Thursday, December 7, 2023
Things to do in Geneva
  • HOME
  • 10 THINGS TO DO
  • ABOUT US
    • ADVERTISE WITH US: REACH THE EXPATS IN GENEVA
  • EVENTS
  • EAT OUT
    • All
    • SWISS RESTAURANTS
    Fondue

    SURPRISING SECRETS TO EATING – AND MAKING – SWISS FONDUE

    Baoti brunch Geneva

    NEW BRUNCH IN GENEVA: BAOTI – FOR BUN LOVERS

    Street Gourmet Geneva

    GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES – GENEVA’S NEW FOODIE CONCEPT

    Chat Noir Club Geneva takeaway

    ORDER IN – CLUBBING AND COCKTAILS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

  • FEEL GOOD
    Floating at ORIGIN Float Experience

    HUNTING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS IN GENEVA? GIFT OUR FAVOURITE SPA AND WELLBEING EXPERIENCE

    Ice skating in Geneva - Parc des Bastions

    WHERE TO GO ICE SKATING IN GENEVA

    autumn bike ride from Geneva

    AUTUMN BIKE RIDE THROUGH VAUD’S VINEYARDS

    Geneva bike toutes

    CYCLE THROUGH GENEVA’S PICTURE-PERFECT VINEYARDS

  • GO OUT
    Geneva Lux Festival 2022

    GENEVA LUX FESTIVAL 2022

    Dog-friendly hotel geneva Beau-Rivage

    5 DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES IN GENEVA

    Geneva bike toutes

    CYCLE THROUGH GENEVA’S PICTURE-PERFECT VINEYARDS

    Candlelight Chopin concert

    CANDLELIGHT FEVER – OPEN-AIR CHOPIN CONCERT

  • LEARN
    CONTEST! Things To Do in Geneva x Costanza Fine Art

    ART LESSONS IN GENEVA

    Geneva Business School Fine Art MBA

    GET YOUR MBA… IN FINE ART!

    Chateau de Prangins

    FAMILY EXHIBITIONS AND GUIDED TOURS AT CHATEAU DE PRANGINS

    FIDE exam Geneva

    EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIDE EXAM

  • SHOP
    Cheese and champagne atelier du fromage

    HOLIDAY APÉROS THAT SPARKLE: TOP 5 CHEESES TO PAIR WITH CHAMPAGNE

    Terroir Wine Club contest

    GENEVA WINE TASTING SUBSCRIPTION: YOUR TICKET TO THE BEST-KEPT LOCAL SECRET

    indoor plants Geneva

    INJECT SOME CALM AND COLOUR INTO YOUR LIFE

    swiss monthly subscription boxes

    BEST SWISS SELF-CARE AND GIFT BOXES TO ORDER DURING COVID 

  • GET AWAY
    Rochers de Naye

    TOP 10 WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM GENEVA

    visit neuchatel

    WHY NEUCHATEL SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR

    SWISS STAYCATION: MÜRREN AND THE LAUTERBRUNNE VALLEY

    SWISS STAYCATION: WATERFALLS, 007 THRILLS AND FONDUE, OF COURSE!

    CitizenM hotel Geneva

    TRENDY CONTACTLESS HOTEL OPENS IN GENEVA – WIN A NIGHT FOR 2!

  • CONTACT
  • EDUCATION
No Result
View All Result
Things to do in Geneva
  • HOME
  • 10 THINGS TO DO
  • ABOUT US
    • ADVERTISE WITH US: REACH THE EXPATS IN GENEVA
  • EVENTS
  • EAT OUT
    • All
    • SWISS RESTAURANTS
    Fondue

    SURPRISING SECRETS TO EATING – AND MAKING – SWISS FONDUE

    Baoti brunch Geneva

    NEW BRUNCH IN GENEVA: BAOTI – FOR BUN LOVERS

    Street Gourmet Geneva

    GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES – GENEVA’S NEW FOODIE CONCEPT

    Chat Noir Club Geneva takeaway

    ORDER IN – CLUBBING AND COCKTAILS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

  • FEEL GOOD
    Floating at ORIGIN Float Experience

    HUNTING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS IN GENEVA? GIFT OUR FAVOURITE SPA AND WELLBEING EXPERIENCE

    Ice skating in Geneva - Parc des Bastions

    WHERE TO GO ICE SKATING IN GENEVA

    autumn bike ride from Geneva

    AUTUMN BIKE RIDE THROUGH VAUD’S VINEYARDS

    Geneva bike toutes

    CYCLE THROUGH GENEVA’S PICTURE-PERFECT VINEYARDS

  • GO OUT
    Geneva Lux Festival 2022

    GENEVA LUX FESTIVAL 2022

    Dog-friendly hotel geneva Beau-Rivage

    5 DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES IN GENEVA

    Geneva bike toutes

    CYCLE THROUGH GENEVA’S PICTURE-PERFECT VINEYARDS

    Candlelight Chopin concert

    CANDLELIGHT FEVER – OPEN-AIR CHOPIN CONCERT

  • LEARN
    CONTEST! Things To Do in Geneva x Costanza Fine Art

    ART LESSONS IN GENEVA

    Geneva Business School Fine Art MBA

    GET YOUR MBA… IN FINE ART!

    Chateau de Prangins

    FAMILY EXHIBITIONS AND GUIDED TOURS AT CHATEAU DE PRANGINS

    FIDE exam Geneva

    EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIDE EXAM

  • SHOP
    Cheese and champagne atelier du fromage

    HOLIDAY APÉROS THAT SPARKLE: TOP 5 CHEESES TO PAIR WITH CHAMPAGNE

    Terroir Wine Club contest

    GENEVA WINE TASTING SUBSCRIPTION: YOUR TICKET TO THE BEST-KEPT LOCAL SECRET

    indoor plants Geneva

    INJECT SOME CALM AND COLOUR INTO YOUR LIFE

    swiss monthly subscription boxes

    BEST SWISS SELF-CARE AND GIFT BOXES TO ORDER DURING COVID 

  • GET AWAY
    Rochers de Naye

    TOP 10 WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM GENEVA

    visit neuchatel

    WHY NEUCHATEL SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR

    SWISS STAYCATION: MÜRREN AND THE LAUTERBRUNNE VALLEY

    SWISS STAYCATION: WATERFALLS, 007 THRILLS AND FONDUE, OF COURSE!

    CitizenM hotel Geneva

    TRENDY CONTACTLESS HOTEL OPENS IN GENEVA – WIN A NIGHT FOR 2!

  • CONTACT
  • EDUCATION
No Result
View All Result
Things to do in Geneva
No Result
View All Result
Home GET AWAY

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE – NORTHERN LIGHTS

by Things to do in Geneva
October 18, 2019
in GET AWAY
0
Northern lights travel guide
59
SHARES
1.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Signup for Things to do in Geneva Newsletter Signup for Things to do in Geneva Newsletter Signup for Things to do in Geneva Newsletter

YOUR GUIDE TO ORGANISING A NORTHERN LIGHTS HOLIDAY FROM GENEVA 

by Sarah Scaddan

Catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights requires nothing more than a dark, clear night in the Polar Regions, and a pinch of luck. It is as simple as that. The magical curtains of colour that streak across the northern night sky are the result of solar wind – a stream of particles from the sun that collides with oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen in the upper atmosphere. These collisions produce the haunting greens and magentas as the earth’s magnetic field draws the wind towards the polar regions.

Iceland is the obvious place to witness the aurora borealis but it’s by no means the only option. Northern Norway, Finland and Sweden also have some magical lodges in the wilderness that we can get to from Geneva without too much stress. Between late September and late March, it is only light for a few hours around the middle of the day, so the celestial ballet of light dancing across the sky is a common phenomenon.

A typical northern lights adventure, wherever your chose to go, includes snow shoeing, husky sledding, snowmobiles, reindeer sledding, artic fishing and you could always throw in a visit from Santa Claus if you are so inclined.

This is a once in a lifetime experience, not a budget holiday. I have not put a price to each option, let’s just say ‘not cheap’ covers them all. Here are five ideas of Northern lights excursion, all of which can be done in one amazing short trip.

 

SWEDISH LAPLAND – KIRUNA 

Northern Sweden is an excellent place to see the Northern Lights because it lies under the auroral oval and enjoys clear skies more often than many coastal regions. The town of Kiruna is situated 145 km north of the Arctic Circle.

Flights – fly to Kiruna via Stockholm with SAS. 5h10 total flight time. A slightly cheaper and much more adventurous option would be to fly to Stockholm and then take a night train from Stockholm to Kiruna. You could have your own berth and wake up to magical snow laden scenery.

Hotels – A short transfer from Kiruna is the original ICEHOTEL; the world’s first hotel made of ice and snow. The hotel recommends one night in a cold room and a couple of nights in a warm room as ideal, as it gives you time to join wilderness excursions on the days when you have a warm room to return to in the evening.

Northern Lights travel guide
Northern Lights travel guide
Northern lights travel guide

NORVEGIAN LAPLAND – TROMSO

 Tromso is a lively Arctic coastal city and the capital of northern lights adventures. It is possible to stay here and enjoy day tours to the surrounding countryside and retire to the city at night. Due to the gulf stream the climate on the Norwegian coast is milder, the average winter temperature is a balmy -4 degrees. Cruises go around the coast from Tromso where it is possible to see porpoises, dolphins and if you are lucky, whales. There are orcas and humpbacks swimming around the fjords looking for herring and a selection of tour operators to choose from. Do choose an ethical operator that does not chase whales.

If you don’t want to stay all nights in this epicenter of Norwegian winter life, you could combine your trip with many fabulous rural lodges around.

Flights from Geneva to Tromso with SAS or Finnair with one stop. 5h55 flight time.

Hotels – Tromso has a lot of choice. One winner is the Clarion Collection Hotel With.

FINNISH LAPAND – KILPISJÄRVI 

 Kilpisjärvi is the most north western point of Finland, the bit that looks like an arm. From Tromso airport (Norway) it is a 3.5 hour journey but although this is a long transfer, it is worth it to be totally in the wilderness and away from artificial light. The landscape is amazing. Great to combine with a night or two in Tromso.

Flights from Geneva to Tromso with SAS or Finnair with one stop. 5h55 today flight time.

Hotels – Stay at The Vasara Reindeer Ranch, a glass-igloo concept perched on the shores of a frozen lake. The setting is spectacular and home to herds of free roaming reindeer. There are only four secluded stylish glass-domed cabins each with ensuite bathrooms. In the short daylight hours enjoy the view across the valley and in the dark hours, lie in bed and enjoy a private display of the northern lights.

Northern lights travel guide
Northern lights travel guide

FINNISH LAPLAND – NELLIM

 The village of Nellim by Lake Inari lies amidst stunning Lappish scenery and has the advantage of being a short transfer from Ivalo airport and once you are there, all the classic arctic activities are on your doorstep. At nights, guides will lead you through the forests, across snow covered trails and frozen lakes to find the perfect place to spot to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Flights from Geneva to Ivalo with Finnair, one stop in Helsinki. 5h20 total flight.

Hotels – Stay at the Nellim Wilderness Hotel which offers a range of accommodation including log cabins, aurora bubbles and a wilderness camp. Delicious Lappish cuisine is served.

Northern lights travel guide
Northern lights travel guide
Northern lights travel guide
Northern lights travel guide
Northern lights travel guide
Northern lights travel guide

ICELAND 

Although Reykjavik is a great city and definitely worth a visit, staying here you are less likely to view the northern lights due to street lighting. Combining one or two nights here and the rest in wilderness is a good option. Alternatively staying in Reykjavik and organising day tours from your hotel.

Flights: Geneva to Reykjavik with Swiss/Icelandair via Frankfurt. 5h50 total flight.

REYKJAVIK HOTELS

Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre offers complimentary admission to Aurora Reykjavik – Northern Lights Center, only 500 meters from the hotel. Also evening dining on the roof terrace whenever Northern Lights are visible.

Hotel Alda. Stylish contemporary hotel located in Reykjavik’s shopping area. You can book an extensive range of tours here to take in all the nearby natural wonders, whale watching and 4×4 northern light spotting.

FURTHER AFIELD

Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel. Less than an hour away from the capital, set against the backdrop of vast lava fields, this hotel looks pretty special. It has a great restaurant, a spa and all sorts of crazy adventures to go on, but you can also just lie in the hot tub and stare at the light show.

Hotel Ranga. Apparently one of the best hotels in the world to see the northern lights from. This is a very remote Alpine lodge in south west Iceland where you can watch volcanoes explode, see Northern Lights and eat like a Viking. It is in a great position for exploring South Iceland’s delights including Jökulsárlón lagoon, glaciers, volcanoes, and the Golden Circle (although you may need to hire a car). Food is fabulous – the best in the area. It is one and a half hours by car from Reykjavik airport. Prices from CHF290 a night.

Hotel Glymur. If sitting in a geothermal hot tub watching the Northern Lights sounds heavenly, check yourselves into the bright-red Hotel Glymur, one of Iceland’s most popular hotels. Just 45 minutes outside Reykjavik, it’s perched on a hillside by the sea in Hvalfjordur – and, again, it’s gloriously remote. Delicious fresh Icelandic food is served in large portions. This hotel is more homely than chic.

The Northern Lights Inn. Visitors to the Northern Lights Inn are provided with detailed aurora forecasts and enjoy commanding views from the panoramic windows of the hotel’s restaurant. The inn is just a short walk from the hot-springs of the island’s famous Blue Lagoon, open until 8pm in the winter months. If you’re lucky, you can bathe in the waters of the spring and watch as solar winds trail ribbons of green light through the thermosphere. It is 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik.

For expert help in organising your trip, contact https://skafur-tour.fi or www.planeticeland.is

Tags: Aurora BorealisNorthern LightsNorthern Lights from GenevaNorthern lights NorwayNorthern lights SwedenNorthern Lights Travel guidetravel tips Northern lightsTravelling to see Northern Lights from GenevaWhat are the Northern Lightswhere to see the Northern Lights
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

HOW THE LÉMAN EXPRESS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Next Post

EPIC OFFICE XMAS PARTY – MINI-GOLF WITH COCKTAILS

Related Posts

Rochers de Naye
GET AWAY

TOP 10 WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM GENEVA

by Alexandra Osváth
November 12, 2021
visit neuchatel
GET AWAY

WHY NEUCHATEL SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR

by Things to do in Geneva
October 28, 2020
SWISS STAYCATION: MÜRREN AND THE LAUTERBRUNNE VALLEY
GET AWAY

SWISS STAYCATION: WATERFALLS, 007 THRILLS AND FONDUE, OF COURSE!

by Things to do in Geneva
January 20, 2021
CitizenM hotel Geneva
GET AWAY

TRENDY CONTACTLESS HOTEL OPENS IN GENEVA – WIN A NIGHT FOR 2!

by Things to do in Geneva
January 20, 2021
SWISS MOUNTAIN HOLIDAYS
GET AWAY

SWISS FAMILY HOLIDAY – MERINGUES, MOUNTAINS AND SHERLOCK HOLMES

by Things to do in Geneva
January 20, 2021
Next Post
Rollers mini-golf cocktail bar Geneva

EPIC OFFICE XMAS PARTY – MINI-GOLF WITH COCKTAILS

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT

Post Categories

  • CHRISTMAS GUIDE 2020
  • CHRISTMAS GUIDE 2021
  • EAT OUT
    • SWISS RESTAURANTS
  • EDUCATION
  • EVENTS
  • EVERYTHING ELSE
  • FEEL GOOD
  • GET AWAY
  • GO OUT
  • LEARN
  • SHOP
  • SUMMER GUIDE
  • TOP TEN THINGS

Post Archives

Signup for our Newsletter

Newsletter Signup
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Signup for our Newsletter

Newsletter Signup

Like Us On Facebook

Latest Posts

Geneva Lux Festival 2022

GENEVA LUX FESTIVAL 2022

January 31, 2022
Floating at ORIGIN Float Experience

HUNTING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS IN GENEVA? GIFT OUR FAVOURITE SPA AND WELLBEING EXPERIENCE

January 31, 2022
Ice skating in Geneva - Parc des Bastions

WHERE TO GO ICE SKATING IN GENEVA

December 7, 2021
Geneve Christmas lights 2020

GENEVA’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE ON!

January 31, 2022
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SITEMAP

© 2019 Things to do in Geneva

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • 10 THINGS TO DO
  • ABOUT US
    • ADVERTISE WITH US: REACH THE EXPATS IN GENEVA
  • EVENTS
  • EAT OUT
  • FEEL GOOD
  • GO OUT
  • LEARN
  • SHOP
  • GET AWAY
  • CONTACT
  • EDUCATION

© 2019 Things to do in Geneva

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.