Norway’s Arctic Calling

Welcome to the land of fjords, the northern lights and the most photogenic landscapes on the planet. Norway is a place where the midnight sun dances in the summer sky, allowing for endless hours of exploring. But when winter blankets the landscape and the northern lights paint the skies, it’s crystal-clear that wintertime is when Norway truly shines.

In the interview below, we had the pleasure of chatting with Mario Koch, Experience Designer for Norway, who shares the highlights of our Limited Edition Norway Winter Adventure departing March 2024.

Alta has long been recognized as a prime spot for the northern lights and a focal point for scientists who study the phenomenon. The town is often referred to as ‘the city of the northern lights’ thanks to its location far away from light pollution and cold, dry climate, which creates the best chances for witnessing the spectacle.

Not only will an expert guide lead us on a quest to see the northern lights, but the founder of Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge will explain the science behind the phenomenon. Then we'll learn about its significance in the culture of the Indigenous Sami people, shared by members of their community. The Sami have lived across northern Scandinavia for thousands of years and considered the northern lights a divine and sacred presence, inhabited by spirits and deities.

During our stay at Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge, travellers will notice each room is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows. While nature ultimately decides if the northern lights will grace us with their presence during our stay in Norway, it will be hard to resist falling asleep each night while gazing at the Arctic skies above.

The Sami are the oldest Indigenous people of Norway. The area around Alta is the least populated of all the Norwegian counties and is considered the heartland of the Sami people—around half of the entire population lives in Norway.

On Day 2, travellers will meet with our Sami guides in a traditional Lavvu tent, they’ll share insight into their way of life around a bonfire. Instead of driving or walking to the location, we'll sled through the snow pulled by the group's Sami reindeer—which have been an integral part of Sami culture and spiritual beliefs for centuries.

Sami culture has been intertwined with practicing skills related to reindeer herding for centuries, and their close relationship with these animals is ingrained in their traditions. Sami folklore is filled with songs and rituals that honour the reindeer and the spiritual connection between humans and these animals.

Sorrisniva captures everything you can imagine for the perfect Arctic experience and provides travellers with the best of both worlds. It offers a warm base right next to the Alta river canyon, with cozy suites, saunas, jacuzzis and two restaurants. 

The lodge also holds a special addition: the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel.

Every year since 1999, Alta’s Igloo Hotel is rebuilt from locally sourced snow and ice. Stepping into this icy wonderland feels like entering a fairytale, with its ice rooms, ice gallery and even an ice chapel. Our travellers will have access to both their River Suite at the lodge and the Igloo Hotel on Night 2. But here's the challenge: who among us will brave the entire night?

What sets this area apart for active travel is the varying landscape that layers canyons, plateaus and fjords. On Day 4 our travellers will take part in a husky sledding experience with our friends Trine and Hanna, world-renowned competitors who prioritize the well-being of their huskies above all else. This region is a sledding paradise, hosting the renowned Finnmarksløpet, the northernmost race in the world and the second-longest overall.

Travellers will go snowmobiling through forests and across frozen lakes and snowshoe hike across a mountain ridge, leading to views that make every step worthwhile. And after days filled with snow adventures, there's nothing better than retreating to the cozy sanctuary of our sauna.

The Alta Airport, just 25 minutes away from Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge, serves as the primary transportation hub for travellers. This airport offers connections to Oslo, allowing for convenient access to the Arctic.