You do not need to be exceptionally fit to enjoy a Northern Lights holiday.
Many of our trips are suitable for people with an everyday level of fitness, and you certainly do not need previous experience of Arctic activities. However, no two itineraries are exactly the same. Some holidays involve gentle sightseeing and short excursions, while others include longer periods outdoors, snowshoeing, husky sledding or more active days in the wilderness.
The important thing is choosing a holiday that suits your own mobility, fitness and appetite for adventure.
Often, it is not the activity itself that surprises people. It is the environment.
Temperatures can be well below freezing, you may be wearing several layers of thermal clothing and even walking through deep snow requires more effort than walking on a pavement at home.
Days can also be full. You might spend the morning husky sledding, head out again in the afternoon and then stay awake late into the evening in search of the Northern Lights.
None of that means you need to be an athlete. It simply means it is worth looking at the whole itinerary, rather than judging a holiday by one individual activity.
If you are preparing for your trip, our guide to what to pack on a Lapland holiday explains how to dress comfortably for Arctic conditions.
Husky sledding can range from a relatively gentle introduction to longer safaris through the wilderness.
Where you drive your own sled, you will normally be standing for part of the journey and may need to help the dogs on hills or uneven terrain. Longer safaris naturally require more stamina than shorter experiences.
You do not usually need previous experience, and instruction is provided before setting off. You can read more about what to expect from our husky safaris.
Snowmobiling does not require exceptional fitness, but driving one is more physical than sitting in a car.
You will need to steer, maintain your balance and respond to uneven snowy terrain. Longer journeys can therefore be tiring, particularly in very cold conditions.
There may also be restrictions around driving licences, age, height or other requirements, so always check the information for your particular holiday. Find out more about snowmobiling in the Arctic.
Snowshoeing is essentially winter walking — but walking through snow can require considerably more effort.
Short guided routes are accessible to many travellers with reasonable everyday fitness, while longer wilderness walks can be much more demanding.
If snowshoeing forms a significant part of an itinerary, check the distance and duration rather than assuming every excursion will be the same.
These are generally among the gentler Arctic experiences.
Depending on the excursion, there may still be some walking on snow or uneven ground, but the experience itself normally involves far less physical exertion than activities such as snowshoeing or driving a husky sled.
You can learn more about our reindeer experiences and safaris.
Northern Lights hunting varies enormously.
Some experiences involve travelling by minibus or vehicle to suitable viewing locations. Others may involve snowmobiles, snowshoes, sleds or time spent walking through snowy terrain.
It is also worth remembering that Aurora hunts can finish late at night. For some travellers, the long day and late finish are more tiring than the activity itself.
Usually, no. Most of the Arctic activities featured on our holidays are designed for ordinary travellers rather than experienced winter adventurers. Local guides provide the necessary equipment, safety information and instruction.
Where an activity does require a particular level of experience, fitness or ability, this should be stated within the holiday information.
You can browse our Northern Lights holidays to compare individual itineraries and the activities included.
Look beyond the headline activities and consider the rhythm of the full trip.
Ask yourself:
If you prefer independence, a holiday with optional activities or a more flexible itinerary may suit you better than a programme where every day is fully scheduled.
Likewise, if you actively want to spend as much time outdoors as possible, look for itineraries with longer safaris and more wilderness activities.
There is no “right” activity level. The right holiday is simply the one that matches how you want to travel.
Arctic environments can create additional challenges, particularly where there is snow, ice, uneven ground or very low temperatures.
Suitability varies considerably between destinations, accommodation and individual activities, so it is important not to assume that one Northern Lights holiday will have the same requirements as another.
If you have any concerns about mobility, fitness or whether a particular activity will be suitable for you, please speak to our Travel Experts before booking. They can look at the specific itinerary and discuss the practical requirements with you.
Not necessarily.
Age by itself tells us very little about whether somebody will enjoy a particular holiday. A fit and active traveller in their seventies may be perfectly comfortable with an itinerary that somebody much younger would find tiring.
What matters more is your mobility, general fitness, confidence on snow and ice, and how comfortable you are spending time outdoors in cold conditions.
The same principle applies to families. Older children and teenagers may love a more active programme involving huskies, snowmobiles and longer days outdoors, while other families may prefer considerably more downtime.
You do not normally need a special training programme.
If you are comfortable walking regularly and being on your feet for reasonable periods, that is enough preparation for many of our holidays.
For a more active itinerary, increasing your regular walking before travelling can make longer days more enjoyable. Good winter clothing, sensible footwear and allowing yourself time to rest are equally important once you arrive.
Above all, read the individual itinerary carefully rather than worrying about whether you meet some imaginary Arctic fitness standard.
No. Simply seeing the Northern Lights does not require a high level of fitness. The physical demands depend on how you choose to search for them and the other activities included in your holiday.
Not necessarily. Lapland holidays range from gentle breaks to much more active wilderness experiences. Check the individual itinerary, activity durations and amount of time spent outdoors when choosing your trip.
Yes. Not every Northern Lights holiday needs to be packed with activities. Look for itineraries with free time, optional excursions or a more independent format.
They can be. Suitability depends more on the individual itinerary, your mobility and your general fitness than your age. If you are unsure about a particular trip, speak to our Travel Experts before booking.
It can be, particularly on longer safaris where you drive your own sled. Shorter experiences can be much gentler. The individual holiday information will give you a better indication of what is involved.
