How to Prepare for Swedish Northern Lights Trips

It is said that one of the most unique experiences a traveller can have is viewing the mysterious and beautiful Northern Lights. Trips to Swedish Lapland can be specially catered for optimal viewing opportunities and are led by expert guides who are passionate about the science and folklore behind the phenomenon. However, Swedish Lapland in the winter months, especially in the north, is not your average holiday destination. Preparing with the appropriate attire for your visit will ensure both your safety and comfort.

Extreme Temperatures

One of the best destinations for Northern Lights trips with optimal viewing conditions is a small town called Abisko. The village’s remote location and unique 'micro-climate' means that at night the sky is free from city lights, other pollutants and clouds that might obscure the view. However, Abisko’s remote northern location also means that it has some of the coldest and harshest winter conditions in the country.

Cold Weather Awareness

Visitors embarking on a trip to Swedish Lapland need to dress carefully and appropriately for outings to see the Northern Lights. Trips can be led by vehicles or dog sleds and usually involve some degree of walking to find the ultimate viewing places for the lights. It is possible for temperatures to dip close to minus 30 degrees at night, although the average is typically minus 15. Appropriate precautions against frostbite need to be taken, so ski or facemasks are recommended. While your tour operator will provide thermal winter boots, thermal gloves and hat and Arctic insulated overalls for excursions, you will still need to equip yourself with appropriate inside layers for the extreme conditions, to ensure both your safety and comfort.

The Science of Warmth

The key to warmth while visiting Sweden during the winter months lies within layers. It is best to wear multiple thin layers to utilise the trapped air in between them, which is then heated naturally by the body. Cotton is not advised as it usually causes and holds sweat, resulting in your clothing becoming cold and clammy. Wool, silk or synthetic polypropylene are best used against the skin, followed by layers of fleece. In these extreme temperatures it is important to make sure your body’s core is insulated as well as your extremities. Wool socks are a must, as are thermal arctic overalls and a good set of gloves, a hat and boots able to cope with the deep snow you may encounter.

With the many advances that have been made in the design and manufacture of outdoor attire, the Arctic conditions can be surprisingly comfortable while viewing the Northern lights. Trips organised by expert guides will also be briefed on weather conditions prior to going out, and the best excursions always have a warm campfire and hot chocolate ready for you at your destination!

Kevin Collins is director of Aurora Nights, a company offering a select range of once in a lifetime holidays to see the Northern Lights. For the best Northern Lights trips Iceland and Swedish Lapland offer an excellent chance to encounter the aurora borealis. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company with vast in-depth knowledge based on their extensive travels to the region of the Aurora Borealis and passionate about giving superb client service.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.