Northern Lights Holidays

Cheap Northern Lights Holidays

We see you, with that 'aurora watch' search history and a camera roll full of blurry back garden pics. All we can say is, if you thought that little smear of colour was impressive, then prepare to have your thermal socks blown off by our Northern Lights Holidays. It's like the difference between an oven-cooked supermarket pizza and the real, melty, stone-baked kind you can only get in Italy. Both are pretty great, but one's just *next* level. According to the science peeps, 2024 - 2026 is when we'll see Northern Lights activity at its peak across the globe too, so there's no time like the present! Thankfully, we've dug out some of our top deals so you don't need to empty your bank account to get there. Cameras at the ready 📸...

Northern Lights Holidays in Iceland

Iceland holidays are known for their Northern Lights sightings the same way we're known for a classic beach holibobs* - just with a lot less Factor 50 and a lot more layers. We're talking steamy hot springs, dreamy lagoons and landscapes so mega you'll think you've accidentally stumbled onto the set of a fantasy film. All the chilled vibes by day, topped off with nature's own light show as your evening entertainment - it's giving bucketlist levels of fun. Speaking of which, if you're in the mood for adventure, then our city breaks are where it's at - and Reykjavik is the best of both worlds. You'll have all the action of a city getaway with all the beauty of a more remote location.

*Although, you might've figured that we do LOADS more than that now 👀

Typically, your best chance to catch the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and April - in fact, those two months specifically are prime time, thanks to their delicious 'equinox' sweet spot.

Best destinations to see the Northern Lights

If you're tired of trying to satisfy your aurora watch needs in the UK, these destinations won't disappoint...

Where to see the Northern Lights

Iceland

Thanks to its epic location right near the Arctic Circle, Iceland is like Northern Lights central - it's legendary for a reason! With no skyscrapers or pesky pollution levels to kill the vibe, it's all wide-open skies and jaw-dropping views around here. While you can technically spot them anywhere in the country with the right time and conditions, you're always best heading away from the hustle, bustle and dazzling city lights. Whether you go for a guided tour, DIY it by renting a car, or book a special Northern Lights boat trip across the water - the options are pretty endless! For prime viewing, check out spots like Thingvellir National Park, the Asbyrgi Canyon, and Kirkjufell Mountain - which Game of Thrones fans might recognise 👀 We promise this will be slightly more family-friendly, though.

Norway

Northern Norway holidays are like a full-on winter wonderland that also happen to be a prime spot for aurora action. You'll be in snow heaven, with winter fishing, hiking, skiing and loads of other icy activities. Or, y'know, you can just bundle up with a hot choc and admire the view...we totally approve of that, too! When it comes to watching the lights, there are special 'ice hotels' you can book into for the full experience, as well as Northern Lights safaris if you'd rather let the pros lead the way. Wondering where's best to look? Anywhere along the trusty 'Northern Lights Belt'- a zone in the Northern hemisphere that's known for its epic aurora sightings, is your safest bet. Tromsø in Norway just so happens to fall right in the middle of this belt - so run, don't walk if you've got your heart set on a light show 😍

Sweden

Once winter hits, Swedish Lapland basically turns into Northern Lights HQ. Head North, and you're pretty much set for one heck of a show. If luck's really on your side (and it's all clear skies above), then you can even catch them in the South sometimes! One of the top spots to check out on your holiday to Sweden is Kiruna - the country's most Northern city. It's a bit of a trek from your tourist areas (a 12-hour train ride or 90-minute flight from Stockholm), but who says that can't be part of the fun?! Abisko National Park is another popular attraction, and it comes with its very own observation tower so you can get dibs on some of the best views in town.

Finland

Fun fact alert: the Northern Lights are visible in Finnish Lapland around 200 nights a year. How's that for exciting maths?! (We never thought we'd use those two words together in a sentence, either.) (Don't tell our Finance team.) Chances are, if you head North anywhere near the Arctic Circle, then you're practically guaranteed a view. If it's really clear, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse down South too, but it's a bit less likely. For the best seats in the house, head to hilltops and lakeside spots - or, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can even opt for a skiing sesh, snowmobile or dog sled ride with the lights overhead! Your bucketlist won't know what's hit it.

The Northern Lights - or the Aurora Borealis if you want to use their more fancy-pants name - are one of the most famous natural wonders, and we can see why 😍 It's essentially one big science experiment in the sky (triggered by solar particles colliding with the Earth's atmosphere - yeah, we know some stuff), which gives way to huge streaks, swirls and flickers of coloured light. Oxygen is what causes the green (and lesser common) red colours, while nitrogen is what leads to the deep blues and purples.

In the past, there have been all kinds of myths and folklore around why this happens, but our fave is the Finnish legend which states that the lights were caused by a magical fox running through the sky, sending sparks off its tail. It's entirely up to you what you believe, we just know it's one heck of a show that you won't want to miss.

When it comes to spotting the Northern Lights, there's one easy rule to remember: the further North you go, the better your chances. (Who'd have thought?!) While there are some rare nights where you can glimpse the lights in the UK (particularly high parts of Scotland), you'll get the clearest, most jaw-dropping views by heading to places like Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Alaska and Northern Canada. These regions sit right under the 'auroral oval', meaning they're prime spots for Northern Lights sightings. Can't question the geography 🤷🏻‍♀️

Typically, anytime between September and March is the best time to see the Northern Lights. If you really want to max your chances, though, then you'll want to look in those two months specifically, when the lights are at their peak thanks to the solar equinox. That's right, we know science.

Well, first thing's first - it needs to be night time (obvi). For a chance at seeing the lights at their best, you need a clear, dark sky. That's why heading abroad usually ups your chances, because let's be honest - our skies are usually way too cloudy during the peak 'aurora' window! Here's a handy rule: if it's clear enough to see the stars, it's usually clear enough to see the Northern Lights - provided you're in the right spot, of course.

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