Northern Lights Holidays

Name: Northern Lights
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (76 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 some as the greatest light show on Earth. The best place to see the Northern Lights 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 holiday.

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 most chance of seeing them on Northern Lights trips and tours in December, January and February when the hours of darkness are longest. And for the clearest views, avoid dates when there’s a full moon. So, if you’re desperate to experience one of nature’s most spectacular sights, get in touch with our expert team today and start planning your Northern Lights holiday.

Our Northern Lights Holidays

Group snowshoeing in Oulanka NP, Finland

8 Days from CAD 4,195

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Snowshoeing in the stunning wilderness of Finland

Winter

8 Days from CAD 4,575

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Discover Europe's last remaining wilderness

Winter

5 Days from CAD 3,145

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

See Iceland's best sights in one weekend

Winter

See All Trips

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.

How long are your Northern Lights holidays?

Our Northern Lights holidays range from five to eight days, offering you a wide range of options. Our five days in Iceland encompass roaring waterfalls and mighty volcanoes or, if you’re seeking a longer trip, our eight days in Lapland give you the chance to learn about the Sami culture as well as trying 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 be able to give you a unique insight into the local culture, educating you on the region’s history, tradition and customs as well as pointing out some of the spectacular wildlife and best spots for that perfect photograph.

Book your Northern Lights trip today!

At Exodus, we pride ourselves on delivering unforgettable trips that create memories to last a lifetime, and our Northern Lights holidays certainly offer that. It’s truly a sight not to be missed, so why don’t you speak to one of our friendly team and start planning your amazing adventure today.

Northern Lights holidays and tours FAQs

Do the Northern Lights happen every night?

The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the sun that hit atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, which in turn releases photons. This process happens constantly. As a result, there is no official season for when the Northern Lights occur.

What month is best to see the Northern Lights?

Although the process happens constantly, the Northern Lights are more visible between September and April due to the dark nights during this period.

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.