The Aurora Zone Blog

Our top 5 bucket list Northern Lights short breaks

Markku Inkila Jan 13 68

Whether you are running low on annual leave or you’re simply just pushed for time, we know that not everyone can take a week-long break during the winter. However, trips to see the Northern Lights don’t have to be an extended holiday. In fact, Northern Lights weekend breaks are some of our most-loved trips.

Witnessing the Northern Lights often tops many people’s bucket lists, which is why all of our holiday destinations have exceptional Aurora track records. However, through our many visits to these regions, we also know that there are plenty of other memorable experiences to enjoy.

That’s why we design our itineraries with a range of activities to ensure you make the most of your time in these fantastic locations. From dedicated Northern Lights hunts to adventurous husky sledding tours, we’ve specifically tailored our breaks so you tick off some unbelievable bucket-list experiences.

There’s a lot you can achieve during a short break with The Aurora Zone. Take a look at our Top 5 bucket list Northern Lights short breaks below and get in touch with our Aurora Travel Experts today on 01670 785 012 to plan your perfect winter getaway.

  1. Saariselkä – Glass Igloo Aurora Escape

Markku Inkila Saariselkä

The Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä is a phenomenal base for your short stay. As you’re in prime Northern Lights viewing territory, the accommodation here really makes the most of it. You’ll stay in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin where you can gaze up at the night sky and hopefully, the swirling green lights will make their appearance right above your bed.

What’s more, the itinerary also includes dedicated Northern Lights activities such as an Aurora camp visit and Northern Lights snowshoeing. You’ll also take part in one of the most popular activities of the region, dog sledding.

Departure dates between: 13th December 2018 – 11th April 2019

Prices from: £1,555 per person

Includes: flights, transfers, 3 nights’ full-board accommodation in an Aurora Cabin, cold weather clothing for duration and Aurora alert service and the following guided activities: Aurora camp, Northern Lights snowshoeing, 5 km husky safari, Aurora camp near the Russian border OR Northern Lights snowmobiling,

Click here to find out more about our Northern Lights short break to Saariselkä

  1. Nangu – Northern Lights short break

Matt Robinson nangu

Just because you’re taking a short break, doesn’t mean you should compromise on style or activities and this holiday to Nangu is the perfect example.

During your three nights here, your base will be the exceptional Wilderness Hotel Nangu. With its log-built architecture and peaceful lakeside settings, this is a real winter escape.

The activities are just as impressive. You’ll enjoy dog sledding, visit a reindeer farm, go on a snowshoe walk, have a snowmobiling lesson…and that’s just during the day. At night, you’ll visit an Aurora camp and take part in a Northern Lights snowshoe hunt.

In just three nights, you’ll discover some of the Arctic’s best-loved experiences.

Departure dates between: 13th December 2018 – 11th April 2019

Prices from: £1,495 per person

Includes: flights, transfers, 3 nights full-board accommodation in twin/double room, cold weather clothing for duration and Aurora alert service and the following guided activities: dog sledding, visit a reindeer farm, snowshoeing, Aurora camp, snowmobiling lesson and Aurora snowshoeing.

Click here to find out more about our Northern Lights short break to Nangu

  1. Muotka – Fellside Auroras

Muotka Credit Matt Robinson 2

Arriving in the remote and untouched landscape of Muotka, your search for the Northern Lights begins almost immediately.

Your first night takes you out into the wilderness via minibus to a spot expertly chosen by a local guide.

Don’t worry if you were unsuccessful this night as there are two more Northern Lights hunts ahead to really maximise your chances of witnessing Mother Nature’s incredible light show.

Your days will also have you exploring the wintery scenes. A husky safari is always a guest favourite and the snowmobile tour on offer takes you to the must-see Finnish fells.

Departure dates between: 13th December 2018 – 11th April 2019

Prices from: £1,355 per person

Includes: flights, transfers, 3 nights’ full-board accommodation in an Aurora Cabin, cold weather clothing for duration and Aurora alert service and the following guided activities: Aurora workshop, two Aurora hunts in a minibus, husky safari, Aurora camp and snowmobile safari.

Click here to find out more about our Northern Lights short break to Muotka

  1. Wilderness Hotel Inari – Active Aurora Short Break

Inari Credit Matt Robinson

Wilderness Hotel Inari is one of our most-loved accommodation choices. Not only is it extremely welcoming, but it also sits in one of the most stunning locations we’ve seen – right on the shores of Finland’s third largest lake.

During the winter, Lake Inari becomes frozen solid and turns into a huge winter playground. You’ll explore the area on a snowmobile and husky safari and will also try your hand at ice fishing.

Your nights, of course, will be all about the Northern Lights. We have included two dedicated Aurora activities to help you tick this wonderful display off your bucket list.

Departure dates between: 6th December 2018 – 21st March 2019

Prices from: £1,475 per person

Includes: flights, transfers, 3 nights’ full-board accommodation in an Aurora Cabin, cold weather clothing for duration and Aurora alert service and the following guided activities: Reindeer experience, ice fishing by snowmobile, Aurora camp, husky safari and Aurora hunt by car/minibus.

Click here to find out more about our Northern Lights short break to Inari

  1. Nellim – Wilderness Weekend

Nellim Markku Inkila 46

This three-night break has a Northern Lights-focussed itinerary to maximise your chances of seeing this incredible celestial light show.

You will travel by sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile to an expertly chosen location at one of the Aurora camp spots.

The next night, a minibus will take you to another carefully selected destination to give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Your days are free to explore the winter wilderness however you would like. From snowmobiling and snowshoeing to a reindeer sleigh ride and husky safari, you’re never short on choices here.

Departure dates between: 6th December 2018 – 4th April 2019

Prices from: £1,145 per person

Includes: flights, transfers, 3 nights’ full-board accommodation in an Aurora Cabin, cold weather clothing for duration and Aurora alert service and the following guided activities: Aurora Camp and Aurora hunt by car.

Click here to find out more about our Northern Lights short break to Nellim

Click here to find out more about our Northern Lights short breaks


 Image credits: Markku Inkila and Matt Robinson

Read 2298 times Last modified on Friday, 07 May 2021

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The Aurora Zone was born from a desire to share Mother Nature’s greatest wonder with our clients. We’ve explored the destinations, researched the science, and fallen in love with the Scandinavian way of life. It’s our mission to pass this knowledge on to you, providing you with the very best chance of experiencing the magic for yourself on your Northern Lights holiday.

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