Finland Astronomy Tour

You’ll arrive in Finland and make your way to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, a resort located on the road to the Arctic Sea. Admire the banks of snow and the resort’s charm as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

There are two large husky farms located near the resort, so your first activity today is to ride a dog sled! It’s a totally different way to travel, plus it’s eco-friendly! You’ll tour the resort and marvel at the icy paradise. And don’t worry, you’ll get to pet the sled dogs before you go!

Next, you’ll take a short car ride to Urho Kekkonen National Park, the largest national park in Finland. After a tour of the area, it’s time to volunteer! A park employee will teach you about one of the park’s many compost piles and how important they are to keeping the park clean. You’ll maintain them and turn them over. Who knew rotting food could do so much good?

One of the things Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is best known for is that it’s a prime location to see the Northern Lights. You’ll speak with a scientist who specializes in this phenomenon and will tell you what causes the Aurora Borealis and why this part of Finland is such a great place to see them.

Once it’s dark, you’ll grab a telescope and go stargazing with an astronomer. It can be tricky to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights even here, so you can learn more about the stars while you wait.

It’s time to rev your engines! You’ll go on a snowmobile safari, where you’ll see the resort and its grounds in the fastest way! You’ll zoom into the snowy forest and take in the amazing scenery. Your four-hour journey will include lunch cooked outside over an open fire.

Now it’s your chance to really look for the Northern Lights. You’ll be pulled on a sled by a reindeer while you look up at the sky, hoping to see the beautiful lights. If you don’t see them tonight, though, don’t get discouraged. You’ll get another chance to look for them before your journey ends.

This morning, you’ll get up early to forage for fresh mushrooms and berries from the resort’s grounds. You’ll be able to find blueberries, lingonberries and cloudberries as well as bolete and matsutake mushrooms. You’ll bring them back to the resort and enjoy a well-earned breakfast!

Now, you’ll take an icebreaker cruise out of the town of Kemi. You’ll get to tour the ship and talk to the captain, but the most exciting part of the trip is swimming in the frozen sea! Of course, you’ll be wearing a specially designed suit so that you won’t freeze. We promise.

Alas, it’s your last day staying at Kakslauttanen, but you’re going to make it count. Your first activity today is to go cross-country skiing! If you’ve never cross-country skied, an instructor will show you the ropes.

Now you get one last opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis. You’ll stay in one of the resort’s absolutely stunning glass igloos, which have a glass roof so you can lay down and gaze up at the sky. The view and atmosphere could be considered romantic if you want, but it doesn’t have to be; you can rent an igloo for up to four people. Lay back, relax, and enjoy the beauty Finland has to offer.

If may be the end of your time in Finland, but it doesn’t have to be the last time you gaze at the stars or chase down the Northern Lights.