A Journey Through the Heart of Norway and Finnish Lapland
There are winter holidays, and then there’s Arctic Wonderland, a curated journey that moves through some of the most cinematic landscapes in the North, blending luxury accommodation, authentic Arctic experiences, and world-class local cuisine.
This carefully designed itinerary takes you from the sharp, snow-tipped peaks of Norway’s Lofoten Islands to the enchanted forests of Finnish Lapland, delivering a seamless fusion of adventure and indulgence across every day of the journey.
Start in Style on the Lofoten Islands
Your adventure begins in Ballstad, a quiet harbour village tucked beneath dramatic mountains. Here, you’ll check into the ultra-stylish Hattvika Lodge, where your Hillside Suite offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a private retreat high above the fjord. It’s the perfect place to settle into the rhythm of the north.
Your time in Lofoten is filled with outdoor experiences tailored to your pace and preferences, from private snowshoe hikes to guided kayaking tours through tranquil waters dotted with fishing cabins. There’s even the chance to explore the landscape by RIB boat on a Sea Eagle Safari, venturing into Trollfjord to witness these magnificent birds soaring just overhead.
Dining here is exceptional. At Solsiden Restaurant, housed within the lodge, you’ll enjoy locally sourced meals such as Arctic char, dried lamb, or seaweed-seasoned cod, each dish telling a story of the region. The evenings are quiet, immersive, and full of promise as you look out from your lodge hoping for the first glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Tromsø: Urban Arctic Encounters
The journey continues to Tromsø, Norway’s vibrant Arctic capital. Stay at Clarion Hotel The Edge, a sleek waterfront hotel known for its modern design and warm Nordic hospitality.
During your stay, you’ll board a scenic fjord cruise offering panoramic views of Tromsø’s island-studded coastline, and take a private guided journey to Kvaløya (Whale Island), a wilderness teeming with reindeer, sea eagles, and stunning Arctic vistas. Evenings include expertly guided aurora chases, where you’ll venture far beyond the city lights for the best chance to see the night sky come alive.
Food continues to play a central role. Whether it’s warming bowls of fish soup by the harbour, or cured reindeer and root vegetables served with foraged berries, each meal reflects the landscape you’ve just explored.
Step Into a Snow-Carved World
From Tromsø, you travel east to Rovaniemi, the gateway to Finnish Lapland. But this is no ordinary stay, your accommodation for the night is the stunning Arctic SnowHotel, entirely built from snow and ice. Explore its frosted corridors and dine in the ethereal Ice Restaurant, where a candlelit three-course meal awaits in sub-zero surroundings.
That night, you’ll sleep wrapped in reindeer hides and a thermal sleeping bag, cocooned in silence, a truly once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experience.
Lakeside Luxury and Treehouse Living
After the magic of snow and ice, you’re whisked away to the peaceful shores of Lake Palojärvi, where the Aito Spa Resort awaits. Here, your accommodation takes a unique turn: a designer Aurora Treehouse, elevated in the trees with wraparound glass walls offering uninterrupted sky views, perfect for Northern Lights watching from your bed.
The days here offer both tranquillity and adventure. You’ll mush your own husky team through snowy forest trails, experience the thrill of a snowmobile safari, and enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride under the stars. Back at the resort, the spa facilities provide deep relaxation, with saunas, optional massages, and fireside spaces designed to help you truly disconnect.
Evenings at Aito are a celebration of Finnish cuisine, with multi-course dinners made from regional ingredients: wild mushrooms, slow-roasted root vegetables, freshwater fish, and seasonal herbs. The pace slows, the lights soften, and you’re given the space to reflect on the adventure so far.
A Journey That Moves With You
What makes Arctic Wonderland so special is the way each destination flows into the next, from Norway’s dramatic coastlines to the quiet pine forests of Lapland. Every night offers a new place to call home, and every day reveals a different side of Arctic life.
It’s a journey of light and stillness, of outdoor exhilaration and indoor luxury, and of deep connection to the landscapes and people who call this remarkable part of the world home.
Find out more about this exciting new trip here: https://www.offthemap.travel/itinerary/the-ultimate-arctic-aurora-journey/
