It was a brisk Helsinki morning when we met our guide, Michael. With his cheerful demeanor, he delivered an essential lesson for anyone braving a Scandinavian winter: there’s no such thing as bad weather—only inadequate clothing.
“You’ll want three thermal layers, gloves, a beanie, a scarf, and snow grips,” he advised, a twinkle in his eye. “Temperatures can dip to minus 30 or even 40 degrees. Zip up, venture inside if you feel your fingers or toes lose sensation, and keep moving!”
Around me, my fellow Aussie travelers exchanged nervous glances as we gazed out at the snowy streets from our cozy hotel. For many of us, this was our first encounter with a winter in northern Europe, and uncertainty fluttered like snowflakes in the air.
For the next 17 days, we would journey north through Finland towards Nordkapp, Europe’s northernmost point, before winding our way back via the Lyngen Alps in Norway to Oslo. From chasing the ethereal Northern Lights to gliding through scenic fjords and even hopping aboard the Polar Express en route to Santa’s Christmas Village beyond the Arctic Circle, we were about to embark on Inspiring Vacations’ Norway Winter Wonderland Small Group Tour—an adventure through some of winter’s most stunning landscapes.
Where did you start?
Our journey commenced in the eclectic city of Helsinki. Traveling with my teenage son after jumping straight from a Sydney heatwave, we arrived eager to discover this clean, quirky capital and acclimate to its limited daylight.
While our itinerary thoughtfully covered Helsinki, we also used the city as a launching pad for a day in Tallinn, Estonia’s charming capital. Just a two-hour ferry ride away on the modern Megastar Ferry, Tallinn dazzled us with its medieval architecture. To my delight, the town square still showcased its magnificent Christmas tree and decorations, all delicately draped in snow. We scaled the Old City ramparts, dined in a historic banquet hall (where Estonia’s beloved potato salad reigned supreme, with anchovies on toast as an optional pairing), rifled through vintage shops, and stumbled upon the Museum of Medieval Torture Implements, much to my son’s morbid fascination.
Where did you go?
After two nights in Helsinki, we boarded the Santa Claus Express, a quaint sleeper train with narrow bunks and a charming Harry Potter-esque hidden shower and toilet. Our destination was Kemi, for a day of adventure on the icebreaker Arctic, plowing through the frozen Bothnian Sea. Standing on deck as the sun rose, everything around us—the ship’s railing and even our eyelashes—was encrusted in frost. After donning insulated gear, we took the plunge into the icy waters off the back of the ship. Despite the biting -20°C chill, it was an exhilarating experience I will never forget.
Following our frosty escapades, we journeyed further north to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official home of Santa Claus. Located within the Arctic Circle, Santa’s Village welcomes visitors year-round. Even if your teenage son has outgrown the myths of Santa, the atmosphere is enchanting, featuring a post office that sends letters straight from the North Pole (just remember to budget for those photos with Mr. Claus!).
Rovaniemi buzzes with life, serving as a launch point for activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and even chasing the Northern Lights. We lingered here for two nights before heading on to Saariselkä, where we scaled a mountain via chairlift and spent the night in a captivating glass igloo, draped in snow—perfectly designed for viewing the auroras from bed after a magical afternoon of sledding with huskies through a fairy-tale forest.
As we continued our journey north, temperatures sank further—hovering around -30°C—and daylight diminished due to the polar night. While the sun itself evaded us, we seized every glimmer of daylight. By the time we reached the border between Finland and Norway, night fell as early as 2 PM, casting a hush over the land.
Our expedition culminated at Nordkapp, or North Cape—an exhilarating accomplishment given the frequent road closures we encountered. With fierce winds whipping around us and ice clinging to the rugged cliffs overlooking the Arctic Ocean, we felt we were standing at the very edge of the world. Our skilled bus driver, Vladus, guided us expertly along the treacherous routes as darkness deepened around us, skillfully navigating sheer drops on both sides.
Vladus’s driving prowess often drew applause as we traversed Norway’s pristine fjords, with the sugary peaks of the Lyngen Alps glowing in radiant shades of pink and blue at sunset. We spotted reindeer and even a moose—an exciting rarity, Michael informed us—and learned about the rich history of the Sámi people with visits to the Sámi Museum Siida in Inari and the Sámi Parliament in Karasjok. We even had the chance to admire ancient rock art in Alta.
By the time we reached Tromsø, I had fallen head over heels for Norway. This vibrant city, a celebrated setting for Scandi noir, brims with colorful houses, a troll museum, a floating sauna, and lively markets. My son spent a free day snowboarding at the nearby Alpine Park, while others in our group took the scenic cable car ride to the Storsteinen mountain ledge for breathtaking views.
Tromsø treated us to the best display of the Northern Lights during our tour, igniting a flurry of activity on our group’s WhatsApp as dazzling photos were shared following our nightly excursions. We also signed up for an extra adventure, feeding a Sámi reindeer herd and enjoying a leisurely sled ride pulled by these majestic animals. Our Sámi host introduced us to the traditional practice of “yoiking,” a style of singing steeped in history, and we shared a hearty feast of reindeer stew around a fire in a lavvu—Sámi tent. In Sámi culture, only their people are allowed to own and herd reindeer, a practice they’ve upheld for generations, committed to taking only what’s necessary from the herd.
The grand finale of our trip brought us through the mesmerizing Lofoten Islands and concluded with a few nights in Oslo—though we left the tour early, sadly missing the last four nights.
What was the best thing?
Numerous highlights crafted the rich tapestry of our experience, but the blend of adventure and breathtaking scenery made this itinerary particularly memorable. For me, the sheer joy of husky sledding through a forest of frost-laden fir trees in Saariselkä stole the show. My son led our sled, laughing and cheering as we raced through powdery snow, the enthusiastic pack of dogs pulling us along. The brake was simply my foot on a rudimentary pad, exhilarating in its simplicity. That evening, we retreated to a cozy igloo, our hopes of staying awake to witness the Northern Lights dashed by our exhaustion.
Equally unforgettable was our leap into the icy Bothnian Bay. Clad in insulated suits, we plunged into the frigid water off the icebreaker, our bodies exploding with laughter as we floated among ice chunks in the -20°C temperatures. Surprisingly, amid the hilarity, I found an unsettling sense of peace.
My son, on the other hand, would argue the snowmobile safari in Rovaniemi was the highlight of his trip. While I found driving those roaring machines down a frozen river daunting, he loved every second and implored me to speed up. My only complaint was my inadequate layering; during a stop for the warm blueberry juice (deliciously reminiscent of heated Ribena), my fingers and toes felt like they might freeze solid in the cold.
Did you see the Northern Lights?
This trip offered some of the best opportunities for witnessing the Aurora Borealis in Norway. Sightings can demand patience and a fair amount of luck, as the ethereal lights do not always reveal themselves readily. Weather plays a significant role in visibility, and often the vibrant colors remain hidden to the naked eye. As wisps or gray streaks weave across the midnight sky, it’s only once you take a photo that the colors burst to life. Capturing the various hues becomes an addictive endeavor, and downloading the Aurora app ensures you receive real-time updates tailored to your location.
Who took care of the logistics?
Inspiring Vacations provided a meticulously crafted itinerary prior to our departure, and having the same tour guide—Michael—and bus driver—Vladus—streamlined daily communication. Our accommodations, primarily at Radisson Blu and Scandic hotels, boasted three or four stars and were conveniently located. Walking around felt safe, with English widely spoken, making communication a breeze. The itinerary also allowed for a balance of free time and organized activities.
The small group comprised 20 travelers—capped at 24—creating a comfortable dynamic. Our companions hailed from various corners of Australia, including mature couples, solo female travelers, and families traveling with older kids or teenagers. The group mingled seamlessly, united by a shared sense of adventure and respect for one another.
Any extra costs?
While breakfast was provided daily, lunches and dinners were on our own. This arrangement enabled us to explore local dining options, which I appreciated. Norway presented the priciest culinary challenges, prompting us to stock up at supermarkets whenever possible and carry snacks along. Both Finland and Norway are cashless, so traditional currency was unnecessary. While transfers are technically the traveler’s responsibility, Inspiring Vacations offers pre-booked options.
The verdict: 9/10
This tour delivers on every front. With a well-organized, action-packed itinerary, it offered safety, enjoyment, and breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Pack
The weather stands as the paramount consideration for a winter trip like this. Invest in layers of thermal underclothes (I recommend Uniqlo’s affordable Heattech range), sturdy merino wool socks, neck gaiters, waterproof ski pants, and an insulated jacket. Hand warmers and shoe cleats for icy streets proved invaluable. Keeping extremities warm is crucial. Luckily, quality souvenir shops abound, should you need to acquire gear along the way. Successfully layering will make navigating the cold much more enjoyable.
Plan
This itinerary demands a degree of mobility, as you’ll often be handling your own luggage. I advise packing as lightly as possible to facilitate ease of movement. The sleeper train to Kemi left little space for our larger suitcases, and navigating in cramped quarters proved challenging. In hindsight, I would have opted for a smaller bag. After such an intensive journey, consider extending your stay in Oslo or elsewhere in Europe to unwind. And don’t forget to keep a dry pair of woolen socks handy—your feet will be grateful.
Book
The Inspiring Vacations 16-Day Norway Winter Wonderland Small Group Tour starts at $9,395 per person, with peak winter conditions (and Christmas magic!) from December to March.
The writer was a guest of Inspiring Vacations.