Scandinavia is one of the best places to visit in winter, with clean and pristine surroundings, rural landscapes, attractive villages and the dominance of the Northern Lights. If you want to be inspired by the magnificent ambiance and atmosphere of the northern countries, these ten cozy places will show you what an unforgettable holiday looks like.
Located in the northernmost part of Norway, Tromsø is popularly known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” and is a perfect place to see the Northern Lights. It is a city rich in culture and with stunning scenery, which is why many people choose it as a winter holiday destination. Enjoy as many activities as you can during the day such as dog sledding, reindeer safaris and a whale watching excursion before setting out in search of the Northern Lights at night.
2. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is also the official home of Santa Claus and is a winter town located in Finnish Lapland. Sleep in a transparent dome or a wooden house and admire the beauty of the North Pole. Visit Santa’s Village, venture into the grounds of a husky safari and, if you’re lucky, capture the dancing Northern Lights.
3. Abisko, Sweden
The Northern Lights can be successfully viewed in Santa Claus’s home country of Sweden, particularly in the Abisko National Park. The current conditions in the park have all the natural factors that allow the dancing lights, also known as the auroras, to be seen. Accommodation should be at the STF Abisko tourist station, snowshoeing and ice climbing are other activities that can be done, as well as a visit to the aurora viewing station.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is more of a city of small towns. Not only does it feel like the capital of Iceland, but there are also opportunities to visit geothermal spas, volcanoes, ice caves, and other adventurous spots. On the last day, take a short drive out of the city and see the Northern Lights amidst the calm and stillness. The city has a vibrant culture and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a perfect winter destination.
5. Svalbard, Norway
TO Recommended destination for traveling in winter is Svalbard, a group of islands located between Norway and the North Pole. The polar night is between November and February, so you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Spend two days in a cozy guesthouse in the town of Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world, and go snowmobiling and exploring ice caves.
6. Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna in Swedish Lapland is home to the Icehotel, a hotel built from Arctic ice and snow. Obviously, due to the new designs developed by artists around the world every winter, the experience is new every time you visit. Spend a night in an ice hotel room and during the day take a snowmobile or sleigh ride through the beautiful Arctic.
7. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Lofoten Island with its sheltered peak and bays, fishing village and clear sky. Spend the night in a fisherman’s house (rorbu) and enjoy winter attractions such as cross-country skiing, sea kayaking and wildlife watching. The factor that increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights is the clear, dark night.
8. Levi, Finland
Levi is also a well-known ski resort. Located in Finnish Lapland, it is characterised by its ski slopes and homely atmosphere. Apart from skiing, tourists can also go snowshoeing, ice fishing and reindeer sleigh rides. Sleep in a log cabin or a real hotel, and don’t miss the opportunity to take a Finnish sauna when it’s snowing.
9. Alta, Norway
Alta, known as the city of the Northern Lights, boasts tourist attractions and services aimed at offering the best Northern Lights experience. Spend a night at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, the world’s northernmost ice hotel, and go snowmobiling, ice fishing, meet the Sami people and learn about indigenous culture. Stable weather conditions make Alta an ideal location for Northern Lights viewing.
10. Åre, Sweden
Åre Ski Resort is a great holiday area in itself and is also Sweden’s largest ski resort. Besides skiing and snowboarding, guests can also try ice climbing, ziplining or even dog sledding. This beautiful little town has nice, comfortable hotels and plenty of fine dining restaurants, as well as interesting après ski activities in the rustic backdrop of the beautiful Scandinavian mountains.
Getting started on your trip: Airport parking guide
When planning a winter holiday to Scandinavia, especially if you are flying from busy airports like Luton, it is important to make sure you are getting the best price and an affordable deal. Airport parking offers for your carIncorporating meet and greet services in Luton can add value to your trip by saving you time for a smooth start.
The peculiarity of pick-up and drop-off services is that you can leave your car directly at the terminal. This is especially beneficial in the case of airport parking, where the offers offered on site combine convenience and price for the customer. In this way, by comparing the options offered, it is possible to obtain the lowest interest rates that fit the customer’s financial capacity.