Northern lights Tour -Guide For Indians

Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays

Experience the awe-inspiring Northern Lights tour with our exclusive tours. Explore the best viewing spots and witness the spectacular aurora borealis in full glory. Our Northern Lights tour offers expert guides, comfortable travel, and unforgettable memories. Book your adventure today and discover the magic of the Arctic skies. Don’t miss out on the ultimate Northern Lights experience – reserve your spot now!

The colourful dancing lights across the night skies of the northern hemisphere are the Northern Lights, or what is known as the Aurora Borealis. This otherworldly experience occurs when charged particles from the sun get trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field. It can be best viewed from Norwegian or Icelandic skies on a Northern Lights trip.

So here are the two countries – Norway and Iceland — that are the best places to see Northern Lights. And to make this dream of yours a reality, we have outlined how to go about it on a Northern Lights tour package.

Best Time to for Northern Lights Tour in both Norway and Iceland

Since this is a natural phenomenon, much is dependent on solar activity, hence it is difficult to predict the exact timings of the Northern Lights tour. But here is a rough estimate of its appearance in the two countries.

Best time to see Northern Lights in Norway

  January to March-These are the 3 most favoured months for Aurora hunting because these are the times when the nights are longest and darkness prevails better than any other time.

September to October– A beautiful time to see the Auroras without a harsh wintry chill. You would be glad to know that you can see two Auroras at one time, enveloping the sky in two different colours.

November and December– With the arrival of winter and the massive snowfall, shorter daylights often bring you the opportunity to view the Aurora.

Best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland

 

The best time for a Northern Lights tour is between October and April initially, and then they start appearing from the end of August to May.

Visa Applications for Norway and Iceland

Visa Application for Norway

You will require a Visitor’s Visa which permits you to stay for 90 days in Norway and other Schengen countries during your Northern Lights tour.

Visa Fees

The visa fee is 80 Euros for adults. Children under six years do not pay a fee. Children from the age of 6-12 years shall pay a visa fee of EUR 40

Visa application for Iceland

For an Iceland trip too, you would require a Schengen Visa for your Northern Lights tour.

Visa Fees:

The Visa fees are 60 euros.

For more details regarding visa application to the Nordic countries, please get in touch with us to plan your Northern Lights tour.

How to travel from India to Norway

The common airlines operating with direct flights between India and Norway are Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates and Etihad Airways for your Northern Lights tour.

How to travel to Iceland from Norway

The cities of Oslo and Bergen in Norway have nonstop daily flights to Reykjavík, while the flights from the other Nordic cities have one-stop flights. You will reach Iceland in about 2 hours and 41 minutes from Norway, making it easy to plan your Northern Lights tour.

Top 5 Places to Visit each in Norway and Iceland

Norway

• The Oslo region- The Norwegian capital boasts of amazing hotels, plush restaurants, and well-preserved museums for urban travellers. Combine that with dense forests surrounding the region where you can pursue adventure sports like skiing, hiking, cycling etc.

• Tromso and the Land of the Northern Lights– A host of attractions lie in Tromsø, such as whale watching, or going after the Northern Lights. The Varanger peninsula is a bird watcher’s haven.
  You can also go crab fishing and dog sledging in Kirkenes or even spend a night at an ice hotel.

• Lofoten and Nordland– With famous mountain peaks, amazing fjords and simple fishing villages, Lofoten and Nordland are a must-travel on your list.

• Western Fjords, Bergen– Norway’s second-largest city in size, Bergen, has the vibe of a small town, with an urban character.

• The Geirangerfjord Area– Norway’s most famous fjord makes this an amazing tourist spot and a perfect ground for adventure.

Iceland

• Thingvellir National Park– located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Thingvellir National Park is a well-known geothermal spa

• Seljalandsfoss- This is a gigantic 200-foot waterfall and a huge tourist attraction

• Jökulsárlón– Famous glacial lake with floating icebergs

• Blue Lagoon- Like Thingvellir, this is another geothermal spa with an outdoor lagoon.

• Gulfoss Falls– This is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in southwest Iceland.

Hotel Accommodations (Norway & Iceland)

Hotels in Norway

Thief Spa- Avg. Price: INR 25, 750/ night

Bergen Børs Hotel- Avg. Price: INR 13,800/ night

Hotell Refsnes Gods – by Classic Norway Hotels- Avg. Price: INR 10, 600/ night

Clarion Hotel Admiral- Avg. Price: INR 10,500/ night

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel- Avg. Price: INR 9500/ night

Hotels in Iceland

Hotel Rangá- Avg. Price: INR 23,500/ night

Hotel Keflavik- Avg. Price: INR 20,180/ night

Ion City Hotel- Avg. Price: INR 15,300/ night

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica- Avg. Price: INR 10,050/ night

Radisson Blu Saga Hotel, Reykjavik- Avg. Price INR 7200/night

Things to Do- Norway

• Travel to the Arctic Circle and savour the Northern Lights Tour on a cruise

• Enjoy exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord

• Get awed by the majestic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful glass façade

• Don’t miss the spectacular road trip through the rugged Atlantic Ocean road.

• Tour the medieval Archeshus Castle for a sneak peek into Artic history

• Travel to Mount Floyen for a beautiful view of Bergen below

• Take a cruise on the Hurtigruten ferry to explore the lesser-known parts of Norway

• Enjoy a train ride from Oslo to Trondheim with Bergen Railways

• Take part in and be a witness to the Northern Lights Festival

Things to Do- Iceland

• Enjoy a horse ride along Iceland’s south coast

• Stay mesmerized by the beautiful Dynjandi waterfalls in the Westfjords area

• Spend some quiet time at the Rauðasandur beach, laden with pink sands

• Explore the Viking World Museum and travel back in time

• Enjoy swimming in the geothermal spa of The Blue Lagoon

• Observe the tectonic plates between North America and Europe at Þingvellir Plain

• Enjoy hiking at the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, dominated by sea cliffs and waterfalls.

• Travel to the Snæfellsjökull National Park for its signature glacier and expansive lava fields

• Enjoy crossing Svalbard on a husky sleigh ride

15-Days Travel Itinerary for Iceland and Northern Lights Tour Packages

Day 1:
Arrival at Oslo
Welcome dinner at the hotel

Day 2: Oslo
Stop 1: Visit the National Theatre (home to Ibsen’s famous plays)
Stop 2: The Parliament
Stop 3: Visit the Royal Palace (the residence of the Norwegian monarchy)
Stop 4: Trip to the Frogner Park to witness sculptor Gustav Vigeland’s amazing artistry
Stop 5: The City Hall (famous for the Nobel Prize ceremony award each year)

Day 3: Oslo, Heddal, Vemork and Telemark
Stop 1: Visit the medieval-aged wooden church at Heddal Stave Church.
Stop 2: A guided trip to the UNESCO heritage site of Vemork (celebrating the heroism of Telemark heroes)
Stop 3: A stroll through the villages of Telemark

Day 4: Telemark, Låtefoss, Hardangerfjord, Bergen
Stop 1: From Telemark towards the lush green Hardangervidda mountain plateau
Stop 2: Twin waterfalls at Låtefoss
Stop 3: Go across Hardangerfjord by ferry for fruit orchards at Steinstø
Stop 4: Towards Bergen after lunch

Day 5: Bergen, Voss and Stalheim
Stop 1: Explore the colourful Bergen
Stop 2: Exploring the beautiful Voss by Lakeside, riding the Flåm train towards Stalheim
Stop 3: Arriving at Stalheim

Day 6: Stalheim, Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord, Fjaerland, Loen
Stop 1: Cruise at rivers Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord
Stop 2: Visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum and watch a panoramic movie
Stop 3: Spend some time at the Lake Jølster and the spectacular Våtedalen Valley at Fjaerland
Stop 4: From Nærøyfjord, Back at Loen

Day7: Loen
Take an adventure ride on the cable car, Loen Skylift above Mt. Hoven

Day 8: Loen, Geirangerfjord, Dalsnibba, Lom, Lillehammer
Stop 1: A cruise over lake Geirangerfjord
Stop 2: Watch Mt. Dalsnibba from the Geiranger Skywalk
Stop 3: Visit the Stave Church at Lom
Stop 4: Arrival at Lillehammer, the host for the 1994 Winter Olympics

Day 9: Lillehammer, Eidsvoll, Oslo
Stop 1: A guided trip about Norway’s cultural history at Lillehammer. Trip to Maihaugen, the Open-air museum here
Stop 2: Drive towards picturesque Eidsvoll
Return to and celebratory dinner at Oslo

Day 10: Towards Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrival at Reykjavik from Oslo

Day 11: Reykjavik, Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Stop 1: Visit the Rift Valley at Thingvellir
Stop 2: Hot springs at Geysir. Bread tasting (made from the heat of geothermal springs) at a restaurant here along with other local delicacies
Stop 3: Trip to Gullfoss waterfall
Stop 4: Back at Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Day 12: Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón lake
Stop 1: Skaftafell National Park
Stop 2: Explore Jökulsárlón Lake (Site for a James Bond Movie)

Day 13: Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Reykjavik
Stop 1: Drive alongside the scenic Skogafoss-Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Stop 2: Geothermal power station at Hellisheiðarvirkjun
Stop 3: Back at Reykjavik

Day 14: Reykjavik
Stop 1: Whale watching
Stop 2: Trip to Blue Lagoon
Stop 3: Special Dinner at Hotel

Day 15: Departure from Reykjavik

Must-Try Cuisines of both Norway & Iceland

Kjötsupa (Traditional lamb meat soup)

Made with bits of lamb meat and traditional Icelandic vegetables, Kjötsupa is a traditional soup consumed during the colder months, perfect for warming up after your Northern Lights tour.

Plokkfiskur – A fish item, Plokkfiskur is a cod or haddock stew, mashed or scrambled whole or with potatoes, a must-try during your Northern Lights tour in Iceland.

Svið – Sheep’s head

Pylsur – Iceland’s Hot Dog

Though this is like hot dogs you have in other parts of the world, the ones in Iceland are pretty pricey. They almost cost 7 USD, a great snack to enjoy while on your Northern Lights tour.

Skyr – You mustn’t miss tasting this iconic Yoghurt, when in Iceland. This extremely popular item is now exported to other parts of the world and is a favourite treat after a long day of chasing the Northern Lights.

Brennivín – Also locally known as svartidauði, Brennivín is a liquor made from fermented grain or potato mash and flavoured with caraway, an essential part of Icelandic culture during your Northern Lights tour.

Rúgbrauð – Dark Rye Bread from a Hot Spring

Popular in this country, this bread is usually consumed with fish side dishes, providing a tasty and authentic Icelandic experience during your Northern Lights tour.

Homemade ice cream – These are staple desserts here, and you would rank them high in terms of taste, making them a perfect treat after a thrilling Northern Lights adventure.

The last on this list is one Icelandic food that serves as a traditional food for the locals. If you are on the lookout for unusual food, you can try out this smoked sheep’s head during your Northern Lights tour for a truly unique experience.

Travel Tips

• The country’s biggest attractions include an abundance of flora and fauna. From fjords, forests and mountains to waterfalls and lakes, your trip should go beyond visiting two or three major cities.
  So our travel tip for you would not be to rush between cities but rather enjoy a relaxed itinerary.

• Climatic conditions and even local weather vary from East-West or North to South. So even mildly frosty weather in one area can lead to heavy snowfall in another, which is why you must be aware of the local weather conditions of the places you plan to visit.

Checklist

• Passport

• Driving License

• Credit Card

• Waterproof

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Powerbanks

• Travel Adapter

• Woollen stockings, pullovers, gloves, caps, earmuffs

• Hiking shoes

• Waterproof shoes

• Wind and waterproof jacket

FAQs

Norway:

1. Is Norway Expensive?

Norway is considerably expensive since it is a wealthy country. But this country offers you great services to make your experiences memorable.

2: How many days should I spend in Norway during a trip?

For the Northern Lights tour, your trip timeline should depend on your budget and schedule. Take note of the places you’d like to travel and fix your approximate budget. The rest will fall in place accordingly.

3: Are credit cards widely used in Norway?

Visa and MasterCard are accepted and in use throughout Norway.

4. How many hours of daylight will I find?

In Winter, the Southern part of the country which includes Oslo and Bergen gets about six hours of sunshine. In warmer June, hours of daylight increases to 19 hours. Further down South, hints of some sunlight lingers on, even during midnight in summer.

As you travel more towards the North, however, the difference between Winter darkness and Summer sunlight becomes even more stark. Tromsø and Alta are two cities in the Northern end of Norway where you will see almost no sunlight from the end of November to the middle of January while from May-end to mid-July you will find 24 hours of sunlight.

In Spring and Autumn, you will find that daylight and darkness will be spread more evenly, pretty much like most other countries of the world.

5: What is the food like in Norway?

Since Norway has been a fishing economy for years, you will be able to find an abundance of seafood there. You will find an abundance of cod, salmon and crabs to delight your tastebuds in Norway.

Apart from that, you will love the simple Norwegian fare of waffles and sandwiches at any place in the country.

Iceland:

1. How cold does it get?

Temperature is bearable throughout the year with only a moderate rise or fall. Snowfall in Winter is intermittent only in parts of Reykjavík and the far North.

2. Do Icelanders speak English?

Most Icelanders currently speak fluent English, so it will not be difficult for you to communicate with them.

3. What kind of currency is used in Iceland?

The currency used is the Icelandic króna. You can exchange your currency at banks, airports and currency exchanges. There are plenty of ATMs throughout the country and Visa and MasterCards are accepted everywhere.

4. When is it daylight in Iceland?

If it is summer, you would hardly see sunsets in Iceland, and there is daylight almost throughout. Spring and Autumn mean that there are more hours of daylight while in winter there are only 5-6 hours of daylight.

Embassy

Embassy Details of India in Iceland

Address: Tungata – 7,

Reykjavik, Iceland.

Tel : 00354 – 5349955,

Fax: 00354 – 5349959

Embassy Details of India in Norway

Address: Niels Juels Gate 30, PO Box 4055 AMB, 0244, Oslo, Norway

Chancery Phone No. (+47) – 2411 5910 (General)

Fax No. (+47) – 2411 5912 (General)

Consular Section Phone No. (+47) – 2411 5916 / 2411 5914

Fax No. (+47) – 2411 5929 (Consular Section)

Flying Squirrel Holidays are one of the best international travel agency in Kolkata. To make your Nordic Trip a reality, all you need to do is get in touch with us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com or call us at +91 3340525777.