Holidays to Chase the Northern Lights: Where to Travel for the Aurora Borealis

There are few travel experiences as breathtaking as standing under a sky lit by ribbons of green, purple and red light. The Northern Lights — or aurora borealis — are one of nature’s most mesmerising shows, a celestial dance powered by the sun’s energy. For many travellers, catching sight of them is a once-in-a-lifetime dream, and it’s no wonder more and more people are planning dedicated holidays to chase the Northern Lights.

But seeing the aurora isn’t as simple as booking a plane ticket and hoping for the best. It takes careful planning, choosing the right destination, and understanding when and how you’re most likely to witness the spectacle. The chase is part of the adventure — and with the right guidance, you can maximise your chances while enjoying incredible experiences along the way.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best destinations around the world to chase the Northern Lights, when to travel, where to stay, and how to plan an aurora holiday that’s both magical and practical.

Why Take Holidays to Chase the Northern Lights?

The aurora borealis is formed when charged solar particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, producing vivid displays of colour across polar skies. For centuries, cultures have woven myths and stories around these lights — from Norse legends of Valkyries riding across the night sky, to Inuit tales of ancestral spirits.

While science explains the phenomenon, the awe you feel when standing under shimmering skies can’t be put into words. That’s why so many travellers are drawn to holidays to chase the Northern Lights: it’s not just about ticking a box, but experiencing wonder that feels almost otherworldly.



Of course, the aurora is unpredictable. The best months are between late September and early April, when nights are long and dark, but cloud cover, solar activity, and even moonlight can all affect visibility. Planning a trip with at least three to five nights in a prime aurora location is recommended, giving you several chances to see the lights.

Best Destinations for Holidays to Chase the Northern Lights

There are a handful of destinations across the globe where the aurora is visible most frequently, and each has its own character. From Scandinavian glass igloos to Canadian wilderness lodges, here are the top places to consider.

Norway – Tromsø, Lofoten & Alta

Norway is often the first choice for travellers chasing the lights, and with good reason. Tromsø, dubbed the “Gateway to the Arctic”, sits in the heart of the auroral oval. Here you’ll find a vibrant city with Arctic museums, craft breweries, and easy access to wilderness tours. A short drive takes you into mountains and fjords, where dark skies provide a perfect stage for the lights.

The Lofoten Islands offer dramatic scenery with jagged peaks and fishing villages, while Alta in northern Norway is home to the world’s first Northern Lights observatory.

Top hotel picks in Norway:

• Clarion Hotel The Edge, Tromsø – A stylish city hotel with rooftop bar views and connections to many aurora tour operators. Perfect for combining urban comfort with night excursions.
• Lyngen Lodge, near Tromsø – Nestled between fjords and mountains, this luxury lodge offers panoramic windows, gourmet dining, and remote aurora hunting away from light pollution.
• Aurora Borealis Observatory, Senja – A boutique resort designed specifically for aurora viewing, with glass-roofed rooms and real-time aurora alerts.

With so much to see and do — from husky sledding to reindeer encounters — Norway offers more than just a glimpse of the aurora.

👉 Want to explore more offers like Tromsø city breaks or wilderness lodges? Jamie Wake Travel can tailor the perfect Norwegian aurora escape for you.

Sweden – Abisko & Kiruna

Sweden’s Abisko National Park is famed among aurora chasers. Thanks to a unique microclimate known as the “Blue Hole”, skies above Lake Torneträsk remain clearer than surrounding areas, giving Abisko one of the highest aurora success rates in the world.

Nearby Kiruna adds cultural and architectural highlights — including Sweden’s famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, where each room is carved anew each winter.

Top hotel picks in Sweden:

• Abisko Mountain Lodge – A cosy base just minutes from the Aurora Sky Station, where cable cars take you high above the valley for spectacular viewing.
• Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi – The original and most famous ice hotel, where you can sleep in art-sculpted ice suites and step outside to catch auroras dancing overhead.
• Camp Ripan, Kiruna – A blend of hotel and cabin accommodation, with Scandinavian spa and glass-roofed chalets designed for winter nights.

Sweden combines the thrill of high aurora probability with the novelty of once-in-a-lifetime hotels, making it ideal for adventurous couples or families.



👉 Ask Jamie Wake Travel about combining Sweden’s Icehotel with aurora tours for a holiday that’s as dazzling inside as it is outside.

Finland – Lapland & Rovaniemi

If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping under the Northern Lights in a glass igloo, Finland is the place. Finnish Lapland is world-famous for its snow-covered forests, reindeer sleigh rides, and glass-roofed accommodation designed to bring the aurora into your bedroom.

Rovaniemi, known as the home of Santa Claus, is popular with families, while more remote areas like Inari and Kakslauttanen provide secluded wilderness experiences. Families will love our dedicated guide on Lapland holidays for children and parents, where we explore Santa experiences alongside Northern Lights adventures.

Top hotel picks in Finland:

• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – The original glass igloo resort, offering both igloo stays and cosy log cabins, all designed for aurora watching in comfort.
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, Rovaniemi – Combines snow hotel artistry with glass igloos fitted with thermal glass, ensuring you stay warm while gazing at the sky.
• Wilderness Hotel Inari – A lakeside lodge offering husky safaris, ice fishing, and aurora camps under the stars.

For families, Finland blends Christmas magic with the raw power of the aurora, while couples find plenty of romance in igloo stays and candlelit saunas.

For travellers dreaming of combining Santa’s magic with aurora hunting, our guide to Lapland Winter Wonderland holidays shares the very best igloos, safaris, and festive experiences.

👉 At Jamie Wake Travel, we can design a Finnish Lapland itinerary that balances family fun with multiple nights in glass igloos, maximising your chances of a magical aurora sighting.

Iceland & Greenland

Few countries rival Iceland when it comes to pairing aurora hunting with incredible landscapes. In just one trip, you can soak in hot springs, explore glaciers, wander volcanic terrain, and finish the night watching the sky ignite with colour. The Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are all popular aurora-watching backdrops.

Greenland, meanwhile, is one of the least light-polluted places on earth. Though it requires more effort to reach, the reward is dark, clear skies and vivid auroras, often stretching across the entire horizon.

Top hotel picks in Iceland & Greenland:

• Hotel Rangá (South Iceland) – This luxury countryside hotel has its own observatory, on-site astronomers, and wake-up calls for when the aurora appears.
• ION Adventure Hotel (Thingvellir, Iceland) – Set against lava fields, this eco-luxury hotel boasts futuristic design and huge windows for aurora spotting.
• Hotel Arctic (Ilulissat, Greenland) – Overlooking an iceberg-strewn fjord, this is the world’s most northerly 4-star hotel, combining adventure with comfort.

In both countries, the scenery alone is worth the journey. Add in the aurora, and you’ve got a holiday that’s unforgettable from start to finish.

Beyond the lights, you can explore wildlife, glaciers and culture with our curated itineraries for Arctic holidays.

👉 Jamie Wake Travel can help you combine aurora viewing with Iceland’s hot springs or Greenland’s ice fjords, creating a holiday that balances comfort with adventure.

Canada & Alaska

Crossing the Atlantic brings you to another aurora hotspot: North America’s far north. Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories are world-renowned for consistent displays, particularly around Yellowknife and Whitehorse. Churchill in Manitoba offers the rare chance to combine polar bear watching with aurora chasing.

Alaska, meanwhile, is the USA’s top aurora destination. Fairbanks is a hub for Northern Lights tours, while Denali National Park offers wild scenery with an otherworldly backdrop.

Top hotel picks in Canada & Alaska:

• Blachford Lake Lodge (Northwest Territories, Canada) – Accessible only by bush plane, this lodge offers remote wilderness luxury with virtually zero light pollution.
• Aurora Village (Yellowknife, Canada) – Famous for heated tipi experiences where guests can watch the aurora while staying cosy.
• Chena Hot Springs Resort (Fairbanks, Alaska) – Combines geothermal pools with aurora viewing, ideal for those who want relaxation with their adventure.

For travellers who want to feel like true explorers, North America’s vast landscapes make aurora holidays both thrilling and immersive.

👉 Ask Jamie Wake Travel about tailored Canadian and Alaskan itineraries, including polar bear safaris and wilderness lodges, perfect for an extended aurora chase.

Scotland & the UK

Believe it or not, you don’t always need to leave the UK to glimpse the aurora. In northern Scotland, particularly in Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, and along the Moray Coast, the Northern Lights — locally called the “Mirrie Dancers” — sometimes light up the skies. While sightings are less predictable and less intense than in the Arctic Circle, for many travellers the idea of seeing the aurora closer to home adds a sense of surprise and wonder.

Top hotel picks in Scotland:

• Shetland Hotel, Lerwick – A central base for exploring Shetland and keeping watch for aurora alerts.
• Ackergill Tower, Wick – A historic castle-turned-hotel offering a romantic base for chasing the Mirrie Dancers.
• Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness – An elegant stay within reach of dark-sky areas in the Highlands.

Aurora sightings in the UK are rare, but they happen often enough to keep travellers checking forecast apps and heading north at the first sign of solar activity. For many, this makes the chase even more exciting.



👉 Jamie Wake Travel can plan aurora-watching breaks in Scotland, combining whisky distilleries, castles, and stargazing for a close-to-home adventure.

When to Plan Your Holidays to Chase the Northern Lights

Timing is everything. While the aurora can technically occur year-round, the best time for holidays to chase the Northern Lights is between late September and early April, when nights are long and dark.

• Peak months: March and September equinoxes are known for increased solar activity.
• Best conditions: Clear, dark skies with little light pollution. New moon phases are best.
• Trip length: Plan at least three to five nights to increase your chances — even longer if travelling to more remote destinations.

Some locations, such as Abisko in Sweden or Yellowknife in Canada, boast higher-than-average success rates thanks to local microclimates. That said, the Northern Lights remain a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed.

How to Maximise Your Chances of Seeing the Aurora

A little preparation goes a long way when planning aurora holidays:

• Use forecast apps and websites: Tools like AuroraWatch UK, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre, or SpaceWeatherLive show real-time aurora predictions.
• Understand the Kp Index: A scale from 0–9 indicating geomagnetic activity. A Kp of 4+ usually means visible auroras at higher latitudes.
• Check the weather: Clear skies are as crucial as solar activity. Be ready to travel a short distance to escape cloud cover.
• Photography tips: A tripod, wide-aperture lens, and long exposures capture the aurora best. Many smartphones now include night modes that make it easier.
• Stay flexible: Book tours that allow multiple nights of aurora chasing. The more chances you have, the more likely you’ll succeed.

For the most accurate space weather predictions, check the NASA Aurora Forecast before heading out on your chase.”

Jamie Says:

“The Northern Lights are never guaranteed — and that’s what makes them so special. But with the right planning, the right location, and a little patience, your chances increase dramatically. That’s why I personally select the best hotels, itineraries, and activities for my clients. An aurora chase is more than a trip — it’s an adventure of a lifetime.”

Aurora Holidays Beyond the Lights

While the Northern Lights are the main attraction, aurora destinations offer so much more. Planning additional activities ensures your trip is rewarding even if the lights prove elusive.

• Dog sledding & reindeer safaris – Glide across snowy landscapes with huskies or reindeer guiding the way, a classic Arctic experience.
• Snowmobiling & ice driving – Thrill-seekers can venture deep into frozen wilderness or even test skills on icy tracks.
• Ice caves & glaciers – Iceland and Alaska offer surreal landscapes where ice formations sparkle blue by day.
• Hot springs & saunas – Relax after a cold night under the lights in geothermal pools or traditional saunas.
• Whale watching & wildlife – Tromsø is a hotspot for winter whale watching, while Churchill in Canada adds polar bears to the mix.

The aurora is never guaranteed, but these experiences make sure your holiday is magical regardless.

Sample Itineraries for Holidays to Chase the Northern Lights

4-Night Tromsø Aurora Break

• Day 1: Arrival in Tromsø, evening city walk.
• Day 2: Northern Lights chase with a local guide.
• Day 3: Dog sledding and Sami culture experience.
• Day 4: Fjord cruise by day, aurora viewing by night.
• Day 5: Departure.

7-Night Finnish Lapland Glass Igloo Adventure

• Days 1–2: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village, reindeer sleigh ride.
• Days 3–4: Stay in glass igloos at Kakslauttanen, aurora watching from bed.
• Days 5–6: Wilderness lodge near Inari, snowmobiling, husky safari.
• Day 7: Spa day and farewell dinner under the stars.

10-Night Canada & Alaska Aurora Explorer

• Days 1–3: Yellowknife – tipi stays at Aurora Village.
• Days 4–6: Fly to Fairbanks – hot springs, Denali excursion.
• Days 7–8: Remote lodge stay in Yukon wilderness.
• Days 9–10: Aurora hunting road trip with local guide.

👉 Jamie Wake Travel can customise these itineraries — or create entirely bespoke plans — based on your travel style, budget, and dream activities.

Booking Protections with Jamie Wake Travel

When planning adventurous trips like holidays to chase the Northern Lights, peace of mind is essential.

That’s why we provide:

• ATOL Protection – Financial protection for your package holiday.
• Supplier Failure Insurance – Extra reassurance in case a supplier ceases trading.
• Independent, trusted advice – As an independent agency, we’re not tied to one tour provider. We find the best options for you.
• 24/7 support – Assistance before, during, and after your trip.

When chasing something as unpredictable as the aurora, you deserve booking confidence that’s rock solid.

Why Book Your Holidays to Chase the Northern Lights with Jamie Wake Travel

Every aurora holiday is unique — just like every traveller. At Jamie Wake Travel, we combine insider knowledge, trusted partners, and personal service to craft itineraries that give you the best chance of success.

At Jamie Wake Travel, we go beyond booking to deliver the full Jamie Wake Travel Experience, where every trip is as unique as you are.

Whether you’re dreaming of glass igloos in Finland, wilderness lodges in Canada, or a Scottish Highlands short break, we’ll tailor your holiday around your wishes. From flights and transfers to hand-picked accommodation and activities, everything is designed to flow seamlessly.

📞 Call 01495 400005 or use our online enquiry form to start planning. You can also use our website’s holiday search tool to build bespoke trips that are “as unique as you are.”

Your dream aurora adventure is closer than you think — and with us, it comes with the peace of mind that every detail is handled.

Looking for something different? Explore our pick of underrated winter destinations that combine culture with snowy landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions