The best NYE. One of the big questions I faced—and one you’ll likely face when planning to see the Northern Lights—is: Where should you go? There are many spots; Lapland region (covering northern Finland and Sweden), Tromsø or Svalbard in Norway, Northern Siberia in Russia, Canada and ofcourse - the North Pole.
When choosing, think of landscape. You have the North Pole, with its otherworldly terrain—vast stretches of ice, snow, and no vegetation or permanent inhabitants. Svalbard, an archipelago situated between the North Pole and Norway, shares a similar landscape and is home to the highest concentration of polar bears.
Moving southward, there is Lapland in Finland, Sweden, where you can see Santa Claus Village and more greenery than the north.
I chose Tromso in Norway - maybe because there was a direct flight from Paris, I booked last minute and hotels/tours were available and a friend recommended seeing the lights there only 2 days prior to my planned travel. So sometimes its just practical considerations after all.
“It was nature’s New Year’s Eve disco party,” is how I describe it
It was December - one of the months of polar night, where the sun never rises above the horizon, and everything on land is blanketed in ice. In the dark, the group and I went on a ‘northern lights exploration trek’ more hinterland from the city where the skies were less cloudy and chances of seeing the lights higher
Our group was small—just ten people: a family with two teenagers, a couple on their honeymoon, my younger brother and me, the astrophotographer, and the driver from this agency I would highly recommend: The Northern Horizon. The guides took us to an open area where we stepped out of the vehicle and began our trek falling the faint lights we were seeing above our heads
The only sounds were the clenching of my jaw. A result of the -19°C cold of the Arctic. I tried to hear other sounds—faint movements of water beneath my feet—but even that wasn’t music to my ears. At one point we were standing on six feet of frozen snow, over a fjord—a frozen ocean
I couldn’t help but recall all the documentaries and thriller movies I’d seen where the ice cracks? and there’s a mad dash for escape Could I have run in the gigantic snowshoe boots and thermal suit I was wearing? I comforted myself by thinking about how I hadn’t been carrying all that extra holiday weight. I was safe. (I must clarify that the guide informed us that 100kg load-carrying trucks routinely move over the frozen ocean, so my concerns were entirely unwarranted- that helped, only partially!)
The entire group took on tasks: navigating to track the Aurora’s position, driving inland for several hours to find clear skies, setting up camp, lighting the fire, and cooking us delicious hotdogs in the cold. It was cold, but the warm fire helped. It was dark, but the Aurora Borealis, growing brighter helped. The cold winds made it harsh and scary, but people sitting around the fire, telling stories and laughing, really helped- and it was beautiful
Imagine waking up, looking outside, and realizing it’s still night… except it’s always night
The polar night is a unique phenomenon in Tromsø, lasting up to six months, usually from September to March, where the sun takes a sabbatical, leaving behind only a twilight blanket for a few hours each day. Snow sparkles under streetlights while the air is crisp enough to make your fingers, toenails, and cheeks tingle (or freeze, depending on how long you stay out)
As someone from a warm climate, my Indian mom advised me to carry some Indian mustard oil and ajwain (carom seeds) to rub on my hands to prevent swelling and redness from the cold. Naturally, I found no mustard oil or ajwain in the Arctic, but this lesson was one for next time!
Just 3pm on a Wednesday Afternoon
Meeting Rudolf, the White-Nosed Reindeer
Growing up in a Catholic school, I always celebrated Christmas and sang the jingles of Santa’s reindeer. The most famous of these reindeer is "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer," whose glowing nose guides Santa's sleigh. But when I arrived in Tromsø, Norway, and encountered an actual reindeer, it was a bit of a reality check
Contrary to the Christmas song, I learned that reindeer don’t naturally have red noses. In fact, their noses are perfectly adapted to their Arctic environment -Reindeer use their noses to dig through snow to find their primary food sources—grass, moss, and lichen—during the harsh winter months. As they rummage through the snow, their noses often get coated in frost, giving them a white frosty nose- Rudolf as a white nose
If you want to get up close and personal, there are several reindeer camps in Tromsø, with Reindeer Arctic and Tromsø Lapland (one I visited) being the most famous and well-maintained. These camps are typically run by the Sami people, a local Nordic tribe who are the traditional caretakers of the reindeer. At the camps, you can pet, feed, and even ride the reindeer in a sleigh
Trying bites of the Arctic land & sea. When in Tromsø, trying local delicacies is a must—even if they aren’t your usual go-to foods. Reindeer snacks weren’t exactly high on my list, but as the saying goes, "When in Rome (or Tromsø), do as the locals do." So, I gave both reindeer hotdog and reindeer chew snacks a try
The hotdog was hearty, savory, and satisfying, with each bite, I felt almost Viking-like, embracing the wild spirit of the Arctic. In contrast, Norwegian fiskekaker (fish cakes) were the complete opposite—soft, savory patties made from fresh fish like cod or haddock, blended with flour, milk, and spices. It was like the ocean wrapped me in a comforting, warm hug
If you're in Tromsø during the winter, don’t miss a visit to the Christmas Market near downtown (next to the Clarion Edge Hotel). This is a great opportunity to sample these local treats
Loacl Food
Understanding ‘trolls’ & history. In Scandinavian fairytales, "trolling" originally referred to the mischievous actions of trolls—mythical creatures often depicted as either malicious or mischievous. According to local legends, trolls reside in mountains or beneath bridges, and should you accidentally cross paths with one, it might just turn you into stone!
In Tromsø, you’ll find a quirky Troll Museum, where you can explore a unique collection of troll statues, paintings, and all sorts of troll-inspired art. The museum provides a look at how these mystical beings have evolved from ancient Nordic folklore to their modern-day counterparts, like internet trolls?
For those interested in history and science, Tromsø also has several other must-visit attractions. Polaria, for instance, features an exhibit dedicated to the Arctic animal kingdom, complete with a fun seal feeding session in the afternoon that I managed to catch. The Polar Museum which talks about the seafaring explorers (though primarily in Norwegian, English-language guides are available). And for those eager to learn more about the science of the Northern Lights, Tromsø’s Planetarium is the place to be
Discovering the Nordic Vending Machines.Scandinavian vending machines are a quirky yet practical part of everyday life in the Nordic countries, offering a surprising variety of items you wouldn’t expect to find in a standard machine. From gloves, socks, hats, and ski goggles to hand warmers and thermal wear, they’re built for survival and comfort in extreme climates. Some machines even serve hot meals—noodles, soup, and traditional Nordic comfort foods like meatballs with mashed potatoes, providing just the right kind of warmth when you’re out in the Arctic wilderness
So, if you find yourself trekking through icy terrain, far from the nearest store, and suddenly craving a bite—or a fresh pair of gloves—coming across one of these automated Arctic oases might just feel like a minor miracle. Honestly, I’m not even sure if I used one of them—but just the sight of those vending machines in the cold, snow-covered landscape was unexpectedly comforting!
Greeting a snow Husky. I grew up in India with a dog at home, and like many families raising dogs alongside kids, our pup became the center of our world. Treated like the most beloved child by my parents and the preferred sibling among my brother, sister, and me, he was pampered with home-cooked meals three times a day, a dog walker, custom-made winter coats, and summer spa treatments. That was my idea of “a dog’s life”—until I met the mighty snow huskies in Tromsø. These powerful Arctic dogs endure temperatures as low as -19°C, earning their keep by sledding for hours through snow-covered landscapes. I couldn’t resist giving one a big hug as a small reward for its sheer tenacity. The husky embraced my affection but, in true sled dog style, began sniffing me—presumably to check if I had food?
There are several husky sledding tours and dog meet-and-greet experiences in Tromsø, but one of the most unique is at Tromsø Villmarkssenter. There, you can visit their “Husky Café”, watch puppies in training, and spend time feeding and bonding with the dogs. (I missed this as it’s often booked months in advance—so plan ahead!) I visited a local husky kennel instead, where I had the chance to see these incredible dogs in action, racing through the Arctic snow with strength, speed, and stunning grace
The answer, I found, lies in the Scandinavian landscape itself and its deeply rooted environmental and social sensibilities. In countries like Norway, where nearly 60% of new cars are electric (despite being a major energy exporter), the commitment to sustainability is clear. Restaurants proudly display their monthly food waste data, aiming to beat previous records and align with the country’s landfill ban. Even tourism agencies offer accessible Arctic adventures, with gentle excursions and wheelchair-friendly options—ensuring nature remains inclusive and open to all. Seeing all of this in action made me feel genuinely happy in Scandinavia
A great souvenir is more than just a tourist trinket—it’s something that makes you feel like you’re bringing a piece of the place home
In Tromsø, shops like The Yellow Shop Tromsø, run by local artisans, offer a wonderful selection of authentic, handcrafted Norwegian items. I picked up a few metallic reindeer figurines adorned with the Norwegian flag, along with a warm, locally made scarf—now proudly displayed on my coffee table. I also bought some reindeer snacks, which, alas, received more skepticism than gratitude from friends back home
Another fantastic keepsake is Northern Lights-themed jewelry, often crafted from silver or other natural metals, designed to capture the colours of the Aurora Borealis. Whether it’s a ring, pendant, or bracelet, these pieces are both meaningful and beautiful, making them perfect gifts—or personal treasures that bring a bit of the Arctic magic home
Tromso Souveniers
Exploring the Arctic further. On my flight back, I decided to continue the Arctic exploration by watching episodes of "Frozen World" from Life on Our Planet and BBC’s "Frozen Planet"—narrated by the legendary David Attenborough. The stunning visuals, paired with his soothing voice and set against now-familiar Arctic landscapes, were the perfect icing on the cake to wrap up the trip
There are several other shows worth exploring too, such as Norsemen on Netflix—a take on Viking history—but with a four-hour flight, I bookmarked these for next time, perhaps when I return to the far North
Concluding reflection:Would I return to the Arctic? The answer is yes—but in a different season and for a different occasion
Perhaps in the summer, to witness the Midnight Sun or to see the Northern Lights over non-frozen lakes. Maybe for an Arctic honeymoon—staying in a cozy glass igloo or a luxury spa resort, where you can lie cocooned in warmth and watch the aurora dance above from your bed. (Yes, the Arctic is becoming an increasingly popular honeymoon destination). Or perhaps I’d return one day with my future kids, to see how both the city of Tromsø and my perspective have evolved. I'd also love to add Svalbard to the itinerary—a short flight from Tromsø—to see the polar bears, marvel at the Arctic’s massive glaciers, and meet the fantastic local influencer Cecilie Skog, who shares a warm, inviting glimpse into life in these tough northern lands
