The Northern Lights are among the most famous natural phenomena in the world and getting a first-hand view of the Aurora Borealis and its magical light patterns swirling around the earth’s atmosphere is on many travellers’ bucket lists.
Iceland, a beautiful and awe-inspiring country, is also one of the top travel destinations in and around the Arctic Circle, where you can explore the countryside and historic cities, try activities such as swimming in hot springs and glacier hiking, and see volcanos, geysers, and crashing waterfalls alongside the lights.
Baltic Travel Company experts have collated some guidance to ensure you understand how best to see the Aurora, including the right times of the year to travel, some of our popular Icelandic Northern Lights packages, overnight excursions and trips, and why the weather patterns can influence your experience.
Tips to Maximise Your Chance of an Unforgettable Aurora Experience
Picking the right time to travel to Iceland is key if you have your heart set on seeing the Aurora Borealis. The lights are visible to some extent throughout the period between September and early May, but the brighter the sunlight and the closer to spring it is, the less distinct and clear the lights will be.
The official Northern Lights season begins in October and lasts until March when the days are shorter and darker, and the night sky is visible for longer, making it a peak time for viewing.
Much depends on the weather and Aurora forecast, but guides often feel that the Winter Solstice, which falls on 21st December, is the optimal opportunity, with roughly 20 hours of darkness every day.
Unusual and Unique Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
The ideal way to get an uninterrupted view of the Northern Lights is to travel as far from the cities as possible. We have some incredible opportunities to stay in special, once-in-a-lifetime accommodation to make the most of your Iceland holiday.
While guided excursions and Northern Lights hunts are always great fun, you could consider the following:
- Heading on a romantic evening or nighttime boat tour, seeing the vast open night skies and a clear view of any Auroral activity.
- Private Aurora hunts with a local guide, stopping along the way for refreshments and photos of your excursion.
- Heading to a glamping area or woodland lodge in the winter countryside, miles away from anything that could impact your view.
We’d also recommend heading to some of the many stunning natural sights in Iceland to watch the lights dancing in the evening and night sky, including Ásbyrgi Canyon in Northern Iceland, Kirkjufell Mountain to the west and Thingvellir National Park down to the south.
Some areas in Iceland have particularly good viewing conditions for most of the winter. Although remote locations in the north are good, other spots include those close to the Vatnajökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the black sand beaches that characterise the area.
Choosing Your Perfect Iceland Northern Lights Trip
Our Icelandic Northern Lights packages are put together to ensure you get to experience all that the land of fire and ice has to offer. These tours include knowledgeable local guides, many of whom use the Northern Lights forecast from Iceland’s Met Office to monitor viewing conditions up to three days in advance.
Some of the most popular holidays to see the Northern Lights in Iceland include:
- Nature and Northern Lights Short Break: Spend five days in Iceland visiting the hot springs, the roaring Gullfoss Waterfall, black lava beaches, and the Blue Lagoon, and touring the Golden Circle to see the Northern Lights in all their glory.
- The Land of Northern Lights: A five-day trip to South Iceland, taking in the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, the Blue Lagoon and a glacier hike along with an excursion to the Reykjanes Peninsula where you’ll get an uninterrupted of the Aurora Borealis.
- Northern Light, Volcanoes and Glacier Lagoon: A winter trip around the Golden Circle, encompassing the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, smoking geysers and the famous waterfall at Hvítárgljúfur Canyon, where you’ll head on a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik into the Auroral Oval.
You’ll find this information and much more in our comprehensive travel itineraries, including the dates and airports from which to select your return flights and airport transfers and all the meals and excursions provided. You can also get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company team at any time for further details about any Iceland Northern Lights holidays.
Information Source: – https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/blog/index.php/northern-lights/advice-for-travellers-booking-a-northern-lights-iceland-holiday/
Northern Lights holidays can be romantic, exhilarating and awe-inspiring, but we often speak with guests concerned about the suitability of the frozen Arctic tundra for their little ones – however keen they might be to share this adventure of a lifetime with their family!
The great news is that the Aurora and the magic of Lapland are brilliant opportunities for kids to expand their horizons, explore landscapes and natural phenomena they might never have heard of before, and try excursions and activities they will remember forever.
Can I Travel to See the Northern Lights With Children?
We often organise packages and tours for families while recognising that smaller travellers are less likely to be able to stay awake into the evening to watch the Northern Lights twinkling across the sky! One fantastic option is to consider a glass igloo, where you stay in heated, luxurious accommodation with an uninterrupted view of one of the most famous natural wonders.
The Arctic Circle itself is a remote and wild part of the world, but with all excursions managed by experienced local guides, often with cold weather clothing included, you’ll be in safe hands throughout your trip.
Discussing your Northern Lights holiday beforehand and explaining how this breathtaking natural phenomenon is formed by solar particles colliding in the earth’s atmosphere can be a great way to build up enthusiasm for the trip – as can the chance to see polar bears, reindeer and majestic huskies in the snowscapes of the Arctic.
Unique Activities for Kids in the Aurora Zone
There are two primary options families tend to prefer when organising a Northern Lights adventure, depending on the age of their children:
- Booking overnight tours and trips to see the Northern Lights with warm, comfy accommodations that are suited to children.
- Opting for an ice hotel or lodge close to the setting-off point to see the Aurora, arranging childcare with a qualified childminder, or a family member who is happy to alternate days for their chance to glimpse the lights.
Aside from the Northern Lights themselves, there are hundreds of activities you might wish to schedule, many of which are ideal for younger visitors and provide a learning experience as well as a huge amount of fun.
Northern Lights city breaks can work well, where you might, for example, schedule a four-night trip with a couple of days in a modern, festive city and then organise an overnight excursion or stay to see the lights. This combination package fits as much into your itinerary as possible.
Children can meet huskies and join in with a dog sledding safari, safely seated in a snug sled behind their tour guide. Kids also embrace the chance to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile, zipping through a landscape of snow-capped mountains and forests – age restrictions may apply.
Accommodation Options for Family Northern Lights Holidays
Although some Arctic Circle accommodation is designed as an adults-only getaway, there are plenty of options for families within the Aurora zone. A glass-roofed aurora cabin or a lodge with a viewing platform are excellent options, where the adults can stay up later to watch the lights in the dark skies once smaller travellers have settled down for the night.
Our Christmas tour includes accommodation at the superb Hotel Kalevala in Kajaani, Finland, where you can enjoy traditional local dishes, skiing, snowshoeing and reindeer safaris, along with a visit to Santa Claus, carol singing and a search for the ideal tree.
You are welcome to contact our talented travel advisers for more information on this package or other tours and custom itineraries to ensure all of the members of your party have a wonderful experience, whatever their ages!
Planning Your Family-Friend Aurora Adventure
Planning a Northern Lights tour that includes a day or two within one of the nearest cities is a great compromise; you can visit Christmas markets, theme parks and attractions before heading into the pristine Arctic countryside where activities like snowman building and sledding are an excellent way to enjoy quality time together.
Note that smaller children aren’t able to manage the rigours of cross-country skiing, but a toboggan ride down a gentle slope is tremendous fun, and you can bring your little ones with you on a snowmobile – kitted out in cosy thermal clothing to keep the chill at bay.
Information Source: – https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/blog/index.php/northern-lights/northern-lights-trips-for-families-how-to-make-your-aurora-hunt-child-friendly/
If you’re on the lookout for a holiday destination that’s both diverse and captivating, look no further than Slovenia, situated right in the heart of Europe. Despite its modest size, this country welcomes travellers with its stunning coastal towns, pristine lakes, charming cities, and a rich cultural heritage that’ll leave you wanting more.
Coastal Charms: Portorož and Piran
Portorož, also known as the “Port of Roses,” where you can indulge in extensive relaxation and rejuvenation in the therapeutic saltwater baths and enjoy the luxury spa resorts while soaking up the sun. And just a skip away lies Piran, a medieval town straight out of a fairy tale, with its narrow streets, Venetian-style buildings, and breathtaking sea views. You can’t miss Tartini Square, named after the famous composer, Giuseppe Tartini, and the stunning St. George’s Parish Church perched atop a hill, offering panoramic vistas of the town and the Adriatic Sea.
Cuisine and Culinary Delights
Now let’s talk food! Along the coast, seafood reigns supreme, with fresh catches brought in daily by local fishermen. From Istrian seafood stew to grilled Adriatic fish and creamy risotto bursting with local flavours, your taste buds are in for a treat. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of crisp Slovenian wine or a refreshing local beer – perfection on a plate!
Cultural Festivals and Events
There’s always something exciting happening along the Slovenian Riviera! Throughout the year, you can immerse yourself in the local culture with traditional music and dance performances, seafood festivals, and art exhibitions. Rest assured, engaging with the locals and crafting memories at these vibrant gatherings will undoubtedly be the highlight of your journey.
Outdoor Adventures and Activities
Now, let’s get adventurous! Beyond the charming towns and stunning coastline, Slovenia offers a plethora of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. How about kayaking along the scenic coastline, cycling through picturesque vineyards, or hiking in the lush green hills? And for a more laid-back experience, why not indulge in some wine tasting at local vineyards, unwind at one of the many terme (thermal spas), or set sail on the sparkling Adriatic Sea?
Olive Oil: Liquid Gold of Istria
Slovenia’s Istrian region is renowned for producing some of the finest olive oil in the world. Blessed with a mild climate and fertile soil, the region’s olive groves yield olives of exceptional quality, resulting in olive oil prized for its delicate flavours and fruity aroma. Visitors can explore local vineyards, learn about the olive oil production process, and indulge in tastings to sample the diverse varieties of this liquid gold.
Salt Pans: A Glimpse into Slovenia’s Heritage
The salt pans along Slovenia’s coastline are a living testament to the country’s rich history of salt production. Dating back centuries, these salt pans have been meticulously maintained, with the traditional salt-making process passed down through generations. As you explore the salt pans, you’ll be amazed by the delicate balance between nature’s beauty and human skill. The shimmering crystalline structures are truly mesmerizing to behold.
Secovlje Salina Nature Park: Where Time Stands Still
Located near the town of Piran, the Secovlje Salina Nature Park offers a glimpse into Slovenia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Spanning over 650 hectares, this protected area is home to a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, thriving amidst the salt pans and wetlands. Visitors can embark on guided tours to learn about the park’s conservation efforts, observe bird species in their natural habitat, and marvel at the intricate salt-making process that has sustained local communities for generations. A visit to the Secovlje Salina Nature Park is a journey back in time, where nature’s timeless beauty never fails to inspire.
Accessibility to Slovenia
While Slovenia has just one international airport, situated in the capital city of Ljubljana, travellers have convenient options for accessing the country through neighbouring airports. You can opt to fly into Trieste and Venice in Italy, both of which are nearby, and then embark on a scenic drive to Slovenia to explore its captivating beauty. Other airport options include Klagenfurt, Austria and Zagreb, Croatia.
Why wait any longer? It’s time to pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable journey to Slovenia’s coastal paradise. Whether you’re in search of relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Slovenia’s coastal charm offers an experience tailored to every traveller. Enquire today for a tailor-made experience!
Information Source: – https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/blog/index.php/balkans/exploring-the-slovenian-coast-a-hidden-gem-in-the-heart-of-europe/
Scandinavia is an astonishing part of the world, with cities and landscapes across Denmark, Sweden and Norway Holidays that range from vast open wildernesses to eclectic towns, tiny villages and islands perched in the ocean to sophisticated spa hotels and luxury wellness centers.
If you’re keen to travel to Scandinavia and want to see as much as possible, a tour package is the perfect option. We offer a range of Scandinavian holidays, from winter wonderland trips to relaxing summer adventures and self-guided fly/drive packages.
Creating a Customised Tour of the Scandinavian Countries
One of the brilliant aspects of travelling around Scandinavia is the contrast between the seasons – the region transforms throughout the year with the changing weather, and even if you’ve visited countless times there is always something new to see.
We’d recommend beginning with a checklist of your must-see places or the type of holiday you’d most love to experience – for example:
Would you prefer to travel in the warmest summer months, during the snowy winter, or during spring and autumn when most cities are quieter?
Are there activities you’ve always wanted to try? Perhaps you’d like to hike up a mountain, relax in an authentic outdoor spa, snowmobile across a glacier, or camp in a rural area overnight to watch the Northern lights holiday.
Exploring Scandinavia’s Capital Cities
The architecture and history of Scandinavian cities are a big draw for guests. There is a variety of experiences to pick and choose from, such as fine dining, visiting world-famous palaces and museums, walking tours and self-guided tours where you can see the sites via bike or book a boat trip around the local harbour.
Oslo is Norway’s capital, with an urban, contemporary feel, yet surrounded by mountains and greenery. The nightlife is lively and welcoming, and we recommend a stop at one of the superb museums, including the Munch Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum.
Our next stop is Stockholm, Sweden – a captivating and beautiful city characterised by cobbled streets winding through Gamla Stan, the 13th-century old town, with attractions like the Royal Palace and Nobel Museum.
Booking a Winter Tour of Scandinavia
Several Scandinavia tour packages are designed around festive themes, including the Polar Express Train Journey, which takes you on an incredible tour through the Arctic Circle, crossing Norwegian and Swedish Lapland. The eco-friendly transport runs from Kiruna in Sweden to Narvik in western Norway, with opportunities to try a dog sledding safari in the snow and visit the Abisko National Park.
Another great option for a Scandinavian tour holiday in the winter is our Swedish Ice Hotel Adventure. It begins in Stockholm, which is made up of fourteen islands that form the archipelago. Once you’ve finished exploring the city, you’ll head to Swedish Lapland and dive into a truly magical experience.
Scandinavian Travel During the Summer
If your ideal holiday is a summer visit, we can suggest an equally broad array of options, tours and packages. The Castles and Jutland package is a popular fly-drive holiday where you can explore Denmark at your leisure and stay as long as you wish at each landmark or city.
This holiday is suited to visitors of all ages and takes you through the Danish countryside. You will learn about the Viking heritage of this fascinating country, visit pristine beaches along the wild coastline, sample Nordic cuisine, and see historic ruins and museums at each stop.
Denmark and Sweden: Oresund Bridge
This bridge connects Sweden and Denmark and sweeps for five miles above the Oresund Strait. There is an underwater tunnel, an above-ground bridge and even an artificial island called Peberholmen. As a feat of engineering, the bridge is the longest road or railway in the world and can be seen from the air as you land in Copenhagen.
Booking Travel and Transport throughout a Scandinavian Holiday
Travel is part of the excitement of Scandinavian tours, where you can experience an overnight train ride across borders, hire a car for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip, or navigate the Norwegian fjords aboard a ferry – spotting rare wildlife and even the Aurora Borealis in the right winter weather conditions.
If you need any assistance tailoring your Scandinavian tour or can’t find what you’re looking for, please feel free to contact the expert travel consultants at the Baltic Travel Company.
Information Source: – https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/blog/index.php/scandanavia/scandinavian-travel-checklist-designing-a-bespoke-tour-across-northern-europe/
Lapland is a truly incredible holiday destination, as a real-life winter wonderland where adults and children can enjoy unique experiences, from husky sledding to snowman building, exploring the snowy wilderness on snowshoes, skis, snowmobiles or snowboards, visiting Santa in a beautiful grotto adorning with twinkling lanterns to sampling the local delicacies by a roaring fire in the evening.
Alongside the famous Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, and the exhilaration of crossing a frozen lake, walking along glaciers and venturing into the Arctic Circle, there is a huge choice of accommodation, including log cabins, luxury spa hotels, ice hotels, tree-top lodges and glass igloos.
The travel experts from the Baltic Travel Company have some tips and suggestions to ensure you have the complete Lapland experience and create memories you and your family will never forget.
Visiting Lapland for a Holiday of Festive Fun
The first area we’d clarify is that Lapland isn’t one country. Instead, it is a region characterised by pristine white snow, forests, mountain peaks, glaciers and vast frozen lakes, spanning Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Travelling to Lapland is itself a magical journey, flying over snowbound landscapes that feel like a fairy tale with vast white tundras and icy forests. Once you arrive, there are endless activities, trips and experiences to pick from, with thermal garments provided for most tours to keep you snug before returning to the welcoming warmth of your lodge, cabin or eco-luxe ice hotel.
, Make the Most of the Unique Lapland Experience for Your Next Winter Holiday
Lapland Adventures – Meeting Father Christmas and Rudolph
If you are planning a magical meeting with Father Christmas, you’ll find multiple resorts, themed attractions and grottos across Lapland, including the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland. The nearby park completes the experience, and kids, big and small, can meet Santa and his elves, snack on gingerbread and warming hot berry juice, and enjoy a reindeer ride in the snow.
Our Lapland Adventure package is a brilliant option for families, with a private meeting with Santa Claus in his cabin, including a gift for each visitor. This tour provides a number of fantastic experiences, including:
A husky safari, where experienced guides introduce you to real huskies and steer you through the snowy landscapes. Visitors learn about husky handling and zip along the trails, watching the excitement and joy of these remarkable animals.
A visit to the superb Ranua Reindeer Farm, with reindeer sled rides included! Herders will happily teach guests how to lasso a reindeer and talk about the lives and personalities of their herds.
To top off your trip, you will travel by snowmobile to the Aurora Camp, nestled in a forest campsite in the countryside where you can watch the Northern Lights in all their glory glistening in the night sky. Guests keep warm around an open fire, with hot drinks to ensure you are cosy.
Lapland Outdoor Adventure Holidays
Finnish Lapland is known for its expanses of open landscapes and forests, and if your dream holiday is one of comfort and relaxation, the Aurora Adventure Short Break is ideal. The Muotka Wilderness Lodge, away from noise and traffic is romantic and peaceful, set deep in the Taiga forest close to the Urho Kekkonen National Park.
Another excellent option is the Aurora Bubble and Winter Wonderland package, which is filled with activities and thrilling experiences. Each log cabin comes with its own private sauna, with dinner served in the hotel’s main building, and you can pick from:
Husky safaris across frozen Lake Inari
Snowshoeing to see the Northern Lights during the late evening or night
An overnight stay in an Aurora Bubble
Arctic Bath is also worth a mention – a stunning floating hotel in Swedish Lapland that offers a spa hotel experience like no other. The sustainable, low-carbon footprint hotel is a marvel of environmentally conscious design and construction. It offers warm saunas and cold bathing, along with other wellness treatments to indulge in.
Choosing Your Perfect Lapland Holiday
There are numerous packages, trips, tours and itineraries, including outdoor winter activities, wildlife holidays, luxury and romantic couples Lapland visits, and packages designed for families, including the all-important chance to meet Santa.
For further information or help to select the Lapland holiday that will tick off every item on your festive wish list for a truly magical experience, please get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company travel consultants at any time or visit our website to submit your enquiry.
Information Source: – https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/blog/index.php/finland/make-the-most-of-the-unique-lapland-experience-for-your-next-winter-holiday/