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Get a seat at a cool event for a group of geeks before the AWS re:Invent 2024 conference
Amazing Northern Lights
With Michael "Monty" Widenius
Lapland, Finland
Tell me about this tour!
Let us know that you are interested in this event and we will send you more detailed information when the Adventure is ready!
Hunt for the Northern Lights by snowmobile, Meet the Husky, and try an unforgettable experience of Reindeer Sleigh Ride and Swimming in an Ice Hole!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If we're lucky, Lapland will reveal the most incredible colors in the sky. Are you ready to embark on this adventure with the creator of MySQL and MariaDB?
Picture this: gliding across a snow-covered wilderness on a snowmobile as the evening sky transforms into a vibrant dance of colors. We’ll hunt for the Northern Lights under the vast Arctic stars. Furthermore, you'll meet friendly huskies, take a ride in sleds pulled by reindeer, and try your hand at ice fishing!
You’ll immerse yourself in a real Finnish sauna, followed by a plunge into a pristine Arctic Bath (a hole in the ice). Our small private group will allow you to connect and share this experience with like-minded people.
This kind of journey offers the rare chance to escape into the heart of a winter wonderland and embrace the magical, serene beauty of the North.
Picture this: gliding across a snow-covered wilderness on a snowmobile as the evening sky transforms into a vibrant dance of colors. We’ll hunt for the Northern Lights under the vast Arctic stars. Furthermore, you'll meet friendly huskies, take a ride in sleds pulled by reindeer, and try your hand at ice fishing!
You’ll immerse yourself in a real Finnish sauna, followed by a plunge into a pristine Arctic Bath (a hole in the ice). Our small private group will allow you to connect and share this experience with like-minded people.
This kind of journey offers the rare chance to escape into the heart of a winter wonderland and embrace the magical, serene beauty of the North.
Rovaniemi is the nearest city to our adventure, located just by the Arctic Circle (in Finnish - Napapiiri).
From here, you can experience the breathtaking Northern Lights of Finland, a natural phenomenon visible above the Arctic Circle. Known as the Aurora Borealis, they are caused by solar particles colliding with Earth's magnetic field, creating a stunning display of colorful lights in the sky. This magical spectacle is visible from September to March, when the nights are longest and the skies darkest.
From here, you can experience the breathtaking Northern Lights of Finland, a natural phenomenon visible above the Arctic Circle. Known as the Aurora Borealis, they are caused by solar particles colliding with Earth's magnetic field, creating a stunning display of colorful lights in the sky. This magical spectacle is visible from September to March, when the nights are longest and the skies darkest.
Who Else Is Going
- Finnish software programmer. The main author of the original version of the open source MySQL database.
- MariaDB Foundation, Chief of Staff
- Founder at Percona
Adventure Highlights
What’s included?
Does not include:
- Accommodation, double rooms (3 nights at Kammi Glass Igloo Suites);
- Transportation from/to airport;
- Breakfasts;
- One Welcome Dinner;
- Night Snowmobile Private Safari;
- Private Reindeer Sleigh Ride to Ice Fishing;
- Meeting and riding the cutest sled husks;
- Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath (a hole in the ice);
- Custom souvenirs.
Does not include:
- Lunches and Dinners;
- Flights to Rovaniemi.
Daily Schedule
*The program timings are approximate and may change slightly.
3 pm
Transfer From the Airport
4 pm
Check-in
6 pm - 7 pm
Welcome Dinner
Transfer From the Airport
4 pm
Check-in
6 pm - 7 pm
Welcome Dinner
8 am -10 am
Breakfast
12 pm - 2 pm
Husky Adventure
3 pm - 4 pm
lunch
4 pm - 6 pm
Walks & Free Time
6 pm - 8 pm
Dinner
8:30 pm
Night Snowmobile Private Safari
Breakfast
12 pm - 2 pm
Husky Adventure
3 pm - 4 pm
lunch
4 pm - 6 pm
Walks & Free Time
6 pm - 8 pm
Dinner
8:30 pm
Night Snowmobile Private Safari
8 am -10 am
Breakfast
1 pm - 3 pm
Reindeer Sleigh Ride to Ice Fishing
3 pm - 4 pm
lunch
5 pm - 7 pm
Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath
7 pm - 8 pm
Dinner
Breakfast
1 pm - 3 pm
Reindeer Sleigh Ride to Ice Fishing
3 pm - 4 pm
lunch
5 pm - 7 pm
Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath
7 pm - 8 pm
Dinner
Check out & Departure
Journey back to a time when the people of Lapland navigated frozen landscapes in sleighs pulled by reindeer, braving the Arctic chill to fish beneath thick layers of ice. This Adventure combines two iconic Arctic traditions, offering you an authentic glimpse into the life of a true Laplander!
Stunning Lapland Nature
Experience the stunning nature and diverse fauna of Lapland, where vast forests, frozen lakes, and snow-covered landscapes create an unparalleled winter wonderland. Encounter reindeer, huskies, and the occasional sighting of the elusive Arctic wildlife.
Click on "Book Now" and complete the participant form. After that, we recommend making your advance payment right away to secure your spot. We’ll assemble a team of like-minded geeks eager to explore Amazing Lapland. Not only will you have an amazing time, but you'll also gain valuable networking opportunities!
Adventure highlights photos
REVIEWS
We told them if they didn’t leave a review, they wouldn’t come down the mountain
I had an incredible experience rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada! It was my first time climbing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure. The scenery, climb, and the amazing group of people I got to share it with made it awesome. I highly recommend, if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity and a chance to meet great people.
I think it is an easy climb if you are not fat. I am fat.
It was a great intro into high altitude mountaineering. The itinerary was great. Maybe an overnight trip sneakjng through the Iranian border would make it more adventurous, but not as legal :)
It was a great intro into high altitude mountaineering. The itinerary was great. Maybe an overnight trip sneakjng through the Iranian border would make it more adventurous, but not as legal :)
It was a good balance between teamwork and individual challenges to complete various gymnastic exercises. I was challenged to test my balance, muscle strength, and running on vertical surfaces to reach the top of the structure. We had fun, supported each other, and collaborated to find the best approach to completing the tasks. I believe this could be a great training for trekking and hiking! I had a fantastic time at the Geeks go Ninja!
It was a great trip, the perfect one for the people who wanted to start their journey with the high altitude climbing.
It was great. The trek was straightforward, but altitude made it more difficult and at the end, the weather made it a challenge
I liked that we made stops to swim, by the waterfall and on the last day we were able to visit Ishak Pasha and the baths. The mini 3D-printed Ararat was a nice touch!
I liked that we made stops to swim, by the waterfall and on the last day we were able to visit Ishak Pasha and the baths. The mini 3D-printed Ararat was a nice touch!
My friend Peter invited me to his pre conference ‘Geeks go Peaks’ event, and I immediately accepted because he loves adventure, and his events are never dull. I am complete out of shape and didn’t know anyone going, but I knew it would be fun. In keeping with Peter’s roots in the open source software community. The group was welcoming and cheered me on to try new things! I made some new friends, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this group will grow community and explore opportunities for connection and adventure.
Thank you so much for ogranizing this. It was one of the best trips in my life. Excellent! And so many interesting new people. Waiting for more photos in the shared album :)
Ararat adventure was an experience I’ll never forget! Big thanks to Geeks Go Peaks! The trip was better than I expected. The videos on Youtube do not reflect full wild experience you get during the trip. Before the trip I was a bit nervous, nit sure how I will handle the height and difficulty. After the trip I felt good, because all went well and most of the group achieved summit. I liked the itinerary and good company! I want to say big thanks! Ararat adventure was great and I will have great memories for life.
Climbing Mount Ararat is an opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy breathtaking views. Personally, I gained emotions not only from the climb itself, but also from the time spent with a great team of like-minded people. I made new acquaintances with wonderful individuals. And Kurdish hospitality evokes nothing but warm feelings. Of course, the nature — you can watch the starry sky endlessly, far from city lights.
The sunrise at the summit during the climb is not only a sight to admire,
but also a hope for the upcoming warmth, meaning my gear held up — I won’t freeze!) Most importantly, such an adventure allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and feel truly connected to yourself — a part of nature!
The sunrise at the summit during the climb is not only a sight to admire,
but also a hope for the upcoming warmth, meaning my gear held up — I won’t freeze!) Most importantly, such an adventure allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and feel truly connected to yourself — a part of nature!
It was an amazing trip with incredible people. Climbing a mountain over 5,000 meters was a first for me, and now I’m craving even more adventures. Looking forward to the next trip!
The trip went by too fast, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. This is a great adventure for techies, and everything was described pretty much as it was. It was a great experience—somewhat hard, but not as challenging as Aconcagua, obviously. Great job!
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