The Northern Lights are a must-see phenomenon and an experience that feels mystical and unique. Caused by charged particles entering the Earth’s atmosphere, the dancing lights create flashes of illumination and bright, rich swirls of colour that are on every traveller’s bucket list.
Here at The Baltic Travel Company, we organise tour packages, custom itineraries and luxury holidays across some of the best regions in the world to experience the Aurora Borealis up close and personal. We have listed below a shortlist of the locations we'd highly recommend.
Once you have seen the Northern Lights, you also have a fantastic opportunity to experience the culture, cuisine, sights and sounds of some incredible countries, nestled at the edge of the Arctic Circle, where the wildlife, entertainment and snowy sports excursions will ensure your holiday will never be forgotten.
Perfect Northern Lights Holiday Destinations
If you’re unsure where to consider for your Northern Lights holiday, these suggestions are a great starting point! You can find full details of packages and tours on each destination page.
Norway
Northern Norway is often regarded as the leading place to view the Northern Lights, with direct flights to Tromsø taking around three and a half hours from London. This city is based in the heart of the ‘Aurora zone’ and is a welcoming, lively place with plenty of bars and restaurants to explore.
Svalbard is another great spot – the archipelago is a remote series of islands out in the Arctic Ocean and as close to the North Pole as you can get from Scandinavia. The totally black night skies during the winter, with complete darkness until February, provide an extraordinary backdrop with zero light pollution to detract from the view.
Winter Activities in Norway
Ice fishing is hugely popular in the winter and a sport that is integral to Norway's heritage – the winter is also a good time to learn, when the Atlantic cod, skrei, begin their migration. The fish travel to the Norwegian coast from January to April, and you can book a group boat trip, rent your own boat, or even fish from the shore.
Boat trips around the fjords and archipelagos are a great way to see the might of the Arctic tundra, where you can keep a keen eye out for polar bears, whales, walruses, and seals. Experienced climbers can don their crampons and tackle Fuglefjella – known locally as bird mountain for the flocks of guillemots, gulls and tiny auk.
Mountain ranges, thick, powdery snow and crisp winter sunshine, make for immaculate skiing conditions, snowboarding and snowmobile safaris – particularly if you'd like a guided tour and the chance to spot some of the beautiful animals that call the Arctic home.
Iceland
Travellers keen to blend fine dining and world-class hotel accommodation with a one or two-night Northern Lights guided tour often choose Reykjavik – the capital city of Iceland, and a pick-up point for excursions to the volcanos and the geothermal pools for relaxing.
While we'd always suggest heading away from the city for an unspoiled view of the Aurora, you can visit at any point between September and April, with locations such as Kirkjufell and Þingvellir National Park nearby. An alternative is to travel south to the stunning black sand beaches of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Winter Activities in Iceland
Iceland is well known as the land of fire and ice – and it doesn’t disappoint. Fast-paced activities include snowmobile safaris over Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier, with astonishing views over the mountains.
Other winter excursions include snowboarding, skiing and snowshoeing, with Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik that take you around the best sites, including the geothermal areas in Geysir and the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall.
Travellers visiting Iceland over the festive season, called Jólin, can enjoy the mesmerising lights in the capital, join walking tours and sample traditional dishes served on Christmas Eve, including sumptuous plates of locally produced lamb and fish.
Greenland
There are three favoured areas in Greenland where you’ll find tours of the Northern Lights: Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq. Ilulissat is the third largest city in Greenland, and yet a small, peaceful place with just 5,000 residents. On Greenland’s western coast, the area feels like a tranquil environment full of pristine nature, with little wind or rain during the winter months to disrupt your evening Northern Lights excursions.
Found in a key part of the Aurora belt, this region is accessible by taking an Air Greenland flight from Copenhagen, with species such as reindeer, wild sea birds and oxen often meandering along the nearby ice sheets.
Winter Activities in Greenland
Dog sledding – once a matter of survival in harsh, cold winters – is a thrilling activity, with sleds often built in the same way as they have always been constructed by Inuit hunters and fishermen.
Try mastering the slopes with the help of a professional instructor, or pick a resort with beginner slopes for a less challenging activity. A great alternative is snowshoeing or hiking up the glaciers in Kangerlussuaq. Walking the ice cap is a great experience, with deep canyons created by summer meltwaters and treks through corridors of towering, sheer ice on either side.
End your Arctic adventure with heliskiing, a modern sport originating in Greenland, where you can board a helicopter to access untouched slopes of flawless snow, experience remote areas and trails, and enjoy a day trip finished with a warming Greenlandic coffee, dramatically set on fire before the cup is ready to savour.
Popular Activities to Combine With a Northern Lights Holiday
Once you’ve picked your dream destination and marvelled at the wonder of the Northern Lights, your holiday is far from over. These regions offer a truly unique holiday experience during the winter, with reliable snowfall, vast landscapes and activities for visitors of all ages and energy levels.
For more information about any of the featured locations, winter activities or tours, please get in touch with The Baltic Travel Company or access detailed inclusions through our online packages.
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About Baltic Travel Company:
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of the Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
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