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• The Most Epic (and Luxurious) Ways to See the Northern Lights

Chasing the Aurora Borealis, from Iceland to Alaska and the ends of the earth.

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Denali National Park, Alaska

Perhaps one of the most exclusive spots to view the Northern Lights is Sheldon Chalet , a five-bedroom luxury mountain retreat set upon five private acres within Alaska ’s Denali National Park. Fronted by the Alaska Range and within 10 miles of Denali’s summit, the family-run chalet is accessible only by air or helicopter service from Anchorage and nearby Talkeetna. That’s not to say you’re on your own upon arrival: An on-site concierge and guide ensure you stay active (or not), and the resident chef prepares mouth-watering meals featuring flavors of Alaska’s bounty. (Available year-round; pricing from $2,300 per person, per night.)

Denali National Park’s Sheldon Chalet  Photo: Chris Burkard

Southern Iceland

When it comes to viewing the Northern Lights, the area of Southern Iceland in which Hotel Ranga is located is considered one of the best places in the world. Fortunately, a stay at the hotel is part of the four-night Northern Lights in Iceland fully-customizable itinerary offered by Scott Dunn . In addition to watching the lights dance overhead, your time in Iceland may be spent exploring Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, as well as hiking on glaciers. (Available through March 2019, and October 2019 through March 2020; pricing begins at $4,600 per person in low season, and $5,600 per person in high season.)

The Aurora Borealis at Iceland’s Skógafoss Waterfall  Photo: Courtesy of Scott Dunn

Tromsø, Norway

Spend time touring Tromsø, Norway and the neighboring islands of Kvaløya, Breivikeidet, and the South Lyngen region by chauffeured Tesla, available to you 24/7, when you book the three-night Aurora in Bed itinerary with Off the Map Travel . When you’ve finished for the day, return to Villa Telegrafbukta for meals prepared by your own private chef. Afterward, bundle up and snuggle in for a night of viewing the Aurora Borealis on your private rooftop balcony, complete with a king-size bed outfitted with layers of sheep’s wool, pillows, and goose-down duvets. The adjoining master bedroom features floor-to-ceiling sliding windows for indoor viewings, too. (Available through March 2019, and September 2019 through March 2020; pricing begins at $3,089 per person, based on a group of six adults.)

Off the Map Travel’s Aurora in Bed Experience  Photo: Ole Mortensen

Lofoten Islands

Set sail aboard a private yacht in search of the Aurora Borealis when you customize a Lofoten Islands: Ski and Sail Beneath the Northern Lights itinerary with Black Tomato . Not only will you enjoy time cruising Norway’s picturesque fjords, but carving its world-class powder slopes, too. On this trip, you’ll want to get your sea and ski legs ready. (Available through May 2019, and February through May 2020; pricing from $7,467 per person.)

The Aurora Borealis at Lofoten Islands  Photo: Steve King

It was a small expedition hosted by Geoffrey Kent , co-founder of Abercrombie & Kent, in March 2018 that inspired the outfitter’s nine-day Northern Lights of Lapland journey. Over the course of the trip, guests travel above the Arctic Circle in search of the lights in Finnish and Swedish Lapland , as well as cruise aboard an icebreaker, try their hands at ice fishing, and enjoy dogsledding and snowshoeing en route. (Available December 2019, and January through March 2020; pricing from $8,395 per person.)

Dogsledding in Lapland with Abercrombie & Kent  Photo: Courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent

Scandinavia

Butterfield & Robinson invites you to strap on a pair of snowshoes and seek out the Northern Lights in the Scandinavian countryside as part of its fully-customizable six-night Scandinavia Winter Journey. For more relaxed viewing experiences, you’ll also enjoy overnight stays at inspired hotels, including glass-domed igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finnish Lapland, and Arctic view rooms at Santa’s Hotel Aurora in Luosto Village. (Available through March 2019, and December 2019 through March 2020; pricing begins at $9,995 per person.)

The Northern Lights at Santa’s Hotel Aurora  Photo: Courtesy of Butterfield & Robinson

Northern Finland

If you’d rather sit and stay awhile to watch the lights dance overhead, make reservations at the 13-room Jávri Lodge in the far north of Finland. Though its location is 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle , you’ll enjoy personalized concierge service to ensure your stay meets every expectation. When it comes to meals, local and organic ingredients, like fish from Lake Inari and cloudberries, are thoughtfully prepared and represent the flavors of Lapland. (Available through April 2019, and August 2019 through April 2020; pricing from $1,920 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.)

The Northern Lights at Jávri Lodge  Photo: Courtesy of Jávri Lodge

Take the reins and guide your team of reindeer through the night in search of the Northern Lights. Or watch the show surrounded by 350 huskies. You can even sail under the lights aboard a 12-passenger polar catamaran. These are all options available on Kensington Tours ’ five-day In Search of the Northern Lights voyage through Tromsø, Norway. According to the outfitter, “Tromsø is right in the middle of the planet’s Northern Lights belt, and any flare of solar storms on the surface of the sun will be spotted here.” (Available through March 2019, and December 2019 through March 2020; pricing from $2,180 per person.)

The Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, Norway  Photo: Marcelo Quinan

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Northern Lights Tours & Vacations

Unpredictable and awe-inspiringly beautiful, the Northern Lights are nature’s most dazzling display.

Our Northern Lights trips take you to some of the world’s best locations for witnessing this spectacular event. Whether it’s heading to Iceland’s remote Lake Myvatn, cruising among Greenland’s glaciers, watching the lights dance across the Canadian Rockies  or traveling by dogsled into Finland’s northern wilds, Northern Lights tours with Intrepid give you the best seats in the house for one of this galaxy’s most stunning natural performances.

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Where can you see the Northern Lights?

Northern lights travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are at their peak from late September to late March.

Where can I see the Northern Lights?

The best places to see the Northern Lights are all located in the “Auroral zone” – an area that stretches around the Northern Hemisphere at a latitude of about 66 to 69 degrees north – including parts of:

What causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with elements in our atmosphere (such as nitrogen and oxygen), creating brightly colored dancing displays of light.

Am I guaranteed to see the Northern Lights?

While Northern Light displays can never be guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon, our local leaders do their best to ensure you get to see nature’s greatest spectacle.

Can the Northern Lights be predicted?

Yes, the Northern Lights can be predicted to some extent.

The activity level of the Northern Lights depends on many things (of which some are predictable and some are somewhat random), including sunspots, coronal holes, solar flares and geomagnetic activity.

If you’re not an astronomer, your best bet is to check the local Aurora forecast – a KP-index number of 3 or higher means you have a good chance of seeing the Lights.

Can I see the Northern Lights with the naked eye?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights with the naked eye. Humans can most easily see the green and white of the lights at night. A camera, however, does not have the same limitations as the human eye, so the colors may appear brighter and more brilliant in photos.

Can I photograph the Northern Lights?

Of course! There is no magic recipe for capturing the Northern Lights. Still, you’ll want to set your camera on a tripod and ensure it has a manual mode functionality, so you can adjust the aperture and shutter speed to capture the spectacular display best.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

The Luxury Arctic Travel Co

Available 7 days a week – once your enquiry has been accepted you will have phone/whatsapp/text access 7 days a week.

Minimum duration of 6 nights, and minimum spend of £7,500 GBP / $8,500 USD per person applicable to all bookings.

+ 44 (0) 203 761 7078

[email protected]

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a huge draw for anyone on a luxury Scandinavia or Arctic holiday – we specialise in ensuring you see them from the most remote spot possible with as little light pollution as possible – they are best viewed at certain times of year and we hope to outline this for you here. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) can be hard and rare to see, making it even more special when they do grace the night sky. We will do our best to maximise your luxury Northern Lights experience, and ensure you are in the best place at the best time giving you the highest chance to seeing them.

Best Time To See The Northern Lights in Alaska : in September and March, between 12h30-04h30 (AM).

Best Time To See The Northern Lights in Iceland : late August to Mid April – anytime from 18h00.

Best Time To See The Northern Lights in Norway : October to March – anytime from 18h00.

Best Time To See The Northern Lights in Sweden : December to February – anytime from 18h00.

Best Time To See The Northern Lights in Finland : mid August to early April – anytime from 18h00.

Chances of seeing the famed Northern Lights are around 40% on clear nights only. When doing a luxury tour of Scandinavia or Alaska the chances of seeing them (if you go at the right time) are high as you will generally do holidays of 7 to 10 nights, meaning that at some point along the route you should be lucky enough to have a clear night with the Northern Lights displaying in all their splendour.

All of our luxury lodges and hotels maximise your chances by having huge open windows and really making the most of the views, some of them will even have Northern Lights alarms to ensure you can get a good nights’ rest, only being woken when the magic of the Northern Lights begins. We also have some amazing hot tubs placed perfectly to witness not only the Northern Lights but vast skies full of bright stars.

We are also able to offer night excursions in a variety of ways on any of our luxury holidays – spent well lit evenings out on a snowmobile , or with the huskies – or even snow shoeing quietly through the wilderness with an experienced guide. The vast wildernesses in Scandinavia or Alaska mean that light pollution is almost nil, making for some of the most dramatic and enchanting night skies anywhere in the world.

Every one of our luxury Northern Lights properties has expert staff on hand to help you have the best chance of seeing them – they can read the conditions and give educated guesses as to when they may appear. You won’t miss a thing on any of our luxury vacations and we want you to experience everything and anything. Our luxury tours of Scandinavia and Alaska are not just about the extreme luxury in our hotels and lodges, but the pure joy of experiencing pristine untouched wilderness.

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Luxury Northern Lights Holidays

Experience one of nature's greatest spectacles. Our luxury tailor-made Northern Lights trips can help you to witness this magical phenomenon in style!

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Northern Lights trips feature at the very top of most people’s ‘Bucket List’ and, as experts in the Aurora, we can totally understand why! Standing beneath this awesome natural wonder is breathtaking, to say the least. Whether you want to experience them in complete silence at the top of a mountain or enjoy them with the roar of a snowmobile engine as your theme tune as you fly through the snowy forests we can help!

We are proud to say that all of our experienced Adventure Artists have been lucky enough to witness this natural phenomenon in many different ways and in many different countries. This allows us to share our personal experiences and recommendations from our own Northern Lights trips to guide you and help to make your Northern Lights holidays a reality by designing your perfect trip.

Iceland offers something a little different than its fellow Nordic counterparts. Despite its name Iceland isn’t always guaranteed to have snow; being an island, the weather is fairly changeable and  you might well have rain, wind, clear skies, or everything all in one day but we think this just adds to the drama! The best time to travel there searching for the Aurora is from September onwards where you can do a range of self-drives, private tours, or city breaks with excursions out of the city. Iceland has incredible scenery to explore from waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

Take a look at Northern Lights Holidays in Iceland .

Norway is a fantastic destination to visit for the Aurora. Much like its neighbours Finland and Sweden you need to head north to get yourself in some of the best locations to go out looking for the Northern Lights.

Tromso is a great spot to be based if you want to look at the option of a city break with excursions to take you out of the city and beyond Tromso there are some incredible locations including Senja , Lyngen Alps , and the Lofoten Islands . Heading even more north you can visit places such as Alta and Kirkenes .

Take a look at Northern Lights Holidays to Norway .

Svalbard is roughly 1500km from the North Pole and so there isn’t much further North than this. With a flight from Oslo or Tromso you will find your self on this fascinating island that in the height of winter offers the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in the morning, afternoon and night! An opportunity that isn’t possible anywhere else.

During the winter there is snowmobiling, dog sledding, and even a snowcat to go aurora hunting or discover ice caves. Svalbard is without doubt the most adventurous destination where one can truly feel like a real explorer. Take a look at Northern Lights Holidays to Svalbard .

In Sweden, Swedish Lapland is the best location for a chance of spotting the northern lights. Whilst the winter months are the most popular time to travel; it is worth remembering that autumn is also beautiful time to travel to Sweden and despite the lack of snow there are plenty of amazing activities and the same great chance of spotting the Aurora.

From Abisko to the famous ICEHOTEL , Lulea where the unique Treehotel is based, the Arctic Bath  or Arctic Retreat there are some amazing destinations on offer with perfect locations to to enjoy the variety of activities and increasing your chances of spotting the aurora.

Take a look at Northern Lights Holidays to Sweden .

© Fjellborg

If one wants to try and witness the Northern Lights from a glass cabin or igloo then Finnish Lapland certainly has plenty of options to make this happen. With most of its locations nestled in the fjells you’ll also find a lot of the accommodation in Finland has options for log cabins equipped with saunas and fireplaces.

At Christmas, you can add in private visits to see Santa Claus from the Christmas capital Rovaniemi too which makes Finland quite the winter wonderland over the festive season.

Take a look at Northern Lights Holidays to Finland .

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis (Northern Hemisphere) or Aurora Australis (Southern Hemisphere) are the result of a collision of high energy particles from the sun and atoms high in the atmosphere causing them to become what is known as excited or ionised.

When these elements in the atmosphere return back to a normal state, a proton is released in the form of light, the Aurora, and this is the awe inspiring imagery that makes Northern Lights holidays such a popular bucket list experience.

Origin of the Aurora

The energy that drives the Aurora is generated by the sun and the constant release of high energy particles causing what is called the solar wind. Just like a normal wind the strength and speed of the solar wind can change, depending on what is occurring on the surface of the sun.

Events such as Solar flares can cause a high density of these particles to be directed towards Earth so creating a solar storm with high solar wind speeds. In turn this then increases the energy in the upper atmosphere so causing large Auroral displays.

Colours of the Aurora

Aurora can come in many different colours depending on which chemical elements in the atmosphere are excited when hit buy the solar wind.

The different colours seen depend on which element is interacted with, what height they are and what state they are in. If oxygen is involved then the Aurora can be green or red, nitrogen blue or red.

When is the best time to book Northern Lights Trips?

The best time of year for northern lights trips is between September and March. The Aurora Borealis is visible from nightfall to sunrise, although the best hours are typically between 9pm and midnight. While you will need to be under open, dark skies for a clear view of the lights, the Aurora is so powerful that it can still be seen under clouds.

When booking Northern Lights trips it is also good to consider which other activities you would like to do – there is a lot to choose from and this will affect where and when you travel.

Northern Lights Myths & Legends

The northern lights have, and in some ways always will be, surrounded by myth and legend. Even the modern day solar scientists openly admit that there is so much that is still not understood – continuing to fuel appetite for stories passed from generation to generation. Although the first written account of the aurora is thought to date back to 2,600BC in China, it is a cave painting from southern France from 30,000BC which is believed to be the earliest surviving record of the phenomenon. The Bible is also believed to describe the aurora in the Old Testament *1 as well as references in ancient Greek and Roman literature*2. It’s no wonder that Northern Lights trips are so popular as it looks as though we have been fascinated with the northern lights for as long as records exist.

According to one popular Finnish myth, magical arctic foxes sweeping their tails across the snow and spraying it into the sky is the real reason for the spectacular light show. In fact, the Finnish name for the northern lights even translates as ‘fox fires’.

Old Icelandic folklore believed that the northern lights would ease the pain of childbirth. It was not all good news for mothers though – it was also thought that pregnant women looking at the lights would give birth to cross-eyed children.

Norse mythology connected the aurora borealis with war. It was believed that the lights appeared when sunlight reflected on the shiny shields of the Valkyries who were racing across the sky on the way to their resting place, Valhalla.

The Sámi people traditionally lived in a vast Arctic area of northern Sweden, Finland, Norway and Russia. With an unparalleled proximity to the northern lights a number of legends to explain the phenomenon were passed through generations.

Believing that the lights were souls of the departed, Sámi believed in behaving solemnly and respectfully whenever the lights were in the sky. Bad fortune awaited anyone who showed them disrespect so many people chose to keep their families indoors when the lights were on display.

It was also believed that if you whistle a tune under the lights, it would summon the spirits closer and closer, until you were whisked away.

On a positive note, they also believed that the lights were also considered to have the power to aid conflict resolution.

The Scandinavian name for the aurora translates as ‘herring flash’ as it was believed that the dancing whirls of green light were a reflection of huge schools of herring in the sea. Whenever the lights were visible, fishermen were expected to be blessed with good catches of fish.

According to Swedish legend, a winter with frequent displays of the northern lights served to predict a good yield of crops the following year.

In Norwegian folklore, the northern lights were thought to be the spirits of old maids dancing in the sky and waving at those below them.

Make your dream holiday a reality

We’re always happy to discuss your dream luxury Northern Lights holidays, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. The destinations for our Northern Lights trips are hand selected by our travel designers who have plenty of experience travelling in this part of the world. This wealth of experience means they can apply their expert knowledge to planning your Northern Lights holidays, helping create personally tailored Northern Lights trips to see the Aurora Borealis that you will never forget.

Simply get in touch by using one of the telephone numbers listed below, emailing us directly at [email protected] , or using our contact form.

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Our experienced and enthusiastic Adventure Artists are waiting to create your very own itinerary. Whatever you are looking for, we can help.

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Luxury Northern lights tours

Whether you’re gazing up at the Auroral Oval from a heated yurt in Alaska or a frozen lake in the Yukon, luxury northern lights tours celebrate our remote region in the best way. Mother Nature’s greatest show is a bucket list experience, and our region is the finest place to view them. Seeing the green tinges dance through the sky is a sight you’ll never forget, you won’t think of the night’s sky in the same way again! You may be visiting for the lights, but the activities in this region are the star of the show. With ice-fishing, frozen lakeside hot tubs, dog-sledding tours, and more available, the aurora is just the start.

Luxury northern lights tours with Entrée Destinations

Seeing the Aurora Borealis is never guaranteed, but our journeys give you the best chance. We know the best places to stay, the best time to visit, and the best guides to get you there. Our luxury northern lights tours ensure that your journey is always spectacular — if you see the aurora, it will feel like a bonus! Embark on a lights-tour and you will journey to areas with no light pollution in effortless comfort. We are meticulous planners and we provide 24/7 travel support that you can always depend on. Have a read of some of our sample itineraries below, our journeys are tailored to your unique needs — these are a taster of what is possible!

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An aurora is a natural light display that can appear as brilliant green, yellow, red, blue and purple light patterns, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the night sky.

The Aurora Borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space. When these particles approach Earth a few nights later, they distort our magnetic field. The excited, ionised atoms that enter our atmosphere through the poles emit light which, when emitted on a large scale, causes the phenomenon of the Southern and Northern Lights.

There is no best place to witness an aurora which, in our opinion, only adds to the mystery and appeal surrounding them. It is most frequently visible in high-latitude regions in the Arctic and Antarctica, but most accessible between 10° and 20° of the North Pole in a band called the ‘auroral zone’. It’s important to understand that this oval-shaped halo can shift slightly, and there are many factors at play that affect how bright the lights appear or if it’s possible to see them at all.

To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, be prepared to venture into the heart of the Arctic, to destinations such as Greenland, Iceland, Northern Canada and Northern Norway. While aurora activity happens year-round, the best time to witness the Northern Lights is during the long winter months, when the windows for viewing them each night are longer.

Northern Lights Cruises & Expeditions

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Northern Lights Cruises

Increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights or aurora borealis on a small ship expedition cruise that takes you deep into the Arctic , to iconic destinations such as Greenland , Iceland and Norway .

In true expedition style, we encourage exploration and adventure on our Northern Lights tours. Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights cruises offer flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you amongst the action to see and do as much as possible. Our Northern Lights adventures will take you across the seas, seeking out the Northern Lights in multiple countries and landscapes. To increase your chances of seeing the lights we move to different locations around the Arctic Circle, ensuring all bases are covered.

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Northern Lights Explorer

USD $ 17,815.50

Why Join a Northern Lights Cruise with Aurora Expeditions?

First, what is this strange natural phenomenon? An aurora is a natural light display that can appear as brilliant green, yellow, red, blue and purple light patterns, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the night sky. The aurora borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space. When these particles approach Earth a few nights later, they distort our magnetic field. The excited, ionised atoms that enter our atmosphere through the poles emit light which, when emitted on a large scale, causes the phenomenon of the Southern and Northern Lights. Northern Lights experiences are best with a dark sky as the aurora is not strong enough to outshine the sunlight.

There is no best place to witness an aurora which, in our opinion, only adds to the mystery and appeal surrounding them. This is why Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights tours don’t focus on one spot or location. The Northern Lights are most frequently visible in high-latitude regions in the Arctic, but most accessible between 10° and 20° of the North Pole in a band called the ‘auroral zone’. It’s important to understand that this oval-shaped halo can shift slightly, and there are many factors at play, like weather conditions and clear nights, that affect how bright the lights appear or if it’s possible to see them at all so our Northern Lights tour reflects this.

While aurora borealis activity happens year-round, the best time for a Northern Lights adventure is during the long winter months, when the windows for viewing them each night are longer and the skies darker. The season in the Northern Hemisphere is generally from September through April.

Unique Northern Lights Experiences

Our Northern Lights cruise sticks to the aurora zone in the Arctic Circle, but seeing the lights dance is only one part of your Northern Lights adventure. Exploring the polar regions provides you with opportunities like no other.

By night you will seek out the Northern Lights, but by day we will try to get you off the ship 2-3 times per day (depending on the weather and conditions) so you can get the most out of your time in the Arctic. Walking and bird-watching are popular activities as they offer a chance to witness the unique wildlife in the destinations you visit. 

Take a polar plunge in the icy waters of the Arctic Circle, or stay above the water on a Zodiac cruise through the fields of icebergs. Zodiac cruises allow you to get closer to some of the wildlife and landscapes you’ll see throughout your Northern Lights tour. If you have the necessary experience you should also consider adding sea kayaking to your Northern Lights itinerary.

Enrichment is an important component of our expeditions – we hope that you will leave changed and become lifelong ambassadors for the natural world and the wild, important destinations we visit. Your world-class Expedition Team will be on hand to answer your questions about the aurora borealis and how it comes to appear in the night sky, Arctic wildlife , geological formations and the history of the places we visit.

Northern Lights Cruise Regions

Greenland Northern Lights

While Greenland is one of the best countries in the world for witnessing the Northern Lights, getting there can be challenging and often what holds people back. The good news is that, once you’re there, you can see the Northern Lights from almost anywhere in the country – even in the heart of its capital city, Nuuk! This is because Greenland’s population is tiny and scattered across small, remote communities, so it has minimal light pollution. Not many Northern Lights tours go to Greenland but Aurora Expeditions Northern Lights cruises explore using a small expedition ship which makes it easy to visit the prime locations in Greenland to see the Northern Lights.

Some other superb options for aurora viewing in Greenland are Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Kulusuk and Tasiilaq.

Svalbard Northern Lights

Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Arctic for a chance to witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. However, few venture to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole, which offers exceptional conditions to see the Northern Lights, not to mention dramatic fjords, rugged mountain ranges and a huge variety of unique wildlife, including majestic polar bears.

Northern Lights Canada

Northern Canada is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada, in remote places with minimal light pollution. Nunavut in the heart of Canada’s High Arctic is a prime aurora borealis viewing country, with its close proximity to the North Pole and vast expanses of tundra. Consider visiting a remote traditional Inuit community for an unparalleled night of dazzling aurora displays.

Northern Lights Iceland

Aside from volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, one of the main reasons people have Iceland on their travel bucket list is because they dream of seeing the Northern Lights on display. Iceland is a sparsely populated country, so you don’t have to go far to get away from light pollution.

With longer hours with dark skies and clear night skies, the Westfjords and North Iceland are the best regions to head to if you want to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. There are many fantastic remote locations in South Iceland where you can witness the aurora, including the popular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The Seltjarnarnes peninsula is a prime viewing area as there is minimal light pollution. There are also plenty of places near Reykjavík you can head to if you’re short on time, including Thingvellir National Park.

Northern Lights Norway

Norway is often the first country that comes to mind when people think of the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are a prominent feature of the night sky throughout the country and have even influenced folklore and indigenous culture. Because Norway is so long, the seasons change at different times, with summer lasting longer in the south and winter lasting longer in the north. As a rule of thumb, the further north you go, the longer your window is for seeing them.

The ‘auroral zone’ starts in Northern Norway just above the Lofoten Islands and extends up the coast to the North Cape (Nordkapp) and beyond. You will observe the same light display from anywhere in this region, but from a different angle. Some of our favourite places in Northern Norway to witness the Northern Lights include Tromsø, Kirkenes, the Lofoten Islands, Bodø and the North Cape.

Northern Lights Cruise Activities

See The Northern Lights with Aurora Expeditions and our Expedition Team will take you on excursions unique to the High Arctic, fully included in the cost of your expedition. For those interested in a little extra excitement, there are optional activities designed to get you closer to the action. Our Northern Lights expeditions provide a mix of comfort and adventure; for those willing to explore the Arctic the memories will last a lifetime.

Bird Watching

Photography

Polar plunge

Trips ashore

Whale and mammal spotting

Zodiac cruises

Lecture on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations

Add-on Activities

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling…

*Optional add-on activities are available on select voyages. They are listed on each itinerary page and additional fees apply. 

Northern Lights Cruises FAQs

Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions offer a unique and enchanting experience, providing travellers with the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. These expeditions take place in regions near the Arctic Circle, such as Norway or Iceland, where the Northern Lights are frequently visible. Our cruises are strategically timed to coincide with periods of high auroral activity. Passengers will embark on comfortable expedition vessels, equipped with expert guides, to explore remote and dark-sky locations. This extraordinary adventure combines celestial spectacle with Arctic landscapes, creating an unforgettable and magical journey.

Yes, you can witness the Northern Lights from a cruise ship during dedicated Northern Lights cruises with Aurora Expeditions. These cruises navigate to prime viewing locations near the Arctic Circle, offering passengers a unique vantage point to experience the dazzling spectacle of the Aurora Borealis. The expedition vessels are strategically positioned in areas with minimal light pollution, maximizing the chances of observing the vibrant colours and dancing lights of the Northern Lights against the Arctic night sky. Passengers will enjoy the magical display from the comfort of the ship, creating a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Popular regions for Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions include Arctic destinations like Norway, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic. These Arctic regions, located near the magnetic poles, offer optimal conditions for observing the Northern Lights. Aurora Expeditions carefully plans itineraries to position their vessels in prime locations, away from light pollution, providing passengers with the best chances of witnessing the spectacular light display.

The optimal time to witness the Northern Lights during Aurora Expeditions’ cruises and expeditions is typically during the winter months when the polar night prevails. This period, from late September to early April, offers extended darkness and clearer skies, enhancing the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. The absence of sunlight allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the captivating light displays against the Arctic or sub-Arctic landscapes. Aurora Expeditions carefully schedules these voyages to coincide with peak Northern Lights activity, ensuring passengers have the best chances of experiencing this celestial spectacle in its full splendour.

Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions offer a range of captivating activities . Passengers can enjoy nightly Aurora photography sessions, guided by expert photographers, to capture the ethereal displays. Onboard, expect to learn all about our surroundings from our expert expedition team. Additionally, cultural interactions with local communities will enhance your Arctic experience. The vessels are equipped with observation decks, ensuring optimal Northern Lights viewing. To unwind, onboard amenities include wellness facilities, dining featuring local cuisine and presentations from naturalists. These diverse activities create a holistic and enriching journey for travellers seeking the magic of the Northern Lights.

We use all of our expertise when it comes to maximizing your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during a cruise, such as creating an itinerary that navigates to prime Aurora viewing locations like Norway, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic, and opting for departures during the Northern Lights season, typically from late September to early April, when the polar night skies are darkest. We also have expert-led programs within the expedition, such as lectures or photography sessions, to enhance your understanding and capturing capabilities.

Yes, Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights cruises and expeditions are designed to accommodate participants of all ages and experience levels. The itineraries are crafted to provide a comfortable and enriching experience, whether you are a seasoned traveller or exploring the polar regions for the first time. Expedition staff and guides offer support and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone. Activities and excursions cater to various interests, allowing participants to customize their experience. From informative lectures to adventurous shore landings, there’s something for everyone, making these expeditions inclusive and suitable for individuals, families and groups with diverse backgrounds and preferences.

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7 of the Best Northern Lights Cruises

Set sail on these itineraries to try to spot the aurora borealis.

If seeing the northern lights , also known as the aurora borealis, is on your travel list, you've probably already looked into the best places to see them : northern destinations like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland , and Scandinavia among them. But have you ever considered visiting those destinations by sea rather than land? Many cruise lines not only offer itineraries to those regions but also offer northern lights-specific sailings, too. Cruising is particularly appealing for northern lights seekers because the ships can access remote areas without light pollution, allowing guests to see the aurora in its full brilliance. So if you haven't yet seen the northern lights — or if you're looking to see them again — here are seven northern lights cruises to help you accomplish your goal.

Viking: In Search of the Northern Lights

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Over the course of 13 days, a luxurious Viking ocean ship transports guests from London to Amsterdam , then all the way up the coast of Norway and north of the Arctic Circle, before returning back south to the Norwegian city of Bergen. (Although some sailings operate in reverse.) The Norwegian fjords themselves are a sight to behold — and if they're paired with the northern lights, that's all the better! The sailings run from January to March when daylight is limited in the Arctic Circle, making for prime aurora opportunities. Rates start from $4,999 per person in 2023, and it should be noted that Viking is an adults-only cruise line.

Aurora Expeditions: Northern Lights Explorer

Considering the cruise line is named after the atmospheric phenomenon, it should come as no surprise that it offers a northern lights itinerary. At 19 to 22 days long, depending on the departure, there is plenty of time to hope for a northern lights appearance — or two, or three, or more. The sailings start in the northern Norwegian city of Kirkenes before sailing south along the coast, heading back north to the remote archipelago of Jan Mayen (a polar bear hotspot), over to the scenic fjords of East Greenland, and around the northern half of Iceland. The longer itinerary continues with a visit to the Faroe Islands and disembarkation in Bergen, Norway. Aurora offers just one of these sailings per year in September. Rates start from $19,705.50 per person in 2023.

Hurtigruten: The Classic Roundtrip Voyage

Hurtigruten is something of an outlier in this group because it doesn't offer specific northern lights itineraries. But the routes of this coastal ferry company in Norway just happen to traverse the perfect latitudes to see the aurora. In fact, Hurtigruten is so confident you'll see the northern lights during the auroral season (Sept. 26 through March 31) that if they don't show up on a sailing of 11 days or more, the company will give you a free six- or seven-day cruise to try again. For the best odds of seeing the northern lights, we suggest the 12-day round-trip itinerary from Bergen up the coast of Norway and back. Rates start from $2,309 per person in 2023.

Quark Expeditions: Under the Northern Lights

Specializing in polar voyages, Quark Expeditions knows a thing or two about the northern lights, which is why the company offers aurora sailings each fall. These 14-day itineraries cruise from Iceland to Greenland and back from September into early October. As the majority of the voyage takes place above the Arctic Circle, the odds of seeing the northern lights are high, especially as solar activity tends to peak around the autumnal and vernal equinoxes in September and March, respectively. And if they don't show, well, you still get to explore Iceland's Westfjords and Greenland's eastern shores — and that's a worthwhile journey in itself. Rates start from $8,501 per person in 2023.

Oceanwide Expeditions: East Greenland Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis

If you don't have two or three weeks to take off work to go northern lights watching, consider Oceanwide Expeditions' eight-day aurora borealis sailings from Iceland to Greenland and back. The adventure begins in Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland, before heading for Greenland's breathtaking Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. If you do have a little more time, you can opt for the 13-day Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis itinerary, which embarks in the Svalbard archipelago before sailing to Greenland and down to Iceland. Both take place in the late summer into early fall, as darkness returns to the skies in the Arctic. Rates for the eight-day itinerary start from $4,600 per person for the 2023 sailings.

Cunard: Norway and Northern Lights

Each fall, one or two of the ships in Cunard's legendary fleet head north for Norway, where guests are treated to scenic cruising along the coast. The 12-day itineraries depart from Southampton, England, before traveling to Alesund, Tromsø, Narvik, and Haugesund, sailing through majestic fjords along the way. Since the ships sail this itinerary from October to November, the skies will be dark enough to see the northern lights, should they decide to appear. In 2023, the voyage will be undertaken by Queen Victoria , while next season, the Queen Mary 2 and the upcoming Queen Anne will take the reins. Rates start from $1,689 per person in 2023.

P&O: Norway

The most affordable option on this list, British cruise line P&O operates 12-day sailings to Norway year-round, but during the auroral season, there's a strong chance you'll see the northern lights while onboard. Guests embark in Southampton, England, before sailing north to Norway, traveling as far north as Tromsø, well north of the Arctic Circle. We recommend splurging on a room with windows for the best northern lights viewing options. However, those in interior cabins can always run up on deck — which you should do anyway to witness the full grandeur of the atmospheric phenomenon. Rates start from $1,385 per person in 2023.

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Northern Lights Tour Packages

Venture to the northern hemisphere to hunt for the aurora borealis and see this breathtaking natural phenomenon first hand. Your northern lights tour package with Nordic Visitor comes with accommodation, activities and transport included.

Witness the aurora borealis dancing above you and explore jaw-dropping landscapes in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Why choose northern lights tours in Iceland?

• Chase the lights on guided excursions from Reykjavík
• Stay at remote lodges with dark skies for aurora viewing
• Discover natural wonders like glaciers and ice caves
• Bathe in hot springs surrounded by wintry scenery

Golden Circle Classic - Winter

Golden circle, blue lagoon & northern lights, northern lights circle tour, iceland's famous ring road.

Winter Highlights & Northern Lights

Ice cave & glacier lagoon.

Hunt for the aurora borealis in Norway and admire the dramatic mountains, coastline and islands of the north.

Why go aurora-hunting in Norway?

• Marvel at the lights on an aurora coastal cruise
• Embark on a dog sledding northern lights safari
• Enjoy guided aurora excursions from Tromsø
• Stay at the extraordinary Kirkenes Snow Hotel

Northern Lights by Train and Cruise

Tromsø, flåm & the fjords, best of northern norway classic - 71° north cape, northern lights & cruise, northern lights norway classic.

Experience snowy scenery, Sami culture and winter activities in Finnish or Swedish Lapland on a northern lights adventure.

Why chase the northern lights in Lapland?

• Enjoy an enchanting aurora tour by snowmobile
• Gaze up at the northern lights from a cosy glass igloo
• Stay in a room made of ice at the legendary ICEHOTEL
• Witness the aurora dancing above Abisko National Park

Best of Lapland - Guaranteed Departure

December 18, 2024, best of rovaniemi - classic, santa claus village & dog sledding, lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel.

Journey to a remote land and seek out the northern lights in Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago at the edge of the world.

Why look for the northern lights in Svalbard?

• Experience the mesmerising light of the polar night
• Visit the world’s northernmost town, Longyearbyen
• Go on thrilling dog sledding and snowmobiling tours
• See polar bears and seals in the wild

Best of Svalbard Winter - Express

Best of svalbard winter - classic, need any help so far get in touch with us.

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About Your Northern Lights Vacation

Discover the magic of the aurora borealis* on an unforgettable northern lights tour. Explore beautiful destinations in the Nordics on an itinerary that local travel experts have meticulously organised for you.

When you book a northern lights tour package with Nordic Visitor, you get:

• An authentic travel experience planned by an established and trusted agency • A dedicated travel consultant to organise your tour • All relevant bookings for your chosen package • A detailed online personal itinerary • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 emergency phone support for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your winter tour. Simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

*Please note, the northern lights are a natural occurrence and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a highly rated tour agency in Northern Europe. Our travel experts create authentic journeys filled with the best activities and destinations. They are locally based and add their in-depth knowledge to all northern lights itineraries.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when Tripadvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Stress-free experience

Our travel consultants will plan and book your trip on your behalf. You’ll receive a personalised itinerary with your accommodation and activities all arranged for you. That way you can leave all the practicalities to someone else, while you relax and look forward to your northern lights adventure.

Flexible tour options

The Nordic Visitor travel team has designed our northern lights packages to include the very best routes and experiences. However, if you’d like to add extra nights, attractions or destinations, your personal travel consultant will happily tailor your northern lights package.

You are in good hands

Should you encounter any unexpected weather or events during your tour, don’t worry. Nordic Visitor will be there for you throughout your trip. We will take care of reworking your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline for peace of mind.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR REVIEWS

Here’s what our wonderful customers liked about their northern lights experiences.

Larus made the whole experience of organising the holiday very enjoyable.  We are not seasoned travellers but... read more

Larus made the whole experience of organising the holiday very enjoyable.  We are not seasoned travellers but this experience has given me no doubt in using Nordic Visitor again to book a holiday in the future to another Nordic destination.

Kim Singapore

Overall an amazing experience, accommodation were excellent, transfers and check-in were smooth. Will certainly use... read more

Overall an amazing experience, accommodation were excellent, transfers and check-in were smooth. Will certainly use Nordic Visitor again for future vacations.

Northern Lights Vacation Highlights

Picture yourself in a stunning winter landscape in the northern hemisphere. You’re wrapped up warm and the world’s greatest light show is about to begin. Opt for a Nordic Visitor northern lights tour, and you could…

• Take a guided tour from Reykjavík to hunt for the northern lights in Iceland
• Explore ice caves on a guided glacier hike in Vatnajökull , home to Europe’s largest glacier
• Venture to the remote Westfjords to chase the aurora and try snowshoeing
• Go dog sledding and snowmobiling in Tromsø , Norway, or Longyearbyen , Svalbard
• Discover charming fishing villages, mountains and marine wildlife in the Lofoten Islands
• Sample Norwegian delicacies in Kirkenes , such as red king crab, Arctic char and cloudberries
• Join an unforgettable snowmobiling , dog sledding or snowshoeing aurora safari in Lapland
• Visit the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park for dinner with a view of the northern lights
• Stay in an ice hotel or glass igloo, such as the ICEHOTEL , SnowCastle or SnowHotel

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS

For tips on viewing the northern lights, read on. We’ve answered the most commonly asked questions about Nordic aurora borealis tours here to help you make your dream trip a reality.

Alternatively, find out how to make a booking , have a look at our FAQs , or learn about our Book With Confidence travel plan.

1. ARE THE NORDICS SAFE TO TRAVEL TO?

Yes, the Nordics are widely regarded as safe for visitors. Actually, the Nordic nations – Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland – continually rank among the top 10 safest places in the world . This is because they have low crime rates, good standards of healthcare, and excellent road safety.

2. WHAT ARE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon. You can see them illuminating the sky when charged particles from solar flares collide with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, near the North Pole. This collision creates varied shapes and colours that ripple, flash or glow in the sky.

3. WHAT MONTHS CAN YOU SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS?

You have the best chance of spotting the aurora borealis in the winter months – October to April. To make out the colours of the aurora, you need dark winter nights. In the summer, daylight hours are so long that you’ll find the sky is too bright to see the glowing lights.

As it is a natural occurrence, spotting the northern lights is not guaranteed. But you can increase your chances of witnessing them by visiting the Arctic Circle in winter.

4. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

As you need a dark sky to distinguish the aurora, the best time to see the northern lights is at night. The peak hours tend to be between 11 PM and 2 AM, which is why your guided tour will likely depart after 9 PM.

You could also stay at a hotel with an aurora wake-up service. The staff will let you know if the lights come out late in the night, so you don’t have to stay up waiting for them!

The best time of year to see the northern lights is winter, between October and April. This is when Nordic nights are the longest and darkest, which means you have higher chances of catching sight of the aurora.

Winter is a great time to visit the Nordics for other reasons too. Check out these guides to the top winter activities you can enjoy:

Things to do in Norway in winter

Things to do in Iceland in winter

Things to do in Lapland in winter

5. WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

You can see the aurora borealis at high northern latitudes, especially around the Arctic Circle, as this is where solar activity is strongest. That’s why the Nordic region is the best place to see the northern lights. Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Svalbard all lie within or near the Arctic Circle.

In fact, Iceland and the northern regions of Norway, Sweden and Finland are located within the “aurora zone”. Also known as the “northern lights belt”, this is a latitudinal band between 65-72°N where high auroral frequency and intensity occurs. Visit this zone for the best chance of seeing the aurora.

Learn more about where and when to see the northern lights with these expert guides:

Best times and places to see the northern lights in Europe

Best times and places to see the northern lights in Iceland

Best times and places to see the northern lights in Norway

6. WHERE CAN YOU SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS IN SCANDINAVIA?

Norway, Sweden and Denmark are the countries that make up Scandinavia. If you want to go to Scandinavia to hunt for the aurora borealis, your best bet is to visit the northern parts of this region – Swedish Lapland and Northern Norway. It is unlikely you’ll see the aurora in Denmark.

You can witness the northern lights in the neighbouring Nordic nations of Finland and Iceland too. Although these countries aren’t technically part of Scandinavia, they have many similarities and also happen to be great places to catch the aurora borealis!

Lapland – an area covering northern Sweden and Finland – is a fantastic destination for aurora chasing. You could head to Rovaniemi and Kemi in Finnish Lapland, or Abisko National Park near Kiruna in Swedish Lapland.

Or visit Northern Norway for your aurora borealis tour. Take your pick from Norwegian destinations such as Tromsø, Svalbard, Kirkenes, the Lofoten Islands and Nordkapp (North Cape).

Alternatively, go in search of the aurora borealis in Iceland. With its wide open skies and location near the Arctic Circle, you could see the lights from anywhere in the country. For your best chances though, head away from towns with street lights so you can spot the colours more easily.

In Scandinavia you could seek out the aurora borealis in the countryside or on the coast. Plus, not only can you enjoy northern lights tours, but also bucket list activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and staying in an ice hotel.

Discover more reasons to visit Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland on our ultimate Scandinavia guide .

7. HOW TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

To see the aurora borealis, you need to be in a northern country on a clear, dark night, away from artificial lights. Although the aurora don’t show up on demand, these top tips will give you the best chances of witnessing them.

Firstly, make sure you visit northern regions close to the Arctic Circle. Iceland, Northern Norway, Svalbard and Lapland are the best destinations to see the northern lights in Europe.

Secondly, time your aurora borealis tour for the European winter. The long, dark nights will help you spot the colours lighting up the sky.

Thirdly, avoid light pollution found in built-up areas. This means heading into the countryside where there is less artificial light compared to towns and cities. You could spend some days out in remote areas, or opt for guided evening tours from your city base instead.

Another thing you can do for northern light viewings is check the weather and aurora forecast . Although you can’t do this very far in advance, during your trip you’ll be able to find out if the evening will be clear of cloud or rain and if solar activity will be strong.

You’d also increase your chances of seeing the aurora borealis by taking a guided tour. A local expert would accompany you and take you to all the best spots, sharing their insider knowledge with you.

Read our article on how to see the northern lights for more viewing tips.

8. HOW LONG DO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS LAST?

When the aurora borealis are treating you to their glorious light show, you might find they glow for a few minutes. The lights can show up several times in one night, or last for a couple of hours in one go.

There is no rule as to how long the aurora borealis last, of course, as they are a natural occurrence. If you see them for yourself, no doubt you’ll cherish every second of their beautiful magic.

9. HOW DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH THE AURORA BOREALIS?

The northern lights can be tricky to capture on camera, but with some preparation and the right equipment you can do it. Here are some top tips for photographing the northern lights:

• Use an SLR camera with manual focus
• Bring a tripod as you’ll need to do a long exposure shot
• Get a remote shutter release so you don’t have to touch the camera at all
• Use a slow shutter speed of between 15 and 30 seconds

For more tips on photographing the aurora, see our northern lights travel guide .

10. WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

It can get rather cold in the Nordic winter, especially if there’s a cool wind. The last thing you want is to feel the chill while you hunt for the aurora borealis at night. That’s why it’s important you pack the right clothing before your trip.

Many northern lights tours will provide you with thermal suits to help you stay warm while you’re out chasing the aurora. It’s also recommended that you wear warm layers underneath.

Here is an essential packing list:

• Insulated jacket and trousers (windproof and waterproof)
• Thermal wool underlayers
• Warm hat, gloves and scarf
• Warm and sturdy boots

Get more packing advice by reading our experts’ tips and tricks on dressing for northern lights viewing .

11. CAN I CHOOSE THE ARRIVAL DATE?

Yes, you can select your chosen arrival date online when reserving your Nordic Visitor tour. For northern lights packages, the arrival dates are between October and April as this is the aurora viewing season.

12. CAN I EXTEND MY TOUR BY A DAY OR TWO?

Absolutely! If you’d like to spend more time in a particular destination, you can request this when booking your tour online. Your dedicated travel consultant will get in touch to confirm the extra days with you.

If you are taking a small group tour, you can add extra nights to the start or end of your trip. This is because the group tour itself is fixed as you will be exploring with fellow visitors on a fixed itinerary.

13. WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY FLIGHT TICKETS?

You should book your flights once your Nordic Visitor package is confirmed. We recommend you check flights beforehand to find appropriate dates and prices, but only purchase them after your travel consultant has secured your northern lights tour.

Your Nordic Visitor consultant will send you a confirmation email with all the details you need to buy suitable flights.

14. WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP?

The weather is somewhat unpredictable in the Nordics, no matter the time of year you visit. In winter you should always come prepared for cold temperatures, which means bringing warm clothing. Here are the essential items that we recommend you pack for your trip:

• Warm jumpers or fleeces
• Waterproof and thermal jackets
• Gloves, scarves and hats
• Insulated, waterproof boots
• Thermal underlayers
• Waterproof trousers

For more detailed information on what to pack for your Nordic tour, read our travel guides for Iceland , Norway and Lapland .

Get in touch with us to start planning your trip or for more advice on how to see the aurora borealis. Our travel experts will be delighted to arrange an unforgettable northern lights tour for you.

Our main phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts

Blog Articles

How to see the northern lights: viewing tips, best times & places to see the northern lights in europe, best times and places to see the northern lights in iceland, a little something about the northern lights.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

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7 Day Northern Lights Tours & Trips

See the best 7 day northern lights tours. There are 73 adventures, in as many as 8 different destinations, including Iceland and Kenya.

7 Day northern lights tours with 1,994 reviews

• Northern Lights

6 day Guided tour | Hidden Powers & Northern Lights Hunt - Small Group

"I was very impressed with how much was included for a reasonable price for this tour!" megan, traveled in October 2022

• Christmas & New Year

Aurora Borealis Adventure from Vancouver

"I had a wonderful time and the tour company was very well organized and friendly." Dawn, traveled in December 2023

Tailor-Made Private Norway Trip to Chase the Northern Lights

"Jann was a fantastic guide / driver who was kind and considerate and wanted the best experience possible for his guests!!" David, traveled in January 2024

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

6 day Guided tour | Hidden Powers & Northern Lights Hunt

"Iceland has so much natural attractions to offer. My wife and I have traveled extensively and Iceland stands out." Joe, traveled in April 2024

Yukon Northern Lights Holiday Premium Tour

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Tailor-Made Aurora Safari & Icehotel Trip

Magic of Finland & Arctic Adventure with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo

Best of Northern Norway Classic - 71° North Cape ( Private Tour)

"Very exciting and perfectly organised Tour. Very friendly Team. We really recommend this tour!" John, traveled in March 2024

Finland - Northern Light Adventure

4Night 5Days Golden Triangle Tour India

Reviews of 7 day northern lights tours.

Although we did not get to see the Northern Lights we still had a great time. Iceland is filled with beautiful sights. Our guide tour Haruno was excellent. He was informative and entertaining.

Every employee we met from pick up @ the airport to drop off after our final trip to the Aurora Center was wonderful - Professional, pleasant, and friendly. Price was right! Hotel was OK. My one important critique was we got absolutely no info on the Aurora Borealis. I expected a video or “lecture” or some explanation about what we were looking for/seeing. (And, so so so very happy we saw them!!!) This was a trip specifically to see the northern lights and we heard nothing about them. I will (and have steady) recommend your tour to others but tell them to study up on the Aurora before they go. Thanks for asking!

Jann was a fantastic guide / driver who was kind and considerate and wanted the best experience possible for his guests!! Jann was friendly and educated/answered all questions even with personal stories! We were very lucky and had a great viewing night and Jann had prepared us for the post that we would not see anything, would highly suggest the Jann experience to everyone!

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Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Classic Group, Winter

Helsinki, Ivalo, Honningsvag, Alta, Tromso, Oslo

See the Northern Lights from Scandinavia's breathtaking mountain tops on this 10-day tour of Helsinki, Alta and Oslo. Journey through Finnish Lapland—250km above the Arctic Circle to Ivalo, the Gateway to the North. From the comfort of your cozy cabin in Aurora Village, gaze out through the glass roof as the lights of the aurora borealis dance above. Cross the Finnish-Norwegian border to North Cape and sample caviar in Europe’s northernmost point, before a once in lifetime visit to a working husky farm. Here you will meet the Arctic dog sled racing Alta huskies—a world famous champion dog sledding team, before a stop in Tromsø where the Indigenous Sami community invite you to help feed their reindeer herd. The vacation draws to a close on the scenic, and once Viking, shores of the Oslofjord.

Destinations: Helsinki, Tromso, Alta, Oslo, Ivalo, Honningsvag

Destinations: Honningsvag, Ivalo, Alta, Tromso, Oslo, Helsinki

Welcome to Helsinki, with its excellent museums and pretty seaside buildings. This beautiful city is set to be your home for the night. Our stay begins at the grand GLO Hotel Art. Decorated in a distinctive Art Nouveau style, this charming four-star hotel is the ideal place to sit backand relax before your Scandinavian adventure begins. Meet your Travel Director for a drink and mingle with your fellow travelling companions.

Today you’ll take a flight to Ivalo, a small yet important centre in Finnish Lapland, 250km above the Arctic Circle. The Gateway to the North, Ivalo is set on the Ivalo River, where the first Lapland Goldrush took place in the 19th century.You’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your boutique hotel, Aurora Village, famed for its cabins with a glass roof, offering sweeping views of the night sky. Look out for the dancing northern lights, as you gaze through the glass ceiling from the comfort of your room. Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Today you’ll be heading further North through the winter Lapland landscape. Cross the Finnish–Norwegian border as you make your way to Honningsvåg, the northernmost and smallest city in Norway. Your drive will take you along the mighty Porsangerfjord, the fourth largest fjord in Norway. You will take the subsea Nordkapp Tunnel to the island of Magerøya, to reach your hotel in this small fishing community. Explore the quaint city by taking a stroll along the waterfront before retiring to your hotel and enjoying a delicious dinner.

Enjoy a leisurely day to discover more of Honningsvåg. Take a walk to the 19th century church that survived the destruction of World War 2, a true rarity in Northern Norway. Perhaps take an Optional Experience to learn about king crabs and enjoy a fresh, sea-to-table lunch of this delicacy. Take your chance to visit the northernmost point of Europe, the famous North Cape and sip on bubbles and delight in exquisite caviar with your fellow travellers (weather permitting).

Today’s journey will take you along an ever changing landscape from barren lands through highlands to the shores of the Altafjord. It was in Alta where the world’s first northern lights observatory was built at the end of the 19th century. With increasing tourism the city is going through quick development offering a wide range of activities. Start your adventures with a visit to one of the first ice hotels in the world and enjoy a chilled beverage with your fellow travellers. Your comfortable hotel is located next to the modern and iconic Northern Lights Cathedral in the heart of the city.

You’ll enjoy a leisurely day in Alta to continue with your activities. Maybe you’ll choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alta Museum famous for its prehistoric rock carvings. Later, you’ll visit a working husky farm and get to know the Lyrek family and champion sled dogs. Learn about the Alaskan huskies and the challenges they face competing in the marathon long Arctic dog sled races. Indulge in a delectable oven-baked Highlight Lunch before meeting the dogs themselves.

Today you’ll head to Tromsø, northern Norway’s largest city, located on the island of Tromsøya. You’ll be surrounded by snowcapped mountains and ethereal water views. Just a short walk from your hotel, you’ll find a high concentration of old wooden houses and a great array of restaurants.

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet members of the Indigenous Sami community of Scandinavia. Delve into the history of Arctic Norway and join a Sami guide for an immersive journey through their camp, with an invitation to help feed their reindeer herd. You are invited into a lavuu (a traditional Sami tent) to hear stories of Sami life and folk songs around the fire, after enjoying a traditional Sami meal with hot drinks.

In the morning, take a flight from Tromsø to Oslo, a modern city located on the shores of the Oslofjord. Surrounded by forested mountains, city dwellers and visitors alike have easy access to nature all year round. On your orientation see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichmann Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district. Join your fellow travellers at a local restaurant to make a toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, over a Celebration Dinner with wine.

It’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers. Your trip ends after breakfast.

• Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 120 days prior to the departure date. Cancellations made within this period will be governed by the terms and conditions of Luxury Escapes and the tour provider, and cancellation fees may apply depending on the tour you have purchased. You can find the operator’s full terms and conditions https://www.insightvacations.com/en-au/information/booking-conditions , and Luxury Escapes’ terms and conditions https://luxuryescapes.com/terms-and-conditions .
• To protect against unforeseen events, Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon possible after purchasing this package.
• Name corrections may incur a fee, and name changes are not permitted.
• Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, Luxury Escapes will:

• allow you to change the dates of your tour
• offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
• refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

• If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
• If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
• Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

• Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour's start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed. We are happy to assist you in arranging your flights, either via our website at http://luxuryescapes.com/flights or via our contact centre.
• A visa may be required. It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they're holding a current visa for the countries they're visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
• When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you're eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
• Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
• Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
• Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
• COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
• Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
• By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the Covid-19 Health & Safety advice as shown https://le-prod-public-press-releases.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/20210224/le-covid19-health-and-safety-acknowledgement.pdf .
• Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
• Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
• Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
• In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
• Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
• Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
• Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
• For more than 40 years, we have delighted our loyal travellers with all the sights and the insights, up close and personal, in comfort and in style. We are renowned for our smaller groups, our specially designed, customised luxury coaches with twice the legroom and twice the view, and our brilliant collection of more than 70 authentic and unique Insight Experiences, our deliciously authentic dining options, and the way we stay in style. We are committed to supporting initiatives which protect the people, planet, and wildlife so they remain vibrant for generations to come.
• Stay in style - We take the greatest possible care in choosing highly rated 4.5+ star hotels with excellent style, location, and service. We want you to love your home away from home.
• With more 2- and 3-night stays than any other operator, Insight gives you the time to spread out, relax and not have to pack and unpack each day. You have time to enjoy your fine hotel and all the exciting shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural options that await just outside its doors. Great food is at the heart of every journey. From thoughtful vegetarian options to seasonal specialties in amazing locations, you will sip, savour, and sense the local flair at every meal. Meet fascinating people and step into their homes and their lives. Learn about history and pioneering projects, take a cooking class or learn to dance with over 100 included Insight Experiences. Travel in style with more personal space - Your Insight coach is uniquely customised for extra space. Sit high above the traffic with unobstructed views and enjoy twice the legroom and personal space of a regular coach.
• From the moment you arrive, our talented people are there to welcome you and ensure that you enjoy your guided holiday to the fullest. Your 'travelling concierge' lives in the destination and is with you all the way, a friendly face in a foreign land and a great travelling companion. They're exceptionally experienced, well-organised, knowledgeable and at the pinnacle of their careers. They make everything run smoothly and take time out to help you with your specific priorities and interests.
• We are renowned for our smaller groups, and our specially designed, customised luxury coaches with twice the legroom and twice the view. We now give you the option to travel in your preferred group size. Classic group tours feature a maximum of 40 guests, small group tours have no more than 24 guests, while private groups have a cap of just 12 guests. Please contact us to enquire about private tours.

Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland

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8-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of West and South Iceland with Ice Caving

Affordable 3 Hour Northern Lights Bus Tour with Transfer from Reykjavík

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour with a Photographer Guide & Transfer from Reykjavik

Amazing 2 Hour Northern Lights Cruise with Transfer from Reykjavik Harbor

Northern Lights Bus Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon

Magical 2 Hour Northern Lights Boat Cruise with Transfer from Reykjavik

3-Day Northern Lights Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle & South Coast with Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking

Best 7-Day Northern Lights Self Drive Tour Through South Iceland to Jokulsarlon Ice Cave

2 Day Ice Cave Tour with South Coast Waterfalls & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Breathtaking 6-Day Northern Lights Hunting Package of Iceland with Ice Caving

8-Day Guided Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

Northern Lights & Golden Circle Tour with Audio Guide & Transfer from Reykjavik

Magical 3 Hour Northern Lights Tour with an Audio Guide in 10 Languages & Transfer from Reykjavik

Northern Lights Mystery

Small Group 6-Day Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

7-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Ice Caving

Northern Lights Tour With Photographer

Magical 4-Hour Aurora Museum and Northern Lights Minibus Tour from Reykjavik

2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Small Group 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Golden Circle & South Coast

Serene 2-3 Hour Northern Lights Boat Tour from Reykjavik

2 in 1 Bundle Discount Tours | All National Parks & Ice Caving

2-Day West Coast & Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Lava Caving & Northern Lights Tour

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Vacation Packages in Iceland

Self drive tours in iceland, tour calendar, nature tours in iceland, adventure tours in iceland, cheap bus tours in iceland, top tour destinations in iceland, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Wonderful Aurora Hunting Tour Experience! Although the aurora was not very visible, it still made for a fantastic memory. The tour was initially set for three hours, but due to poor visibility that evening, the team didn't give up. They continued to search for the northern lights and managed to capture some faint camera lights after 2 AM. Despite running overtime and it being very late, they provided ample opportunity for those still energized to get off the bus and try their luck at spotting and photographing the lights. It was the last day of the aurora season, and on the way back, the guide explained that this time didn’t count as a successful sighting and offered a chance to join another tour within the next two years. I’m truly grateful for the team's dedication and effort. Thank you for making it a memorable experience!

Pyeseghl Aurelio

Great Golden Circle tour with a knowledgeable tour guide. The Northern Lights tour guide was very enthusiastic about the phenomenon and you could tell from the way he talked about it. Unfortunately, we only saw a small trail during our time there, which lasted roughly 4 hours. The lead guide was trying to see if we could chase another sighting on the way back to Reykjavik but we ended up heading straight back. The effort that the guides took into to ensure possible sightings was admirable and definitely a stark change from another tour that we went on the previous night. Whilst the offer of rebooking the tour was there, unfortunately we were leaving the next day so were unable to try again during the trip. However, the enthusiasm the guides experienced and the fact that they did try to go to another site to ensure a sighting is why next time I shall book with the same company (Grey Line Iceland) .

Phoebe Cheuk

The guide Romeo was friendly. He prepared hot chocolate and fire in cold weather. The places he chosen for seeing the northern lights are perfect. It is important to wear warm clothes and gloves because your feet and hands will be freezing outdoors at cold night !

Morgan W Hizer

Where to begin! This was absolutely the best trip of my life. I’ve been planning this trip since September of 2023. Guide to Iceland had so much helpful information about the country that assisted in knowing what to expect. If I had any questions they were quick in responding. I did encounter a couple hiccups which I feel was partially out of their control, however they were quick in fixing the situation. I unfortunately didn’t get to see the Northern Lights, nor was I able to do one thing on my journey the way they planned it and it being closed on the day they planned it on the itinerary. Just gives me a reason to come back, so I made peace with it. I’d recommend this and using them to assist in making your dream a reality.

What are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, are phenomena that occur at high latitudes when solar particles ionise as they enter the earth's atmosphere, appearing in the night sky in the form of waving ribbons of colour. These ‘ribbons’ have captivated their viewers for centuries, bringing about defying awe and unspeakable mystery.

The northern lights are, in fact, occurring throughout the year, yet it is only during the dark winter nights that they become visible to the human eye. This is, naturally, what makes northern light hunting one of the most popular winter activities in Iceland. You can partake in numerous tours that take you to the best northern lights spotting locations, such as an affordable Northern Lights Bus Tour that takes you far away from the city's light-pollution, or a Northern Lights Boat Cruise that allows you to witness the auroras out on the open sea. Outside of Scandinavia, it is only possible to go northern light hunting in such places as Alaska, northern Canada and Siberia. 

Modern scientific understanding of the northern lights did not mature until the 1880's when researchers discovered their connection to solar activity. Further study, seventy years later, would deepen this revelation, with new breakthroughs made in the knowledge that electrons and protons travel to earth on a ‘solar wind’. Today, research is ongoing into the northern lights as we further our understanding of deep space and our connection to it.

The northern lights have long been known to the Scandinavian people, inspiring some of the greatest and longstanding tales to have ever come out of Norse Mythology.

One of the most prominent of these relates to Ragnarök, a great future battle that, as foretold, will see the world submerged in water, and a significant number of the Gods dead, including the likes of Odin, Thor and Loki. After the events of Ragnarök, it is said that the world will be born anew, strengthening the ancient themes of birth, death and rebirth.

To prepare for this battle, Odin, the Chieftain of Asgard, would summon his most prized warriors, the Valkyries, female battle-maidens who rode on horseback carrying spears and shields. Ancient stories would surmise that the northern lights were a reflection of this Valkyrian armour.

Another widely spoken about interpretation is that the aurora was the ‘Bifrost Bridge’, a rainbow walkway that led deceased warriors into the glorious, glowing halls of Valhalla.

To the Icelandic Vikings, the aurora was a phenomenon to be celebrated, a popular trend that has continued to this day with countless Northern Lights tours taking place across the land of Ice and Fire. Neighbouring Scandinavians, however, were less than trustful.

Many Norse people, such as the indigenous Finno-Ugric people, the Sámi, felt that the lights were to be feared. Believing these dancing green, red and yellow light waves to be the souls of the dead, the Sámi were careful to never show any sign of disrespect towards the lights, be that whistling beneath them, singing, talking or even waving them to them.

It is said, that those who fail to heed these warnings will be pulled up into the sky, forever trapped among these nocturnal spirits. Due to this slumbering myth, it is thought that some Sámi people, even today, will not go outside when the northern lights dance above.

It is perhaps the Finnish who have the most beautiful allegory for the auroras, believing them to be created by the arctic fox, an animal that just so happens to be Iceland’s only native mammal. The Finnish name for the aurora translates to “Fire Fox”, a direct reference to the ethereal fox that would dash so quickly across the night sky that his tail would brush against the mountains, thus causing a vast and colourful outburst of sparks.

Still, another interpretation of the Arctic fox story differs somewhat, and provides some justification on the part of an ancient people as to why the lights only appeared in winter; instead of sparks, the fox’ tail was thought to have kicked up snowflakes into the air which then caught the light of the moon.

When it comes down to the folklore of Iceland particularly, it was believed that the northern lights helped to soothe the pain of childbirth, though women who had yet to give birth were warned not to look at them directly, in fear that the child would be born cross-eyed.

During your visit in Iceland, you have the option of seeing the northern lights on your own. But should you want to view them from the best spots, far away from the light-pollution of human settlements, you would be well advised to take a northern lights tour, in which a knowledgeable guide tells you all there is to know about this fantastic phenomenon.

Frequently asked questions

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Iceland: A Luxury trip Chasing the Northern Lights

Our expert guides are some of Iceland’s best Borealis hunters

Come winter, Iceland remains our favorite setting to witness the elusive Northern Lights. Traveling between November and March offers you the best chance of catching a glimpse. We’ll make sure you have the best chance possible by setting you up with expert guides who know the best spots, timings and views (far away from the crowds, of course). Hunkered down in luxury lodges by night, this is a magical way to spend a wintery weekend; coming close to the natural world at its most enticing and obscure.

First, take a plunge into healing waters of the Blue Lagoon

Straight from the runway and into the bubbling thermal pools of the Blue Lagoon, you’ll instantly feel ready for the weekend. Soak the working week away here before heading away from Reykjavik down to the south coast, checking in at Torfhus Retreat.  A luxurious country lodge, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend spent chasing the Northern Lights.

Next, begin your guided hunt for the Northern Lights

So, this evening you’ll set out with an expert guide on a private Northern Lights tour. Taking you into remote corners of the Icelandic countryside, following the Lights wherever they lead you, you’ll be left mesmerised as the streaks of light dance across the sky. A natural phenomenon, the Aurora is never guaranteed but by planning to see them on your first night, you’ll at least have plenty more opportunities to catch them if unlucky this first time. So, wrap up warm and pack some patience as science does its thing.

Make this itinerary yours

Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

Experience the geothermal drama of Haukadalur Valley

The next morning, get to know the mesmeric Icelandic landscapes by super jeep as you head out to the renowned sites that mark the Golden Circle. A stop in the geothermal Haukadalur valley will reveal Geysir and Strokkur geysers hurling boiling water up to 70m into the air. A visit to the dramatic Gullfoss waterfall follows before the Hvítá river abruptly plunges deep into the earth and down into a canyon covering you in a mist of cool water. From there, it’s onto the icy expanse of Langjökull glacier which doubles as the perfect arena both for photography enthusiasts and for a dose of high octane fun in the super jeep. The landscapes here are some of the most beautiful in the world with the mix of blues, whites and sunset induced neon pinks leaving you spellbound.

The black sand beaches of Reynisfjara

Tomorrow, your comprehensive Icelandic adventure continues with a private tour of Iceland’s dramatic south coast and the vast black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara beach. Take in the power of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls as they thunder down 60 meters before rounding the corner to Sólheimajökull glacier tongue. Here, you’ll strap on your crampons as you begin a hike across the glacier, exploring the towering ice formations, deep sinkholes and jagged ridges.

One more night at the refuge of Torfhus

Where to rest your head.

Torfhús Retreat, South Iceland

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Give the Gift of an Ultimate Travel Experience: Buy a Gift Card for Northern Norway's Best Tours Now!

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE

A scenic nightcruise in search of the northern lights while enjoying your own private hot tub experience aboard our luxury sailing yacht., enjoy personalized service, hot drinks, a uniquely delicious reindeer soup and a luxurious atmosphere on this small group tour..

Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with hot tub and dinner

aurora hot tub cruise

northern lights night cruise

ABOUT THE TOUR

Step aboard our exclusive 4-hour Northern Lights Cruise and immerse yourself in pure luxury as you chase the mesmerizing aurora borealis.

Join us aboard Stella Oceana, a custom built 32-meter luxury yacht, designed to host small groups of up to 12 guests.

Settle into an evening of indulgence with a private hot tub experience and a delectable local dinner featuring the rich flavors of traditional reindeer soup.

Relax in our spacious saloon, reminiscent of your own living room, offering comfort, warm drinks, entertainment and engaging conversations.

Your knowledgeable local captain ensures the best vantage points for seeing the northern lights.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the arctic landscape and, with luck, witness the northern lights while relaxing in the warmth of the hot tub.

Don't miss this extraordinary chance to experience the magic of the northern lights in unparalleled comfort and luxury.

NOK 2,500  per Adult (Age 13+)

NOK 2,200 per Child (Age 1-12)

Private charters:

For up to 12 people NOK 30,000

19:00 - 23:00 (7-11pm)

From Tromsø

-4 hour cruise in search of the aurora

-Private hot tub time for your group

-Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water & cookies

-Reindeer stew with bread

-One non-alcoholic welcome drink

-Blankets & pillows for comfort

-Books & games for entertainment

-English speaking host and guide

-Former Norwegian Navy Sea Captain

DETAILED TOUR DESCRIPTION

Our luxury Norweigen northern lights cruise departs from Tromsø, the Paris of the North in Northern Norway. Tromsø is an ideal destination for viewing this special light show. With very little light pollutio just outside of the town, we don’t have to sail far for the opportunity to view the northern lights at sea. With this area being above the Arctic Circle, the Tromsø northern lights are a spectacular sight to behold. As we depart our home port, you can enjoy the scenery outside under cozy blankets with a warm drink. We’ll cruise out to the best place to see the lights depending on the weather for the day. Settle into our dining room for a traditional dinner of reindeer stew paired with local root vegetables and fresh bread. Your guides will share local stories and answer any questions you have about the aurora borealis or Northern Norway. Now full and content, you can opt to take a soak in our outdoor hot tub. This is literally the best way to stay warm and keep an eye out for the auroras. Alternately, if you’re not going to hot tub, you can rent a thermal suit to stay warm and bundled up while searching for the lights, or stay out as long as it's comfortable for you then go inside to warm up. Around 11 o'clock, we’ll slip back into the harbor and conclude our hot tub and northern lights cruise. Ready to relax & search for the auroas?

TOUR GALLERY

Frequently asked questions about this

Luxury Norwegian Northern Lights Cruise

What food and drinks are available?

Coffee, tea, water, hot chocolate and cookies are included. A reindeer stew with local root vegetables and fresh bread will be served onboard. A soup that suits your dietary restrictions can be prepared if notified in advance. No other beverages or food are available for purchase onboard. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought onboard.

Will I get sea sick?

While seasickness varies from person to person, the boat's stability and the sheltered cruising area typically prevent discomfort for most travelers. In the rare event of seasickness, we suggest preparing with your preferred prevention methods. Our captain, a licensed medic, and experienced crew are available to assist, ensuring a pleasant journey for all guests.

What are the chances of seeing the northern lights?

Your chances of seeing the northern lights in Tromsø are very high as long as their are clear skies. 9 out of 10 times, we see the aurora borealis on this cruise. The weather changes quickly and often above the arctic circle, but even when there is cloud cover, we have seen the northern lights through a small opening between the clouds. Although the chances are normally very high, we can not guarantee that you will see them on the day of your cruise.

Is there a good app to forecast the northern lights?

We like this aurora forecast  to help you decide when to book a tour in Tromsø.

When can you see the northern lights?

It is possible to see the northern lights in Tromsø between September and April and they can occur whenever the sky is dark and their is strong solar wind.

Can someone help me take photos?

Yes, our crew can help with camera settings and will gladly take photos for you.

What to wear on a northern lights cruise?

On a northern lights cruise in Norway, you will want to wear layers of winter clothes suitable for below freezing temperatures. If you want to spend most of your time outside, we recommend wool under layers, ski pants, a waterproof down jacket, a scarf, neck gaiter or winter face cover, a warm hat that covers your ears well, windproof touch screen gloves, wool socks, and shoes that are easy to take on and off. You can also rent our thermal suits during the booking process.

What wildlife/animals will I see?

You never know what you might encounter in the sea, but occasionally we have seen dolphins on this cruise.

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THE BEST Saratov Tours & Excursions

Saratov tours.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Adventure Park ZaDoor

• Who are the Volga Germans?
• Settlements along the Volga

Mapping information provided by Sandy Payne germansfromrussiasettlementlocations.org

Saratov was home to both a Lutheran parish and a Roman Catholic parish which served the ethnic Germans living in this city.

CONGREGATIONS

St. Clement Catholic Church

St. John Lutheran Church

St. Mary Lutheran Church

The Lutheran parish in Saratov was officially organized in 1793, although Pastor Ahlbaum was active in the city before then.

The Pope established the Diocese of Tiraspol, headquartered in Saratov on 3 July 1848. During its existence, there were five bishops:

Ferdinand Helanus Kahn (1850-1864) Franz Xavier Zottmann  (1872-1888) Anton Johann Zerr  (1889-1902) Eduard von der Ropp (1902-1903) Joseph Aloysius Kessler  (1904-1930)

This diocese went inactive in 1930 with the resignation of Bishop Kessler and officially vacant in 1933 when he died. It was formally "surpressed" in 2002 when the new Diocese of St. Clement in Saratov was established.

The Catholic parishners of Saratov built a wooden church which was consecrated in 1805. This building was used until 1880 when a new brick building was erected. The architect was M. N. Grudistova, and the new building was consecrated to St. Clement (St. Klemens in German) when it was completed in 1881. Today the structure serves as a movie theatre called "Pioneer."

In the post-Soviet era, the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 2001 in Saratov. It is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria (ELCI). There is a chapel in Saratov, and the pastor serving there is Olav Panchu.

There were three frontier garrisons founded to protect merchant ships traveling on the Volga River: Saratov (1584), Samara (1586), and Tsaritsyn (1589). Over the next century, the settlements were rebuilt on first one side of the Volga and then the other following a series of natural disasters.  The 1670 peasant revolt led by Stepan Razin also thwarted development of these cities.

Saratov was the first point of arrival for the German colonists and the location of the Kontora (Office of Immigrant Oversite) following the establishment of the colonies in the 1760's. From its beginning as a provincial outpost, Saratov grew to become a prosperous city and served as the center of industry for the Volga German colonists.

Catholic and Lutheran

Maps of Saratov and Saratov Province

Schnurr, Joseph.  Die Kirchen und das Religiöse Leben der Russlanddeutschen  - Evangelischer Teil (Stuttgart: Landsmannschaft der Deutschen aus Russland, 1972): 194.

Saratov  (Wikipedia)

Roman Catholic Diocese of Tiraspol (Wikipedia)

Map of Saratov Province (1823) (World Digital Library)

Historic Saratov photos and maps  (Russian site)

Description of the city of Saratov and Saratov Province  ( Encyclopædia Britannica )

Geographic card depicting key features of Saratov Province (1856)  (World Digital Library)

Top Things to Do in Saratov - Saratov Must-See Attractions

Things to do in saratov, explore popular experiences, top attractions in saratov.

Other Top Attractions around Saratov

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Saratov: The city that almost came up overnight

The downtown with church in evening beams of the sun. Source: Shutterstock / Legion-Media

Once one of the Russian Empire’s largest cities, Saratov is home to a conservatory, one of Russia’s most famous and oldest circuses and perhaps the finest art collection in provincial Russia. Throw in long pedestrian avenues, the legacy of the Volga Germans and the mighty Volga River and you start to see the fuller picture of this city that was literally built over night.

Saratov is a great place to feel the immense grandeur of the Volga River. Saratov offers an unusual collection of architecture from the pre-revolutionary and Soviet period and its large center makes for an excellent place to take an aimless walk through centuries of Russian history literally living on top of each other.

The city which was built over night

Ukek, a Golden Horde city, was situated nearby until Tamerlane destroyed it in 1395. Saratov was founded in 1590 and soon became a popular stop between Europe and Asia. Located 858 kilometers southeast of Moscow, it was one of three lower Volga cities founded as forts to protect recently acquired territories at the Empire’s edge over a five-year span (1586-1590), along with present day Volgograd and Samara. Saratov was actually constructed significantly north of the city. The wooden buildings were disassembled, sent downstream and erected quickly allowing Saratov to appear practically overnight.

A view of Saratov from the Volga river. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

By the early 1800s Saratov had grown to be a significant port city and the railroad arrived in 1870. The city experienced a boom during World War II as many factories and institutes were relocated here, although it was closed during Soviet times as it was the site of a military aircraft manufacturing plant.

Saratov and neighboring city Engels (combined metro area today of over one million) were home to hundreds of thousands of Germans in the 18  th  , 19  th  and early 20  th  centuries. Originally invited by the Tsars to spur agricultural development in the area, the Volga Germans went on to hold prominent regional roles. Many were deported to Central Asia and Siberia during World War II, with many of those that remained immigrating to Germany in the 1980s. 

The bridge between Saratov and Engels. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

The bridge connecting Saratov with its twin city across the Volga, Engels, was the longest in the Soviet Union when completed in 1965 at 2,826 meters long. The architecture is quite diverse on the Volga waterfront with luxury apartments mingling with log cabins. Make sure to see the Balneological Clinic for an example of an old sanatorium. There are numerous cafes along the river, as well as a pedestrian zone. From the River Port at St. Naberezhnaya Kosmonavtov 7a it is possible to take a cruise as far south as Astrakhan, as far north as St. Petersburg and all major cities on the Volga River, as well as Moscow. Cruises operate from early May until mid-September and a schedule can be found here:  rech-vokzal.ru .

The evening city of Saratov with the bridge through the Volga River. Source: Shutterstock/Legion-Media

Surprisingly, Saratov went three full centuries before a promenade was built along the river. One of the main attractions here is a statue dedicated to the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin. Gagarin first moved to Saratov to continue his studies in 1951 at the Saratov Industrial Technical School. He studied tractors and spent his weekends volunteering at a local aviation club where he learned to fly. He also worked part time on the Volga docks. 

A walk through the city center

The city’s main artery is Moskovskaya St., which leads from the Volga through the heart of the city, however, Saratov’s soul can be found on Prospekt Kirova, one of Russia’s first pedestrian zones. Until 1917 it was known as Nemetskaya St. in honor of the large German population. Many sights are located here, as well as dozens of bars and restaurants. Several statues dot the landscape including a bronze statue of an accordion player and one of a young man waiting for his love with flowers as inspired by this  song about Saratov .

The oldest balneological clinic in Saratov. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

The Leonid Sobinov State Conservatory  opened in 1912 at Kirova 1 not far from the entrance to the charming Park Lipki. At the time it was only the third in the country as Saratov was then the third largest city in Russia and the largest on the Volga (16  th  largest today).

The Nikitin Bothers Circus  at the top of Kirova (away from the Volga) was the second stationary circus in Russia (the first is in Penza). This is probably the best place in town to see tigers and clowns under the same roof. Across the street is the Kryty Rynok, a covered market built in 1916. Behind the market is an example of a classic Soviet movie palace, Pobeda; it opened in 1955. If walking away from the circus towards the Volga there are well-preserved examples of proletarian communal buildings constructed in the 1920s on the left.

The building of the Saratov State Art Museum named after Alexander Radishchev. Source: Shutterstock/Legion-Media

Also of note on the street is the cinema Pioneer at Kirova 11. It was previously a Catholic Church serving the German population. Partially destroyed during the Soviet period, a fragment of the original wall can be seen inside.

One block parallel to Kirova is Teatralnaya Square. Here is the  Saratov Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet , built in 1875. Across the square is  Radishchev Museum , featuring one of the finest art collections in provincial Russia. Named for the controversial 18  th  century writer who grew up nearby (and whose grandson provided the initial collection), this was the first art museum in Russia to open its doors to the public. Today it counts numerous famous Russian painters in its collections including works by Repin, Shishkin and Falk.

The bridge out of the past to the future

Monument to Chernyshevsky and conservatory in the city center of Saratov. Source: Shutterstock/Legion-Media

One of the city’s most famous residents is Nikolai Chernyshevsky (1828-1889). A socialist, philosopher and writer, he is best known for his 1863 utopian novel, “What is to be Done?” It tells the story of Vera Pavlovna, an emancipated woman and the ascetic revolutionary Rakhmetov, who sleeps on nails and eats raw steak. The book had an enormous influence on Lenin; today the main public university is named for him and  his museum  is located at Chernyshevskogo St. 142.

Park Pobedy is the city’s largest and is located at about three kilometers from the Volga. It hosts the National Village of the Peoples of Saratov Region, an open-air architectural and ethnographic museum. 

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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