Start your trip by soaking in the world-famous Blue Lagoon's hot waters, located in Grindavík. Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa surrounded by a beautiful lava field, offering a unique combination of relaxation, wellness, and otherworldly scenery.
Explore the charming city of Tromsø, also known as the "Gateway to the Arctic." Discover Tromsø's rich culture, unique architecture, and stunning landscapes, offering endless activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, or reindeer sledging. Don't miss visiting the Polar Museum, featuring the Arctic exploration history and its harsh environment.
Experience the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights in the Abisko National Park, home to some of the world's most alluring Aurora vistas. Abisko is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights as it lies in an area of low precipitation, making it less cloudy and more likely to witness the spectacle.
Visit the picturesque city of Kiruna, located in Swedish Lapland. Kiruna is home to the Icehotel, the world's first hotel made entirely of ice and snow, offering a unique and memorable stay. The city is also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, like the UNESCO-protected Laponia area, with its wilderness and Sami culture.
Explore the city of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is a magical winter wonderland, offering endless activities and sights such as visiting the Santa Claus Village (open year-round), snowshoeing, reindeer tours, and more. Don't forget to cross the magical Arctic Circle and visit the Arktikum Museum, showcasing the history and traditions of Lapland and the Arctic.
End your trip in the vibrant city of Helsinki, Finland's capital, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. Discover Helsinki's stunning architecture, visit top-rated museums such as the National Museum of Finland or the Ateneum Art Museum, and stroll through the famous Market Square to witness the local life and taste delicious Finnish food.
Consider renting a car to explore the Northern parts of Scandinavia, as public transportation routes may be limited, and distances may be long between destinations. Expect to pay around $60/day for a rental car. For traveling between cities, flights and trains are available, with prices ranging from $50-$150 depending on the season.
If you have more time, consider exploring other Northern Lights destinations such as Alta (Norway) or Luosto (Finland). If you have less time, skip a destination or choose only one such as Abisko or Tromsø. To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, plan your trip between September and March, when the nights are long and dark.
The main airports in the destination are: Reykjavik International Airport (KEF) in Iceland, Tromsø Airport (TOS) in Norway, Kiruna Airport (KRN) in Sweden, and Helsinki Airport (HEL) in Finland. All airports are located near city centers, and public transportation options are available.