Northern Lights/ Aurora Borealis in Porjus and Jokkmokk, Sweden

Introducing Sweden....

Haven't blogged about Sweden-Denmark trip in proper since I returned close to 2 months ago. The highlight of my Sweden Denmark trip has definitely got to be traveling north into the Arctic Circle to view the Aurora Borealis. To some viewing the Aurora Borealis is a dream. But I made my dream come true and I promise myself that one fine day, I will attempt to catch another glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. This time in proper snow covered grounds.

I spent more than 2 weeks touring Sweden and Denmark in late Oct and early Nov 2011, with close to a week spent traveling to this tiny town called Porjus, 60km north of the Arctic Circle. To get there, we took a overnight sleeper train from Stockholm C to Gallivare and a bus from Gallivare to Porjus. It was the first time I had actually taken an overnight sleeper train, it was an adventure! (discounting the trouble it took to handle the luggages and keys to the cabin.) We met a super sweet Swedish lady on our way there and she taught us everything about sleeper trains.

Narrow corridors of the sleeper train

Our even narrower bunk. Spot the muffins on the bed? That's breakfast!

We stayed at Arctic Colors. 4 lovely cabins which looked like they were abandoned railway station. The hosts were lovely, hospitable and super friendly too. What is great about this place is that the cabin faces a lovely huge lake and when night falls, it is possible to view the Northern Lights right at outside your cabin. (Bonus, because, when the cold gets to you, just scramble back into your cabin for warmth, hot chocolate and TV!)

Arctic Colors

This is the lovely sight right outside the cabin. I love the colors from within the Arctic Circle. So rich, colorful and unique. I love the coldness of the Arctic Circle too! So fresh. Feels like freshly melted ice!

Morning colors- Scenic and lovely

During one of the days, we spent at a nearby town called Jokkmokk (30-45 mins from Porjus). Small town, larger than Porjus of course! The bus driver who ferried us was a lovely fatherly guy who was super sweet. He dropped us off at the bus station and offered us directions on how and where to spend time in Jokkmokk and reminded us to return in time for the only bus ride back to Porjus. Love small towns for everyone is so sweet and kind!

Jokkmokk Bus Station

We spent our morning at the Sami Museum and settled for a Reindeer Lunch! Lapland Speciality! This was on my "things to do when in Lapland" checklist. My friend could not stomach the gamey taste of the reindeer meat but I and my exotic tastebuds didn't find it a problem.

Reindeer Meat- Lunch!

Walking around Jokkmokk and here's a frozen lake. No snow on the ground. I was disappointed.

Frozen Lake in Jokkmokk

Rocks on lake- verified. Lake is definitely frozen

On the other day that we were in Porjus, we spent some time hiking in the woods. The ground was super icy, which made walking a chore! I spent most of my time trying to fall over! I was really relieved to return back to the comforts of the cabin.

Here are some photos taken on the day of the hike:

At the crossroads

Railway track outside our cabin

I love lakes. I love reflections. I love the little red cabin by the placid lake.

Love this photo, this is the last of daylight in Porjus. Everyone was eagerly (anxiously) waiting for the sun to set and darkness to engulf us, for that would represent an opportunity to view the Northern Lights.

Last of the daylight. And the anxious wait for the Aurora Borealis begins

And finally the moment everyone has been waiting for- our dear elusive Aurora Borealis has finally made her appearance!

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Of course it wasn't the grandest and most magnificent of all Aurora Borealis. At least I didn't leave Porjus with sore disappointment of not even being able to view it at all. That is why I vowed to return one day to within the Arctic circle for a second chance to view it. And I want the ground to be snow-capped and the weather to be snowy!


So long Lapland! Goodbye Porjus, Jokkmokk and Gallivare. It was an adventure and an experience of a lifetime. Thank you!

Gallivare Train Station

Click here for more info on viewing the Northern Lights in Porjus, Sweden. Highly recommended to view the Northern Lights during your lifetime.