Discover the Appeal of Northern Lights Holidays

Northern Lights holidays were once the luxury of the exclusive few but, today, with niche travel companies developing their portfolios to include comprehensive itineraries, more and more adventurous travellers have the opportunity to see the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.

What are the Northern Lights?

Holidays with a focus on the Aurora Borealis are now accessible to anyone. This incredible natural phenomenon intrigues both scientists and laymen, and the stunning display of coloured lights that dance across the vast blackness of the sky is a magnificent sight. Witnessing these unpredictable rainbows of light is humbling, uplifting and exciting in equal measures.

The display is most commonly seen in the Arctic regions and, particularly in recent years, Northern Lights holidays based in Iceland and Sweden have become more popular. If you travel with a reputable, dedicated company, the extensive knowledge of local guides will open up a whole new world, and enable you to have the most fulfilling experience possible.

Where to Go on Northern Lights Holidays

For the best sightings of the spectacle, you really need to be above 60 degrees latitude, and luckily there are several places that offer the perfect location. Of course, Alaska and Canada are high on the top viewing spot list, but Iceland and northern Scandinavia also offer excellent viewing locations. The best times of the year for sightings is October to March, with traditionally October and March being the two best months with a more steady weather pattern. The further north you travel, the more hours of darkness there are, but the best time of day to catch the display is between 9pm and 2am.

What Else to Consider

Although the Aurora Borealis itself is, of course, the highlight of any holiday to the Arctic regions, before you make a decision on where you wish to go, you need to consider what else is on offer in terms of landscape, activities and attractions. Depending on which location you decide to visit, excursions and extra activities can include husky sledding, snowmobiling, a stay in the world famous Ice Hotel, exploring frozen waterfalls, glacier climbing and hikes around volcanoes. You can even add on a city break in one of the uber cool cosmopolitan Scandinavian cities like Stockholm or Reykjavik.

Stunning landscapes, outstanding natural sites, and the welcoming people are reason enough to head to this incredible region of the world, but with luck and the weather conditions on your side, you will also be privileged enough to experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural light shows on Earth.