Even though I tend to do my northern lights explorations as a self-drive experience, I opted to... read more
Even though I tend to do my northern lights explorations as a self-drive experience, I opted to... read more
Fantastic experience. Weather conditions were generally poor but Darren's local knowledge and years... read more
Most excellent and perfect holiday, cant rate this trip highly enough. Tony was an excellent guide and we had a bit of a challenging time with the -36C temp but the accommodation was amazingly warm and comfortable. Everything stated on the website is correct and we were lucky enough to see the lights two evenings running, with Tony taking us to a hilltop to witness a truly unforgettable show of the aurora. We loved this so much we are hoping to go back next year.
Tony was the most amazing host (We actually did this tour in January 2015) He helped us out in a big way when our snow gear was delayed joining us by a day (we would have missed out on the mountain hike if it weren't for him!) His knowledge of the area and the Auroas were simply outstanding. Made our little group feel very welcomed, and even supplied my wife and I a bottle of champagne, as we were on our honeymoon, which was an extremely thoughtful touch. The cabins were spacious and very warm (they even had a sauna in the bathroom! Something I took full advantage of!) All planned activities were amazing, the dog sledding was brilliant. Even just sliding down the hill back at our cabins was so much fun! Got to see the auroras on our final night out and they were truly breath taking! Can not rate Tony and his tour highly enough!!
100% chance of seeing the lights... Couldn't have been better! I cannot say enough to recommend this to anyone fantasizing about being underneath the Aurora!
Money worth paying! Never worry about a thing! The cottages are fantastic and warm. The instructions given (on the website) for minimum clothing were spot on.
We were in Utgard and it was exactly what I had in mind. Starting with the strict dedication to chasing the lights, and ending with the forcefully relaxing atmosphere around the cottages and down river Tenojoki. It took me so much time to put on the layers of clothing, because it was likely below - 20 C. However, once I opened the door of the cottage, there was always something interesting to do at any given time of the day.
Of course, our tour guide 'Andrew' was more than informative. This man has a great amount of positive energy in him, which got us feeling settled at all times. His services were exemplary. And although we'd had some difficulties at times of extreme cold weather, he'd handled all of it with a smile and enough capacity to sling jokes ALL THE TIME. For the sake of chasing the lights, I am sure that everybody was ready to go to the moon and back, as long as Andrew was leading the way!
Thank you for your beautiful services. You accommodated all our needs and concerns as soon as we delivered them. I will never forget this!
I cannot recommend the Aurora Service group enough. We experienced every weather condition from snow storms in -28° to sunrise and polar stratospheric clouds in a blissful -9°. Hahaa. It seemed blissful ok. From my first email to my last goodbye, the team made us feel like family. Andrew at the Utgard location was our guide and his enthusiasm and knowledge was infectious. We saw aurora on two of the three nights thanks to his determination and unwavering desire for us to experience it. It has left a big footprint in my heart. I will be back. Thank you. So much.
Absolutely perfect! We had an outstanding and unforgettable five days in Midgard. Accommodation was excellent, and warm (essential when, as we did, you experience daytime temperatures of -35C!). Our guide, Dan, who was with us throughout our trip did everything in his power to ensure we had an excellent visit, and couldn't do enough for everyone. On top of this our group of eight (including us) were great fun, and everyone arrived as visitors but left as life-time friends. Our first two nights there were no lights, and we all started to be concerned about seeing the Northern Lights, which were of course the main reason for the trip. However, the following night the universe excelled itself with the most amazing sights of the Northern Lights above us. Swirling greens and reds, forming and disappearing in front of us whilst we watched, curtains of light, and a dancing light show that will never be forgotten. My wife, who has wanted to see the Northern Lights all of her life, has said that the show we had simply could not have been better in any way, and fulfilled all her dreams. A Northern Lights show the next evening was simply the icing on the cake. In addition we had also booked a day dog-sledding (another unforgettable experience, and again an excellent activity arranged through Aurora Services), snowmobiling (also great fun), and a trip to the local museum to learn more about the local Sami peoples which was also very interesting. Walking in the area around the accommodations, over the frozen lake and through the snow-covered woods, was perhaps one of the most serene experiences possible to have on Earth. Every night we had nights in the Kota and were joined by everyone in the group, including Dan, and sitting in there surrounded by the amazing countryside and views outside with a roaring log fire inside, is one of the memories we will all take with us for ever. Friends were made for life, with lively conversation accompanied by wines and beers we had all brought, and the roasted marshmallows made by Dan. Overall, if you are thinking of going, do not hesitate to go, and book with Aurora Services, who we simply cannot recommend highly enough. Our last thought - make sure you take the very best clothing and footwear you can find, to ensure you stay warm and comfortable outside. Malcolm & Jan, from Barbados.
We stayed at Midgard in the middle of January 2016, with a group of 4 couples, who quickly became friends. From the time we landed in Ivalo to our return flight everything ran smoothly and efficiently thanks to the support from our guide, Dan, whose friendly approach made the experience even more memorable. It was very cold (-35c, truly arctic conditions) and the clothing provided kept us toasty warm - snow suits, boots, hats and gloves in all sizes - just another example of the thoughtful services provided by Aurora Service Tours.
The cottages were well equipped for self catering, although there was a small shop/bar/restaurant nearby. There was a log fire as well as electric heating and a lovely sauna to warm up in.
We were able to see a great light show on two nights right outside the cottages, retreating to the cosy Kota to warm up from time to time with a beer or a red wine with our new friends (and reindeer steaks thanks to Dan).
The arctic scenery is truly stunning, well worth a visit in it's own right, and dog sledding across a frozen lake was unforgettable.
We highly recommend Aurora Service Tours for a wonderful experience in the frozen north. Helen and David