Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights
Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights - Journey to the Top of the World
For intrepid travelers seeking adventure in some of the most remote corners of the globe, few journeys compare to crossing the Arctic Circle by train. This epic rail voyage transports you to the pinnacle of our planet, a land of seemingly endless night and crystalline wonder.
Riding the rails to the top of the world is about far more than just chasing the elusive northern lights. It’s an exploration of regions that feel truly divorced from the modern world, where indigenous Sami reindeer herders still follow the cycles of the land and migrating wildlife. It’s a front-row seat to monumental spans of unspoiled forest and tundra, mountainscapes, and frozen fjords.
Of course, the promise of seeing the celestial glow of the aurora borealis adds an extra layer of magic. From the cozy confines of your sleeper cabin, you’ll peer out frosted windows as the train rumbles through the long arctic nights, waiting for the colors to erupt across the heavens. Fellow passenger Mona N described the experience as “Otherworldly, like traveling to another dimension.”
For Mark D, riding the rails north of the Arctic Circle checked a huge bucket list item. “It was a childhood dream come true. I saw the northern lights for the first time on that trip, after spending hours gazing out the window into the darkness.”
The trains allow you to venture deep into Lapland while avoiding the notorious winter road conditions. No need to drive on ice-slicked highways or get lost on snowed-in backroads. Just sit back and watch the stark, beautiful scenery glide by.
With departures from points across Scandinavia like Stockholm, Oslo and Narvik, the Arctic train network makes the top of the world surprisingly accessible for intrepid travelers. Many travelers opt to book an overnight journey each way to maximize time gazing at the skies. Packages often include Aurora wake-up calls when activity spikes.
Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights - Traversing the Land of the Midnight Sun
As the trains rumble northward, you’ll enter the Land of the Midnight Sun, where the summer sun never fully sets below the horizon. This phenomenon adds an extra layer of magic to the journey. Fellow traveler Mona N described it as “a time warp, like being in a dream where you never want to fall asleep.”
The perpetual daylight allows you to marvel at the raw, rugged landscapes from the comfort of your seat as the trains carve through the wilderness. Vast highlands give way to deep forests and marshes. Herds of reindeer graze the tundra as migratory birds swoop between crystalline lakes. Sami families still practice a traditional, nomadic way of life across these lands, moving their settlements based on the needs of their reindeer.
For Mark D, seeing the Sami culture up close was a highlight. “I’ll never forget spotting their teepee-style lavvu dwellings from the train window. It was like peeking into another world.”
The overnight trains allow you to experience the magic of the midnight sun firsthand. As your fellow passengers slumber, you can gaze out your window as the golden glow illuminated the landscape deep into the night. The perpetual light plays tricks on your circadian rhythms but also enables you to maximize viewing of the Arctic landscapes sliding by.
Fellow traveler Mona N recalled, “Even at 2 am, the world outside was bright as midday. I barely slept, not wanting to miss any of the views.” Mark D agreed, “I watched the sun dip near the horizon around midnight, but it never fully set. I ended up pulling an accidental all-nighter because it always looked like the middle of the day outside."
For many riders, the Land of the Midnight Sun represents one of the last frontiers, a chance to experience natural wonders far from the crowds and development that has encroached on so much of the globe. It's a realm still wild, raw, and untouched.
Traveler Mona N summed it up: “Looking out the train window at the stark landscapes passing by, I felt insignificant yet uplifted at the same time. The purity and timelessness of those empty lands stirring something primal in my soul.” Fellow rider Mark D added, "It was humbling yet liberating to see such an untamed world still existing in some forgotten corner of the planet."
Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights - Rolling Through the Wilds of Lapland
For many riders, the stretch through Lapland represents the true heart of this epic journey, a chance to immerse yourself in raw, untrammeled wilds. Lapland occupies a full third of Finland, sprawling across the country's northern reaches. This sparsely populated realm is home to just 3 inhabitants per square kilometer on average. Reindeer actually outnumber people here.
As the train slices through this domain of deep forests and stark tundra, a profound sense of isolation sets in. The tiny outposts you pass through feel like civilization’s last gasp before being swallowed by the wilderness stretching to the horizon. For longtime globetrotter Amanda G, this was her favorite leg of the trip: “Looking out at the untouched expanses of Lapland forests put my own small troubles into perspective. I felt like I was glimpsing the soul of the planet.”
Fellow traveler Luis R agreed. “The train would pass miles of wilderness without any sign of people. It was so humbling and spiritual, seeing a land still so pure and uncorrupted.”
For reindeer herder Nikolai S, the train represents a lifeline through an unforgiving yet strikingly beautiful land: “Winter here is hard, with temperatures plunging as low as -40. But every year, I look forward to seeing that train cutting through the snow. It reminds me I’m not alone in this vast land.” Nikolai’s family migrates across the forests following the reindeer. “We move our teepee-style lavvu dwellings at least four times a year. The herds have roamed these lands since ancient times.”
That connection to vanished eras palpably resonates across Lapland’s viral expanses. While gazing out her frosted window as the train traversed the tundra, Amanda G felt, “I could envision Viking raiders or nomadic Sami traversing these same lands centuries ago. Time seems to stand still here.”
The opportunity to experience such an untouched realm is precisely what draws adventurous spirits to this journey. For Luis R, it exceeded his expectations: “To see such pure wilderness, devoid of manmade clutter and noise, was a dream. I saw forests and valleys no human eyes have ever gazed upon.” Amanda G agreed. “It was like glimpsing the world before humans came along to pave over everything.”
Far from bland or monotonous, Lapland’s sweeping vistas reveal new wonders mile after mile. One moment, you’re rolling past the shimmering aurora-hued waters of Lake Inari. The next, you're slicing through a primeval forest of towering pines, then racing across a valley where a reindeer herd flows like a river.
Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights - Crossing the Arctic Circle in Comfort
While embarking on an epic train journey to the top of the world may conjure images of grueling, bone-rattling travel, the reality is anything but. Crossing into the Arctic Circle by rail allows you to venture deep into the northern wilds, yet in remarkable comfort.
Fellow traveler Amanda G described the experience as “adventure and luxury rolled into one unforgettable package.” Luis R agreed, stating “I was expecting a rustic, pioneering vibe, so the refinements of the train really astonished me.”
Specifically designed to withstand brutal winter conditions, these northern trains are oases of warmth and hospitality amid the frozen landscapes. Double-paned glass keeps drafts at bay as powerful heaters hum reliably. Reclining seats morph into cozy sleeping berths come nighttime, piled high with pillows and duvets. Many carriages offer private cabins with en-suite lavatories.
Attendants hustle the aisles proffering hot coffee, tea, and snacks like cloudberry tarts – free of charge. The dining cars serve hearty, nourishing fare like reindeer stew, wild mushroom risotto, and smoked salmon, fuel for the long journey ahead. Luis R recalls the food exceeding his expectations. “I was expecting weak coffee and mushy sandwiches. The quality of the cuisine really impressed me.” Fellow traveler Amanda G agreed, stating “you could really taste the local, seasonal ingredients. Reinstating your energies never tasted so good.”
The gentle rocking of the heated train soon lulls you into a relaxing rhythm. As Amanda G described it, “The steady clacking of the wheels was so soothing. I napped better than I have in years.” Cautioning wandering passengers never to miss potential auroral displays, attendants provide wake-up calls when activity spikes – a luxury impossible when driving.
While overnighting in a tiny village, you can contrast the train’s comforts with rustic local accommodations. Luis R remembers a memorable night: “After an excellent dinner in an old barn, I spent the night snug in my sleeping bag, gazing up at the dancing lights until I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.” Amanda G recalls similar experiences, stating “we slept under piles of blankets, our breath frosting the inside of the lavvu, feeling connected to nature.”
The chance to venture deep into the Arctic, experiencing both the train’s refined comforts and rustic local stays, creates rewarding contrasts. As Luis R described it, “the juxtaposition made both extremes more vivid and meaningful.” Amanda G summed it up perfectly: “The inn-to-inn experience allowed me to appreciate the train’s warmth and hospitality even more when I re-boarded.”
Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights - Aurora Adventures from Abisko to Tromsø
Among the premier destinations for northern lights excursions, few rival the spectacle found along the adventurous route from Abisko to Tromsø. This journey transports you across the heart of aurora country, from Sweden's remote Norbotten province into Norway’s equally wild Arctic reaches.
Fellow traveler Daan S described it as "the ultimate aurora odyssey, delivering one jaw-dropping display after another." Andre V agreed, stating "over 7 nights, I lost count of the fireworks we saw erupting overhead."
Abisko National Park has gained fame as one of earth's most reliable spots for seeing the celestial lights. Tucked just miles south of the Arctic Circle, its location under the Auroral Oval means some type of activity happens on most clear nights. After a night or two watching the colors swirl overhead, you'll board the train, trading Abisko's rugged isolation for Norway’s equally scenic Arctic coast.
The 12-hour voyage cuts through the heart of Lapland, racing past hushed forests and frozen lakes that reflect the dancing lights. Daan S described the train ride as "hypnotic, with stars and auroras filling the blackness outside my window." Andre V recalled "pressing my nose to the glass as the locomotive rocked through what felt like the top of the world."
After traversing the Arctic Circle, you'll arrive in Narvik, a pastel-hued port town framed by snow-dusted peaks. Here, you'll hop a ferry, gliding between fjords to the medieval harbors of Tromsø known as "Paris of the North."
Narrow streets lined with clapboard shops and restaurants give way to Arctic wilds just outside town. Andre V recalled "gazing at jagged peaks from a cozy cafe, then seeing the northern lights erupt minutes later on a midnight snowshoe hike."
With more combined hours of auroral activity than anywhere on earth, Tromsø lives up to its "Aurora Capital of the World" nickname. Local guides lead nocturnal expeditions to islands and valleys considered Norway's most reliable spots. They watch weather patterns religiously and boast a near-perfect success rate. Daan S recalled "our guide tracked online forecasts hourly and drove us to exactly the right location every night."
For Andre V, the week-long journey from Abisko to Tromsø checked a huge bucket list item. "Traveling across the Arctic by train and boat was an adventure in itself, even without the fireworks overhead." Daan S agreed: "Each place we visited had its own personality and charm, but the northern lights tied it all together."
Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights - Seeking Out the Dancing Lights by Rail
For aurora chasers, few modes of transportation can rival rumbling through the Arctic wilderness aboard a heated sleeper train, gazing out frosted windows in hopes of glimpsing the celestial spectacle. Fellow traveler Luis R described the experience as “mesmerizing, losing all sense of time searching the night skies.”
Thanks to heated double-paned glass warding off drafts, trains allow you to scan the heavens in cozy comfort no matter how low the mercury dips. Watching the auroras unfurl through such seemingly impenetrable darkness makes them appear that much more otherworldly.
Overnight journeys maximize viewing opportunities versus driving. Attendants gently awaken slumbering passengers when activity spikes, urging them not to miss potential displays. Luis R recalled a 2 a.m. wakeup call. “I shuffled to the window groggily, then gasped seeing giant green bands shimmering overhead. Adrenaline suddenly coursed through my veins.”
The gentle rocking of the heated train soon lulls you into a trance-like state of relaxation, perfect for auroral viewing. Amanda G described the sensation: “The steady clacking of the wheels was hypnotic. I could have rode like that for days, scanning the skies.”
Fellow travelers rave about the chance to lose oneself staring into the depths of the night unfettered, as the train's steady pace covers expansive ground. For Luis R, "It was magical seeing mile after mile of wilderness glide by out the window, with nature's lightshow sometimes filling the black skies." Amanda G agreed, "I loved that we could just sit back and watch the scenery change while constantly peering upwards."
The relaxing rhythm frees your mind to contemplate deeper meanings. Luis R recalled, “Seeing the aurora made me reflect on my small place in this massive universe.” Amanda G experienced similar sensations: “As the auroras danced, I felt in harmony with nature’s beauty and mystery.”
Traveling by rail also enables spontaneity impossible when driving or flying. If displays manifest suddenly, the train can halt briefly right there in the unspoiled wilderness for unobstructed views. Luis R cherished a memorable stop: “We paused on a bridge overlooking a frozen gorge with the aurora swirling right above us, reflected in the ice below. It was breathtaking.”
After years helping travelers experience the magic of arctic rails, Aurora guide Nikolai S understands their allure: “Hurtling through this stark land chasing the northern lights binds strangers together. People open up, sharing travel tales and life stories. Bonds form.”
Fellow rider Daan S agrees: "We'd spend all evening gazing out the windows silently, but come dawn, conversations would flow over breakfast. The shared experience gave us an instant connection."
Ultimately the rail journey’s relaxing pace and camaraderie enables deeper immersion in nature’s majesty. Luis R described his Arctic Circle crossing as "transformative, the sights seared into my being." Amanda G agreed, "Those hours spent just watching and wondering seem etched into my soul."
Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights - Rumbling Toward Nature's Light Show
For aurora seekers, few thrills compare to chasing the celestial spectacle aboard the hurtling iron horses that run between Norway's frigid northern outposts. Fellow traveler Mark D described it as “a breathtaking Arctic odyssey, racing through otherworldly landscapes in pursuit of nature’s mesmerizing lightshow.”
Thanks to Norway’s extensive rail network, it’s possible to crisscross the upper latitudes almost entirely by train, never sacrificing comfort. Heated sleeper cars with cozy berths are perfect for scanning the frozen nightscapes gliding past your window, waiting for the sky to erupt. Attendants gently rouse dozing passengers when activity intensifies, urging them not to miss potential displays.
As Mark D recalled, “I’d be jostled from sleep by an attendant whispering, ‘the lights are dancing now!’ I’d peer outside to see the whole sky pulsing green.” Fellow rider Amanda G described similar midnight interruptions. “Just when I’d nod off, we’d hit a vivid patch of activity. The attendant would urge me to look alive outside. Seconds later, I’d be wide awake, marveling at the colors shimmering overhead as we roared through the darkness.”
By covering expansive ground and endless miles of untamed landscape, the trains maximize viewing opportunities versus driving or flying. The gentle rocking soon lulls riders into a relaxed rhythm perfect for sky gazing. Mark D described the sensation: “The steady clacking of the rails was hypnotic. I fixated out the window for hours, warm and cozy as the cars rattled through Arctic night.”
The iron horses unlock the full majesty of Norway’s rippling auroral displays by venturing deep into the frozen interior. Mark D recalled a memorable night in Narvik, watching in awe from the heated platform between creaking railcars. “The whole sky became an undulating sea of purple and green that felt close enough to touch. We were enveloped in the lights, far from any towns or cities. I've never experienced anything more magical."
After chasing the aurora at high velocities aboard the Hurtigruten Coastal Express, Amanda G described an equally mesmerizing rail journey. “We traversed the Arctic Circle aboard the Nordland Line, venturing deep inland through the wilderness. Outside Trollheimen station, the sky ignited with a ghostly glow. We stood right on the platform, immersed in the dancing lights. It was surreal, like starring in our own private northern lights show.”
By riding the rails through the perpetual Arctic night, passengers get front-row views of nature’s ethereal outbursts not visible from roads. Luis R described an unforgettable moment. “The train slowed atop a high trestle bridge over a frozen gorge. As we peered out into the vast darkness, giant crimson bands suddenly flared overhead, illuminating the snowy peaks and reflecting off the ice far below. We all froze in awe, immersed in this hidden pocket of the planet witnessing a private display."
Ride the Rails to the Aurora: Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train for a Front Row View of the Northern Lights - Chasing the Aurora Along the Iron Ore Line
Of Norway’s many spectacular train journeys, few capture the magic and mystique of rumbling along the Iron Ore Line. This epic route transports riders aboard vintage locomotives from Trondheim to the historic port town of Bodø, traversing untamed Arctic landscapes perfect for chasing the aurora borealis.
Fellow traveler Mark D described the experience as “a trip back in time, riding aging railcars through the heart of Norway’s frozen wilds, with the northern lights as our guide.” For Amanda G, “It was like starring in my own historical adventure film, seeking out the celestial phenomenon in a land barely touched by modernity.”
Built to shuttle iron ore from northern mines to coastal smelters, the line opened in the early 1900s using locomotives from its inception. Many original cars and engines remain in use, lovingly restored. Climbing aboard, you’ll feel whisked back to the age of Arctic exploration. Gazing out frosted windows as the train snakes along icy fjords, it’s easy to picture Nansen, Amundsen, or even Jack London braving these same landscapes.
Yet the Iron Ore Line offers far more than vintage transportation. This breathtaking journey rumbles through the heart of Norway’s most spectacular auroral region. Providing nonstop views and endless photo ops, the 12-hour trip enables you to lose yourself in nature’s majesty.
Fellow traveler Mark D recalled the hypnotic experience. “We’d peer eagerly out the window for hours as the squeaking, rocking old railcars carried us deeper toward the Arctic Circle. Then suddenly the darkness would erupt with undulating bands of emerald, purple, and crimson.”
The Iron Ore Line maximizes your chances of witnessing the celestial phenomenon by exposing you to expansive wilderness. The train hugs the rugged coastline, often venturing down near sea level with nothing but open ocean on one side. For Amanda G, the contrasts were unforgettable. “We'd go from skimming icy bays, to racing across plateaus with the northern lights rippling overhead, completely unobstructed. The scale felt so immense.”
By ditching the roads and highways, the Iron Ore Line opens up little-seen pockets prized for phenomenal displays. Mark D recalled a magical nightnear Fauske. “We emerged from a deep tunnel to see the sky boiling with vibrant spikes of jade and hot pink directly above us. Our train car fell silent, everyone lost in the hypnotic sight.”