Northern Lights Holidays

Name: Northern Lights
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (83 reviews)

Go where nature’s fireworks fill the skies with pulsating colour

Northern Lights Tours

The elusive otherworldly glow of the Aurora Borealis – commonly known as the Northern Lights – is described by many as the greatest light show on Earth. The best place to see these natural phenomena dancing in the sky is at 65 degrees north latitude and above, so the snowy wilds of European Lapland make an excellent viewing spot during your Northern Lights holidays.

In Iceland or northern Finland, Norway and Sweden it’s possible to see the heavens ablaze with swirly, smoky light from late September to early April. The mesmerising light is formed from fast-moving, electrically charged solar particles driven towards the poles by the Earth’s magnetic field. When they collide with atmospheric gases, they create colourful curtains of light, like nocturnal rainbows that seem to dance in the sky.

But you can’t take them for granted – you’ll have the best chance of seeing the Aurora during Northern Lights holidays in December, January and February when the hours of darkness are longest. And for the clearest views, try to avoid dates when there’s a full moon.

Not only will you have the opportunity to witness the Aurora on your trip, but you’ll also get to enjoy fabulous outdoor activities, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dog sledding. These are great ways to explore the snowy wilderness and also learn about the indigenous Sami culture. On our Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure, you’ll visit a local reindeer-herding family, feed the reindeer and spend time with the family who tell you all about their fascinating way of life.

Our Northern Lights Holidays

5 Days from USD 2550

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Explore the dramatic countryside of Iceland in search of the aurora borealis, tumbling waterfalls and glittering glaciers

Winter

8 Days from USD 4425

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Discover Europe's last remaining wilderness

Winter

Group snowshoeing in Oulanka NP, Finland

8 Days from USD 3675

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Snowshoeing in the stunning wilderness of Finland

Winter

8 Days from USD 3600

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Mixed activity week in a remote part of Finland

Winter

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Top 5 Winter Activities on Northern Lights Tours

Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing in the Arctic is an exciting adventure that combines the beauty of winter landscapes with the chance to see the Northern Lights. The Arctic region, known for its freezing temperatures and pristine white landscapes, provides the perfect setting for this thrilling winter activity. Snowshoeing allows you to traverse across deep snow with ease while soaking up the natural beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Snowshoes are designed to distribute your weight more evenly so that you stay on top of the snow rather than sinking.

Snowmobiling: Snowmobiling is one of the most fun ways to go in search of the Northern Lights. Zipping across vast icy landscapes, this Arctic adventure allows thrill seekers to explore further. The adrenaline rush of speeding through the snowy terrain, surrounded by white mountains and icy blue glaciers, is exhilarating. Snowmobiling also gives you the opportunity to see local wildlife in their natural habitat. With proper guidance and safety measures, snowmobiling can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced riders.

Dog Sledding: Dog sledding in Swedish Lapland offers a unique experience on our Northern Lights holidays. With a team of energetic huskies leading the way, glide through the enchanting forests and across frozen lakes, feeling the power of the dogs propelling you forward. The silence is only interrupted by the sound of the sleigh gliding effortlessly through the snow. This traditional mode of transportation not only provides an unforgettable journey but also allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and natural wonders of Swedish Lapland.

Glacier Walking: Glacier walking in Iceland is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore the mighty Falljökull glacier. Passing towering ice formations and crevasses, you’ll carefully navigate through the icy wilderness, led by expert guides. Glacier walking in Iceland is not only a fantastic way to connect with nature but you’ll also feel a great sense of achievement.

Forest Skiing: Forest skiing in Swedish Lapland is an exciting way to cross the snow-drenched landscapes. This means of getting around in the deep snow originated from Russia and Scandinavia and has been used by locals for millennia. Surrounded by dense forest, you’ll glide through virgin snow while admiring the winter wonderland scenery. This remote and pristine location guarantees a sense of tranquility and you might even be fortunate enough to witness the magical dance of the Aurora on your Northern Lights holidays.

Top tips when booking a Northern Lights Holidays

Head to the Nordic Arctic: It’s the best place to view the Northern Lights. While it’s impossible to guarantee a sighting, heading out under a cloudless sky as far from sources of light as possible will maximise your chances. This is why Exodus Northern Lights holidays take you to the more remote locations. Join us in a frozen wilderness for your best chance to witness the greatest light show on Earth. We have trips to Finland, Norway and Sweden, as well as Greenland.
Photographing them can be tricky: If all you have is a small point-and-shoot camera, the best photos you’ll get will be the dark of the night sky with an extremely faint green glow on the horizon. For that National Geographic-esque shot to boast about when you return from your Northern Lights holiday, you’ll need a good-quality digital SLR, preferably with a wide-angle lens. A sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release are essential due to the long exposure time required.
Pick a Northern Lights tour with plenty of daytime activities: From a mixed-activity week in the Finnish wilderness of Oulanka National Park to trips that focus exclusively on dogsleddingor snowshoeing, we’ve got a whole range of options for the Northern Lights trip of a lifetime.

A whistle stop tour through the extremes of Iceland’s landscape and weather! The itinerary is essentially waterfalls on day one, glaciers on day two and the ‘golden circle’ on day three. We had atrocious weather (lashing rain and 100mph winds) on day one so perhaps visiting three waterfalls wasn’t the best idea. They were very crowded and the weather made it impossible to really appreciate them. The glacier walk on the second day had to be abandoned due to high winds but not until after about an hour in the weather putting all the kit on and probably another hour attempting to get up the path. The northern lights are elusive and I found them disappointing – you can’t really see them with the naked eye, only through a camera lens set to the right exposure. We saw them on a separate bus tour on our last night in Reykjavik, not on the tour itself. Thankfully we had sunshine and calm for the last day. The landscape is beautiful and the food was delicious, if not all that varied. The long drives were broken up well with rest stops and road side sights.

Laura Waters Iceland Northern Lights

Great tour guide, nice small and friendly group, great locations to explore and lucky enough to see the lights.

Adam Fouracre Iceland Northern Lights

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Northern Lights holidays and tours FAQs

How long do the Northern Lights last?

The Northern Lights typically last between 10 minutes and all night long. The conditions largely dictate how long you can see them.

Can you see the Northern Lights with the naked eye?

High-quality cameras can capture the Northern Lights far better than anyone can see them with the naked eye. They can capture colours and elements that the human eye simply can’t see. However, it’s still an extraordinary sight to witness.

What colours are the Northern Lights made up of?

A variety of colours are produced when the Northern Lights are in action. Factors such as altitude and the atmosphere’s density can dictate the display you’ll see. Typically, green is the most common colour, as well as blue and purple, although they are harder to view with the naked eye.

How long are your Northern Lights holidays?

Our Northern Lights holidays range from five to eight days, offering you different options. Five-day tours in Iceland encompass roaring waterfalls and mighty volcanoes across this scenic island. Seeking a longer trip? Our eight-day holidays in Lapland give you the chance to learn about the Sami culture as well as try your hand at dogsledding and snowshoeing.

Are your Northern Lights holidays guided?

Yes, all our trips come with the services of one of our expert leaders included. Not only will they show you the best place to see the Northern Lights, but they’ll also be able to give you a unique insight into the local culture, educating you on the region’s history, tradition and customs. They will be able to point out some of the spectacular wildlife and best spots for that perfect photograph.