Lofoten Islands Aurora Highlights
- Details
Details
Voyage into the Arctic Circle and discover the outstanding natural beauty of Norway's hidden gem; the Lofoten Islands. Dramatic, unparalleled, breath-taking. These are just some adjectives that attempt to describe the spectacular scenery of this Nordic archipelago. This tour showcases the best the Lofoten Islands have to offer and ensures the photographs in your next holiday album are truly out of this world.
Often referred to as the most beautiful archipelago in the world, the Lofoten Islands are the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The sweeping landscape offers a unique combination of rugged coastline, vibrant green meadows and Caribbean blue waters. Lofoten is located just below the auroral oval, which provides the optimum conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. Since there is minimal artificial light pollution, you will increase your chances of capturing this mesmerising natural phenomenon.
Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten and affords travellers the opportunity to explore the area's rich culture and history. The Thon Hotel Lofoten is situated very close to the town's centre and boasts unparalleled views of the mountain peaks and surrounding waters.
Lofoten has been awarded the Sustainable Development certification in recognition of its commitment to work strategically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive impact. With fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere, winter in the Lofoten Islands is a serene escape for those seeking both adventure and serenity.
Important Information
Itinerary
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival. In order to accommodate the included activities within the duration of your stay, we recommend a Monday or Wednesday arrival.
Itinerary
This evening, your guide will take you to the best viewpoint to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights according to the evening’s forecast. It’s likely you will visit the north side of Lofoten as there is minimal light pollution and a stretching horizon; the perfect combination for excellent aurora hunting conditions. During the journey, you’ll become familiar with the island and discover what it’s like to live in Lofoten. Your guide will share expert tips and techniques for capturing the Northern Lights on camera. Hopefully, the lights will make an appearance so you can put your new skills into practice as they dance across the star-studded sky. Lasting around three hours and forty-five minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to await their arrival. In addition, your guide will be happy to send photos they have taken after the tour.
Today, the choice is yours dependent on your appetite for adventure. For guests who want to get up close with nature and stretch their legs in the pristine wilderness, we recommend the Snowshoe Nature Explorer excursion. Snowshoeing is suitable for all abilities and a great way to experience the stunning landscape of the Lofotens. Before venturing out, your guide will fit you with the correct snowshoes and poles and then drive you via minibus to the best location to experience the magical winter light of Lofoten.
There’ll be an abundance of scenic photo opportunities and your guide will tell you interesting tales of local life. The trip lasts approximately three hours and includes a hot drink.
If you would prefer a more relaxed but uniquely engaging day, the Winter Guided Tour of Lofoten excursion is for you. This five-hour guided tour of discovery will take you from the cultural richness of the ancient fishing villages of Kabelvåg and Henningsvær to the untouched serenity of Gimsoya.
Henningsvær is known as the Venice of the north, and with its combination of a mountainous backdrop and picturesque fishing huts overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the harbour it is something of a mecca for photographers and those wanting to explore its charming streets and craft shops. It is also home to one of the most dramatically located football pitches in the world. Gimsoya is famed for its white sand beaches and abundant wildlife, being home to a wide variety of bird life including sea eagles and puffins and also the northernmost links golf course in the world.
Please note: In case of bad weather, this tour may be rescheduled or routes may differ from the description above.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a standard double room at the Thon Hotel Lofoten or similar
- Meals: 3 breakfasts
- Cold weather clothing is provided with the Trollfjord safari by RIB, please ensure you bring your own cold weather clothing for the rest of your trip – please email support@theaurorazone.com for our latest clothing information
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- Trollfjord safari by RIB
- Northern Lights tour with local photographer
- Your choice of either Winter Guide Tour of Lofoten or snowshoe Nature explorer
Excluded
- Flights are not included
- Please note: for some activities, there will be a short walk to the pick-up points.
Accommodation
The Thon Hotel Lofoten is a modern 4-star hotel situated in the heart of Svolvaer, boasting a prime waterfront location near the local arts and culture centre but also just 6km from the airport. Inside, with 190 rooms and suites, the hotel offers a boutique style, combining elegance with modernity and convenience. The Thon Hotel Lofoten earnt the title of Norwegian Breakfast Champion in 2023, and this veritable feast offers over one hundred individual elements, showcasing many local products among them such as aware winning cheeses and smoked fish and roes.
In the evening there is also a bar and restaurant for guests, and complimentary coffee is served in the reception area through the day. Other amenities include access to the gym, room service and free WiFi.
The Huritgruten coastal express docks just outside the hotel, which also boasts Eco-Lighthouse certification.
Tour Map
Additional Info
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists