Most people assume that seeing the Northern Lights means enduring -20°C, thermal layers and frozen eyelashes. It doesn’t.
September in Finnish Lapland is one of the best-kept secrets in aurora travel. Temperatures sit between 0–10°C - crisp and fresh, not brutal. The lakes are still open, which means stunning aurora reflections on the water. The landscape is alive with Ruska, the Arctic autumn colours and the crowds are gone.
This six-day women-only adventure takes you deep into Finnish Lapland and across the border into Northern Norway during one of the most extraordinary times of the year. You’ll have multiple guided aurora hunts in areas of extremely low light pollution, stay in a cosy cottage with a private sauna, eat every meal together and experience things that most visitors to this part of the world never get to do.
This is not a tick-the-box bucket-list trip. It’s a proper immersion - into the landscape, the culture, the light and the company of a small group of like-minded women who came for the aurora and stayed for each other.
What makes this trip different:
The Northern Lights without the brutal cold.
September temperatures range from 0–10°C - manageable, packable and nothing like the winter extremes most people picture. We’ll provide a full packing list so you know exactly what to bring.
Multiple aurora opportunities, not just one night.
Several guided hunts in low-light-pollution areas, plus your accommodation itself is in a prime viewing location. The aurora can appear any night - you’ll be ready for it.
A bucket-list day in Northern Norway.
King crab boat safari, a feast of freshly caught crab and the option to swim in the Arctic Ocean. This alone is worth the trip.
Aurora photography, actually taught.
An exclusive mini workshop covering phone and camera settings, low-light technique and capturing reflections on water. Beginner-friendly and genuinely useful.
Deep cultural immersion.
A guided wilderness hike with lunch by an open fire, a village tour of Utsjoki - Finland’s northernmost village - and a visit to the Sámi Museum & Nature Centre in Inari. Context that makes everything you see mean more.
Fully hosted, entirely taken care of.
Every transfer, every meal, every activity, every aurora alert. Erin is with you for the entire journey, from pre-departure planning through to the final morning. Your only job is to show up.
Six days is enough time to be genuinely changed by a place. This is what this trip is built to do.
This trip is limited to 12 women - and some spots are already taken.
September 2026 is closer than it feels. International flights to Finland from Australia need to be booked in advance and the Helsinki-Ivalo routing fills quickly in late summer. The earlier you confirm, the better your flight options.
Departing 15 September 2026. If the Northern Lights have been on your list, this is the version of that trip you’ve been waiting for - without the frost. Secure your spot with a €400 deposit.
Five nights in a cosy shared cottage with private sauna, fireplace, firewood, bed linen, towels and unlimited WiFi.
Return transfers from Ivalo Airport and all transport to included activities throughout the trip.
All meals included: daily breakfast, lunch or snacks, and dinner - so you can relax and enjoy the experience without extra planning.
24/7 support from experienced local guides throughout the journey for safety, comfort and local expertise.
Personalised packing advice, planning guidance and group resources to ensure you feel confident, prepared and informed before you depart.
Travel with an experienced Australian Lapland specialist providing on-ground hosting, daily support, guidance and coordination throughout the entire journey.
Twelve months’ access to the Lapland Lowdown Membership Portal, including guides, videos, checklists and planning tools.
Flights to and from Finland are not included. Guests are responsible for booking their own international and domestic flights.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must be arranged independently prior to departure.
Alcoholic drinks are not included unless specifically stated during an activity or meal.
Souvenirs, snacks, personal purchases and incidental expenses are not included.
Cameras, phones, tripods and photography accessories are not provided and must be brought by participants.
Any optional or additional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Medical costs, prescriptions or treatment expenses are not included and should be covered by travel insurance.
Any visa requirements or entry fees required for Finland or Norway are not included and are the traveller’s responsibility.
Tips or gratuities for guides, drivers or service staff are not included and are at the traveller’s discretion.
This trip is designed to give you not just multiple chances to see the Northern Lights, but the confidence to capture them properly. You’ll take part in several professionally guided Aurora hunts in areas known for extremely low light pollution, with expert guides assisting with forecasting, positioning and photography support on the night. When you’re not out touring, your accommodation itself is in a prime location for Northern Lights viewing - meaning the magic can unfold right outside your door.
To complement this, you’ll enjoy an exclusive mini Northern Lights photography workshop, created especially for this group. Whether you’re using a camera or a phone, you’ll learn how to work with low-light settings, stabilise your shots with a tripod and capture reflections on open waterways where conditions allow. This workshop is relaxed, practical and beginner-friendly, yet valuable for hobby photographers who want to elevate their Aurora images.
One of the most unforgettable days of this journey takes you beyond Finland and into Northern Norway, where rugged Arctic fjords and dramatic coastal scenery offer a striking contrast to Lapland’s autumn landscapes. In partnership with Visit Bugøynes, this carefully curated excursion immerses you in life on the edge of the Arctic Ocean.
You’ll explore the picturesque fishing village of Bugøynes - affectionately known as “Little Finland” - before heading out on a King crab boat safari, where you’ll witness the harvesting of these iconic Arctic giants. The experience is topped off with a feast of freshly prepared King crab and for the brave, an invigorating swim in the Arctic Ocean. It’s bold, memorable and undeniably bucket-list - the kind of day you’ll talk about long after you return home.
Step into the quiet beauty of Utsjoki, the northernmost region of Finland, on a guided wilderness hike through landscapes glowing with autumn colour. This gentle yet rewarding walk is designed to slow the pace and allow you to fully take in the sights, sounds and stillness of the Arctic wilderness during ruska season.
Along the way, your guide will share insights into the local environment and way of life before you pause to enjoy lunch outdoors by an open fire - a simple, grounding experience that reflects the deep connection between people and nature in this part of the world. This hike is as much about presence and connection as it is about movement, offering a peaceful contrast to the thrill of aurora chasing.
Discover the rhythm of daily life in Utsjoki, a small and culturally rich village set deep within untouched Arctic nature. As Finland’s northernmost village, Utsjoki offers a rare glimpse into a way of life shaped by the seasons, the land and long-standing traditions.
This village experience provides context and connection to the landscapes you’ll be exploring, helping you understand how culture, nature and community are deeply intertwined in this remote part of the world. It’s a gentle, insightful introduction to life in the far north and an opportunity to slow down, observe and appreciate the beauty of simplicity.
A visit to the Sámi Museum & Nature Centre in Inari offers a powerful opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Indigenous culture of northern Finland. Widely regarded as one of the most important Sámi cultural institutions in the region, the museum provides insight into Sámi traditions, reindeer herding, traditional clothing and handicrafts and the deep, enduring relationship between the Sámi people and the land.
You’ll also learn about the cultural significance of the Northern Lights within Sámi storytelling and belief systems, adding rich context and meaning to the aurora experiences you’ll have throughout the trip. This visit brings depth, respect and perspective to your journey - connecting the natural beauty of the Arctic with the people who have lived in harmony with it for generations.
I'm Erin Parker - founder of Travel Her Way, Lapland Lowdown & Travel From Australia, group trip host and someone who believes the best version of yourself is usually found somewhere outdoors, enjoying an adventure which may include being above 3,000 metres or well below sub-zero temperatures.
I've led trips to Finnish Lapland, women's weekenders and have more exciting trips planned for the future. Every trip has confirmed what I already knew: the right trip, with the right people, changes something in you permanently.
I'm also a mum, which means I understand exactly what it takes to actually commit to something like this - and why it matters so much when you do.
I work closely with businesses on the ground in destinations we travel within. Our guides are vetted, the pacing is intentional and nothing makes it onto the itinerary unless I believe it will genuinely move you. My job is to make sure that when you step off that plane or walk in the door, all you have to do is show up.
