More than half the population has named a Northern Lights holiday as part of their bucket list. This natural phenomenon, known as the Aurora Borealis, is the famous colourful lights that can be seen across the Arctic night sky. However, seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed as their appearance differs by location and season. While the Northern Lights appear in the Arctic – places which are located remotely, far up in the North feature much lower light pollution which makes for a greater display of the Aurora. The Northern Lights season starts in September and ends by the end of March.
Northern lights holidays give you the rare chance to witness the Aurora Borealis, a natural light show visible above the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. Caused by charged solar particles colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere, this phenomenon lights up the dark polar sky with green, pink and purple hues. The best time for holidays to see the northern lights is between September and April, when long, dark nights offer clear views away from city lights. While no sighting is ever guaranteed, our expertly planned northern lights holiday packages maximise your chances, combining remote stays, local guides, and unforgettable Arctic activities.
If you want to see the Northern Lights in a great spot, we recommend staying at the Nellim Wilderness Hotel in Finland. This cosy resort has unique glass igloo-style rooms and offers fun tours. They also give you warm clothes to stay toasty. We're pretty sure you'll love it, especially if you're all about seeing the Northern Lights.
Take a 6 night adventure at the Nellim Wilderness Hotel, where your best opportunity to witness the Northern Lights awaits. This experience ranks among our top six Northern Lights destinations. The Nellim Wilderness Hotel is the go-to place for Northern Lights enthusiasts, making it an essential visit for anyone longing to see this natural wonder.
6 Nights
Finland
Northern Lights excursions
Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
Nestled in the heart of untamed wilderness – the Muotka Wilderness Hotel offers an unparalleled connection to nature. Experience the cozy charm of the unique Aurora Cabins, where modern luxury meets traditional design. Enhance your chances of seeing the Northern Lights by sleeping beneath a glass roof, gazing into the starry sky. In addition, the Muotka Wilderness Hotel offers a wide range of activities to make this holiday your perfect adventure.
Highlights of Lapland Break at Muotka Wilderness Hotel:
Take a couple of days to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the Arctic’s tranquil wilderness. The remoteness of the Muotka Wilderness Hotel drastically reduces light pollution and therefore enhances your chances to witness the Northern Lights. It’s unique Aurora Cabin accommodation gives you the chance to drift off on your comfy bed while watching the sky – in the hope of witnessing the Northern Lights. Imagine watching the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights from the warmth of your Aurora Cabin.
4 Nights Northern Lights Excursions Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a winter wonderland. Imagine spending the night in a warm glass igloo where you can lie on your soft reclining bed and look through the thermal glass as you wait for a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights. Picture log cabins dotted around the forest. Snow covered trees glisten. Breathe in the crisp, fresh air. The original Glass Igloo holidays.
You step into your cabin where you can smell the roaring log fire and hear the crackle of the wood. After a daytime activity of a husky sledge safari you come back to enjoy the private sauna in your cabin. Following dinner you have a reindeer safari to look for the Northern Lights, the reindeer are slow and steady through the forest as you cosy up underneath the blankets and glance to the sky looking for the magical aurora. Tomorrow you have a snowmobile safari through the forest and you may see arctic hare or moose.
Maybe it's your anniversary, honeymoon or a special birthday you've chosen an upgrade to the fabulous Queen suite and you have your own private hot tub to enjoy. Either way you'll love your magical stay at the Igloo Village.
5 Nights Glass Igloo Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
North Frontier bucket list Lapland package includes staying in a studio cabin which is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or friends looking for a peaceful escape. Thoughtfully designed for both short and extended stays, each cabin is fully equipped with everything needed for a comfortable and relaxing visit. Styled as cosy studio spaces, the cabins feature a well-equipped kitchenette, a dining area, and inviting seating. Every cabin also includes a private sauna, a bathroom with a toilet and shower, and an outdoor terrace—ideal for soaking in the surrounding serenity of the forest.
4 Nights Finland Aurora Hunting Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
Iceland is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, where dramatic landscapes unfold at every turn. From towering glaciers and rugged mountains to vast lava fields and cascading waterfalls, the scenery is both awe-inspiring and diverse.
The Golden Circle showcases some of the country’s most iconic sights, including the geothermal wonders of Geysir and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. In the south, the black sand beaches of Vik contrast starkly with the vibrant blue of the Atlantic Ocean, while the Reynisfjara beach features stunning basalt columns and towering sea stacks.
In the winter months, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, illuminating the snow-covered terrain. Whether hiking on a glacier, exploring volcanic craters, or soaking in a natural hot spring, the breath-taking landscapes of Iceland leave an indelible mark on all who visit.
To maximise your experience, why not add on one of our recommended Activities?
10 hour Katla Ice Cave Under the Volcano Tour – £153p
3-5 hour Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour – £120pp
8 hour Classic Golden Circle Day Tour – £65pp
12 hour South Coast, Waterfalls, and Glacier Hike – £125pp
8-10 hour Glacier Snowmobiling Tour from Reykjavik – £165pp
4 Nights Iceland, Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
Experience the enchanting winter of Lapland at Livo Arctic's unique accommodations by the serene shores of Lake Livo. This intimate resort features just 10 exclusive igloo-style units, ensuring a private and tranquil experience for every guest. Our unforgettable igloos feature large ceiling windows that provide direct views of the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Immerse yourself in thrilling winter activities, such as husky and reindeer sleigh rides, Northern Lights excursions, and exhilarating snowmobile adventures through snowy landscapes. Enjoy up-close encounters with traditional Finnish winter experiences – all at Livo Arctic.
Whether you dream of witnessing the Northern Lights or embarking on a winter wonderland adventure, we make it happen. Come and immerse yourself in the serenity and captivating beauty of Lapland’s winter at Livo Arctic’s accommodations!
3 Nights Finland Luxury accommodation Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
Experiencing Lapland through activities offers a blend of adventure and tranquillity, especially at the Wilderness Hotel Muotka. This charming hotel, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, provides a variety of activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and culture of the region while enjoying a relaxing stay.
7 Nights Finland, Muotka Wilderness Hotel, Saariselka Activity packed Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
Discover the unparalleled beauty of Lapland at our distinguished fell top resort, elegantly situated atop Kaunispää Fell in Saariselkä and surrounded by the untouched Arctic wilderness. Our exceptional location provides breath-taking panoramic views of the landscape, guaranteeing an unforgettable stay.
4 Nights Star Arctic Hotel Full Board Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
While it starts at finding the ideal accommodation – this is certainly not where it ends. Our Northern Lights holiday packages come with a selection of activities which can bring you one step closer to ticking the Northern Lights of your bucket list. These can range from a visit to the Aurora Camp to Aurora Snowshoeing. All excursions are led by local experts which know the best spots in the area to spectate the colourful display of lights.
Whether you are looking to see the Northern Lights in Finland, Iceland, Sweden or Norway – Team Arctic Direct knows the best spots. Whether you are hoping to just see the Northern Lights or you wish to combine your adventure with another Arctic experience such as whale watching in Norway or visiting Svalbard the Land of Polar Bears – we can design the perfect Northern Light Holiday Package for you.
Maximise your chances with a luxury Northern Lights Holiday from the experts. For a once in a lifetime trip contact us and take advantage of our knowledge and experience to ensure you the package that is right for you.
Were you also aware that a counterpart to the Northern Lights, known as the Aurora borealis, exists in the southern hemisphere? Referred to as the Southern Lights or Aurora australis, these captivating displays illuminate the skies in the southern hemisphere, mirroring the phenomenon seen in the northern hemisphere.
The best places to see the Northern Lights are within or close to the Arctic Circle, where long, dark nights and clear skies create perfect viewing conditions. Popular spots include Lapland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden – all offering remote wilderness, minimal light pollution and some of the highest chances of seeing the aurora dance across the sky.
The best time for holidays to see the Northern Lights is between September and April. During these months, Arctic nights are dark enough for clear aurora viewing. Peak times are often between December and February, when snow-covered scenery adds extra magic. For the best chance of sightings, choose remote resorts with minimal light pollution and flexible night-time excursions.
Our northern lights holiday packages include more than just watching the sky; they’re built for adventure. Experience the Arctic your way:
All activities are led by local Arctic experts who know exactly where to find the best vantage points.
At Arctic Direct, we create luxury Arctic holidays that go beyond the ordinary. From staying in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights to sledding across frozen landscapes with a team of huskies, our packages include flights, premium accommodations, and unforgettable activities. With expert planning, financial protection, and 24/7 support, you can book with complete confidence.
Book with total confidence knowing your Arctic adventure is fully protected under ATOL and ABTA, guaranteeing financial security and peace of mind from start to finish.
With years of expertise, our Arctic specialists design bespoke itineraries, from polar bear tracking to glass igloo stays, ensuring every journey is personalised to your travel style.
Our packages cover flights, premium accommodations, and unforgettable Arctic experiences like husky sledding and Northern Lights tours, so you know exactly what you're paying for - no hidden surprises.
With exceptional Feefo reviews and a long-standing reputation for quality, we’re a trusted leader in luxury Arctic travel, delivering unforgettable experiences to thousands of satisfied adventurers.
Secure your dream Arctic getaway with low deposits and interest-free monthly payments, making luxury travel more accessible while giving you full control over your budget.
Enjoy round-the-clock assistance from our dedicated team, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience, whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or exploring remote Arctic landscapes.
The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are colourful waves of light caused when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles. These collisions excite atmospheric gases, which release energy in the form of glowing light, creating the famous green, purple, and pink displays that dance across the Arctic sky.
Our northern lights holiday packages include return flights, airport transfers, carefully selected accommodation (from glass igloos to boutique lodges), and a hand-picked itinerary of activities designed to boost your chances of seeing the aurora. Popular experiences include dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, aurora camps and local cultural tours, all guided by trusted Arctic specialists.
While no one can guarantee sightings, choosing the right time and place greatly increases your chances. Between September and April, aurora displays happen regularly across Lapland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden – especially when you stay far from city lights. Many of our top resorts report clear aurora displays on two out of every three nights during peak season.
Sometimes! Depending on your route and timing, you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights right from your aeroplane window. Many travellers heading off on northern lights holidays or returning from a Northern Lights tour package have seen the aurora high above the clouds. It’s a magical bonus to your adventure.
The northern lights are one of nature’s most breathtaking shows, but timing and location are key. The best way to boost your chances is with one of our tailor-made northern lights holiday packages. We plan every detail to put you in the right place at the right time for your luxury northern lights holiday, so you have up to a 90% chance of seeing the aurora light up the night.
Yes! You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the aurora on our holidays to see the Northern Lights. While cameras can pick up extra colour during a faint display, the best moments are often experienced with your own eyes, especially when you’re in the heart of the Arctic on one of our aurora borealis tour packages.
No two displays are ever the same. Sometimes the Northern Lights appear for just a few seconds, sometimes they dance for hours. Each night on our Northern Lights holidays is a new chance for an unforgettable show.
Between September and April, the northern lights shine somewhere in the Arctic Circle almost every night. At our top resorts, you can expect clear aurora displays roughly two out of every three nights during peak season, especially when you choose our handpicked aurora borealis holiday packages or luxury northern lights holiday tours that focus on remote stays with minimal light pollution and expert local guides.
At Arctic Direct, we specialise in unforgettable Arctic experiences, offering tailor-made holidays across Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greenland, and beyond. With expertly crafted itineraries, premium accommodations, and seamless service, we ensure your journey is truly extraordinary.
