Norway Northern Lights: Dancing Auroras & Ancient Culture

WHY GO?

* Guaranteed Northern Lights sighting, else join us for free in another Northern lights trip*

What better way to experience the Aurora Borealis aka Northern lights than in the city of northern lights, Alta. In Norwegian, Eventyr means both 'adventure' and 'fairy tale.' This is the perfect word to describe Alta, as it is a perfect place for active adventures in the mountains, forests and fjords that are reminiscent of fairy tale landscapes. The cold and long winters provide excellent conditions for dog sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and other adventure activities. A modern city in Northern Norway surrounded by the arctic tundra and mountains, Alta is the ideal combination of natural and urban elements.

The celestial dance of lights, known as Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a phenomena as old as Earth’s atmosphere. The first record of Aurora Borealis is believed to be in a 30,000-year-old cave painting in France. Since then, cultures around the world have marveled at its magic, giving rise to many fascinating legends and folklore.

In Norway alone, symbols linked to the northern lights are found on the Sámi shamanistic drum. They call it “Guovssahas,” i.e. “the light that can be heard.” During the Viking Age, the northern lights were said to be the armor of the Valkyrie warrior virgins that shed a strange flickering light. Today, locals respectfully refer to the lights as “the green lady.”

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

• Northern Lights Safari: 4 nights of hunting for the Northern lights with a local guide who would take us to the best places to experience the northern lights dancing in the sky, based on the weather forecast and their specific knowledge about the topography surrounding Alta. The local guide will also explain the history and science behind the Northern Lights and will give some camera support (if required). Guaranteed Northern Lights sighting, else join us for free (excluding flights) in another Northern lights trip.

• Road trip from Alta to Northcape (Nordkapp): A journey to the Northernmost point of Europe will let you discover unique landscapes. On our way, you may encounter Reindeers, explore the colourful fishing villages including Skarsvåg the world’s northernmost fishing village. On this trip, you enjoy breathtaking scenery and take a picture or a selfie at the cliffs and the iconic globe sculpture rising on top. Once you've experienced the North Cape, you will know why it is one of the absolute highlights on a trip to Norway.

• Northcape Visitor Centre and Museum: Learn more about the early expeditions to North Cape and watch a panoramic film that takes you through four seasons. The visitor centre at the top level offers amazing views of the mountain plateau and endless blue Barents Sea.

• Discovering Alta: Renowned for its rich history and culture. Alta has been a meeting place for multiple indigenous communities since the Stone Age. The town is the biggest in the northern region and features the Northern Lights Cathedral, the city's architectural landmark. Alta houses a famous Museum that contains Northern Europe's largest and richest rock carving site, inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. The 2000 to 6200 years old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen.
• Discover Karasjok: Explore this fascinating town that is the heart of the local indigenous Sámi – Kárášjohka/Karasjok. Around 90% of the local population speak Sami, and the area is home to approx. 60,000 reindeer on autumn and winter grazing. This town is also home to the Sami parliament (which time permitting we will visit on this trip). Finally Karasjok is also just 15 kms away from the Finnish border.

• Snowshoeing adventure (Optional & based on weather conditions): Experience the Arctic nature on foot. You are provided with a pair of snowshoes and then guided by a Professional around the forest that is close to Alta to experience Snowshoeing. On this trip, you are served coffee/tea, hot soup and biscuits. The total duration is 2.5 - 3 hours.

TRIP DETAILS

Start & End Date: Thu, 3 Oct - Mon, 7 Oct

Starting location & time: Alta Airport / Accommodation in Alta at 10 PM on Thursday.

Finishing location & time: Alta Airport at 11:00 AM on Monday.

Note:

1. If you are arriving earlier, please us know in the sheet that will be shared with you closer to the event date, so that we can accordingly make the relevant pickup arrangements.
2. Exact accommodation details will be provided in the whatsapp group for confirmed participants closer to the trip date.
3. Alta airport is only 15 mins drive from accommodation.

Price: Starting from €945 for Adults (before any discounts). Note: Kids are at a discounted price.

Kid Friendly: Yes

Hiking Difficulty: N/A

What is included?

• Community leader & guide for the entire duration. Note: English is the main language spoken on this trip.
• 4 x nights shared accommodation in Alta and you can find pictures of the accommodation here. Note: Additional accommodation upgrade options are available under add-on's.
• 4 x nights Northern lights hunting with guide.
• 4 x days vegan / vegetarian breakfast spread (Consists of Milk and / or Oat Milk, Eggs, Bread, Cereals, Cheese Spreads, Vegetables, fruits, Yoghurt). Note: Vegetables based on availability.
• Transportation for the entire trip.
• Entry to Alta museum - World Heritage Rock Art Centre.
• Entry to Northcape museum (weather permitting).
• Road trip to Northcape - Northernmost point of Europe (weather permitting).
• Road trip to Karasjok(weather permitting).
• Entry to Sami Parliament in Karasjok
• Entry to Sami Museum in Karasjok
• Short tour of Alta.

Optional Activities (These will be shared closer to the trip date for booking).

• Snowmobile
• Husky Sledding
• Snow Shoeing
• More optional activities to be advised closer to the trip date

How to get to Alta?

• Alta can easily be reached via a 2-hour direct flight from Oslo with plenty of flights leaving every day (please book this asap).Alta is also just 40 mins by flight from Tromso.

• For those travelling from Europe and looking to avoid flights, there is an option of a mix of train & buses. You will be travelling on the the famous Arctic Express train (Sleeper option) from Stockholm to Narvik (Norway). Tickets for the arctic express train can be bought from here.

Other Things of Note

• You could face temperatures upto -15 degree celsius during this trip, so you need to be prepared.
• All guides speak English for all the activities.

WHAT IS THE PLAN?

Refer to Agenda for the plan on this trip.

Fun Facts:

• Some of the first modern scientific studies of the northern lights were carried out in Alta, where the world's first permanent northern lights observatory also opened in 1899.
• During summer Alta experiences the Midnight sun for almost 2 months when the sun does not set and vice versa during winter experiences Polar nights when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, making it pitch dark for almost 2 months.

WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS NORTHERN LIGHTS TRIPS?

To go through our amazing reviews by participants, please click on the links below:

• Google Reviews
• Facebook reviews
• Trustpilot reviews

Click here for pics from previous Northern lights trips.

WHAT IS NEXT ?

• WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
• Trip Briefing: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to a detailed trip briefing document providing details on what to expect, how to prepare etc.
• Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?

• WHATSAPP (fastest): Reach out to us directly by clicking here.
• EMAIL: Reach out to us by clicking on "Contact the event organizer" option below.
• FACEBOOK: Message our facebook page @urbanaturetravel
• INSTAGRAM: Message our Instagram page @urbanaturetravel

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

• Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
• Urbanature Travel (UNT) needs a minimum of 5 participants for this trip to take place, else we may cancel this trip.
• UNT reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
• UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.