5 Unique Activities Under the Northern Lights - add to your Bucket List!
If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing the Northern Lights, you’re not alone. The vibrant green, purple, and pink hues that dance across the Arctic sky are like nothing else on earth. But why stop at just watching the magic unfold when you can make your experience even more unforgettable? Imagine trekking through snow-dusted forests, dog sledding across frozen lakes, or soaking in a hot spring while the aurora lights up the night sky. These unique outdoor activities under the Northern Lights are for those who want to feel the wonder in every fiber of their being. Let's dive into some of the most breathtaking and extraordinary ways you can experience the aurora in all its glory!
1. Dog Sledding Under the Lights (Sweden, Finland, Norway)
Okay, let’s set the scene. You’re bundled up in warm gear, sitting snugly in a sled pulled by a team of enthusiastic huskies, racing through the snowy wilderness. As you zoom across frozen lakes and through ancient forests, the Northern Lights slowly start to appear in the sky. Suddenly, the stars come alive above you, and you’re racing in the perfect stillness of winter, with only the sound of paws crunching in the snow. It’s exhilarating, magical, and just a little bit surreal.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to chase the aurora, dog sledding is your answer. Whether you’re in Sweden’s Lapland, the Norwegian Arctic, or Finnish Lapland, this is one of the most immersive ways to get up close and personal with the Northern Lights while getting a real taste of adventure.
Why We Love It: It’s not just about the lights—it’s about the experience. Feeling the rush of excitement as the dogs race and watching the world transform with the aurora overhead is something you’ll never forget.
2. Ice Fishing & Northern Lights in Iceland
Picture this: you’re out on an Icelandic lake, drilling through thick ice to fish in a winter wonderland. The wind is calm, the world is peaceful, and then... you look up. The sky starts to shift, and the Northern Lights dance overhead like a colorful magic show. Iceland’s nature feels like a wild, untouched dream, and what better way to experience its beauty than by fishing for dinner under the glowing skies?
Why We Love It: Iceland is about as wild and rugged as you can get, and ice fishing beneath the Northern Lights taps into that raw beauty. Plus, you’re actually doing something! There’s something meditative about ice fishing, and with the aurora as your backdrop, it feels almost mystical.
3. Snowshoeing Through Frozen Wilderness (Norway, Sweden & Finland)
If you're looking for something more low-key but equally mesmerizing, snowshoeing is perfect. Strap on those snowshoes and explore the untouched wilderness, from deep forests to snow-covered valleys. As you trek through this quiet, frozen world, the Northern Lights may suddenly appear in the sky, transforming everything around you. Whether you're in Finland's Lapland, Norwegian fjords, or Sweden’s forests, this peaceful, reflective experience connects you to nature in a way few things can.
Why We Love It: Snowshoeing is a journey for the soul. It’s you, the snow, and the night sky—no distractions, just pure nature. When the Northern Lights start their show, it feels like the universe is putting on a personal light display just for you.
4. Stay in a Glass Igloo (Finland, Sweden)
For those who want the full experience but prefer to stay cozy indoors, nothing beats sleeping under the Northern Lights in a glass igloo. Picture yourself lounging in a warm bed, the flickering lights of the aurora filling the sky above you as you sip hot chocolate or enjoy a cozy dinner. Finnland’s Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and Sweden’s Icehotel offer some of the best igloos, where you can fully immerse yourself in the magic without stepping outside. The beauty of this is that you get to see the lights in total comfort!
Why We Love It: The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and there’s something incredibly special about catching them from the warmth of your own bed. No need to worry about cold fingers or toes—just lay back, relax, and enjoy the show!
5. Northern Lights Snowmobiling (Lapland, Norway)
Ready to kick things up a notch? Snowmobiling across the Arctic wilderness as the aurora lights up the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re racing across frozen lakes in Norway or traversing the snow-covered plains of Lapland, snowmobiling offers adrenaline-fueled fun and the opportunity to chase the Northern Lights like a true explorer.
Why We Love It: It’s the perfect mix of adventure and spectacle. Racing across the snow at high speeds with the Northern Lights overhead? It feels like a dream, but it’s real. The adrenaline of the ride combined with the ethereal beauty of the aurora is pure magic.
6. Hot Springs & Aurora Viewing (Iceland)
Finally, one of the most relaxing ways to see the Northern Lights is while soaking in a natural hot spring. Picture yourself nestled in warm waters, steam rising from the lake, as the brilliant colors of the aurora streak across the night sky above. Iceland is known for its geothermal springs, and while places like the Blue Lagoon are popular, you’ll find quieter, less crowded spots across the country, like the Myvatn Nature Baths, where you can soak in serenity while the aurora takes center stage.
Why We Love It: It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and awe. Hot springs are soothing enough on their own, but when you add the magical display of the Northern Lights overhead, it’s one of the most restorative experiences imaginable.
A True Bucket-List Experience
There’s something transformative about experiencing the Northern Lights in person. But when you add in unique outdoor activities—whether it’s snowshoeing, dog sledding, or soaking in a hot spring—you create a whole adventure that’s about much more than just the lights. It’s about the connection with nature, the exhilaration of the moment, and the memories you’ll take with you.
