An Arctic Escape of Wilderness, Wellness and Wonder

Your Arctic adventure begins in Alta, a destination renowned for its dark skies, pristine wilderness and exceptional Northern Lights viewing. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you away from the town and deep into the peaceful surroundings of ONGA Boutique Lodge, an intimate retreat hidden within the forests of Mathisdalen.

From the moment you arrive, the pace of everyday life begins to slow. Settle into your Aurora SPA Queen Room, a beautifully designed Nordic sanctuary featuring a private sauna and outdoor hot tub overlooking the surrounding wilderness. A welcome amenity awaits, offering the perfect introduction to the lodge’s warm hospitality and attention to detail.

As afternoon light fades, gather by the fireplace for ONGA’s signature afternoon tea experience. Homemade pastries, carefully selected teas and a glass of sparkling wine create a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere as fellow travellers share stories of their journeys north.

This evening, enjoy a delicious three course dinner showcasing seasonal ingredients and local flavours. Afterwards, step into the Arctic night for your first Aurora walk. Led by knowledgeable hosts, this gentle excursion introduces you to the science, folklore and wonder of the Northern Lights while maximising your chances of witnessing them in one of Norway’s finest viewing locations.

For those seeking an even more memorable night, the option to sleep within a private Aurora Dome awaits. Surrounded by forest and beneath a canopy of stars, it is an unforgettable introduction to life beneath the Arctic sky.

Wake to the stillness of the Arctic wilderness and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the snow covered landscape. Today offers an immersive introduction to the culture, traditions and natural beauty that define Northern Norway.

Your morning begins with a private snowshoe walk through the surrounding woodland. Following quiet trails through untouched snow, you’ll discover a landscape transformed by winter. As you move between frost covered trees and open clearings, your guide shares insights into the wildlife, environment and unique ecosystems of the far north. Along the route, pause for a warming drink while soaking up the serenity of this remarkable setting.

After a two course lunch, continue your cultural journey with a visit to a traditional Sami Siida. Here, you’ll experience one of the most iconic activities in Arctic Scandinavia as reindeer pull your sleigh through the winter landscape. Alongside the experience itself comes a deeper understanding of Sami heritage, storytelling and traditions that have shaped life across the region for generations.

Returning to ONGA Boutique Lodge, there is time to relax before dinner. The comfort of your private sauna and outdoor hot tub offers the perfect way to unwind while taking in the surrounding scenery.

As darkness falls, another Aurora walk provides a fresh opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. The evening continues with the enchanting Lavvo of Love experience. Gather around a crackling fire inside a traditional lavvo tent and enjoy a tasting of local Norwegian spirits before being left to savour the peaceful atmosphere beneath the Arctic sky. It is a wonderfully intimate and memorable Arctic experience.

This morning invites you to embrace the slower pace of Arctic life. Following breakfast, join a unique Nordic ceramics workshop inspired by the landscapes surrounding ONGA Boutique Lodge. Taking inspiration from leaves, grasses and natural treasures gathered from the forest, you’ll create your own handcrafted ceramic keepsake under expert guidance.

The experience reflects ONGA’s philosophy of meaningful travel and encourages guests to connect with nature in a creative and lasting way. No previous experience is required, simply a willingness to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the Arctic environment.

Following lunch, enjoy a peaceful forest walk leading to a traditional shelter hidden amongst the trees. Here, beside an open fire, you’ll savour freshly prepared waffles accompanied by hot drinks while listening to stories of local culture, wildlife and life in Northern Norway.

Later, return to the lodge for another relaxing afternoon tea beside the fireplace. As daylight fades and the atmosphere becomes increasingly magical, prepare for one of the most romantic experiences of the journey.

This evening, enjoy a private candlelit dinner within a glass igloo. Surrounded by snow covered wilderness and panoramic views of the Arctic sky, this intimate dining experience is a true highlight of the itinerary. Exceptional cuisine, flickering candlelight and the possibility of the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead create an unforgettable setting.

Before retiring for the night, take one final Aurora walk and embrace another opportunity to witness nature’s most spectacular display in the silence of the Arctic wilderness.

After breakfast, bid farewell to ONGA Boutique Lodge and begin the next chapter of your Arctic adventure. A private transfer takes you to Alta Harbour, where today’s extraordinary wildlife experience awaits.

Board a comfortable vessel and venture into the magnificent Alta Fjord in search of some of the Arctic’s most captivating marine life. During winter, migrating herring attract both humpback whales and orcas to these waters, creating exceptional whale watching opportunities. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and vast stretches of open water, this excursion offers a fascinating insight into the natural wonders of Northern Norway.

Following the cruise, continue to Holmen Husky Lodge, one of Alta’s most distinctive wilderness retreats. Situated beside the Alta River and home to a renowned husky kennel, the lodge combines adventure and comfort in equal measure.

After a late lunch and time to settle into your Forest Suite, take a moment to appreciate your unique surroundings. Floor to ceiling windows and a glass roof bring the wilderness directly into your room, creating the feeling of being immersed within the Arctic landscape itself.

Dinner is served before tonight’s unforgettable experience. Under the darkness of the Arctic sky, embark on a private dog sledding adventure beneath the Northern Lights. Led by enthusiastic Alaskan Huskies, you’ll glide through snowy forests and along frozen trails, surrounded by complete silence and breathtaking scenery.

Few experiences capture the spirit of Arctic Norway quite like dog sledding at night. Combined with the possibility of the Aurora overhead, it creates a truly magical evening.

Today is dedicated to two of the Arctic’s most authentic winter experiences. After breakfast, prepare for another thrilling dog sledding excursion, this time exploring the spectacular landscapes surrounding the Alta River in daylight.

Travelling along trails used by some of Norway’s finest mushers, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s proud sledding heritage. The powerful yet graceful huskies effortlessly navigate frozen terrain while your guide shares stories of life within the kennel and the traditions that continue to shape Arctic culture.

Returning to the lodge, enjoy lunch before spending time relaxing in the private sauna and outdoor hot tub. Surrounded by forest and fresh Arctic air, it is the perfect way to recover after a morning on the trails.

As evening approaches, another memorable adventure awaits. Wrapped in warm blankets aboard a traditional sleigh pulled by a Norwegian Fjord Horse, you’ll journey through forests and along the river beneath the night sky. The gentle rhythm of the sleigh, accompanied by the sound of bells and the crunch of snow beneath hooves, creates a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

Part way through the experience, stop at a wilderness shelter where a late appetiser is served beside a warming fire. Local stories, traditional hospitality and the chance of seeing the Northern Lights overhead combine to create a truly special evening.

Returning to Holmen Husky Lodge, settle back into the comfort of your Forest Suite and gaze skyward through the glass roof, hoping for one final glimpse of the Aurora before sleep.

Your final full day in Arctic Norway delivers one last taste of adventure. Following breakfast, travel to Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge, gateway to the vast Finnmarksvidda plateau and one of Northern Europe’s largest mountain wilderness regions.

Here, you’ll set off on a private snowmobile safari through a landscape that appears almost limitless. Crossing frozen rivers, winding through snow laden forests and traversing open plateaus, the journey reveals some of the most dramatic scenery in Arctic Norway.

Far from civilisation, there is a powerful sense of freedom and isolation. At carefully selected viewpoints, your guide pauses to allow you to absorb the immense beauty of the surroundings while enjoying warm refreshments and local snacks.

After the excursion, enjoy free time at Sorrisniva. Guests may choose to have lunch independently or explore the famous Igloo Hotel construction site, where artists transform snow and ice into one of the Arctic’s most iconic attractions.

Later, return to Holmen Husky Lodge for a final afternoon of relaxation. Spend time in the sauna and outdoor hot tub or simply admire the peaceful forest views from your suite.

This evening, gather for a farewell three course dinner celebrating the flavours of Northern Norway. Reflect on days filled with extraordinary experiences, from reindeer and huskies to whales, snowmobiles and Northern Lights. It is the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable Arctic escape.

After a final breakfast at Holmen Husky Lodge, it is time to say goodbye to Arctic Norway. Enjoy a last look across the snow covered forests and the peaceful surroundings that have defined your journey through Alta.

A private transfer returns you to the airport for your onward flight. As you depart, you’ll take with you memories of extraordinary landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, remarkable wildlife and unforgettable nights beneath the Northern Lights.

From sleeping beneath glass roofs and dining by candlelight in the wilderness to racing across frozen landscapes behind huskies and snowmobiles, this journey offers a deeper connection with the Arctic than most travellers ever experience.

Long after the snow has melted from your boots, the memories of Alta’s wild beauty and magical winter skies will remain.