kilometers with a volcano occupying over half of this
area, you can imagine it’s a pretty impressive environment. You can take a
snowmobile across the glacier, a must see (and particular favorite) are the
subterranean ice cathedrals, sculpted by the Icelandic weather and unseen by
many. Camping overnight is also an option; it’s remote but the best place to
see the Northern Lights.
Haukadalur, Iceland
05
Hammerfest
Beautiful Auroras at Kvaløya outside Hammerfest, in
Northern
Norway!
06
Arctic Guide Service
If you are in Tromsø and want to see the Northern Lights
outside the city, away from the light pollution, choose Arctic Guide Service.
For about an hour, they drive towards dark places while they give information
about Tromsø, explanations about Northern Lights and also the best way to
prepare your camera for the show. They took us to three awesome spots: a beach,
a frozen lake and a fjord. At the fjord we could even hear the whales and see
their blow. Of course, they can't promise you the Auroras, but if they appear,
just enjoy them because the guides also take pictures which are included in the
price.
07
A Taste of Alaska Lodge
I gave myself the challenge of photographing the Northern
Lights. First, I had to go where I could see them. Taste of Alaska Lodge is set
up nearly ideally for this. Rooms in the lodge have patio doors for exiting
mid-night to check the sky, with chairs for comfort while viewing or waiting.
It's easy to set up your camera & tripod in the warm comfort of your room
and then take it outdoors when the lights appear. Included is a big breakfast,
served a little later (9am) for sleeping in after the late-night light show.
Winterlake Lodge
Located on the western edge of the Alaska Range, Winterlake
Lodge is a fly-in-only retreat, so guests have open, empty trails to explore by
snow-shoes, snowmobile, cross-country skis, or dogsled. This season, visitors
can opt to journey eight miles to a rustic new cabin where they’ll be served
dinner and spend the night. Those looking for a break from the cold can sign up
for cooking classes or soak in the lodge’s hot tub and take in the northern
lights. In early March, Winterlake offers front-row seats for the Iditarod
Trail Sled Dog Race, which passes right in front of the hotel. From $840. This
appeared in the November/December 2014 issue.
09
Kakslauttanen
It's not everyday that one gets to lie down in a heated
igloo and stare at the Northern Lights for hours. This experience might sound
surreal but it is truly the tip of the proverbial iceberg in Finnish Lapland.
We were excited when we booked our trip but we just couldn't believe our eyes
when we finally got there. The entire landscape belongs in a fairy tale or a
dream, nowhere else. Here snow-laden trees, reindeer, husky dogs, and
picture-perfect cottages co-exist in harmony & every hour of the day can be
spent being gobsmacked by nature's offerings. We spent our days tobogganing,
enjoying endless reindeer sleighs rides, petting husky dogs, sleeping in igloos
and watching the spectacular Northern Lights on a daily basis. When the time
came, we just did not want to leave this wonderland. This corner of the world
is truly special - it's perfect if you want to go plan an offbeat honeymoon,
romantic holiday, or a memorable holiday packed with dozens of
once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Kakslauttanen, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
