If you have had enough of shopping in Paris or hobnobbing with the rich, how about an actual adventure for once? You don’t have to be a Cory Richards, but the Arctic would make a pretty cool holiday, don’t you think? If you want to explore the top of the world, this is literally it. It is awfully cold, yes, and it can get lonely. But there is something magical about the Arctic landscape. Enigmatic and bursting with wildlife, you could find a friend in a bird, fish, whale, walrus, seal and of course, polar bear.
Planning a trip to the Arctic can be a pain in the butt. Unless you engage luxury tours like Lightfoot Travel, the amount of details to go through can be overwhelming. But for the independent traveller, it has become a lot easier with Book Lapland, a new company that works with activity providers across Norway, Sweden and Finland. Think of Book Lapland as a buffet spread of activities, from which you can create your very own Arctic adventure. Simply log onto their website and whatever activities available will be shown in real time. You can then proceed to book what you’re interested in, and that will cost you exactly the same price as booking directly.
There are currently over 130 activities offered. Check out our top five favourites.
Dog Sledding through Swedish Lapland
Sit on warm reindeer skin in a wooden sled, and be driven through Abisko in northern Sweden, home to the Abisko national park and Aurora Sky Station. It includes a traditional Swedish fika, hot drink and cookies by a campfire at the end of the ride.
Catch the aurora and whales on board the Hurtigruten
Check into the Coaster Steamer (Hurtigruten) where a luxury dinner awaits you. Then cross your fingers and hope you catch the Northern Lights. Even if you didn’t see them, sleep in, head out the next day for the whales and return to the ship for a second chance at the lights. Food, transfer and necessities like boots and mittens are included in the 3,900 Norwegian Krone ticket. That’s about $660.
Ice Fishing in Norway
The Norwegians love to fish, so if you can’t beat them, join them. There’s plenty of trout, cod, halibut and coalfish to go around.
Snowmobile through a National Park and beyond
On this route, you will drive up Kungsleden, ride along the Abiskojokka river and if you’re lucky, get a glimpse of the wildlife. Share the snowmobile with a friend or have it all to yourself for a extra dollars.
Learn all about the Sámi life
Meet Ida-Maria, a Sámi (indigenous people of the north), inside her Lávvu, and listen to her regale you about her culture and lifestyle. Explore a Sámi museum, bake traditional Sámi flatbread and meet a reindeer with an incredible liking for lichen.
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