DreamsVoyager

Categories
Norway Travel Blog Travel Destinations Travel Diaries Travel inspiration Vacation

Northern Lights in Lofoten: See Aurora Borealis

Northern Lights in Lofoten: See Aurora Borealis

Experience the norwegian northern lights from a traveler’s experience!

Everyone has dreams of places they want to see, explore and chuck down from there bucket list in their lifetime. For many and if I am not wrong, at the top of that bucket list is the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. One of the best destinations to chase and explore northern lights is Norway and more northwards you drift to, the better the chances and luckier you get.

Aurora borealis, the Northern Lights, Lofoten Islands
Aurora borealis, the Northern Lights, Lofoten Islands

Hunting the northern lights is a sport that just every winter traveller can get behind. Watching this magnificent nature phenomenon Northern lights dancing and flickering in the sky is on the bucket lists of thousands. People travel from all over the world in the hope of getting a glimpse of the sky illuminated by spectacular displays of green, purple or pink and this was certainly on my list too, and I got my chance on a cold, clear night in Lofoten Islands.

What is Aurora Borealis?

Have you ever thought about what causes the appearance of Northern Lights and why it illuminates the sky in different colours? It occurs when electrically charged gas particles from the sun enter the earth’s atmosphere and are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. The lights appear to be dancing across the sky and it comes in every shape and size. The most common colour seen is green but if you are lucky, you can see the sky light up like a rainbow in pink, blue, yellow and purple. The color of Northern Lights mainly depends and comes from the type of particles that collide with each other.

Aurora borealis, Northern lights
Aurora borealis, Northern lights

Where can you see Aurora Borealis?

Northern Lights are most commonly seen in Norway, Greenland and Iceland in Europe, or in the Northwest Territories of North America, Alaska and Canada. Norway is the most accessible option. If sky condition is good and clear then you can see the Northern Lights all across Nordic areas.

Seeing the Northern Lights: My Lifetime Experience

It was our 3rd and final day in Lofoten Islands and we hadn’t seen the Northern Lights. On our first two nights, the excursions in search of the green light in the sky had been cancelled due to cloud cover and heavy rains and snow. But, on our last day, we got lucky to see sunshine with the fact that we surely be seeing the Northern Lights because of clear sky.

In preparation for the evening outing, we layered about every piece of woollen clothing we had from backpack and get ready for the thrilling adventure. We joined the group with our guide at 21:00 hrs and headed for Northern Light spot. After a short ride for about 15mins our Tour Guide addressed the group “That Northern Lights have been spotted.” A ripple of excitement rushed through us. Out the window, we could see a glowing thin green light covering entire snow clad mountains.

Northern lights Svolvaer
Northern Lights, Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands

Beyond the road we arrived on, toward a mountain, we could see two distinct streams of lime green and Pink light in the sky. This was it. This is what we were waiting for. This is what we were chasing. We were seeing the Northern Lights in Norway with our very own eyes.

We scrambled to find a place to set up our cameras, as we needed complete stillness if we were to have any chance of getting a clear photo. Without a tripod, we would have to improvise. The ground was completely covered with snow and ice. But sooner we spotted a picnic table, cleared off the snow, laid our camera at angled towards the dancing Northern Lights.

Northern lights view at Lofoten, Norway
Northern lights view at Lofoten, Norway

The strip of green and pink lights expanded and brightened then dulled and brightened again. The light danced across the sky, silhouetting the mountain. It was like landing and watching into a fairy tale land. A million stars twinkled above us. Constellations were so intense that it brightened the entire sky and it was almost impossible to believe that we finally made our dream come true to chase and see northern lights in real. We watched until we were completely frozen and numb…which was about a total of 30-35minutes.

Northern Lights in Sky
Northern Lights in Sky, Lofoten Islands, Norway

Want my advice for seeing the Northern Lights in Norway/Iceland/Lapland etc.? If you haven’t practiced your photography and unprepared for frigidly cold weather, forget the camera and simply enjoy the Lights in the sky. If you want the memory in a photograph, ask your tour guide to click one for you!

Follow us for latest offers & updates

Subscribe Now!


Follow Instagram Stories

Instagram has returned empty data. Please authorize your Instagram account in the plugin settings .

Featured Post

My 5 best travel experiences of Scandinavia!!

Read about 5 best travel experiences of exploring scandinavia and watch some breathtaking experiences...

Show More
Categories
Norway Travel Blog Travel Destinations Travel Diaries Travel inspiration Tromso Vacation

My 5 Best Travel Experiences Of Scandinavia!

my 5 best travel experiences of Scandinavia!

Read about the 5 best travel experiences of the scandinavian destinations!

The best part of traveling are all those amazing experiences you collect and cherish along your journey. These are moments which brings an element of surprise, excitement and are ocassially filled with your own dreams and desires. Pursuing them sometimes even changes you from inside and open your eyes to see the world from a new perspective.

I love visiting Scandinavia countries. There is so much of nature to see and explore there. Below are my my 5 top favourite travel experiences of scandinavious destinations:

01. Watching incredible fjords in Tromvik, Tromso, Norway

Tromso, Norway
Tromso, Norway

As you may have read in my earlier posts, where I shared my all time “Winter Bucket List” I want to accomplish in my lifetime, Tromso (Norway) was the first item on the do-list. So I visited this place in the March 2017. During my trip, I traveled on a full-day countryside tour where I was driven between breathtaking snow-cap mountains. I had the best time of my life watching those amazing fjords coming live in from my eyes. It literally felt a dream come true. 

02. Watching Northern Lights in Lofoten Islands, Norway

Northern Lights, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Northern Lights, Lofoten Islands, Norway

As they say, if you have not visited Lofoten Islands, then you have not visited Norway! It is indeed one of the most breathtaking places on earth. In winters of Feb 2019, during my Norway trip, I visited this amazing destination where I got the chance to witness the beautiful and mesmerizing view of Northern lights. It was like a different world altogether. Its something you should experience if you get the chance to visit Lofoten Islands.

03. Getting Immerse in Skógafoss Waterfall of Iceland

Skógafoss Waterfall in Iceland

Skógafoss is a beautiful and biggest waterfall situated on the south-coast of Iceland. I visited this astounding destination while completing my Iceland tour of December 2017. Most people dont try to get that close proximity of this huge waterfall, especially during winters, when all the area over the ground is super slippery, but I couldnt resist to walk over until the edge to experience the massive look of this giant waterfall has to offer. A great thing to see while on the trip to Iceland. 

04. Doing Glacier Hiking in Iceland

Glacier Hike In Iceland
Glacier Hike In Iceland

Glacier hiking is one the best ways to experience Iceland in winters. On my Iceland trip of December 2017, while visiting Iceland South-coast, I got a chance to visit the famous “Sólheimajökull glacier” which is a part of Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland‘s fourth largest glacier! I was with a small group where I spend almost 30 minutes walking on the glacier, and was indeed one of the best moments of my life!

05. Going on a Cruise along the Norwegian Sea

Cruise in Norwegian Sea
Cruise in Norwegian Sea

Imagine going on a cruise during the winter along the Arctic ocean? Do you believe it to be exciting? Well for me it was the most exciting thing I ever did in my travels. In the winter months of Feb 2019, I went on a cruise along the Norweigan sea. Although it was super freezing to even step outside, but I was able to capture some of the breathtaking pictures along the ocean!  Every second of that journey was filled with spectacular views of fjords and snow covered mountains!

Before we Depart....

Traveling is I believe is that inspiration which ignites the soul of our heart, its gives a directions to explore life, its a meaning that give purpose to some and its a journey full of incredible experiences. The above 5 experiences of Scandinavia lets say are just the tip of an iceberg, there are many more I have been through and many more yet to experience. 

Have you been to Scandinavia? Do you have any such experiences on your travel? Or Do you wish to pursue them ever in your life? …I would be glad to know your thoughts, so feel free to share on the comments below! 🙂

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust

Follow Instagram Stories

Instagram has returned empty data. Please authorize your Instagram account in the plugin settings .

Featured Post

Northern Lights in Lofoten: See Aurora Borealis

Experience the beautiful Aurora Borealis from the view of a traveler and catch some views of Northern lights...

Show More

Follow us for latest offers & updates

Subscribe Now!


Categories
Norway Travel Blog Travel bucket list Travel Destinations Travel inspiration Tromso Vacation

Winter dream trips I want to visit once in my lifetime!

Winter dream trips I want to visit once in my lifetime!

Read about the top winter destinations offering a lifetime expereince!

Once I was bitten by this travel bug, the only travel dream which has always fascinated me since then were the beautiful winter-land travel destinations filled the immense beauty of nature and life! Whether those are mountains neatly wrapped up with snow-white beauty of mother nature, or spectacular range of forest trees standing on the snow-land and nurturing itself in the fresh fall of the snow or crystal clear beautiful lakes shining between the mountain peaks as if you have seen a perfect picture landscape,  it has always been my dream to see such a beauty at least once in my lifetime. So I thought to share that small list of all those dream winter destinations that I want to experience in my life!

01. Tromsø, Norway

Tromso, Norway in Winter
Tromso, Norway in Winter

Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and situated 350kms north of Arctic circle. If you are looking for Scandinavian adventure and outdoor activities with a mix of modern city lifestyle with vibrant night life, then Tromsø can be the best option. From super amazing fjords excursions to the best chances of seeing the majestic northern lights, Tromsø has so much to offer. It also offers plenty of attractions such as museums, aquariums or even botanical gardens, you name it!  If you are an adventure sports enthusiastic, then you are open to many opportunities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, whale safaris and even Dog sledging! Well, it has been on my bucket list and have already been to Tromso twice by now and would never miss a chance to visit it again! 🙂

02. Iceland

Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland
Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland in winters.

Iceland has become one of the most famous Nordic destinations around the world nowadays. Reykjavík is the largest city and capital of Iceland and lot of people around the year usually take day trip to its famous destinations and routes such as Golden circle, blue lagoons, spectacular glaciers, beautiful sand beaches, amazing waterfalls and scenic volcanoes! But one of the trips which is most fascinating for me is to do Day hiking trips to South cost of Iceland which is usually done in the winter months to have the best Icelandic experience.  Hiking all the way by yourself or with a guided group tour, crossing through the farming lands to the beautiful sand beaches, scenic volcanoes, dazzling waterfalls and magnificent glaciers, it one of the best travel experience I believe one can ever do in their lifetime. I have also been to Iceland twice by now and hoping to revisit again! 🙂

03. Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands, Archipelago, Denmark

Faroe Islands, although a part of Denmark, is a self-governing archipelago. It basically located somwhere halfway between Iceland and Norway. It is also well connected with Denamark via ferry and cruises. It offers some incredible nature and scenery. Most people usually prefer to visit here in summers when it turns totally into green, but I wish to experience its picturesque landscapes in winter times. It still one destination I still have to visit on my bucket list!

04. Zao Onsen, Yamagata Perfecture, Japan

Zao Onsen, Yamagata Perfecture, Japan
Zao Onsen, Yamagata Perfecture, Japan

Zao Onsen is one the most famous tourist destinations situated in the northeastern Tohuku region of Japan and people usually come here to enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding. It has basically a hot spring village consisting of various hot springs & public bath houses and one can simply relax and nurture the experience of the therapeutic waters there. There are also cable car rides one of which departs from the hot spring village and the journey through it with spectacular views of snow-covered mountains can be just amazing!  One of the main features of Zao onsen best-in class ski resort are the ‘snow monsters’ or trees covered with thick blanket of snow which for some might give a stong evil look but at the same time makes it one of the unique and beautiful visual experiences in the world! Ever since I have visited Japan last year in 2016, the moment I learned about this beautiful destination, I always wished to come back and experience the beauty of the place with my own eyes, so I have kept this bucket list experiences!

05. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA

Kenai Fjords, Alaska
Alaska Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Icebergs Bay Water

Kenai Fjords, also known as glacial paradise, is located in south-central Alaska and situated near the town of Seward. Outlining at the park edges is famous for its largest ice field in the United states, also known as ‘Harding Icefield’. The best feel of this place is that the ice and snow engulfs most of the park and it consist of various Fjords shaped by numerous glaciers. These glacier actually pour down from the Icefield, making their way through valleys and the whole view turn itself into stunning Fjords and icebergs which just look marvelous and picturesque! This is always been in my dream bucket list.

06. Queenstown, New Zealand

Coronet Peak Ski Resort above Otago, New Zealand
Coronet Peak Ski Resort above Otago, New Zealand (High above Queenstown)

Queenstown is located in the South Island of New Zealand and Situated in the central Otago southern Lake area. It has become one of the famous tourist destinations where you can find the neat layer of snow cap and ice claded houses, trees and beautiful & majestic mountains.  The south Island ‘Lake Wakatipu” in winters looks really stunning with its crystal clear beauty. Queenstown in winters is considered to be one of the skiing paradise! I wish to do skiing someday here.

07. Polar Cruise : Spitsbergen (Svalbard), Greenland and Iceland

Polar Cruise
Polar Cruise : Spitsbergen (Svalbard), Greenland and Iceland

This is one of the super-dream expedition trips I wanted do once in my life! Starting from northwest coast of Spitsbergen (on-looking some amazing mountains and fjords) towards the icy waters of Greenland (watching some amazing icebergs & icecaps) and all the way to Iceland (to catch some dreamy Icelandic landscape beauty). The entire voyage has so much to offer and experience. Imagine of having a chance to see those majestic northern lights on literally any day of your journey, or live to experience the view of the real arctic animals such as polar bears, reindeer or walrus, or to explore such terrific views of massive glaciers and active volcanoes! For me it would be a real life-changing experience! Well going on such expeditions while traveling from another corner of the world does require some good savings, but that’s the part of traveling don’t you think?

08. Antarctica Cruise Expeditions (From New Zealand)

To me this expedition has always been an impossible journey in-itself. Being a native Indian, lived my life in middle-class family, these dreams are way more far-fetched for me. But with this travel dream passion still alive in my heart, I think this is one trip I still hope I can do once in my life before I die in peace! The reason I picked this up from New Zealand is that first it is still closer to Asian subcontinent (unlike traveling all-way to Argentina which would literally mean another corner of the world) and secondly unlike south-American voyage, this expedition is much more longer and required a good amount of patience. However, it even makes it a bit more expensive, but anyway I am keeping this to my last bold act of travel journey!  It takes about 7 day sailing to reach Antarctica from New Zealand, so a return trip would take approx 12-14 days and in addition depending on how far you want to reach part of Antarctica ( starting from Cape Adore till Ross Island) the whole expedition will take up a whole month of Journey from New Zealand only. It will be like a solo adventure as in this route you would hardly see any ships on the journey other than the visits to research bases, so basically you will be on your own and the only people you will see all this time would be the one in your ship! But that’s what the travel is all about don’t you think?…to be in the extreme nature on your own, imagine to touch the life on the last corner of the world, to see southernmost active volcanoes, beautiful historic huts,  preserved historic relics and time capsules, a 600 km wall of ice standing in front of you, those beautiful Antarctic penguins nested there in thousand all over the area….its will be just a life living experience which can happen in anyone’s lifetime and I believe it can be possible!

Before we depart........

All these winter dream goals can looks like a long shot deal but I guess, dont the life is all about? To chase your dreams, something I believe is much more precious and makes your complete rather than just materialistic setting of life.

The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams!
- Oprah

Follow Instagram Stories

Instagram has returned empty data. Please authorize your Instagram account in the plugin settings .

Featured Post

Northern Lights in Lofoten: See Aurora Borealis

Experience the beautiful Aurora Borealis from the view of a traveler and catch some views of Northern lights...

Show More

Follow us for latest offers & updates

Subscribe Now!