Most people who plan a trip to Arctic Europe in winter have the same items on their must-do list. The classics include visiting the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, meeting Saami reindeer herders, and trying dog sledding. All three are, of course, classics for a reason. But if you’ve dabbled in Arctic Europe before, you’re going to need a little something more. Thankfully, Arctic Europe has plenty to offer for you to get your adrenaline fix.
Drive a Supercar on a Frozen Lake
Reindeer-drawn sleighs and dog sleds are all good and well, but they certainly won’t get your blood pumping like a Ferrari or a Porsche would. Especially if you’re the person behind the wheel of one of these supercars. Lapland Ice Driving, located in Swedish Lapland, has a fleet of 30 supercars that have been purposely fitted to be driven at 125 miles per hour on a frozen lake. And not just anywhere on a frozen lake, but on a Formula-One-inspired track. Book a two-day package, during which an expert instructor will teach you the rudiment of ice driving in a supercar. The track is open only from January to March, so don’t miss the window. Just remember: Learning to drift a Lamborghini Huracán on ice isn’t for the faint-hearted but it’ll level up your street cred.
Go For a Swim in The Baltic Sea
Cold plunges are all the rage. Seemingly everyone is buying specifically made outdoor tubs to partake in the craze. But there’s a way to cold plunge that only a few get the privilege to try out. By booking a three-hour cruise on the Polar Explorer Ice Breaker, you’ll get to sail the frozen waters of Arctic Europe’s Gulf of Bothnia, walk on the ice, and then take a very cold dip. Equipped with a bold orange flotation suit, you’ll stay relatively toasty and safely float around the pool created by the ship’s ice-destroying power. And don’t worry — there are hot drinks and snacks available, so you can warm up after your adventure. Because the ice is only here in the winter, you can only partake in this swim between the end of November and the start of April. The cruise departs from two locations: Kemi, Finland and Båtskärsnäs, Sweden. Those with children will be happy to hear that kids who are at least 4.1-foot tall are allowed to participate in the cold swims too.
Witness The Northern Lights From a Luxurious Glass Igloo
Forget about ice hotels and quaint log chalets. What you want for your trip to Arctic Europe this winter is a glass igloo. And not just because they are beautiful and extremely cozy, but because staying in one is the easiest way to see the northern lights without freezing your behind. The creme de la creme of glass igloos are the ones at Levin Iglut in Kittilä, Finland. There are four types of igloos to choose from at Levin Iglut, but our favorite is the Suite Igloo. With 570 square foot of space, it can accommodate two adults and two children. It also has a large private terrace with killer views. Stretch out on the king-size bed to take in the celestial show. Or even better, slip on your swimsuit and enjoy the aurora borealis from the warm, bubbly waters of your private hot tub.
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FAQs
Q: Where is Lapland Ice Driving’s race track?
A: Lapland Ice Driving’s race track is near the town of Arjeplog in Sweden.
Q: How long is a cruise with Polar Explorer Ice Breaker?
A: Polar Explorer Ice Breaker’s sailings are three-hours long
Q: How many igloos are there at Levit Iglu?
A: There are a total of 27 igloos at Levit Iglu.
