Hunting the Northern Lights: Rovaniemi, Tromso and Iceland

[ADLhighflyer]

For our last night on tour, the conditions for the Northern Lights were a bit iffy so wasn’t expecting much. The really bad weather from earlier in the day had mostly gone (but was still mighty windy). But then I managed to catch a glimpse through the hotel room window (northward facing) so rushed out yet again to see what the camera could capture.






The lights weren't as active as past nights or as bright, however it was still a magical sight to see given the weather of the past 12hours.

Northern Lights Scorecard: 9/10

 

[drron]

You've really lucked out with the lights haven't you.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

You've really lucked out with the lights haven't you.

I certainly did!

 

[ADLhighflyer]

Day 6 – the last day of my Iceland tour. Noooooo! The weather returned back to normal, with the exception that the temperature was below freezing so it was pretty damn cold!

Today’s journey would take us all the was from Kirkjubaejarklauster all the way back to Reykjavik which meant a lot of time in the bus admiring the scenery as we drove passed, but not before admiring a quick stop at a local waterfall before we departed.



First stop was at Fjardaragljufur Gully Viewpoint for an awesome morning view



We then headed toward Seljalandsfoss for another stop, and tried to see if we could walk behind the waterfall - turns out we could, however it was extremely slippery even with wearing crampons.



Then it was onto Vik for some supplies (and coffee!) and I took the opportunity to grab some pictures from the beach.


From Vik, we drove toward the Blue Lagoon where we all enjoyed a 2 hour stop to relax in the famous lagoon – which due to being so cold couldn’t see much further than about 10m!

Departing the Blue Lagoon, we then headed on the sad 1hr journey back into Reykjavik marking the end of the Iceland Tour. We said our farewells to the tour group and all headed our separate ways.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

I headed off to get a quick dinner with some of the tour group, and on the way back to the hotel thought I could see some Northern Lights in the distance with the naked eye, but couldn’t be too sure. So figured I’d head down to the promenade in Reykjavik after I’d finished dinner (an awesome hamburger and fries!) and see what I could see if anything.

Despite a lot of light pollution, I still managed to see them! This required a lot of playing around with the camera exposure and ISO to try and work out the best settings to try and capture the lights




I thought I’d give up around 9pm as the lights had virtually abated, and then with the camera halfway into my backpack this huge amazing sight of lights easily seen with the eye moved very quickly across the bay in Reykjavik. Hastily getting my camera back out, I only managed the capture the every end of it! Oh well! The gasps from the nearby crowd who also saw this was something I’d never forget!

Northern Lights Scorecard: 10/11

 

[Kerrodt]

An awesome trip report @ADLhighflyer It makes me want to go back to Iceland in the winter months to see the Northern Lights.

Are you able to share which tour/tour companies you used here?

Thanks.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

An awesome trip report @ADLhighflyer It makes me want to go back to Iceland in the winter months to see the Northern Lights.

Are you able to share which tour/tour companies you used here?

Thanks.

Thanks so much! Can certainly include the tours etc - will do so at the end of the trip report for you

 

[jastel]

Well you got better Lights than me but I got better weather for the icebergs.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

Well you got better Lights than me but I got better weather for the icebergs.

Amazing weather @jastel ! Quite amazing to see the difference between the pictures with different weather at the same location!

 

[ADLhighflyer]

My last day in Iceland before flying home was spent around the Reykjavik area. Not sure what to do, I followed the recommendations of some people from my tourgroup who recommended visiting the Lava Show and Flyover Iceland attractions – so that is exactly what I did.

The Lava Show gave a live demonstration of lava flow and how hot lava really gets, and how long it takes to cool down. I found this really fascinating as I had assumed that once new lava cools and becomes hard rock, that’s about it – but apparently not. As an example, the recent volcanic eruption in August could take many years for the lava to properly cool (deep inside as opposed to the top bit we all see!). This new experience had only been open 2 weeks, so was stoked to be one of the first to see it! The presenter was an Aussie too!



Next I headed over to Flyover Iceland. This attraction is literally – a flyover over the fantastic scenery of Iceland. The attraction takes approx. 25mins, consisting of a 15min ‘briefing’ to get you accustomed to the visual effects whilst the main show takes only 10mins which I found disappointing, but visually stunning.

I then slowly headed back to the hotel and picked up some last minute souvenirs etc along the way and began packing for my long trip home – approx. 40hours worth the following morning.

The weather was closing in tonight, so decided to stay inside for the night so no chance of spotting the Northern Lights.

 

[jastel]

We got there on dark and it looked like your pix...but we were only staying 10 mins up the road so the guide took us back at dawn the next morning and we got lucky as the fog cleared. We all had a vote and got a shorter time somewhere else but it was worth it...there were only 8 of us.

The Lava thing sounds interesting...yes the insides cool slower and sometimes keep flowing creating Lava tubes like caves...ever been to Undara near Cairns?

 

[ADLhighflyer]

We got there on dark and it looked like your pix...but we were only staying 10 mins up the road so the guide took us back at dawn the next morning and we got lucky as the fog cleared. We all had a vote and got a shorter time somewhere else but it was worth it...there were only 8 of us.

The Lava thing sounds interesting...yes the insides cool slower and sometimes keep flowing creating Lava tubes like caves...ever been to Undara near Cairns?

I always prefer the smaller tours - more chance to get to know everyone without waiting for the one who always runs late (there is always one...)!

Haven't been to Undara in Cairns - you'll have to tell me about it please

 

[ADLhighflyer]

THE (LONG) TRIP HOME (WITH MINI HELSINKI STOPOVER)

30NOV AY992 KEF HEL 1015 1540 (OH-LVC, A319)

Finally, the day came where I’d have to make the long trek back home. Another early start was required as the only options for the Flybus to take me to the airport picked me up from the hotel at 6am (arriving 07:30) or 7am (arriving 08:30). I chose the earlier in case of any delays – which was ironic as I when I got to the airport after a quicker ride, check-in hadn’t even opened yet! Apparently from what I could see, check-in opens at -2.5hrs for all airlines. Went and got a well needed coffee in the meantime whilst I waited.

Following a speedy check-in, it was through security and upto Iceland Air’s Saga Lounge – where I was the only one there (the first and only time this will ever happen to me!) My flight boarded late, and departed around 20 mins. On this flight, I was 1 of only 4 pax in “J” – 1 row of Euro Business. After an uneventful flight, we landed in Helsinki around 20mins late, not that I minded given my 8hr stopover.

So, to use some of my time thought I’d head into Helsinki with no plan for a bit of a look around fully aware that given it would be dark and a not much touristy things open.



The Christmas Markets were due to start the following night

Would love to be able to come back at some stage and fully explore Helsinki and its surroundings.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

01DEC AY99 HEL HKG 0030 1840 (OH-LWM, A350)

Arriving back at the airport after a few hours exploring Helsinki, I headed straight for the Finnair lounge and was able to enjoy the Football World Cup matches on the big screen, before being the last flight to depart and head for HKG.

Flight was on a non-refurbished A350 to HKG, not that I minded too much. I picked the braised pork with rice, vegies and Jin Do Sauce for dinner which was followed by a Blueberry Mouse with White Chocolate for dessert.


After a few hours sleep, ‘breakfast’ was served about 1-2hrs before landing of a Game Meat Pie, with salad and cold cuts.


Landing was on schedule, and then it was time to head to the Cathay Business Lounge… once I worked out how to get there!

02DEC CX105 HKG MEL 0025 1225 (B-LXH, A350)

Exiting the a/c, I missed the transit signs and followed everyone else until I realised everyone was getting covid screened further down the hallway for their arrival into HKG. I stopped to ask a staff member for directions for transit pax, and was pointed in the opposite direction.

After re-entering the departure terminal, I made my way to the lounge and spent an enjoyable few hours there waiting my time for the final flight home. Naturally, I made my way to the noodle bar. Can’t recall the exact dish I had, but it was nice all the same!



Finally, it was my time to board my final flight home. Following a slightly delayed departure for connecting pax, I enjoyed a main meal of Clay Pot Rice of slice pork belly with dried prawns. I was told by the cabin crew that this was new to J Class for December as its normally a first class dish. Tasted quite nice too!

Finished off with dessert and a cheese platter and finally got a little bit of sleep. I chose the Wellness Breakfast as something fresh to have prior to arrival which was a nice choice, and this was followed by an ontime arrival in Melbourne. My trip was at an end

 

[jastel]

Top Three Holiday Photos

Cremona Cathedral and Baptistery #2

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Look here for my pix of Undara last year.

Edit - Sorry link didnt work exactly...roll up a bit from where the link goes to.

 

[SuePa]

My trip was at an end

Iceland gets under your skin, doesn't it? I'm hoping for a return trip, one day.
Thanks for sharing your great photos and experiences.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

I cannot believe how lucky I was not just to see the Northern Lights, but to see them as clear and powerful as they were. It’s something that I’ll remember about for a long long time.

The trip itself was amazing, and was a great way to reward myself after a tough few years and be able to well and truly relax in the outdoors for the first time in ages.

I well and truly recommend visiting all the places – just make sure the budget extends a fair bit!

Thank you all for reading this and all the comments – really appreciate it!



Tour Info

For those interested, tour info as follows. Please note that I do not have any affiliation to any of these companies:

Rovaniemi – Used a combination of Nordic Odyssey, Viator, Wild About Lapland and Nordic Unique Travels

Tromso – Arctic Explorers, Polar Adventures, Green Gold of Norway (2 of these were booked via Get Your Guide), Tromso Arctic Reindeer (via Viator)

Iceland – Main tour was booked via Fifty Degrees North, with local provider being GJ Travel

 

[ADLhighflyer]

Iceland gets under your skin, doesn't it? I'm hoping for a return trip, one day.
Thanks for sharing your great photos and experiences.

Even going through all the photos for the trip report makes me realise how lucky I was and just how much I enjoyed it all. Don't regret anything!

 

[craven morehead]

Many thanks for making the effort to provide such a spectacular TR. I simply could not believe your strike rate seeing the Lights. Bloody awesome!

 

[drron]

Thanks for the TR. Was great riding along with you. Fantastic results Aurora watching.

But now you need to meet the next challenge. The Southern Aurora. BOM tells me it should be good tonight in Tasmania.