Saint Patrick's Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It commemorates Saint Patrick the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
The annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival has been held since 1963. It is one of the world's four largest ice and snow festivals. It had been interrupted for a number of years during the Cultural Revolution until it was resumed in 1985.
An annual tradition in the Netherlands is the New Year’s Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik in Dutch) taken by some 10,000 people into the icy cold waters of the North Sea at Scheveningen Beach.
Lofoten is known for excellent fishing and nature attractions, small villages off the beaten track, whale- and huskey safaris. The area has a lot to offer, specially in the winter with the Northern Light that lights up the sky.
Lofoten is located at the 68th and 69th parallels north of the Arctic Circle in North Norway. It is well known for its natural beauty within Norway. The Lofoten Islands are characterized by their mountains and peaks, sheltered inlets, stretches of seashore and large virgin areas.
The area is stunning in the winter when you have a chance to see the amazing Northern Light and combine it with activities as (Alpine) skiing and a seasafari (dress warm!).
For outdoor activities Lofoten is the perfect place. Lofoten offers many rock climbing and mountaineering opportunities. It has 24 hours of daylight in the summer and has Alpine-style ridges, summits and glaciers, but at a height of less than 1,200 metres.
One of the most popular activities in the winter is ofcourse the Huskey Safari. Dragged by six huskeys you go into the beautiful nature. If you do the safari at night do not forget to loop up, as there is a big chance to see the Northern Light!
Oh as for a tip: Do not forget to cover your ears, as it can get cold! :-)
Also there are possibilities for Surfing and Cycling. The route hugs the coastline for most of its length where it is generally flat. As it turns inland through the mountain passes there are a couple of 3-400 meter climbs.
The best time to go is when you want to see a once in a lifetime experience : The Northern Light or Aurora. This is a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude regions. There are only a few places in the world where you can experience this and here in Norway this is in one of the best.
Check beforehand with your tour operator when and where to go exactly. We went with Voigt Travel (www.noordnoorwegen.nl) and they make sure you will get the best experience. To see such a wonder of nature you will never forget!
