Finding the Most Adventurous Northern Lights Trip for Avid Explorers and Outdoor Sports Lovers
The most adventurous Northern Lights holidays, packed with thrilling winter sports and Arctic experiences for outdoor lovers and explorers
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a magical experience set among the northern hemisphere's Arctic wilderness, snow-capped forests, and frozen lakes. Alongside having the opportunity to see the lights first-hand, countless travellers want to make the most of their holiday and try winter sports and excursions.
Packages and itineraries from the Baltic Travel Company are designed to do just that—blending relaxation and thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, snow-based sports and activities with fine dining and family-friendly festive events.
To illustrate the range of options on offer and highlight some of the ideal Northern Lights trips for sports enthusiasts, the travel specialists have curated a shortlist of the most in-demand active holiday packages to consider.
The Top Five Winter Sports and Excursions to Try on a Northern Lights Holiday
Heading to Lapland over the winter is an extraordinary holiday. While the Aurora remains a hugely popular spectacle for travellers from around the world, many are keen to immerse themselves in the culture and scenery—tasting unusual cuisines, learning about Christmas traditions, and, of course, getting outside into the icy-cold air.
We’ll start by outlining some of the activities our guests most often request, always with gentler alternatives for those travelling with children or wanting to try new things without too much exertion.
1. Exploring the Lappish Countryside by Husky Sled
There is little like the adrenaline rush of sweeping through a forest, zooming over the snow and winding around rural trails led by an incredible team of huskies. Guides are passionate about the skill, speed and enthusiasm of their sled dogs and will often show you how to harness and communicate with them or try driving your own team.
2. Cross-Country Skiing in the Arctic
Visitors can traverse the Arctic countryside by jeep, snowshoe, snowmobile or 4x4, but for those keen to cover as much ground as possible and embrace the excitement of the region, cross-country skiing has to be one of the best options – with the silence of the snow and mountain peaks soaring overhead. Options range from flatter, easier trails for beginners to very challenging routes in the fells.
3. Glacier Hiking in Lapland
Some of the top areas for glacier hiking include Sólheimajökull and Falljökull in Iceland, with captivating views over the Vatnajökull National Park – the largest glacier in Europe. Tours are inclusive of ice axes, crampons and safety briefings, with experienced guides throughout.
4. Exploring Ice Caves on an Aurora Adventure
Lapland’s ice caves are unique, with natural formations and man-made structures, including the Arctic SnowHotel in Rovaniemi and the Moomin Ice Cave in Leppävirta, which features wonderful sculptures. Natural ice cave tours are a must-try for a real experience, with options to head under the volcano to tour the Katla Ice Cave in Iceland or visit the ice tunnels under the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
5. Reindeer Safaris and Sleigh Rides
Reindeer are as essential to Arctic life as sled dogs, and there are options like reindeer safaris where you can visit local farms and try your hand at lassoing a reindeer, steering a sleigh, feeding the reindeer and venturing into the forest to enjoy a break around a campfire while the reindeer rest.
Recommended Northern Lights Packages With Exciting Excursions
Our Northern Lights tours are designed to cater to every taste. While you can book a lakeside lodge with private spa facilities, head to a luxury rural wilderness hotel, or stay in a heated glass igloo, you’ll also find some fantastic itineraries for those with a passion for adventure.
The Arctic Wildlife in Finnish Lapland is a great example. It is available from December until March and is based in Finnish Lapland at the Ranua Resort, surrounded by forests and adjacent to the Ranua Wildlife Park.
Watching polar bears, moose, wolves, eagles, and Arctic foxes in their natural habitat is a remarkable experience. There are winter activities, from Aurora hunts to husky sledding and sleigh rides pulled by genuine Finn horses. You can also head out on a snowmobile safari, try ice fishing, and rent snowshoes, cross-country skiing sets, and electric fat bikes.
Action-Packed Northern Lights Holidays in Southern Lapland
The Iso-Syote Hilltop Escape is another brilliant package for travellers. It involves heading to snowy Southern Lapland for five days of winter activities, along with the use of the Arctic Spa at the Iso Syöte resort, which includes a jacuzzi and sauna.
This winter wonderland can be explored by snowmobile and husky safari, snowshoe and reindeer sleigh, with guided tours and tuition in kick sledding, ice fishing, and options to try downhill skiing and visit the Ranua Wildlife Park.
The boutique hilltop hotel has stunning views that stretch over the national park. Accommodations include Fell Top and Kelo Cottages, which offer unparalleled vistas and fireplaces, elegant suites, and Reindeer Rooms, which overlook the valley below.
Enjoying the Best of the Arctic With an Arctic Combo Activity Holiday
Our final suggestion is the Arctic Combo, a seven-day holiday starting in Tromso, the gateway to the Arctic. It includes fjord fishing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling, as well as a traditional Saami dinner to try the local delicacies.
During a cruise on the Hurtigruten, spending a day travelling to Honningsvåg, Finnmark’s largest fishing village, you’ll be able to watch the dramatic scenery unfold, with rich sea and marine life around the Gulf Stream.
On arrival, you'll have access to multiple Arctic excursions, with King crab fishing, Northern Lights chases travelling by husky sled, snowmobiling lessons and a night at the Snow Hotel – with its very own reindeer and the option to visit the Kirkenes reindeer park in Gabba.
Read more about Baltic Travel Company - Baltic Travel Company Reveals the Top Northern Lights Packages for Winter 2025
About Baltic Travel Company
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.