The Call of the Arctic Night

The Arctic has always been a place of extremes, a land where the sun refuses to set in summer and barely rises in winter. As a former Arctic researcher, I’ve spent countless nights under its vast, starry skies, but the allure of the Northern Lights never fades. When I heard about the Northern Lights Tour in Rovaniemi, I knew it was time to return to the frozen north, this time with a camera in hand and a promise of a Lappish BBQ.

Arriving in Rovaniemi, the air was crisp, biting at my cheeks with a familiar ferocity. The temperature hovered between -15 to -20 degrees Celsius, a reminder of the harshness of this beautiful land. At the Nordic Unique Travels office, the guides were already preparing us for the night ahead. They handed out thermal suits, a necessity in these conditions, and advised us to layer up beneath them. I watched as some tourists, clad in jeans, shivered in the cold, a stark reminder of the unforgiving Arctic climate.

As we set off into the night, the anticipation was palpable. Our guide, Cristian, regaled us with tales of the Northern Lights, their elusive dance dictated by the whims of the solar winds and the ever-changing kp index. The drive was long, an hour through the darkened wilderness, but the promise of the aurora kept us all on edge.

A Frozen Wilderness Feast

We arrived at a frozen lake, the world around us plunged into an inky darkness. The temperature had dropped further, the cold seeping into our bones despite the layers. But the guides, Cristian, Michal, and Lorenzo, were prepared. They quickly set up campfires, their flickering flames casting a warm glow against the icy backdrop.

The Lappish BBQ was a feast for the senses. Each of us was given the chance to cook our own meal over the open flames. The air was filled with the scent of roasting sausages and the sweet aroma of marshmallows. For the vegetarians, corn was on offer, a surprisingly delightful treat when cooked to perfection. Hot berry juice flowed freely, a welcome warmth against the biting cold.

As we waited for the aurora to make its appearance, Lorenzo kept a close eye on the weather conditions. His dedication was evident, his passion for the Northern Lights infectious. It was a reminder of the many nights I’d spent in the Arctic, waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect shot.

The Dance of the Aurora

Two hours passed, the cold a constant companion, when Lorenzo finally brought us the news we’d been waiting for. The clouds were parting, revealing a sky dotted with stars. And then, slowly, the aurora began its dance.

In the middle of the wilderness, Lorenzo transformed our campsite into a professional photography studio. He guided us through the process, ensuring each of us captured the magic of the moment. The aurora painted the sky in hues of green and purple, a celestial ballet that left us all in awe.

The photos we took that night are more than just images; they are memories, a testament to the beauty and harshness of the Arctic. As I stood there, camera in hand, I was reminded of why I fell in love with this land. The Arctic is a place of extremes, a place where nature reigns supreme, and where the Northern Lights dance in defiance of the cold.

As we made our way back to Rovaniemi, the warmth of the campfire still lingering in our clothes, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience. The Northern Lights Tour had delivered on its promise, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty of the Arctic night. For those who seek adventure, who yearn for the thrill of the unknown, the Arctic awaits.