In Kongsfjord, at the Skua Nature village, we will experience the Arctic as locals do: with sled dogs, among reindeer and Sami traditions, exploring hidden fjords shaped by ice and wind. And when night falls, all we’ll need to do is step outside to find ourselves under one of the clearest skies on the planet, waiting for the aurora to dance above Varanger.
Day 1 – Ivalo, Lapland
We land in Ivalo, a small town in the heart of Finnish Lapland, beyond the Arctic Circle. From here, our journey begins through spectacular snow-covered coniferous forests—a fairytale landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. After crossing these magical lands, we reach Kaamanen, where we settle into a lodge surrounded by Lapland’s wilderness. From the windows, we can observe birds such as the Siberian Tit, the Siberian Jay and various woodpeckers feeding at the bird tables outside, while the silence of the taiga envelops us, offering a moment of pure connection with the wild nature of the North. In the evening, after a traditional Finnish dinner, weather permitting, we will set out in search of our first Northern Lights near the lodge, deep within the forest.
Day 2 – Meeting the Sami People and Arrival at Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge
After breakfast, we begin our morning with an experience that embodies the true soul of the North: a visit to a Sami camp, where we meet their reindeer and listen to stories of a life deeply intertwined with nature. We will have lunch at Tuulen Tupa and, in the afternoon, depart for Norway before reaching Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge, in the picturesque village of Veines (Kongsfjord) along the Barents Sea coast. There, we enjoy a relaxing afternoon of wellness and sauna, followed by dinner in our restaurant. As every evening, weather permitting, we will head out with an expert guide in search of the Northern Lights.
Day 3 – King Crab Fishing, Sauna and Northern Lights Experience
After breakfast in Kongsfjord, we dedicate the morning to one of Varanger’s most fascinating traditions: a boat excursion to catch the Arctic King Crab, the giant of these northern waters. Once back on land, we will enjoy lunch at Brygge, savouring the freshly caught King Crab. In the afternoon, we return to Kongsfjord to relax in the lodge’s sauna overlooking the sea, accompanied by a hot drink and homemade treats. The bravest may even finish with a plunge into the fresh snow—or directly into the sea—just steps from the sauna. We dine at Kongsfjord and, afterwards, continue our nightly Northern Lights observation.
Day 4 – Dog Sledding and Traditional Dinner in Lapland
After breakfast, we head to Tana for one of the most thrilling experiences of the trip: dog sledding. We board a sled pulled by huskies who lead us enthusiastically through pristine landscapes, running through snow and silence. We will spend the night in a Finnish lodge, where we are treated to a warm traditional dinner, and on our final night in Lapland we once again chase the Northern Lights.
Day 5 – Siida Museum and Departure
On our final day, we visit Siida, the major museum dedicated to Sami culture and Arctic nature. This remarkable centre preserves traditions, mythology, tools and stories of a people who have lived in harmony with the tundra for millennia. After the visit, we transfer to Ivalo Airport for our return flight.
Ivalo, Kaamanen, Kongsfjord, Berlevag, Batsfjord, Tana Bru
What to Bring:
Make sure to bring clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Temperatures will remain below freezing and may drop to –20°C. It is essential to choose garments that ensure both comfort and safety throughout the trip. We recommend packing snow crampons, a ski mask or windproof face protection, and a winter barrier cream to protect your skin from extreme cold. Quality gloves and socks are also highly recommended.
For wildlife photography, lenses with a minimum focal length of 400 mm are suggested. For landscape photography, a wide-angle lens is ideal.
Participants: Minimum 4, maximum 8 Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Italian
Important Information: The tour will be confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants; otherwise, a full refund will be issued. Itinerary (accommodation and activities) may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
Ivalo Airport
