Once seen, never forgotten – the Aurora Borealis is one of the world’s natural wonders, a show to remember if you’re one of the lucky ones! Traveling to the high altitudes of Northern Norway offers you an exciting introduction to the Arctic and the chance to view this awesome spectacle.
Located near the northern city of Alta, this four night short break includes a three night stay at the stylish Arctic Wilderness Lodge. Sitting on the bank of the Alta River, the Lodge offers premium accommodation and facilities, with magnificent views over the surrounding arctic wilderness. Combine this with an overnight experience at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and several thrilling winter activities available for an unforgettable winter break.
Departure Days: This trip operates from December through to April
Note: This trip can be tailored to your requirements. Speak to our team if you’d like a customised itinerary.
Unique, hand-crafted accommodation and stunning Arctic scenery meet at the world’s northernmost ice hotel in Alta. The hotel is tucked between the stunning Finnmark Plateau and Norway’s Arctic fjords suiting both adventure seekers and romantic explorers alike. Each winter the Igloo Hotel is carved from ice and snow and includes individually designed suites illuminated beautifully as well as ice rooms. Each year the rooms are designed from scratch with new, surprising themes arising each year. The temperature inside the Igloo Hotel is between -4 and -7 degrees requiring warm clothing when viewing and exploring the fantastic ice sculptures or having a drink at the ice bar. A sauna and shared shower facilities are provided as well as free WiFi and access to the warm restaurants at Arctic Wilderness Lodge nearby.
In the morning you can decide to have a warming sauna before or after your breakfast, getting you ready to embark on a day in the arctic wilderness. An absolute must on your winter adventure is to take part on a husky sledding excursion, where you and your partner take it in turns to mush your very own team of Alaskan huskies through the Nordic forest. Afterwards, relax around the open fire with a warm drink and snacks. Lunch will be provided in the Lavvu restaurant.
The next three nights of your stay are based in the warm Arctic Wilderness Lodge, staying in one of the comfortable River rooms with your own private balcony. In the evening indulge in a 3 course fine dining experience in the Maka restaurant, where the chefs prepare a feast from the open kitchen.
You’ll be picked up from one of the meeting points in central Alta and driven to the starting point of your adventure. Upon arrival, you'll be provided with warm clothing, including snowsuits, mittens, hats, and winter boots. Be sure to wear your own warm underwear, like wool or fleece, to stay cosy. A brief, clear training session will introduce you to the basics of driving a sled before you enter the dog park, where the friendly Alaskan huskies are eagerly waiting. Each dog has its own house with a name tag, and you’ll receive a card with the names of the dogs in your team. It’s up to you to prepare your dogs by finding the right harnesses and getting everything ready—don’t worry, assistance is always available if needed.
Once the dogs are ready, the adventure begins. The dogs are eager to go, and as the gate opens, you’ll head out into the forest, enjoying the quiet and the energy of the dogs. Your journey will take you through the forest, open landscapes, and along the Alta River, with a chance to ride on the river itself when the ice has melted. You’ll ride two by two on a sled, with the option to switch places halfway through. After your adventure, you’ll return to the dog kennel to help settle the dogs back into their houses. Finally, gather around the fire to enjoy something hot to drink and homemade pastries. The guides will happily share stories from their training, races, and how they care for the dogs.
Unique, hand-crafted accommodation and stunning Arctic scenery meet at the world’s northernmost ice hotel in Alta. The hotel is tucked between the stunning Finnmark Plateau and Norway’s Arctic fjords suiting both adventure seekers and romantic explorers alike. Each winter the Igloo Hotel is carved from ice and snow and includes individually designed suites illuminated beautifully as well as ice rooms. Each year the rooms are designed from scratch with new, surprising themes arising each year. The temperature inside the Igloo Hotel is between -4 and -7 degrees requiring warm clothing when viewing and exploring the fantastic ice sculptures or having a drink at the ice bar. A sauna and shared shower facilities are provided as well as free WiFi and access to the warm restaurants at Arctic Wilderness Lodge nearby.
The Arctic Wilderness Lodge is a stunning timber retreat in Arctic Norway, supplementing Sorrisniva’s Igloo ice hotel nearby. Offering beautifully designed Nordic suites and rooms, the lodge overlooks the Alta river which guests can hear flowing in the background from their private terraces. Rooms have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stunning view and offering a comfortable escape to search the Northern Lights in Autumn and Winter, and enjoy the midnight sun in Summer. The lodge has two renowned restaurants. The Lavvu restaurant offers rustic dining around the open fire, while Restaurant Maku serves fine dining cuisine using local Arctic ingredients. Guests can enjoy a prebooked session in the lodge’s outdoor hot tub and sauna area to relax after a day outdoors.
After the buffet style breakfast, the morning is free to take in the snowy landscape. Perhaps book another optional excursion experience, time permitting. Or book a jacuzzi and sauna experience before lunch. In the afternoon embark on a 2 hour guided snowshoe trek, taking in wonderful views of the Alta valley, the surrounding mountains and frozen river, stopping en route for hot drinks around the campfire.
Once back at the hotel, time to relax before your 3 course evening meal and later an amazing Sami and Reindeer experience under the Northern Lights. You will ride on a sled pulled by reindeer, an exciting adventure under the dark starry nights, keeping a look out for the aurora and learn about the Sami culture.
The Arctic Wilderness Lodge is a stunning timber retreat in Arctic Norway, supplementing Sorrisniva’s Igloo ice hotel nearby. Offering beautifully designed Nordic suites and rooms, the lodge overlooks the Alta river which guests can hear flowing in the background from their private terraces. Rooms have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stunning view and offering a comfortable escape to search the Northern Lights in Autumn and Winter, and enjoy the midnight sun in Summer. The lodge has two renowned restaurants. The Lavvu restaurant offers rustic dining around the open fire, while Restaurant Maku serves fine dining cuisine using local Arctic ingredients. Guests can enjoy a prebooked session in the lodge’s outdoor hot tub and sauna area to relax after a day outdoors.
After breakfast, get ready for an exciting Arctic Light Snowmobile experience. You will receive full safety instructions before driving in pairs on your own snowmobile heading out
across the snow covered landscape in one of Europe’s largest wilderness areas with stops along the way to admire the scenery and a chance to swap drivers.
Once back at the Lodge, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing in the comfortable accommodation. Alternatively, head out once again into the snowy landscape on snowshoes which can be rented locally or pre-booked.
On the last evening you will dine again at the Maka restaurant for a 3 course meal, with the evening free to head outdoors and seek the elusive northern lights shining overhead.
The Arctic Wilderness Lodge is a stunning timber retreat in Arctic Norway, supplementing Sorrisniva’s Igloo ice hotel nearby. Offering beautifully designed Nordic suites and rooms, the lodge overlooks the Alta river which guests can hear flowing in the background from their private terraces. Rooms have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stunning view and offering a comfortable escape to search the Northern Lights in Autumn and Winter, and enjoy the midnight sun in Summer. The lodge has two renowned restaurants. The Lavvu restaurant offers rustic dining around the open fire, while Restaurant Maku serves fine dining cuisine using local Arctic ingredients. Guests can enjoy a prebooked session in the lodge’s outdoor hot tub and sauna area to relax after a day outdoors.
After breakfast, and depending on your arrangements, take the shared transfer back to Alta airport or the city centre.
The trip is a guide only and can be tailor-made to your exact requirements. There are other activities available and can be added or swapped to those stated on the itinerary. It is also possible to enjoy this trip without an overnight stay at the igloo hotel if you prefer.
The Arctic Wilderness Lodge is a stunning timber retreat in Arctic Norway, supplementing Sorrisniva’s Igloo ice hotel nearby. Offering beautifully designed Nordic suites and rooms, the lodge overlooks the Alta river which guests can hear flowing in the background from their private terraces. Rooms have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stunning view and offering a comfortable escape to search the Northern Lights in Autumn and Winter, and enjoy the midnight sun in Summer. The lodge has two renowned restaurants. The Lavvu restaurant offers rustic dining around the open fire, while Restaurant Maku serves fine dining cuisine using local Arctic ingredients. Guests can enjoy a prebooked session in the lodge’s outdoor hot tub and sauna area to relax after a day outdoors.
