- Up Norway’s new “Forest Finns and The Arctic” journey is a nine-day customizable itinerary available from October through May until 2026.
- The trip is timed to align with the Northern Lights’ solar maximum cycle in 2026, promising enhanced aurora viewing.
- It combines cultural immersion in the Finnskogen forest (home of the Forest Finns) with Arctic adventures in Svalbard.
- Activities include forest bathing, dog sledding, ice cave exploration, and opportunities to stay in unique accommodations like treetop cabins and a remote wilderness lodge.
Up Norway has launched a new nine-day travel experience called “Forest Finns and The Arctic,” designed to immerse travelers in Norway’s diverse natural and cultural landscapes. Available for booking from October through May until 2026, the itinerary is strategically timed to coincide with the peak of the Northern Lights’ solar maximum cycle, a phenomenon occurring roughly every 11 years that promises more frequent and intense aurora displays. The customizable journey begins in Oslo, leads to the mystical Finnskogen forest, explores the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, and concludes back in Oslo.
The initial phase of the journey involves a drive from Oslo to Finnskogen, a forest region where guests learn about the indigenous Forest Finns, one of Norway’s national minorities known for their sustainable way of life. Activities in Finnskogen include forest bathing, snowshoeing, and guided storytelling sessions, with accommodations in wellness hotels or unique treetop cabins. A visit to the new Norwegian Forest Finn Museum provides historical context.
Following the forest experience, travelers fly north to Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago, for four nights of adventure. Here, guests can engage in activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling across frozen fjords, or exploring ice caves. Evenings offer refined dining experiences and opportunities for aurora viewing, which will be particularly spectacular during the solar maximum. An optional two-night extension allows for a snowmobile expedition to Isfjord Radio, a remote wilderness lodge offering Arctic hikes, wildlife spotting, and traditional polar plunges.
The final two nights are spent in Oslo, allowing guests to explore cultural sites like Vigeland Park and the National Museum, and enjoy the city’s Nordic dining scene. This itinerary aims to provide a comprehensive Norwegian experience, blending ancient heritage with Arctic exploration and modern urban culture.