Norway Northern Lights: Dancing Auroras & Ancient Culture for
€ 695

Alta Airport, Altagårdskogen 32, 9515 Alta, Norway Posted on 08 September 2023 by Madhuwant Satyanarayan
Start time:
23 November 2023 10:00 pm CET
End time:
26 November 2023 10:00 am CET
Venue:
Alta Airport, Altagårdskogen 32, 9515 Alta, Norway
Participants:
None
Entry:
€ 695

Description

SYNOPSIS

Journey to the far reaches of beautiful Norway in Winter to witness one of the most spellbinding phenomena in the natural world by night.

WHY GO?

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: 3 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).
  • Road trip 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.
  • 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, 23 Nov - Sun, 26 Nov

Starting location & time: Accommodation in Alta at 10 PM on Thursday night. Note: Exact accommodation details will be provided in the whatsapp group for confirmed participants closer to the trip date.

Finishing location & time: Alta Airport at 10:30 AM on Sunday.

Note: 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.

Price: Starting from €695 (before any discounts).

Hiking Difficulty: Minimal hiking involved which is also optional .

Price: Starting from €695

What is included?

  • Community leader & Local guide for the entire duration (Speaks English, Russian & Hindi)
  • 3 x nights shared accommodation in Alta in two bdrm apmt with twin share room. Note: Additional accommodation upgrade options are available.
  • 3 x nights Northern lights hunting with guide
  • Transportation for the entire trip.
  • Entry to Alta museum.
  • Entry to Northcape museum (weather permitting).
  • Road trip to Northcape - Northernmost point of Europe (weather permitting).
  • Guided walking tour of Alta (weather permitting).

Optional Activities (to be advised closer to the trip)

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

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


Location: Alta Airport, Altagårdskogen 32, 9515 Alta, Norway
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