Has all this terrible weather and post-Christmas blues got you thinking about next Winter? Well our Adventure Artists Alex and Amy are here to suggest some exciting experiences to set your sights on this 2022.
Alex explains why you are spoilt for choice in Sweden:
“There is the ICEHOTEL to start with where one could wake up on Christmas Day morning in a room made of ice – that is a pretty special way to start your day to celebrate Christmas!
What about New Year’s? Imagine celebrating New Year twice – that is right, imagine getting to see in the New Year not once, but twice in one night! Well, it is entirely possible when you have a property right on the Swedish and Finnish borders. So why not start 2023 with something unique and special with this fantastic experience?
Perhaps partying twice as hard in one night might not be for you so the option of escaping to some secluded locations might be more your scene. In Swedish Lapland we really do have a number of places to sneak away to and really be at one with nature; whether that is Arctic Retreat, Aurora Safari Camp, Sapmi Nature Camp, Tree Hotel or Brandon Lodge”.
Amy tells us about some exciting spots in Finland:
“Want to make it a family affair? Then Rovaniemi in Finland may well be the place for you. Rightly known as the Christmas capital of Lapland, and home to Santa Claus himself, Rovaniemi is the perfect family winter wonderland for you to spend the festive season. Escape from the every day into snowy forests, reindeer sleds, husky adventures, snowmobile rides, private meetings with Santa and his elves, festive feasting and more. A perfect place to base your family during your escape to magical Rovaniemi is Glass Resort, a stone’s throw from bustling Santa Claus Village yet still isolated and luxurious at the same time. Each glass-roofed apartment has a private hot tub – perfect for gazing up at the glittering Arctic skies in search of the northern lights (and enjoying a glass of bubbles after the children have gone to bed and are happily dreaming of their day meeting Santa and his elves!)”
“If Finland is your first choice but you are planning an adults-only escape, we highly recommend a stay at the beautiful Javri Lodge. With only 13 rooms, this family-run boutique lodge gives you privacy, seclusion and luxury, and is also available for private hire if you are travelling with a larger group. There is a fantastic on-site gym and wellness centre, and each night you can savour a 5-7 course dining extravaganza based on local flavours. You can meet huskies, reindeer, test your skills at ice-fishing, learn about local Sami culture, cross-country ski and more, all in either a small group or private basis. If the conditions are right, you will be able to see the aurora right outside the lodge – it almost feels like a private light show from mother nature, just for you!”
What about a city break? Alex explains why Reykjavik is the best choice for New Year:
“If you want to see a firework display like no other then Reykjavik is the place to go to – the fireworks there erupt throughout the night as locals see in the New Year with the sky exploding in colour and sound.
Further to that you can discover the giant bonfires that are dotted around the city. It is worth noting though that if there was one night you might like to avoid a Northern Lights excursion it would be the 31st December!”
Then there is Norway and some fascinating spots to combine – both Alex and Amy share their tips for an ultimate festive adventure:
“If you are a ‘first-time Arctic-adventurer’ and are intrigued by an escape to the Arctic Circle but are worried about not having your creature comforts, then a city break to Tromso in Northern Norway might just be the place for you. The City has so much to offer, such as the Fjellheisen Cable Car, the Polaria Aquarium, the Polar Museum, and the Science Centre of Northern Norway. There is also one of the world’s most Northerly breweries and a beautiful Arctic cathedral that you can visit. That’s without mentioning the great variety of cafes, shops, and restaurants waiting for you to visit. Tromso is also one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, and a short drive away from the city lights will take you deep into the snowy mountains whereby you can still experience all of the ‘classic’ Arctic endeavors such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and searching for the aurora.”
“From Tromso, you can make your way further north to Svalbard – in December you will find yourself in 24hours of darkness. It is not often that you might be interrupted during your breakfast buffet to discover that the aurora is dancing outside for you – but here it is entirely possible! Set around 1500km from the North Pole you are not going to find yourselves getting much closer to the top of the world unless you board a cruise! So why not head up here and become a real adventurer to see in the festive season!”
There is so much to discover in the Nordic region which is what makes it a perfect destination with Off The Map Travel. Why not set our Adventure Artists a challenge by getting them to design a visit that will encompass some of these wonderful places? Get in touch on the contact form below to see what we can tailor-make for you.
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