Europe's Arctic Circle
A perfect winter destination, the Arctic landscapes of Norway, Finland and Sweden present one of the most pristine and isolated environments left anywhere in the world. One of Europe’s last wild frontiers, this is the land of Saami reindeer herders and wandering polar bears, where the unique shimmering curtain of the Northern Lights plays out against the dark mantle of the polar night.
Serene and untamed it is a land of stunning contrasts, the sweeping panoramas of the Arctic tundra presenting the ideal landscape to explore by dog sled and snowmobiles. You can visit remote villages and enjoy the traditional hospitality of Saami families, or spend an evening at the famous Ice Hotel in Kiruna. Amongst the seemingly inhospitable islands of the Lofoten archipelago, off the west coast of Norway, you can find some of the richest bird colonies in the world, whilst the waters beneath you provide a bountiful hunting ground for orcas whales and seals.
A world of ice and rock, this breathtaking landscape has been settled by humans since the Stone Age and, far from devoid of life, its ragged coastline is dotted with traditional fishing communities, whilst the harsh and wild landscapes of the Arctic interior are blessed with an indigenous culture that has endured for generations.
These northern extremes of Scandinavia remain one of the most untouched and exciting destinations left in Europe, blessed with an incredible diversity of life and culture and a landscape of peerless beauty and majesty.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Europe's Arctic Circle
What to do in Europe's Arctic Circle
Catch The Northern Lights
Tromso
During the winter months, a visit to the Arctic Circle would not be complete without trying to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. Although heavily dependant on the perfect conditions, Tromso is one of the best places to witness this natural phenomenon. You will drive out from the city by 4WD to an area away from any light pollution and spend approximately five hours searching for the dancing lights.
Go Dog Sledding
Tromso
Travelling into the Artic Circle in winter is a magical experience, a true 'must do be I die' type vacation. And no element of such a trip into the distant wastelands of the Arctic Circleis more iconic than to lead a pack of dogs across the frozen tundra. With the only noise the swish of the sleds rails sliding on the ice, the dogs panting breath and the icy wind whistling passed your ear, this is sure to be one of the most magical experiences you have ever had. Become a 'musher' by driving the dog sled yourself, or, if you prefer, sit comfortably in the sled under blankets as you get pulled along by excited huskies. Either way the momory of this exhilarating activity is sure to stay with you forever.
Joy Ride A Snowmobile
Kilpisjarvi
Out on a frozen lake, off road cross country, wherever the location there is always an opportunity to snowmobile as this is one reliable source of transport for the snowy conditions but also as it's a major sport for the Scandinavians.
Live Like A Sami
Soppero
Experience and learn the traditions of Lapland's Sami community. You will have a chance to learn more about the history of the region, bake Sami bread over an open fire, enjoy a traditional lunch before staying overnight in a typical Sami gamme, a ground hut.
Stay at the Icehotel
Kiruna
Sleeping in the ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland is truly a memorable experience. ICEHOTEL is located in the small village of Jukkasjärvi with only 1000 inhabitants, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle and backs onto the river Torne from where iceblocks are harvested in the springtime to recreate the icehotel each year. The hotel offers warm,and of course, cold rooms!
Cruise in the Arctic Circle
Tromso
It's not often we at Wild Frontiers offer, much less enthuse, about cruising. But we feel a great way to travel up into the Artic Circle, and more importantly, see the Northern Lights, is to take one of the Hurtigruten ships up the Norwegian coast. Travelling from just a day to a week, these luxury liners offer all the comfort of 5 star hotel living, while taking you through some interesting places and getting you away from the lights of the mainland that can have an adverse effect on seeing the Northern Lights.
Dive with Killer Whales
The Lofoten Islands
Each winter the majestic Orca whales head north into the Norwegian fjords in search of the hiding herring. Here, in these spectacular icy waters, the killers of the sea encircle their prey, use their mighty tails to stun them, and then gorge their fill. By travelling up to the Lofoten Islands, you can not only watch this amazing display, but by donning a dry suit and steeling your courage, you can jump in and join them... if you're brave (... or mad) enough!
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Europe's Arctic Circle
Where to stay in Europe's Arctic Circle
Rica Grand Hotel Tromso
Tromso
The Rica Grand Hotel Tromso is a 4 star hotel ideally situated in the city, in the middle of the Storgata. This is...
Clarion Hotel Bryggen
Tromso
The Clarion Hotel Bryggen is a 4 star hotel located on the quayside in the heart of Tromso with views of the harbour...
Icehotel
Kiruna
The winter season 2011/2012 will be the twenty-second in a row for the famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi. In that...
Radisson Blu Tromso
Tromso
The Radissson Blu Tromso is a four star hotel located in the heart of Tromso. The hotel has been recently refurbished...
Alta Ice Hotel
Alta
If you are looking for a unique holiday the ice hotel in Norway is the perfect destination. Rebuilt every year since...
Lyngen Lodge
Tromso
One of our favourite hotels in the region, Lyngen Lodge of Northern Norway, provides a combination of comfortable full...
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Europe's Arctic Circle
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Europe's Arctic Circle
Europe's Arctic Circle Travel Guide
Soppero
Located close to the Finnish/Swedish border, deep in the heart of Saami country, Soppero lies amongst the frozen landscapes of Swedish Lapland, one of the last great unspoilt areas of wilderness left in Europe. Although a relatively modern village, its people still follow the traditions of their ancestors and local Saami herders still migrate with their reindeer herds into neighbouring Norway. Home to Arctic fox, elk and wolverine, it was amongst these wild and forested landscapes that Ray Mears learnt firsthand how to survive following the old ways of the Saami. Soppero provides an ideal opportunity to discover a little something of the indigenous traditions and remarkable endurance of the Saami people and their way of life. During the winter freeze, its nearby river and forests also provide the perfect setting for snowmobile and dogsledding adventures.
Havvnnes
Situated at the southern tip of the island of Uløy, where the Rostund empties into the Lyngenfjord, Havvnes is home to Norway’s most northerly trading post. Founded at the latter end of the 18th century, and still operational today, the trading post sits before the backdrop of the spectacular Lyngen Alps, amidst a landscape that has been home to human habitation for over 6,000 years. A wonderfully preserved living museum, the trading post is still owned by the family of the original founders and was honoured with the title of Troms Landscape of The Year in 2004. The island is accessed via a short ten minute ferry ride from Rostund, which itself lies some 66 kilometres from the airport at Tromsø.
Kiruna
Sweden’s northernmost city, Kiruna lies 145 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Set in the heartland of Saami culture, Kiruna and its surrounding landscapes provide a stunning destination for a variety of winter activities such as dogsledding through a landscape bathed in the dark blanket of a Polar night. You can visit the famous Icehotel or fish, or snowmobile one of the six rivers and countless lakes that pepper the landscape.
Tromso
The self-styled capital of the Arctic, fondly referred to as the ‘Paris of the North’, Tromsø is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle. Situated on an island and surrounded by a breathtaking ring of spectacular mountains, Tromsø’s historic centre is home to the world’s northernmost cathedral, brewery and university, as well as the largest number of old wooden houses left in Northern Norway. A city of fascinating historic and cultural contrasts, Tromsø is filled with the architectural reminders of its pioneering past, whilst its iconic Arctic Cathedral can trace its inspirations back to Norwegian folklore. A centre for regional culture, the city enjoys a reputation for art and music. In spite of its apparent isolation, the city also enjoys a superb reputation for Arctic cuisine, with some excellent restaurants located in the heart of the city.
The Lofoten Islands
Most people associate the Lofoten islands with the Midnight Sun and beautiful summers but it is in the winter months that these islands truly come to life. Lying approximately 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands stretch along more than 100 miles of the Norwegian coastline, making it the perfect location for not only some wonderfully unusual light displays but also for the abundance of rare marine life that take refuge here during the winter months. Fishing has always been an integral part of the Lofotens’ communities and on any trip here you should visit the famous fishing village of Henningsvaer, the largest one in the Lofotens, situated about 20km from Svolvaer, which will give you a great insight into the fishing industry and how it has been maintained over the centuries. This way of life continues to support the local communities, as these islands and the surrounding waters continue to attract the huge numbers of cod and herring that come here to re-produce; it also attracts tourists who come here to watch the killer whales that eat them!
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Europe's Arctic Circle
Europe's Arctic Circle Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders do not require a visa to visit the Scandinavian Arctic Circle.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory for anyone travelling on a Wild Frontiers Tour.
Clients should be aware that Wild Frontiers visit certain destinations and carry out some activities that are not always covered by many standard insurance policies. Because of this we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that takes into account many of the unique factors that come from travelling with us.
We also appreciate that few people are experts in insurance shopping, so to make your life easier there is a ‘Wild Frontiers’ policy issued by Travel & General. This is split into two options, a Standard policy, since plenty of our tours and destinations visit stable areas, and an Elite policy for those trips which go to areas where the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising against travelling to. On top of this there is also an option to extend the cover to include any claims that may arise from a terrorist attack in an area where the FCO is advising against.
This insurance is available for anyone up to the age of 75-years-old (after which additional quotes may be needed), and covers horse riding, mountain walking, trekking, white-water rafting and all other activities we offer as part of our tours. These policies are available to all residents of the UK and those residing within the EU.
The cover is underwritten by the International Insurance Company of Hannover Limited (IICH), who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408 0583.
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to the Arctic Circle though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Europe's Arctic Circle
