Staying where the northern lights dance
Finland
© Octola Lodge
Some moments in life are almost too magical to be real. Moments like this: I was outside my cabin at Octola Lodge in Lapland, the snow was pristine, the air was crisp and then, right on cue, the northern lights began to shimmer and swirl above me. It was the kind of beauty that leaves you breathless, like you’ve stepped into a dream. But that’s what Octola Lodge is – a place to experience the impossible, where nature and luxury blend seamlessly. Your own private wilderness in northern Finland.
Octola is a great lodge for multi-generational experiences, with winter wonderland fun for everyone. From sledding and skating to sleigh rides and snowmobiles, the whole family can relish the unspoilt countryside. Of course, it’s open all year round but it’s extra-special in winter.
A secret hideaway
A secret hideaway
I’ve always craved the kind of travel that takes me off the beaten path, and Octola Lodge was exactly that, a hidden sanctuary deep in the heart of Finnish Lapland. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for something special. The lodge is surrounded by dense forests and fields of snow that stretch endlessly in every direction. As soon as I stepped into my luxurious Arctic-chic cabin, I felt the warmth of the fire embrace me. The view from my window? Endless white wilderness, as far as the eye could see. I hadn’t even unpacked but I already felt the pull of the wild outside.
A magical moment
A magical moment
Seeing the northern lights for the first time will leave you speechless. Literally, and your mouth might even drop open in wonder. All bundled up, and with a hot cup of tea, I waited outside, eyes fixed on the sky. At first, it was only stars twinkling against a dark canvas, but then ribbons of green and violet slowly began to dance. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud, like a kid seeing their first fireworks. It’s funny how something so vast can make you feel small yet so alive. In that moment, it wasn’t just the lights that had me mesmerised, it was the complete silence. I felt like the only person on earth.
A natural wonder
The northern lights, also called the aurora borealis, are a stunning natural light display in the night sky, primarily visible in the high-latitude regions of the Arctic. They occur when charged particles from the sun, known as the solar wind, collide with the earth’s atmosphere. These collisions excite the gases in the atmosphere, causing them to emit light in various colours, most commonly green but sometimes red, blue or purple. It’s a spectacle like no other.
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© Octola Lodge
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© Octola Lodge
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© Octola Lodge
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© Octola Lodge
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© Octola Lodge
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© Octola Lodge
Finland for foodies
Finland for foodies
Octola Lodge is more than just a wonderful place to lay your head, it’s a feast for the senses. Each meal was an experience in itself, meticulously prepared by the lodge’s private chef using locally-sourced ingredients. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing the food on my plate came from the land and lakes around me. Each bite felt like I was tasting a little piece of Finland’s soul. And after a day of adventure, there was nothing better than enjoying a warm meal by the fire, watching the snowfall softly outside.
Stillness in wilderness
What truly made my time at Octola Lodge unforgettable wasn’t just the adventures or the incredible food. It was the stillness. In a world where we’re all constantly rushing, you can come here to slow down. Some days I didn’t venture far from the lodge. Instead, I enjoyed the sauna, where I’d let the heat wash over me before stepping out into the icy cold. Other times, I’d simply sit by the window, watching as the sky turned from pale blue to inky black, waiting to see if the northern lights would make an encore. There’s a kind of peace here that stays with you long after you leave.
By: George Müller December 2024
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