Northern Lights Tour from Australia – Women’s Lapland Adventure September 2026

The Northern Lights trip that doesn’t require you to freeze.

Six days in Finnish Lapland and Northern Norway – aurora hunting, Arctic culture and a King crab feast – in temperatures you can actually enjoy. For women making the long journey to Finnish Lapland, a small group tour transforms a complex international trip into a seamless, unforgettable Arctic adventure.

CLOSED FOR BOOKINGS

Register your interest for the next Lapland Women’s trip here!

Why September?

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 – and can drop a little below zero overnight. The lakes are still open, creating stunning aurora reflections on the water. The landscape glows with Ruska, the Arctic autumn colours. The tourists are gone. The Northern Lights have already returned.

It’s the version of Lapland that most people don’t know exists. This trip is built around it.

About this trip

This six-day women-only adventure takes you deep into Finnish Lapland and across the border into Northern Norway for one of the most extraordinary experiences you can have in the natural world – without sacrificing your comfort to get it.

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 – including a King crab boat safari in the Arctic Ocean and a visit to the Sámi Museum in Inari.

Everything is taken care of. Every transfer, every meal, every aurora alert, every activity. Erin is with you for the entire journey, from pre-departure planning through to the final morning. Your only job is to show up.

Features and benefits

The Northern Lights without the brutal cold.

September temperatures sit between 0-10°C – manageable, packable and nothing like the winter extremes most people picture. We’ll send you a full packing list so you arrive knowing exactly what to bring.

Multiple aurora opportunities, not just one night.

Several guided hunts in areas of extremely low light pollution, plus your cottage sits in a prime viewing location. The aurora can appear any night – you’ll never miss it.

A bucket-list day in Northern Norway.

King crab boat safari, a feast of freshly caught crab, a visit to the fishing village of Bugyøynes and the option to swim in the Arctic Ocean. This day 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. Completely beginner-friendly.

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. Not sightseeing. Understanding.

Fully hosted, entirely taken care of.

Erin is with you for the entire journey. Pre-departure planning, packing guidance, on-ground coordination, aurora alerts, shared meals – everything is handled so you can be fully present.

Who is this trip for

This trip is for you if you’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights but assumed it would be too cold, too complicated, or too lonely to do on your own.

It’s ideal if you:

• Dream of seeing the aurora without extreme winter temperatures
• Want to travel with a small, warm, like-minded group of women
• Appreciate expert hosting and thoughtful planning
• Are drawn to photography, culture and nature – no experience required
• Want support before and during the trip so you can fully relax into the experience
• Prefer travel that goes deeper than a standard tourist itinerary

You don’t need to be an experienced traveller. You just need to want to be there.

FAQ

The Northern Lights

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

The honest answer is that no one can guarantee a natural phenomenon – not us, not anyone. The Northern Lights depend on solar activity, cloud cover and clear skies, all of which can change quickly.

What we can do is give you the best possible chance. This trip is built around multiple guided aurora hunts in areas with extremely low light pollution, with experienced guides who track forecasts closely and move quickly when conditions look good.

Your accommodation is also in a prime viewing location, which means you have opportunities on every clear night – not just during scheduled tours.

September has excellent aurora activity, and with five nights in Lapland, your odds are genuinely strong. Most guests on Lapland trips in this season do see the lights. But we’d rather be honest with you upfront than promise something the sky decides.

Why September and not winter?

Winter (December-February) is what most people picture when they think of Lapland – deep snow, extreme cold and temperatures that can drop to -25°C or lower. September gives you aurora conditions with none of that.

Temperatures sit between 0-10°C, which is genuinely manageable with the right layers. The lakes are still open, creating beautiful reflections that make aurora photography even more spectacular. The autumn colours – called Ruska – are at their peak.

There are far fewer tourists, meaning a calmer, more immersive experience. For women who want the aurora without the extreme conditions, September is the answer most people don’t know exists.

What should I wear? Will I be cold?

You will feel the cold, especially on evening aurora hunts when you may be standing still outdoors for extended periods. But 0-10°C is very manageable with the right preparation – think good thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, a wind and waterproof outer layer and quality gloves, hat and warm socks.

It can drop a little below zero overnight. All confirmed travellers receive a full packing list with specific recommendations for what to bring – including what is and isn’t worth buying versus hiring locally.

You will not need the full Arctic winter kit required in December through to March.

Solo travel and belonging

I’m travelling solo – will I feel comfortable?

Most women on this trip will come on their own. The small group size – up to 12 women – means this feels nothing like a large tour. You’ll share meals together, travel to activities together and spend evenings watching the sky together. That shared experience creates connection very quickly. By the second day, most people feel like they’ve known each other for years.

Solo travellers consistently tell me this kind of trip is the best travel decision they’ve ever made.

Who else will be on this trip?

Women who have wanted to see the Northern Lights for years and finally decided to stop waiting. Women who travel solo and want a supported, social experience. Women who want something that goes deeper than a standard holiday. There’s no single age or background – what the group shares is curiosity, openness and a willingness to be present for something extraordinary.

Logistics and getting there

How do I get to Ivalo from Australia?

There’s no direct flight from Australia to Finnish Lapland. The most common routing is Sydney or Melbourne – a European hub (Helsinki, London, or Amsterdam) – Ivalo Airport (IVL), which is the closest airport to Utsjoki. Total travel time is typically 30-36+ hours depending on connections. Finnair flies Helsinki-Ivalo and is the most reliable option for the final leg. We recommend booking flights as early as possible as the Helsinki-Ivalo route has limited seats. Full flight guidance is provided to all confirmed travellers.

Do I need a visa for Finland or Norway?

Australian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Finland or Norway for tourism. Both countries are part of the Schengen Area and Australians are granted visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Always check the latest entry requirements via Smart Traveller before departure, as requirements can change.

Can my dietary requirements be catered for?

Yes – please let us know your dietary requirements when you book and we’ll communicate these to our guides and meal providers in advance. Meals on this trip are fully included and prepared for the group, so the more notice you give us the better. Common requirements including vegetarian and gluten-free are manageable with advance notice.

What’s included in the €2,620 price?

Included: five nights in a shared cottage with private sauna, full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner daily), return transfers from Ivalo Airport, all transport to included activities, multiple guided Northern Lights hunts, the mini aurora photography workshop, the Northern Norway day trip including King crab safari and feast, guided wilderness hike with outdoor fire lunch, Utsjoki village tour, Sámi Museum visit in Inari, 24/7 local guide support, pre-departure planning support and packing guidance and lifetime access to the Lapland Lowdown Membership Portal.

Not included: international and domestic flights, travel insurance (mandatory), single room upgrades, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, camera equipment, optional activities not in the itinerary, gratuities and any medical or visa costs.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes. You can secure your spot with a €400 deposit, with the remaining balance paid in the lead-up to departure. Get in touch at bookings@travelfromaustralia.com.au if you’d like to discuss payment options.

Practical questions

What is the Lapland Lowdown and why is it included?

The Lapland Lowdown is Travel From Australia’s own membership portal – a library of guides, videos, checklists and planning tools built specifically for Australians travelling to Finnish Lapland. It covers everything from packing and photography to what to do if you miss the aurora on a clear night. All travellers on this trip receive lifetime access, which means you can start preparing before departure and revisit everything after you return. It’s valued at A$197 and is included in your trip cost.

Is this trip LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Absolutely. This is a welcoming, inclusive space for all women. Everyone is welcome here.

Reasons to act now

This trip is limited to 12 women – and some spots are already taken.

September 2026 is closer than it feels. International flights from Australia to Finland need to be booked well in advance, particularly the Helsinki–Ivalo leg which has limited seats and 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.

Still have questions? Contact Erin today: bookings@travelfromaustralia.com.au

Experience the magic of Lapland with our exclusive Lapland Group Trips, designed for families, solo travellers, friends and adventurous women seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From husky sledding and reindeer safaris to chasing the Northern Lights and unwinding in a traditional sauna, each itinerary blends adventure, connection and the raw beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with yourself, strengthen family bonds, or make new friends, these carefully curated journeys offer the perfect balance of thrill, tranquillity, and unforgettable moments.