northern lights tour 2023

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Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

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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.

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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Iceland Express

Six Days in Iceland

Articles of Northern Lights

Why 2024 is the best year to see the northern lights

Top 12 things to do in Iceland

What to expect on an Iceland Northern Lights tour with Dr John Mason

Why the Canadian Rockies are the best place on earth to see the Northern Lights

What it’s really like watching the Northern Lights in Iceland

7 reasons to consider a winter trip to Iceland

5 reasons Finnish Lapland should be on your bucket list

6 experiences every traveller should have in Iceland

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.

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• Aurora knowledge and experience
• Unique holidays, in the very best destinations
• Expert guides – exceptional local knowledge
• Advice and guidance every step of the way

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• We include more in our holidays than any other Aurora operator
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• Our customers rate us 4.9/5 stars
• Award-Winning: Best Travel Company to Northern Europe 2023

FLASH SALE💥   Book now for   up to 60% off!

Northern Lights Tours & Trips in North America

• Canada Northern Lights

26 Northern Lights tour packages in North America with 113 reviews

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Aurora Borealis Adventure from Vancouver

"The guides and the experience were great!" Peter, traveled in April 2024

Hiking, Wildlife, Hot Springs and Northern Lights in the Yukon with Air from Vancouver

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.

• Wildlife & Nature Photography

Best Value Aurora Viewing | Wildlife & Hot Springs

"Really enjoyed the hot springs experience - it was amazing." Melissa, traveled in December 2022

Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights

"The guide was knowledgeable, pleasant, and worked hard to give all tour participants an extraordinary time." Daniel, traveled in January 2024

• In-depth Cultural

Best of Yukon & Alaska (from/to Anchorage)

• Photography

Best Value Aurora Viewing | Basic

"The staff from Artic Range Adventure were all amazing. We went ice fishing and were in awe." Teresa, traveled in January 2020

Best of Yukon & Alaska ( from/to Whitehorse)

Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks

The Golden Peninsula of Ungava

What people love about northern lights tours in north america.

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!

A very friendly and professional team and I would happily use again. I saw the aurora twice and missed the third night it was showing because of an early morning flight. The photos taken by the guides were excellent

the trip overall was good but a few things to be aware of: The Edmonton Sky shuttle has not been in service since 2020! You must take a taxi. The guide was surprised that we were told to schedule extras through her and by the time the trip started, much of what we wanted was already booked out. You must book the extras yourself. Neither intrepid nor tour radar does this. this was unclear in all the communications. you can't talk to a tour radar person. on line chat is fine if you are not in a hurry for answers. That aside, the guide was knowledgeable, pleasant, and worked hard to give all tour participants an extraordinary time.

Top operators

"Fabulous! I just returned from Bindlestiff's Grand Canyon & more 3 day tour. It was Fabulous! It provided a well-planned itinerary of fascinating places (Zion National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon (optional & a must!), Monument Valley & the Grand Canyon. We were a perfect size group of twelve international travelers in a comfy van plus our delightful Tour Guide, Jade. We had enough time to immerse ourselves in each location and enjoy each experience. When on the road, Jade played upbeat themed music, weaved interested facts into a story and allowed quiet snooze time; plus the rest stops were well-spaced. On the first day we actually were in 3 states!!! Jade's yummy restaurant selections served the needs of each of the travelers' dietary requirements and the overnight accommodations were clean, comfortable & provided a nourishing breakfast. A special shout-out to Jade for her ability to ""herd cats"" while being attentive to each traveler's personal needs. She engaged with each of us in conversation and was delightful with a good sense of humor. A warm Thank You to Jade and Bindlestiff Tours!!!

Bindlestiff Tours is an expert in:

"Good trip, covered all the main areas. Guides were very knowledgeable and informative. Accommodation excellent and bus very comfortable.

Receptivo Aborigen Tours is an expert in:

"the tour itself was amazing. The national parks do not disappoint. The travel accomodations were very cramped and uncomfortable. I am only 5 foot tall and I was cramped in this 14 passenger van. Food opportunities were limited.

G Adventures is an expert in:

• Hiking & Trekking

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THE NORTH AURORA PASS

3 day northern lights

Maximize your chance to see the aurora borealis with a three night pass for the price of two nights..

• 3 Nights Tour
• Hot drinks and snacks
• Pictures included at no cost

Is seeing the Northern Lights number one on your bucket list? The 3 Day Northern Lights Pass is the best way to maximize your chances of experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights.

The 3 Day Northern Lights Pass  is our newest concept that has quickly become one of our most popular options to see the Northern Lights. This pass is ideal for people who want to stay longer to explore Swedish Lapland and want to take every chance they have to see the Northern Lights.  

What is the 3 Day Northern Lights Pass?

Inspired by our many guests who choose an extended stay in Swedish Lapland, we have made it easy for you to book multiple nights of Northern Lights tours. With the Aurora Pass, you can book a tour for three nights to catch the Aurora and only pay the cost of two nights.

You are in one of the best places in the world to see the spectacular Aurora. Take your days to explore Swedish Lapland and by night, join us for three nights to chase the Northern Lights across the sky.  

Some nights it can be difficult to see the Northern Lights due to weather conditions, so staying more nights in the region will maximize your chance of good weather and viewing conditions for the spectacular Northern Lights.

Why Book the 3 Day Northern Lights Pass?

Lights of Vikings’s 3 Day Northern Lights Pass is our signature Northern Lights tour, times three. 

The advantages of the 3 Day Northern Lights Pass are:

• Possibility of experiencing the Northern Lights on multiple nights
• Reduced price

Included in the Pass are:

• Pick up and drop off in your hotel in Kiruna
• Hot drinks, traditional cookies and chocolate
• Guide and professional photographer

Excluded in the Pass are:

• Daytime activities

Book your 3 Day Northern Lights Pass and maximize your chance to see the northern lights . Price starting from:

price per person

• Small group
• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Kiruna
• Winter overalls and hot drinks
• photographer guide
• professional photos

3 Day Northern Lights Pass - TOP ACTIVITY IN SWEDEN

We do not recommend this tour for guests younger than 5 years old and older than 65.

It is common to walk in snow, icy and cold conditions during the tour. If you have any physical limitations please inform us before you book.

The tour is offered in English. However, we can organize private tours in English, Italian, Spanish, Catalan and Turkish.

Our tours include snowsuits. The snowsuits will be worn as an extra-layer on top of your winter clothes and will give you more protection from wind and snow. You should already be wearing suitable winter clothes as well as a winter jacket and waterproof boots.

We can not provide boots

We can not provide overalls for the kids.

We will pick you up between 19:00 pm and 19:15pm. To make our pickup service as smooth as possible, we ask all our guests to kindly wait for us outside of the hotel at the designated pickup times, not inside the reception.  

We will pick you up at your hotel in Kiruna Center. If you are staying on Airbnb, we will pick you up at the nearest hotel or pick-up point.

Unfortunately pick-up/drop-off service is not available at Airbnb, Camp Alta, the Aurora Camp Kurravaara, Reindeer Lodge, Northern Lights Hut, Husky Lodge or Poikkijärvi.

Please click here to check the map with available pick up locations.

If you need to cancel your tour, you can cancel a minimum of 3 days beforehand for a refund. If you cancel within 3 days, we will charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking.

• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 3 day or less before the event
• Cancellation fee of 10% is charged if cancelled 30 days or less before the event

* This policy does not apply to +6 groups Please, familiarize yourself with these policies before booking.

The Northern Lights are natural phenomena and there is no guarantee that we will see them, despite the most professional, experienced guides. Therefore, there is no refund or free tour if we don’t see the Northern Lights. Even when we find the best conditions, we might not see the lights on some nights.

The strength of the lights will also vary, as well as whether they dance in the sky. The lights in the sky are sometimes not as strong as in the pictures.

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that can be observed in both Abisko and Kiruna. The northern lights look similar in Abisko and Kiruna due to their close proximity and similar latitudes.

Abisko is known for its clear skies and low light pollution, making it an excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights. It also has a unique microclimate that tends to have less cloud cover than other areas in the region, which can increase your chances of seeing the aurora.

Kiruna is another popular location for aurora viewing, and it has a range of accommodation options and activities for visitors. While it can be more crowded than Abisko, it also has a wider range of services and amenities available.

Ultimately, both Abisko and Kiruna offer excellent opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights, and which one is “better” depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

The night of your tour, Lights of Vikings Team will always take you to the best given location to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora, far from crowds and light pollution.

If the date you want to join is not available, please click here and we will contact you as soon as possible

Availability for "3 Day Northern Lights Pass"


When choosing your dates, select only your starting day (marked in green or yellow) and the pass will give you two consecutive nights after that (even if they are marked in red color). If you would like to book non-consecutive days or add dinner, please contact us to arrange your trip.

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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

Home > Destinations > Northern Lights Cruises & Expeditions

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.

• Expeditions

Destination Highlights

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

RelaxFoto.de/Getty Images

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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Aurora Highlights Independent

Aurora Village Ivalo

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• Best Seller

5 days - Aurora Glass Cabin | Snow Hotel | Northern Lights - Kirkenes to Ivalo

Visit one of the northernmost inhabited areas in the world and experience a unique Sami culture, amazing scenery and exhilarating winter activities with this short highlights tour. Spend a night in the magical Kirkenes Snow Hotel and try your hand at dog-sledding, arctic king crab fishing and reindeer sledding. If conditions are right —be dazzled by the northern lights, preferably on the night you are sleeping in an Aurora Glass Cabin in Northern Finland.

This tour can also be done in reverse, starting in Ivalo. Read a testimonial of this from March 2023.

Highlights include

• Catch some Arctic King Crab and sit with others to enjoy the feast afterwards by the fire
• Stay in two unique Northern hotels, Aurora Village and the Gamme Cabins or a snow room in Kirkenes

Please note that all our itineraries, inclusions, dates and prices displayed on this website may change at any time. If you book an itinerary today and have this confirmed it will be the itinerary that is delivered to you. However, the online itinerary on our website may change in the meantime.

As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.

Transportation

• Bus transfers between Kirkenes and Ivalo
• All hotel accommodation in shared double/twin room with private facilities, single supplement available
• 3 nights in an Aurora Glass Cabin, breakfast and dinner included
• Kirkenes Stay: Gamme cabins or a snow room option incl. dinner
• Daily breakfast
• Included Activities: Arctic King Crab Safari, Husky safari (2 hrs), Snow mobile safari, Reindeer sleigh ride, feeding and photographing and Aurora Hunting by car
• Outdoor clothing for winter activities/safaris (winter boots, balaclavas, woollen socks, mittens, overalls, tube scarf) at the Aurora Cabins
• Sparkling piccolo bottle, water bottle, tea, coffee and sweets as complimentary arrival treats in your room at Aurora Cabins
• Toboggans, sleds, sliders, ice-skates, cross-country skis, kick-sledges and outdoor games are available complimentary at the Aurora Glass Cabin.
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes and service fees

Not Included

Flights, meals other than specified, winter clothing (thermal overall & boots) for the entire stay, items of personal nature, beverages, additional activities such as icefishing, horse riding or overnight safaris .

Please note that additional nights can be added either in Kirkenes or Ivalo.

If you would prefer a private transfer between Kirkenes and Ivalo, we can do this for an additional cost.

A Norwegian coastal cruise between Kirkenes and Tromsø can be added where possible.

Day 1 - Arrive into Kirkenes port, transfer to the Snowhotel with a Arctic King Crab Safari

Arrive in Kirkenes and transfer to the snow hotel. Today you will join an Arctic King Crab Safari - a very popular highlight for our travellers north.

The Arctic King Crab is a sought after delicacy and you will learn how to catch, prepare and eat them. Your guide takes you out and you can lend a hand in sawing through the ice before your guide attempts to land you a few of these massive crustaceans. Enjoy the day's catch for lunch seated by a cosy fire in a small local farmhouse by the lake. You will travel to the lake by snowmobile sleigh.

This evening, you can either stay in one of the warm Gamme cabins or sleep in one of the cold snow rooms at the Snowhotel.

Every room in Kirkenes Snowhotel is like a small treasure. The rooms are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable night in the somewhat extreme conditions. The pictures look like you are sleeping on ice, but that would be too cold and too hard for your back. The beds are framed with ice blocks and the beds have comfortable mattresses with thermal insulation on top. You sleep inside a sleeping bag graded for -35 degrees celcius. However, snow is a very good insulator, so even when it's -35 degrees outside, the Snowhotel remains a stable -4 degrees.

Upon entering the gates of the Snowhotel, you will receive a welcome drink at the snowbar, made from berries collected from surrounding hills. It will then be time to make the ‘coolest’ hotel check-in around!

Accommodation

Day 2 - Transfer to Aurora Village Resort and settle into your Aurora Glass Cabin

Transfer by shuttle bus door to door from Kirkenes to Ivalo (3.4 - 4 hrs). Check in to your Aurora Glass Cabin where you will be spending the next two nights!

Dinner at the hotel then get ready for your night under the stars - and hopefully the Northern Lights.

Finnish Aurora Glass Cabins provides 'one-of-a kind' opportunities to admire the Northern Lights and millions of stars in the crystal clear sky while enjoying a comfortable room temperature. Built with a massive special thermal glass window facing sky wards, the temperature inside the cabin always stays at a normal level. It also prevents the glass from not getting white frosted, hence keeping the view clear even when the temperature outside drops to under -30°C.

Day 3 - Husky Safari and then Aurora Hunting by car in the evening

After breakfast, get ready for today's husky safari - an unforgettable journey through breathtaking winter scenery.

On arrival to the husky farm we will provide you with a warm outer thermal suit, gloves and hat and then we will present your very own husky team. You will be given a lesson on how to drive the sledge and how to observe important hand signals given by your leader.

Each team consists of about six dogs, you, the driver, and your passenger, who is comfortably seated in the wooden sledge. The driver and the passenger can change places during the safari.

In the evening, join a Northern Lights search. After some research on the weather forecast, your guides will take a car and drive it to places where the sky is most clear and the probability of seeing the Northern Lights is highest. Your experienced guide, a professional Aurora Hunter has some interesting stories to tell as you drink hot drinks and snacks along the way.

Day 4 - Snowmobile adventure, then enjoy reindeer sleigh ride, feeding and photographing

Rise and shine - get ready for adventures after breakfast. Driving through the arctic winter forests across the frozen river while admiring the beauty of the Lappish nature your guide leads your way on an exciting snowmobile safari. Keep your camera with you! There are a couple of stops for taking amazing photos and chatting with your guide about life in Lapland.

This afternoon, you will get up close to the reindeer. You get a bag of lichen to feed the reindeer living at Aurora Village. Reindeer love lichen! They come close and with a little patience, they will eat from your hand. This is a good time to take close-up photos with reindeer too.

Meet your guide at the Aurora Village reception who will take you on a short walk to the Reindeer park. Your reindeer sleigh is awaiting and will take you on a peaceful winter adventure in a traditional ‘raito’ form where the reindeer walk one after another each pulling a sleigh.Sit back and enjoy the sleigh ride through the snowy forest.

Day 5 - Depart to Ivalo airport for your flight onwards

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Ivalo airport.

Price per person, twin share. Please note: the two different accommodation options available in Kirkenes (either the Snowroom or Gamme Cabins) vary slightly in price.

Important Information

Please note that this tour can also be run in reserve, starting in Ivalo.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL:

Your glass igloo hosts in Ivalo were the first accommodation in Northern Lapland to receive the Green Key award, the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Some examples of how they carry this out include offering recycling facilities in all cabins and no longer offering plastic bottles in accommodations, along with protecting the diversity of the surrounding nature, i.e., bird house and insect hotels. Hiking, biking, and skiing tracks are direct from the hotel and as such they encourage low carbon activities such as snowshoeing and toboggans.

Kirkenes Winter Experience

5 days - Snowhotel stay easily combined with Norwegian Coastal voyage

Aurora Highlights Reverse Independent

5 days - Aurora Glass Cabin | Snow Hotel | Northern Lights - Ivalo to Kirkenes

Lapland Highlights Escorted

11 days - Escorted small group - visiting Norway, Sweden and Finland | ICEHOTEL & Glass Igloos

• 2025 Dates Now Available - 12 travellers only

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Travel Safe

Travel insurance and safety.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. The safety of our travellers, staff and operators is a major priority of 50 Degrees North. With an operational office in Norway, 50 Degrees North has access to an up-to-the-minute flow of information regarding the countries we work in. We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.

Practical information about Scandinavian Hotels

• Hotel rooms in Scandinavia are normally furnished with twin beds, which can be moved together to form a double bed or placed separately. Please note that single rooms are generally smaller than doubles, and are often equipped with a shower instead of a bath. Purpose-built triple or family rooms are likewise unusual in Scandinavian hotels. Whilst it is possible for 3 persons to share a room, this will normally be a double room with an extra bed, with correspondingly less space to move about in.
• It is also unusual to have a porter at hotels to carry your luggage.
• There is free wi-fi in many hotels in Scandinavia.
• Unexpectedly, all forms of Scandinavian accommodation rarely provide tea and coffee facilities in their rooms. If you are lucky, a kettle will be supplied but nothing else. Please ask at reception for some provisions when you arrive or just carry a small selection from home.
• Please also note that in Scandinavia - in particular, during winter - the included lunch will often be a hearty warm soup with bread.
• More remote hotels in Lapland will offer dinner at an additional cost. In some spots, there will be limited choices else where. Generally, you get a very nice home-cooked Scandinavian dinner. However, you may sometimes find only one or two choices only for your main course.
• In Scandinavia, it is normal for washing and laundry facilities to be in the basement. If you are staying in apartment type accommodation, check downstairs or ask for assistance.

Practical budgeting information before your departure to Norway

Practical budgeting information before your departure to norway:, budget surprises:.

Norway has a few items that typically surprise travellers when visiting Norway for the first time. Alcohol and luxury items are heavily taxed and therefore prices are higher than you would expect. On the other hand, necessities such as bread and milk, are taxed low and therefore are great value.

Alcohol import allowance into Norway:

We recommend that you bring all the alcohol you’re allowed to bring into the country when you arrive. There are many lovely parks and balconies where you can enjoy your duty free. However, be sure not to bring more than you’re allowed!

As of May 2014, the allowances according to Visit Norway are:

Alcoholic beverages: Minimum age: 18/ 20*

1 litre of beverages with more than 22% up to and including 60% alcohol per volume as well as 1½ litre with more than 2.5% up to and including 22% alcohol per volume or three litres with more than 2.5% up to and including 22% alcohol per volume and 2 litres of beer with more than 2.5 % or other beverages with more than 2.5% up to and including 4.7% alcohol per volume. This means that you may for example bring with you five litres of beer provided you do not have any other alcoholic beverages with you.

*For importing alcoholic beverages with more than 22% alcohol per volume the minimum age is 20.

It’s illegal to bring extra alcohol into Norway and can end up costing you. Another thing you should bring and not buy in Norway is razor blades. Good razor blades in Norway are expensive.

Practical Information for travelling and packing for Scandinavian Winter

Recommended scandinavian winter tour packing list:.

• Warm wind and water proof jacket and trousers large enough to fit thick woollen jumper/clothing underneath
• Rain trousers – waterproof and breathable material
• Warm windproof cap/hat
• Warm gloves or mittens. Mittens where all fingers except the thumb are together are often warmer than gloves.
• Windproof gloves or mittens, which you can pull over the warm gloves
• 2 pairs of long woollen underwear (Merino wool in a few different thicknesses is perfect)
• 1-2 warm woollen jumper(s), or one jumper and a warm fleece
• Woollen or fleece trousers
• 2-3 pairs of warm woollen socks
• Warm & sturdy footwear with good grip
• Clothes for indoors, i.e. a shirt, T-shirts and jeans or cotton trousers
• Back pack for day trips (approx. 30 litre)
• Light footwear/trainers (mainly for indoors)
• Sun screen & Lip salve (the sun reflects off the snow and the air is dry)
• Hand warmers
• Nordic Grip anti-slip soles for walking on ice
• Personal medication
• Water bottle - thermo, or include a cover to keep warm (or you can stick it into a warm sock)
• Travel documents (including insurance)
• Note book and pencil
• Camera, memory cards and charger
• Chargers for other gadgets
• Extra batteries for your cameras as they are used fast in cold conditions.

General information about staying at the Kirkenes Snowhotel

Practical information about the kirkenes snowhotel., how is the snowhotel built.

First the Kirkenes Snowhotel engineers produce a lot of snow with water, cold air and snow-machines. Then they inflate a large balloon and cover this with snow. When this balloon is totally compacted with 2 metres of snow, they then deflate the balloon and remove it, leaving a circular room. For the corridors, they construct wooden frames and also cover them in snow before removing them.

When is the Snowhotel open?

Kirkenes Showhotel opens each year around 20 December and closes on the 20 April.

How cold is it inside the Snowhotel?

The temperature inside is a constant minus 4 degrees Celsius.

What do you sleep on inside the Snowhotel?

There are 20 bedrooms with normal mattresses. On top of the mattress is an extra thermal insulation layer. You are also provided a sleeping bag made for extreme expeditions, rated for minus 30 degrees celsius. Most guests however, find that it can get too hot inside the sleeping bag.

In the marketing pictures, it looks like the beds are made of ice! However, they have cleverly placed ice-blocks around the beds to create the illusion of an ice-bed! Sleeping directly on ice would be a bit drastic and not very comfortable.

How is the lighting in the rooms?

Every room is decorated differently which is why there  is also  different lighting used to create a different atmosphere. The lights are LED which gives off very little heat. For security reasons the lights are not switched off. We advise using eye covers to sleep if a small amount of light bothers you.

Do you have bathrooms and showers?

There have nice bathrooms, showers and a sauna in the building next to the Snowhotel. So you have to leave your sleeping bag for a few minutes. Brrr....

Who usually books a night at the Snowhotel?

It is usually couples. Average age is around 45, however their oldest guest has been 92 years old! Each year, the Kirkenes Snowhotel sees marriage proposals being made and of course, in such a beautiful place,  weddings for many happy couples take place.

Is the Snowhotel safe?

Yes. The Snowhotel is constructed to the calculations and standards made by a Finnish professor of snow building. The Snowhotel is still standing a month after they close for the season, even with the warmer weather!

Who should not sleep at the Snowhotel?

People with claustrophobia have had trouble sleeping in the Snowhotel. There is also a minimum age of 7 years to stay in the snowhotel. There is a warm lobby available in case people may feel uncomfortable during their night’s stay.

Northern Lights Holiday Packages 2024-2025

14 min read.

Ready to catch the Northern Lights? If you are planning to go to Northern Norway to chase Aurora, you may want to include a few other activities in your trip. In this article we are going to give you a rundown on what a Northern Lights holiday package could look like in Kirkenes and Tromsø. We’ll start by telling you a bit about each of these nordic cities.

Choose the City For Your Vacation

Tromsø is regarded as one of the best places in the world to catch the Northern Lights and this Arctic Capital offers the best of both worlds – a vibrant city life and Arctic nature just outside the city. Here you can easily combine a Northern Lights chase with other activities such as dog sledding tours , snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, whale watching and different cruises – including Northern Lights cruises. You can also spend a magical night in the snowhotel, Tromsø Ice domes, or take the Fjellheisen cable car.

This city is dubbed "The Paris of the North", and whether you want to experience different festivals, enjoy a bustling nightlife or venture out on an Arctic adventure there is something for everyone.

Kirkenes offers stunning, raw, and diverse Arctic landscapes consisting of tundra, dense forests, beautiful mountains, and thousands of lakes. This is a smaller city and does not offer the same vibrant city and nightlife as Tromsø. Kirkenes is the perfect spot if you just want to immerse yourself in the Arctic nature excursions.

This city offers both husky and snowmobile evening tours where you can catch the Northern Lights should appear during your tour. You can also chill on a comfortable bus escorting you to your ultimate date with the Green Lady.

In Kirkenes, you can also spend a night in the winter wonderland Snowhotel Kirkenes – which is open all year round. This hotel is also the starting point for different tours like husky sledding, king crab fishing, and Northern Lights trips. Curious about ice hotels in Norway ? Read more here!

Quick Northern Lights Packing List

Warm coat (or even better, a thermal suit),

Scarf, hat, gloves and warm winter boots.

Lip Balm/chapstick

Popular Northern Lights Activities in Tromsø

Overnight northern lights & whale watching safari.

Join us for an unforgettable overnight adventure cruise! Venture out in search of orcas, humpbacks, and other majestic sea creatures as we journey through the Arctic fjords, far from city lights.

Northern Lights Visit - Incl. Transport

Join us at our wilderness center Camp Tamok which offers a great setting for Northern Lights observation.

Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights

Venture deep into the heart of the wilderness, where you'll walk amidst our 300 gentle reindeer, even having the chance to hand-feed these incredible animals.

Northern Lights Safari with Guarantee

Tromsø is the perfect place to chase the Northern Lights. Cruise towards ideal viewing conditions.

Northern Lights Chase by Bus

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey with us, chasing the magic in the Arctic skies from the heart of Tromsø. We will be chasing low light pollution and trying to dodge those pesky clouds that might try to steal the show of the aurora borealis from us.

Reindeer Sledding Evening - Incl. Transport

Keen to meet the indigenous Sami people, hear their stories and have a close-up encounter with their reindeer?

Popular Northern Lights Activities in Kirkenes

Snowhotel kirkenes - entrance ticket.

While in Kirkenes you should absolutely visit the winter wonderland of Snowhotel 365. From 2019 we are the first hotel completely made of snow and ice to be open 365 days a year!

Snowhotel Visit incl. Dinner

Enjoy unique atmosphere and arctic cuisine in secluded wilderness. You will not only get a meal. You get a story.

Hunting Northern Lights by Husky

Nature covered by snow, a team of strong huskies in front, and a beautiful star-studded sky above. If you are lucky, maybe the northern lights will make an appearance?

Snowhotel Visit incl. Transfer

Enter a real life winter wonderland, all seasons of the year. While in Kirkenes you should absolutely visit the Snowhotel 365.

Snowmobile Hunting the Northern Lights

Learn how to drive a snowmobile with the chance of catching the magical Aurora sky dancing above

Hunting the Northern Lights by Bus

The Northern Lights is perhaps the most beautiful natural phenomenon you will ever have the opportunity of seeing, and Kirkenes is one of the best places to do so.

Note: All the organized outdoor activities in Kirkenes and Tromsø will provide you with warm clothes for the day (a thermal suit and warm boots), but it may be a good idea to bring winter clothes for the days you are not participating in activities.

Northern Lights Vacation in Tromsø

Tromsø has a lot to offer and how you choose to spend your days is up to you. The following is just an example of what 5 days in Tromsø could look like.

Day 1: Familiarize yourself with the city and see what it has to offer. Visit the Arctic Cathedral or take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Storsteinen Mountain and have lunch or dinner at Fjellstua Cafe. If you are at the top of the mountain in the evening you might even see Aurora – in any case you’ll get an amazing view of the city at 420 m above sea level.

Day 2 : Go on a silent whale watching safari. This tour has a 8 am departure in order to take advantage of the few hours of daylight Tromsø has during winter. On this trip you can enjoy the magnificent winter landscape as you look for the majestic humpback and killer whales. During the tour, you can buy something to drink and eat in the onboard restaurant. This tour lasts about 7 hours and you’ll return to the city at 3 pm. Season: The exact season varies year to year, but is usually between November and January.

Day 3: Start the day by checking out some of the spots you haven’t seen yet – maybe pay the Polar Museum a visit or go shopping in Storgata. In the evening you can go on a Northern Lights tour – choose between boat, bus, minibus or camp visit. There are also husky, snowmobile and reindeer tours with evening departures, opening up for the possibility to see the Green Diva should she decide to make an appearance. However, If seeing the Northern Lights is your main goal you might want to choose a tour where the main focus is finding the lights.

Season: November to March.

Day 4: Ice Domes and Reindeer Visit

Treat yourself to a guided tour of the magical winter wonderland Tromsø Ice Domes. A comfortable coach will depart from the city centre every day at 10.30 am and transport you to the beautiful Tamok Valley. This ice hotel – the Tromsø Ice Domes – is rebuilt every year for the winter season. The different sections of the hotel will have new ice carvings and art every time it’s built ensuring a new experience each year. There is also a small group of reindeer at the Tromsø Ice Domes you can pay a visit while you are there. During this tour you will get a light lunch and try a drink made from local berries. You can also buy hot and cold drinks at the Ice Domes.

Season: December 10 – March 31.

Day 5: Go on a husky or snowmobile morning tour . For these tours you will be picked up in Tromsø city centre at 9 or 11 am and transported to the Camp Tamok Wilderness Centre. You will get some safety instructions and guidelines before you get to drive your own team of huskies or your own snowmobile. After the adventure you will return to camp, and get a nice warm meal by the fire before returning to Tromsø in the afternoon.The total duration for these tours is 6-7 hours Season : 15. November – 31. March

Top 3 hotels in Tromsø

Thon Hotel Polar is a great choice in the mid-range price area. It’s situated just 100 m from Storgata, the main shopping street, Thon Hotel Polar offers comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and a large buffet breakfast

Scandic Ishavshotel is right by the quayside in Tromsø with a view of Tromsø Harbor. This hotel is a 4 minute walk from The Polar Museum and is in close proximity to everything the city has to offer. This hotel has previously won the award for the county's best hotel breakfast.

Clarion Hotel The Edge. If you are looking for a bit of a luxurious feel, Clarion Hotel The Edge is an excellent choice. This hotel is very central, located at the Tromsø Harbor, and features a sky bar and rooftop terrace on the 11th-floor overlooking the Arctic Cathedral.

Top 3 Restaurants in Tromsø

Bardus, Mathallen and Smak offer traditional Nordic food with a modern twist.

Burgr, “ the coolest burger place in town”, has loads of delicious burgers on the menu.

Pastafabrikken offers a huge selection of nice pasta dishes.

Northern Lights Vacation in Kirkenes

Kirkenes is a small city conveniently located in the Arctic circle. If you are here for five days you can have a relaxing vacation and have plenty of time to combine your Northern Lights holiday with several other authentic Northern Norwegian activities.

Here is an example of a 5 Day itinerary in Kirkenes:

Day 1: Chase the Northern Lights by snowmobile! On this trip you will get the chance to drive your own snowmobile into the Arctic wilderness to chase Aurora Borealis. Guided by an expert driver you will head into the remote, dark areas around Kirkenes to increase your chances of seeing the lights. Two people will share one snowmobile, one being the passenger and one being the driver – there are plenty of options to switch places along the way.

Day 2: Pay a visit to the Snowhotel Kirkenes 365! This magical winter kingdom is the first ice hotel to stay open all year round. The tour called Snowhotel Kirkenes 365 Visit is one of many options to see the hotel, and for this trip you will be picked up in Kirkenes at 09:30 or 13:00. Upon arrival you will get a two hour guided tour and hear all about Snowhotel 365 and the surrounding area. At the site there is a husky and reindeer park where you can visit over 180 huskies and puppies and watch the reindeer walk around peacefully. Season: All year

Day 3: Andersgrotta is Kirkenes ’ largest bomb shelter, built in 1941 and is one of the most significant historic attractions in Kirkenes. Here you learn about the life of civilians during world war II. A viewing of a documentary film based on archives and new recording is also included in this tour, allowing you to experience the atmosphere during wartime.

Season: All year

If you want to soak up another piece of Aurora, you can go on a Northern Lights husky tour in the evening. The tour will start at 9 pm at Snowhotel Kirkenes, Sandnesdalen, a transfer from Thon and Scandic hotels are included. Guided by a seasoned musher you will travel by dog sled far into the Arctic wilderness to search for the lights. The only sound you will hear as you go is the sound of the snow under the sledge, the dogs breathing, and the Arctic wind. Season: 1. December – 15. April

Day 4: Go on a King Crab safari! Kirkenes is known as the King Crab City! During winter you can go out on a snowmobile sled to the fjord ice to catch your own dinner. This trip starts from Snowhotel Kirkenes, and you will be picked up from the Thon and Scandic hotel at 9.30 in the morning. You will spend the day helping the crew pull the crab pots up from the Barents sea, before heading back to the Snowhotel Restaurant. Here you will have the chance to taste your freshly caught crab Northern Norwegian style – with bread, butter, mayonnaise and lemon. This crab is the biggest, freshest and most delicious shellfish you will ever taste.

Season: 01. December – 30. April.

Day 5: Try Ice Fishing! Ice fishing is another authentic Kirkenes experience picking you up from Kirkenes city centre at 1pm. A seasoned fisherman guide will drill a hole in the ice before you sink your line into the water and wait for the catch to bite. The most common catch is cod, but you might be able to catch other types of fish too. The tour lasts 3 hours, and once you (hopefully) have pulled the biggest catch on land, you will be transported back to your hotel in Kirkenes.

Season: 10. January – 30. April

Top 3 hotels in Kirkenes

Scandic Kirkenes – A nice and central hotel who previously won the award for the best breakfast in the county. This hotel has an ideal location and if you are going on a tour, a lot of them will include a transfer from this making things as easy as can be for you.

Thon Hotel Kirkenes – Thon Hotel Kirkenes is located on the shore of Bøkfjorden, about 5 minutes’ walk from Andersgrotta Museum, tne World War II bomb shelter. A lot of the tours include a transfer from this hotel, which is very practical.

Barents Hotel – This hotel is centrally located in the town of Kirkenes on Bøkfjorden. ​​Each of the rooms is simply decorated in bright or neutral tones and the guest lounge has a breakfast area for you to enjoy.

Top 3 Restaurants in Kirkenes

Snowhotel Kirkenes Restaurant (Låven) – Offers an authentic northern Norwegian menu in arctic surroundings.

Surf & Turf Restaurant – Serves anything from fish soup to steaks, pasta and whale.

Ritz – A pizza restaurant offering pizza, snacks and desserts.

Hot tip: if you want a unique start to your Arctic adventure, Snowhotel Kirkenes offers one of the most unique airport transfers in the world – by dog sled! If you are planning to visit the Kirkenes Snowhotel, a team of huskies could be waiting for you when you step off the plane. This transfer is available at various times during the winter season.

Want to know more? Read more Northern Lights Articles here

Northern lights tours in tromso.

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Northern Lights Cruise in Tromso, Norway

Best place to see northern lights in norway.

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Weekend Getaway in Tromsø

Just visiting for a weekend? Tromsø is a great place for a weekend getaway as you can take part in a lot of different things in just a few days.The city and nature are in close proximity to each other, making it possible to customize the weekend of your dreams.

The following is an example of what a weekend in Tromsø could look like.

Day 1: Get to know Tromsø. Walk around the city and do some shopping or sightseeing (The Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum are good choices) You can also take Fjellheisen up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen and enjoy a nice view of Tromsø city.

Day 2-3 If you are in Tromsø for just a couple of days, you may want to check out one of the Tromsø Northern Lights Packages. The Full Day Package let’s you spend an entire day at Camp Tamok and includes one morning activity and one afternoon activity of your choice. Choose between dog sledding, snowmobiling or reindeer sledding. For the afternoon activity you can also choose to go on the Northern Lights Visit activity. There are also overnight packages where you could spend the weekend doing an evening activity one day and a morning activity the next day before heading back home.The different packages are explained in more detail in the section “Northern Lights Package Tour in Tromsø”.

Weekend Getaway in Kirkenes

Going on an Arctic Adventure in Kirkenes? This is what a weekend in Kirkenes could look like.

Day 1: Go on a Northern Lights Chase by Husky ! If you want to combine an old Northern Norwegian tradition with an Aurora chase, this trip is the perfect choice. This tour has a 9 pm pick up from downtown Kirkenes and you will return around midnight. On this trip you will be escorted deep into the Arctic wilderness guided by an experienced guide as you chase the Green Diva. The huskies need no incentive to pull the sled – these dogs live and breathe to run! If you are lucky the Northern Lights will be dancing all evening.

Season 01. December – 15. April

Day 2: Visit the Kirkenes Snowhotel! Treat yourself to a visit and dinner in the winter kingdom. The Snowhotel Kirkenes 365 Visit & Dinne r tour includes a tour of the hotel and a 3 course dinner at Låven Restaurant. See the 14 stunning ice suites with different ice carvings and sculptures and have a drink in the ice bar. You also get to visit the husky and reindeer farm and greet and play with the dogs and puppies.

Day 3: Go on a morning snowmobile safari . This 2-hour adventure is a great and unforgettable experience allowing you to explore the magical landscape above the Arctic Circle. You can choose between three starting times: 9.30 am, 1 pm or 3 pm – transfer from and back to Kirkenes are all included.

If you are an adrenaline and action buff this is the perfect opportunity for an adventurous experience. Before turning the engine on, your guide will give you a practical demonstration and driving instructions. There will be two people per snowmobile – one as the driver and one as the passenger, with plenty of chances to switch places along the way.

Tailored Package Tour – Full Day Package in Tromsø

If you want to combine more than one adventure, you have the option to create your own tailored full day package. Upon booking you can choose your first activity starting at 09 am (you have your pick of dog sledding, reindeer sledding, snowmobiling or a combination tour including snowshoes, Tromsø Ice Domes and a reindeer herd visit. You will be picked up in Tromsø city centre in the morning and brought to the wilderness centre Camp Tamok, which is a 75 minute drive trom Tromsø.

This camp is the start and end point for a lot of activities during winter. When tailoring your package you also have the option to include a Tromsø Ice Domes visit for 200 NOK per person.

After the first activity you will relax at the camp (approximately from 2:30 – 6:30 pm) You will get a hot meal in a traditional North Norwegian setting around the open fire in a reindeer herder’s tent.

Your second activity starts at 6.30 pm. When booking the tour you choose between dog sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer sledding or Northern Lights Visit. Please note that the activities you can choose between are subject to availability on your chosen dates). When the activity is completed you will return to Tromsø – the aim is to be back in the city by midnight. Ready for a Northern Lights adventure in Norway? Book here.

Camp Tamok is our wilderness centre located in an area with optimal conditions for experiencing the Northern Lights. Although Camp Tamok is located only a 75-minute drive from downtown Tromsø, it is in a different and drier climate zone, with clear inland mountain weather. The dry climate generates many cloud-free night skies in winter, as well as during summer

Tailored Package Tour – Overnight stay 1 night/2 days

This overnight package includes an evening adventure, an overnight stay and a morning activity the following day. You will be picked up in the centre of Tromsø at 4.30 pm. From there you will be transported to Camp Tamok for your evening activity at 5 pm. On your first day you’ll choose between Northern Lights Visit, dog sledding, snowmobiling or reindeer sledding. After the activity you’ll spend the night at the accommodation of your choice; Aurora Chalet or Char Cabin.

The next morning you’ll enjoy a nice breakfast before you set off on your second adventure (dog sledding, snowmobiling or reindeer sledding) at 10.30 am. You will return to Tromsø around 4 pm. Book easily here .

Season: 15 November – 31 March

Norwegian Travel is a premium brand aiming to offer high-quality experience-based tourism in selected unique destinations in Norway. From the fjords to the mountains. From the sandy beaches to the rough cliffs. From urban buzz to the massive stillness of the old mountains. We wish to inspire people to explore the treasures to be found in Norway. At our destinations you can explore amazing nature, good food and exciting activities all year round.

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September, 2023: Northern Lights and Geology of Iceland

Iceland | september 10 - 15, 2023.

Iceland is a place of many wonders, including the dazzling Aurora Borealis.  Explore Iceland with Sirius Travel and you will enjoy access to our astronomer and geologist guides who bring their understanding of the natural phenomena to share with you as you search for the elusive aurora and visit amazing geologic sites. The dates for this 6-day trip were carefully selected to optimize your chances to view the aurora under dark and clear skies. Packing suggestions for a trip to Iceland can be found here.

Activity Level:

Trip Highlights

This year’s report:  Wow.  We had no fewer than FOUR clear nights with the aurora blazing overhead!  Solar Max is definitely producing!

On this tour you will visit Iceland’s most iconic sites including waterfalls such as the colossal Gullfoss, the enchanting Seljalandsfoss, and the breathtaking Skogafoss. We will explore Thingvellir National Park and walk through the valley where the tectonic plates are drifting apart, tracing the steps of Iceland’s early settlers where brutal Viking-age justice was carried out and the Althingi parliament was founded.  You will watch in awe as the geyser Strokkur launches boiling water into the air in the Geyser geothermal area.  You will behold the striking basalt columns, supernatural black sand, and immense sea stacks of Reynisfjara on the south coast’s black sand beaches. Included in the itinerary are visits to two impressive hot spring spas.  First, the newly opened but already well-known Sky Lagoon which opens out over the North Atlantic and, later in the tour, an afternoon luxuriating in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, you will have time to explore this unique and friendly northern capital from our centrally located hotel within easy walking distance of the majority of popular sights.

Pricing and Terms

Detailed itinerary, sunday, september 10, 2023, lunar phase: waning crescent (d).

Travelers will be met at the airport in Reykjavik and transferred to the hotel where they will connect with other travelers. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Reykjavik or resting in your hotel room.  Welcome Dinner in the evening.

Evening opportunity to view Northern Lights if weather permits.  Overnight Reykjavik.

Monday, September 11, 2023

Lunar phase: waning crescent (b).

Today you will enjoy a City tour of Reykjavik’s top attractions.  Included on the tour will be The old Höfði house (where the summit between the Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov took place in 1986), the Harpa concert hall (2013 winner of the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award), the City Centre, Hallgrímskirkja church  (whose design was inspired by basalt lava columns), the viewing platform at Perlan (whose glass dome provides a 360° view over Reykjavík), and Bessastaðir (the official residence of the President of Iceland).  Following the city tour we will stop off to experience Flyover Iceland followed by a soak in Reykjavik’s newly opened Sky Lagoon.

Evening opportunity to view Northern Lights if weather permits. Overnight Reykjavik.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Lunar phase: waning crescent (b, d).

After breakfast, you will take a full day tour of some of the best known natural phenomena surrounding Reykjavik. From spouting geysers, massive tumbling waterfalls, and ancient volcanoes, this excursion will introduce you to the world-renowned pristine natural beauty in the heart of Iceland’s Southern Region, stopping at some of Iceland’s most iconic sites.

Þingvellir National Park is an attraction of great historical, geological and cultural significance. Located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, the UNESCO designated world heritage site is also the birthplace of the Althing—Iceland’s parliament founded in 930 AD—where the nation’s most powerful leaders would meet to decide on legislation and carry out brutal Viking-age justice.  The tour continues across an area of picturesque scenery to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Once there, you can take several paths around the two tiers of cascading water to explore several vantage points.

Next, you will visit the home of “The Great Geysir”, a geysir that is the actual origin of the word “geysir”, and is an area with bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful algae deposits. Although Geysir itself has become dormant, there is great excitement when Strokkur geysir blasts boiling water high up into the air every 3-7 minutes!

After visiting the Golden Circle highlights you will stop at Friðheimar greenhouse, a geothermally heated operation that demonstrates how Icelanders are now able to grow fresh vegetables in their harsh environment. They also have many Icelandic horses that you will be able to see close up as well as very creative tomato-based refreshments.

You will wrap up this very full day with a stop at The Commonwealth Farm.  This is a site of interest to see how people lived in Iceland until as recently as the 1970’s! The reconstructed farm   is   based   on   the excavated farmhouse Stöng from the Commonwealth Era in Iceland and   provides   visitors   with an opportunity   to   study the   buildings   of Icelandic ancestors   and   learn   about   their   background   and   daily   life .  The excavated farm Stöng is  believed to have   been   destroyed   in the   Hekla   eruption   in the year   1104.

Overnight near Hella in a great dark-sky location so that if wether permits, our chances to see the northern lights is optimized!

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Lunar phase: waning crescent (b,d).

After breakfast, you will stop at a stable close to the hotel and enjoy a visit with some of Iceland’s famous horses and enjoy a short demonstration of the unique gaits that make these horses distinct.  Following the show, you will travel along Iceland’s southern coast through lush farmlands with the rugged mountains, glaciers (including famous Eyjafjallajökull), and volcanoes of the interior on one side and the Atlantic ocean on the other.

You will stop to see Seljalandsfoss waterfall, whose water originates under Eyjafjallajökull’s glacier, cascading from the highlands.  Visitors to Seljalandsfoss can walk behind the falls into a small cave if the weather is warm and there is no ice. You will also visit Skógafoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland and familiar for its many on-screen appearances in popular movies/videos.  Just outside the town of Vík í Mýrdal (or just Vík to the locals), you will visit the soaring basalt rock formation known as Reynisdrangar and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.

Before returning to your hotel you will see the LAVA exhibit in Hella that includes an impressive live demonstration of lava and its characteristics.

Evening opportunity to view Northern Lights if weather permits. Overnight near Hella.

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Lunar phase: new moon (b, d).

After breakfast and the hotel checkout you will visit the Seltún geothermal area, one of the most striking landscapes in Iceland. Steam dominates a view filled with volcanic vents, fumaroles, mud pots, and boiling hot springs. The surrounding hills are painted in earthy colors of golden brown, red, pink, blue, yellow, white and grey.  Following Seltún you will make a short stop at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant to see the technology behind harnessing geothermal energy.  The plant, which provides Reykjavik with most of its electricity and hot water, is also piloting an innovative direct air capture project that captures 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year and injects it into the ground, where it literally turns to stone.

After lunch, you will visit the Blue Lagoon and relax in its remarkable waters. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions and considered by many to be an intrinsic part of the Iceland experience. Breathtaking scenery, ultra modern facilities, and an impressive track record in healing are why the Blue Lagoon draws visitors from all corners of the world to return time and time again.

On your return to Reykjavik you will enjoy a farewell dinner and an evening opportunity to view Northern Lights if weather permits. Overnight Reykjavik.

Friday, September 15, 2023

Lunar phase: waxing crescent (b).

After breakfast you will check out of the hotel and have several hours to do some last minute shopping before the afternoon transfer to the airport. Transfers to the airport will be provided on this day.

• Astronomer / Scientist guides
• Professional bilingual guide
• All ground transportation
• 4-star accommodations
• Airport transfers on 9/10 and 9/15  (other dates are not included)
• Meals (as described in itinerary)
• Lectures: Astronomy/science talks throughout the tour.
• Sky Lagoon entrance fee
• Blue Lagoon entrance fee
• Flyover Iceland admission
• Perlan observation deck
• LAVA Center museum entrance
• Hellisheiði power plant entrance
• Friðheimar greenhouse
• Horse demonstration entrance fee
• Park entrance fees

Not Included

• International flights
• Items of a personal nature
• Alchoholic beverages (unless specifically included)
• Tips for drivers and guides
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance

Other Information

Trip cancellation, health, and accident insurance is recommended but not required. It can save you money if you are forced to cancel or alter your trip. We recommend TravelGuard trip insurance ( www.travelguard.com ) and we recommend that all travelers purchase their insurance within 7 days of their initial reservation to take advantage of any pre-existing condition clause.

Immunizations and Health

Precautions should always be taken seriously and pre-trip education on what to eat or to avoid should be planned. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the  CDC website .

Health Restrictions

It is every traveler’s responsibility to consider all appropriate medical advice regarding whether or not they are fit to take this trip prior to booking their reservation. We recommend that all interested travelers check with their healthcare provider before signing on.  COVID-19: Sirius Travel passengers will be required to comply with all Icelandic recommendations and requirements in place at the time of travel. The latest Icelandic regulations may be reviewed on their official website here: https://www.covid.is/english

Age Restrictions

Children 11 and older are welcome on this tour but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if they are under 18. Please note that most countries have very strict entry/exit requirements for minors (under the age of 18 years old), especially minors traveling with only one parent.  Please review the requirements before choosing to travel with a minor.

Room Sharing

If you are traveling alone, you may save quite a bit of money by opting to share a room. We will match solo travelers of the same gender so that they can share a double occupancy room with two beds. We will do our best to match travelers but if we cannot find a match for you then you will be required to pay the single occupancy price.

Historical weather prospects in Iceland: Statistically, the chance of clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy skies is at least 40% throughout September.  The weather is usually dry (average precipitation is 67mm) and the average temperature is 7.4°C (45.3°F) but it can go as high as 10-15°C (50-59°F).  Wind is frequently the main issue and wind/rain gear is essential.  If you don’t block the wind it will feel very cold.

What to Wear

We recommend bringing warm clothes and being prepared for everything, the weather is very unpredictable and it can rain, be sunny and windy, sometimes at the same time. Layers are the key as you want to be able to strip off clothes when it is warm and put them back on when it gets colder. Links here are the same as those on our “ packing suggestions ” page and are Amazon affiliate links.

• Hiking boots – You will be traveling around the country and walking outside.  You need good waterproof hiking shoes that will keep you warm.
• Base layer – Warm layers under the clothes might be the best thing you bring to Iceland. We recommend wearing long wool or thermal underwear, you can buy it in outdoor clothing stores in Iceland.
• Fleece or wool – An Icelandic wool sweater or fleece is a must. Icelandic wool sweaters can be bought all over the country in local stores.
• Parka or water and windproof jacket – Usually you don’t need a parka in September but, if you have space in your suitcase, why not bring it? A water and windproof jacket over the wool/fleece sweater is essential.
• Water and windproof pants  – It is windy in Iceland and it rains so bring the pants.
• Hats , gloves and warm socks – Bring at least two sets of everything, a lighter pair and a thick one as well. Consider the wind which can get through a single knit layer easily. Again, if you need to upgrade while in Iceland, there are stores that carry these items everywhere.
• Swimsuit – You are going to want to relax in the warm swimming pools or hot springs after a long day outside. It is possible to rent a swimsuit at the spas if you forget yours.

Reserve Your Spot on the September, 2023 Lights & Geology of Iceland Trip

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Eight best Northern Lights holidays, short trips and packages

See our pick of the best trips for seeing the famed aurora borealis, article bookmarked.

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One of the most impressive wonders of the natural world, the Northern Lights are on many people’s bucket lists as a must-see natural event.

Alongside sights such as the Grand Canyon or Victoria Falls, the aurora borealis is one of the most famous natural phenomena, attracting thousands of visitors to countries in the Arctic Circle in hope of seeing the elusive spectacle.

While sightings are possible further south – and recently even as far south as Wiltshire – heading north to countries such as Finland, Iceland or Norway is your best bet if trying to see the lights.

However, with sightings also possible in more far-flung countries such as Canada and the US, choosing which once-in-a-lifetime Northern Lights trip is right for you can be tough.

We’ve rounded up some of the best holidays, short trips and packages on offer to give you the best experience possible (and the best chance of seeing the hard-to-catch lights!).

Best for budget: Reykjavik, Iceland

Perhaps most well-known for its affordable flights, Jet2 is also a big player in the package holiday market, with Which? consistently scoring it as the best provider in the UK. The company has over 20 package breaks that include Northern Lights tours, with all of them based in Reykjavik .

Running from September to April, all its packages contains special three-hour Northern Lights tours on one of the nights during your stay. Accommodation at the Grandi by Center Hotels is one of the best-value packages. The hotel is located near the centre of Reykjavik, just 1km from the main shopping street and the city’s art museum – perfect for exploring the Icelandic capital once you’ve got your Lights fix.

Four nights’ accommodation, B&B, including Northern Lights tour and return flights from £719pp; jet2holidays.com .

Best for sustainable travel: Saariselka, Finland

A company that prides itself on trips that “support communities and preserve nature”, Responsible Travel provides trips to every corner of the world while minimising the impact of travel on the environment and local community. Its website contains several incredible-looking trips, but our favourite is the tailor-made, four-night trip to Saariselka in Finnish Lapland .

Flights, airport transfers, cold weather clothing and both breakfast and dinners are included, while nights are spent in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin, meaning that you may not even need to go on a special tour in order to see the aurora (though you do get guides anyway).

Additional activities on offer include snowmobiling, husky safaris, reindeer park visits and snowshoeing.

Northern Lights Family Holiday from £1,225pp (children under 15 from £890) for four nights, half-board, including flights and transfers; responsibletravel.com .

Read more on Europe travel :

• How to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
• Sweden’s Icehotel: What happens behind the scenes to create this winter wonderland
• How to have the best Christmas holiday in Lapland – without the kids

Best for staying at the Ice Hotel: Abisko, Sweden

Located close to the Norwegian border in the north of Sweden , Abisko is well-known as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Its tourism website claims that people staying for three nights have an 80 per cen of seeing the Lights, while those lucky enough to stay for four nights are “ almost certain to see them ”.

Discover the World provides three-night package tours of the area to help you in your quest to see the aurora. One of the major attractions of this package is the opportunity to stay in the famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi. The holiday includes two nights at the famous accommodation – with some parts newly constructed each year from ice in the surrounding area – as well as a host of other activities, including a visit to to Aurora Sky Station , which markets itself as the bestplace to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights, Abisko and Icehotel three-night package from £919pp, B&B, including transfers, one dinner and activities, excludes flights; discovertheworld.com .

Best for a city break with a difference: Tromso, Norway

With over 16 years of experience as “the UK’s only holiday brand solely dedicated to sharing Mother Nature’s greatest wonder”, The Aurora Zone is serious about helping travellers experience the Northern Lights.

With dozens of packages for Norway , Sweden, Iceland and Finland, aurora-hunters are spoilt for choice in their search for a Northern Lights trip. The Northern Lights city break to Tromso (in northern Norway) is a great pick for anyone wanting to see the Northern Lights in an especially unique setting; namely that of a busy city.

Situated 350km above the Arctic Circle, Tromso’s location makes it “a city break with a big difference”. Surrounded by rolling mountains and dramatic fjords, the town itself is often treated to Northern Lights sightings, without the need for dedicated tours trekking to the natural areas surrounding it. Nevertheless, the package does come with activities that are dedicated to helping you see the Lights in the best possible setting: aboard a Northern Light cruise and at a husky or reindeer camp on the outskirts of town.

With an afternoon also free for leisure activities, there’s plenty of time to explore the city after (hopefully) catching a glimpse of the aurora.

Tromso Northern Lights City Break package from £890pp for three nights, B&B, including activities, airport transfers and one dinner, excludes flights; theaurorazone.com .

Best for Northern Lights cruising: Norway

The “lifeblood of the Norwegian coast”, Hurtigruten has been cruising it since 1893 and currently offers several cruises along the entire length of the country’s coastline. Celebrating its 130th year in 2023, the company currently runs 32 different voyages with several covering Northern Lights locations across the country and into Finland and Sweden.

Everything from single day trips to 18-night voyages is available, with all cruises carrying a chance of seeing the Lights during the winter. Some of the three-day and four-day trips offer excellent value (starting at £246pp and £308pp respectively), but the 12-night roundtrip voyage is the best option if you’ve got the cash for it. Departing from Bergen , you’ll travel all the way to the north of the country at Kirkenes, via 34 ports including Molde and Trondheim.

Most important, however, is the cruise’s Northern Light Promise: if they don’t appear during the voyage, Hurtigruten will give you an extra free six- or seven-day classic voyage. With this guarantee and an offering of 70 additional optional activities, it’s sure to be an unforgettable 12 days.

Classic 12-day roundtrip voyage from Bergen from £1,503pp, full-board, excluding flights and transfers; hurtigruten.co.uk .

Best for skiing: Levi, Finland

Finnish Lapland is one of the best places to see the Lights, and Levi itself is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, adding a holiday activity that isn’t available is most other popular Northern Lights locations.

Best Served offers an autumn break with a one-night stay in a glass igloo on the outskirts of town, with another two nights in contemporary accommodation. With several scenic-setting restaurants and activities ranging from horse riding to high-rope courses, there’s plenty to keep holidaymakers occupied while waiting for the Lights to make an appearance.

On day two, you’ll take a Northern Lights cruise on a pontoon ferry on a nearby lake, gazing up as you try to see the celestial show. If you’re not lucky enough to see it that evening, you’ll move to your igloo accommodation the next night, where it may be possible to catch sight of the lights from the comfort of your motorised bed.

Levi Glass Igloo Autumn package from £1,210pp for three nights, B&B, including flights, transfers and activities; best-served.co.uk .

Best for North America: Whitehorse, Canada

While  TourRadar’s  website presents hundreds of different packages for tours of different parts of the world, its Northern Lights tour around Whitehorse in Canada is one of the best-value trips on offer. With a hike to the AuroraCentre on the first evening, the package also offers a guided city tour, snowmobiling, ice fishing and dog sledding, among other activities. There’s also another trip to the AuroraCentre on the final evening to maximise visitors’ chances of seeing the famous phenomenon.

Three-night Aurora Viewing Basic package from £485pp, including accommodation, transport and tours, excludes meals and flights;  tourradar.com .

Best for meeting Santa: Rovaniemi, Finland

Marketed as ‘The Official Hometown of Santa Claus’, Rovaniemi – the capital of Lapland – is a city surrounded by Arctic nature. The Santa Claus Village and Santa Park will obviously be extremely popular if you decide to take the kids, but attractions such as the Arktikum (a museum of Arctic history) and the Arctic Circle Husky Park will keep older visitors entertained too. Aside from this, the feel-good setting and Arctic surroundings provide an amazing chance to see the Lights at Christmastime.

Regent Holidays’ Rovaniemi package offers the above along with the obligatory Northern Light hunting expedition, with a package including activities such as a husky safari and a visit to a reindeer farm.

Rovaniemi Winter Weekend Break from £1,150pp for three nights, B&B, including return international flights (via Helsinki), transfers and activities; regent-holidays.co.uk .

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Iceland

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Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

Elektrostal is a city in the Moscow Oblast of Russia, located around 30 km east of Moscow. It is home to around 160,000 inhabitants and is an important industrial and cultural center in the region. The city is known for its vibrant night lights, which are a major attraction for both tourists and locals alike.

The amount of light pollution in Elektrostal is quite significant, due to the large number of industrial facilities and residential buildings. The city's industrial sector, which includes metallurgical plants, chemical factories, and power stations, is one of the main sources of light pollution in the area. The city's residential areas also contribute to the problem, as many people leave their lights on throughout the night.

One of the most well-known landmarks in Elektrostal is the Monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built in 1964 to commemorate the achievements of the Soviet space program. The monument is illuminated at night and is visible from many parts of the city. Another notable landmark is the Elektrostal Museum of Local Lore, which is housed in a historic building and features exhibits on the city's history and culture.

In addition to its industrial and cultural attractions, Elektrostal is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The city has a large number of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, many of which are open until late into the night. The city's residents are known for their love of music and dancing, and the local nightlife scene reflects this.

Despite the significant amount of light pollution in Elektrostal, there are efforts underway to reduce the problem. The city government has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing waste, including a program to replace traditional streetlights with LED lights. The city also encourages its residents to conserve energy by turning off lights when they are not needed.

Elektrostal is a vibrant and dynamic city in the Moscow Oblast, with a rich industrial and cultural heritage. While its night lights are a major attraction, they also contribute to the problem of light pollution in the area. However, efforts are underway to address the issue, and the city's residents and government are working together to promote sustainable and energy-efficient practices.

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