Aurora over Jokulsarlon, Sweden

Northern Lights

Go where nature's fireworks fill the skies with pulsating colour. 

Northern Lights Holidays

The elusive otherworldly glow of the Aurora Borealis – commonly known as the Northern Lights – are described by some as the the greatest light show on earth. Visible above 65 degrees north, the snowy wilds of European Lapland are an excellent viewing spot.

In Iceland and Scandinavia it’s possible to see the heavens ablaze with swirly, smokey light them from late September to early April. The mesmerising lights are 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 in December, January and February, when there's the longest hours of darkness, and for the clearest views, avoid dates when there is a full moon.

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Northern Lights Adventure Holidays

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Northern Lights: top tips

Head to Arctic Scandinavia: it's the place to be to track down the Northern Lights. Whilst it is impossible to guarantee, the best ways of ensuring a good sighting of the lights is to be under a cloudless sky and as far from natural sources of lights as possible – which is why our itineraries take you to more remote locations, a big advantage over a quick city break. Step into a frozen wilderness far from crowded cities to ensure the best chances of seeing the greatest light show on Earth. We have trips in Sweden, Iceland, Greenland and Norway.

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 then you will need a good-quality digital SLR, preferably a wide angle lens. A sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release are essential due to the long exposure time required.  

Pick a trip with plenty of daytime options: from a mixed activity week in the Finnish wilderness of Oulanka National Park, to trips that focus exclusively on dogsledding or snowshoeing. 

You’re in safe hands

At Exodus, every single one of us is passionate about travel and adventure. Together our staff and tour leaders have visited more than 171 countries, and come from a range of backgrounds as diverse archeology and mountain rescue. We have the hands on experience to help when you need it, and from the moment you pick up the phone to the moment you land, we’re here to take the hassle out your holiday. We’ll meet you at the airport, get you safely from place to place, and provide you with the right kit to tackle your chosen adventure.