Experience the Northern Lights: Travel to Lapland and the Arctic to see the Northern Lights

Traveling to see the Northern Lights: The best destinations and tips for viewing

Seeing the Aurora Borealis with your own eyes once in your lifetime – this is a dream shared by many travelers. So it's no surprise that we receive several inquiries about Northern Lights tours every day. Whether in a glass igloo in Lapland, on a snowmobile tour through Norway, or on a small ship cruising along the Arctic Circle: Northern Lights trips promise a truly sublime nature experience in the silence of the north. In this guide, we have summarized all the important and interesting information you need to know about your trip to see the Northern Lights.

What are the Northern Lights and why are they absolutely worth traveling to see?

The science behind the aurora borealis

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are caused by the interaction of solar winds with the Earth's magnetic field. High-energy particles penetrate the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere and create spectacular light shows through the ionization of oxygen and nitrogen. These natural phenomena are particularly visible in the so-called "Aurora Oval" around the geomagnetic pole. A trip to see the aurora borealis is therefore not only visually impressive, but also very exciting from a scientific point of view.

Why aurora borealis tours are so popular

For many passionate travelers, a trip to see the Northern Lights is a lifelong dream. It is the combination of untouched nature, Arctic silence, and the experience of seeing a natural wonder live that makes these trips so unique. Aurora Borealis trips are particularly popular with photographers, nature lovers, and people who want to broaden their horizons on an expedition-style trip. To this end, we are constantly expanding our range of selected Northern Lights trips for you—for example, with Northern Lights trips including flights, German-speaking tour guides, or a Northern Lights vacation in a glass igloo.

The best destinations for viewing the Northern Lights worldwide

Iceland – The land of fire and ice

Iceland offers an impressive backdrop for the Northern Lights: lava fields, geysers, and waterfalls create a visually stunning setting. Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, and the south coast are particularly well suited for hunting the Northern Lights. Thanks to its short flight time, Iceland is also ideal for a short trip to see the Northern Lights.

Norway – From Tromsø to the Lofoten Islands

Norway is the classic destination for a Northern Lights tour. In Tromsø, the "capital of the Northern Lights, " numerous German-language tours are also offered. The Lofoten Islands, Alta, and the region around Senja also offer perfect conditions. The combination of Northern Lights hunting and winter activities such as dog sledding or snowmobiling makes this region particularly attractive.

Finland – Lapland and the wilderness of Lapland

Lapland in Finland is a popular destination for aurora borealis trips with glass igloo accommodation. Places such as Rovaniemi and Luosto offer excellent chances of seeing the northern lights. Your northern lights vacation will be the perfect winter trip with Finnish saunas, reindeer safaris, and snowshoe hikes. What makes us particularly happy is that more and more Northern Lights tours offered for 2025 or later have a strong focus on sustainability. This means you can embark on your unforgettable Northern Lights vacation with a clear conscience. Read our travel magazine to find out everything else you need to know about a Northern Lights vacation in Finland.

Sweden – Abisko and Swedish Lapland

Abisko is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. The stable microclimate ensures many clear nights, which greatly increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko is therefore a preferred starting point for Northern Lights tours.

Canada – Yukon and the Northwest Territories

With its vast, uninhabited landscapes, Canada offers the perfect terrain for a northern lights trip. The Yukon, Whitehorse, and Yellowknife are considered hotspots—especially for travelers who want their Northern Lights tour to have a certain sense of adventure. In Canada, there are several providers that offer self-drive options for viewing the Northern Lights in the wilderness. This makes it possible to plan a Northern Lights trip on a budget.

Alaska – Fairbanks and the Arctic

Fairbanks is one of the best places in the USA for a Northern Lights trip. Particularly popular: a Northern Lights trip with flights and accommodation in a rustic lodge. Alaska also offers the opportunity to combine a Northern Lights cruise with an Arctic expedition. We would be happy to advise you!

Best time to travel for aurora borealis trips

The ideal months (September to March)

The best time to travel to see the Northern Lights is between September and March. During these months, the nights are long and dark enough for the Aurora Borealis to be clearly visible in the sky. The probability of seeing colorful displays is particularly high in February and March, when the weather in many polar regions becomes more stable. Our tip: We recommend a minimum stay of 4 nights —the longer you stay, the higher the chances of sightings. If it is cloudy one night, you still have many more nights to observe the sky.

Moon phases and weather conditions

A clear sky is essential for visibility, of course. If you plan your trip around the new moon, the already minimal light pollution in remote regions will be even lower. The choice of region also plays a role: Lapland and Abisko, for example, are particularly popular because of their low cloud cover.

How to correctly interpret northern lights forecasts

There are special aurora forecasts based on observations of solar activity. If you are spontaneous, you can react to high KP values at short notice and plan your trip at short notice. Reputable providers of aurora tours naturally integrate such forecasts into their planning to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis.

Costs of a Northern Lights trip

Budget planning: From $850 to $5,000 +

For many travelers, a trip to see the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. An affordable trip to see the Northern Lights is possible from around $950, e.g., as a short trip to see the Northern Lights in Finland or Norway. Exclusive options with overnight stays in a glass igloo, an ice hotel, or a private lodge with a glass roof, as well as a dog sled ride and flight, can cost between €3,000 and €5,000. If you book early, you can often benefit from attractive discounts.

Cost factors: Accommodation, activities, and travel

Flights to the Arctic, e.g., to Tromsø or Rovaniemi, often account for the largest cost factor in the total price. Other important items are accommodation (e.g., glass igloo), tours (dog sledding, snowmobiling, northern lights hunting), and meals. Tour guides (German-speaking) and transfers also add to the cost, of course.

Money-saving tips for aurora borealis trips

• Traveling in the off-season (September/October or March)
• Book self-drive tours
• Secure accommodation early
• Have Inventia put together an attractive complete travel package for you

Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights: Practical tips

Equipment and clothing

Warm, multi-layered clothing is essential. Thermal underwear, warm wool knee socks, a windproof jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof winter boots are particularly important. A headlamp, power bank, and heat pads are also useful. We have compiled a detailed packing list for you here. To lighten your luggage, your hosts will often provide you with a rental set of highly functional thermal clothing on site.

Photography tips for northern lights

A stable tripod, a camera with manual settings, and a fast lens are ideal. The recommended exposure time is 5 to 25 seconds, depending on the intensity of the lights. Tip: Practice in the dark beforehand and take spare batteries with you. Batteries often drain surprisingly quickly in the cold.

Accommodation options: From peat houses to glass igloos

Inventia offers a wide range of accommodation options for your trip to see the Northern Lights – from simple and authentic to exclusive and luxurious:

• Aurora chalets with glass roofs: Ideal for viewing the Northern Lights directly from your bed. The heated glass roofs or walls allow an unobstructed view of the sky – often combined with stylish furnishings and full board.
• Aurora Villages & Northern Lights Resorts: Small complexes surrounded by nature, consisting of several aurora cabins or suites, most with panoramic windows, private saunas, and lounge areas for campfire evenings under the open sky.
• Log cabins & wilderness lodges: Rustic, charming cabins in remote regions – perfect for peace and quiet and experiencing nature up close. Often run by local hosts with extensive knowledge of the local culture.
• A cozy turf house with a traditional grass roof in Iceland with a private basalt pool
• Adults-only lodges: Exclusive accommodations such as the Nangu Lodge in Finland are aimed at adults who value peace and quiet, comfort, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
• Luxury lodges & boutique hotels: For special occasions, high-end lodges offer just a few, high-quality suites—with gourmet cuisine, a spa, and views of the Northern Lights from the hot tub.
• Igloo hotels & snow hotels: Spending the night in a real snow or ice igloo is a very special experience. Often bookable as part of an adventure program.

In this blog article, we present some exceptional accommodations for your trip to see the Northern Lights with Inventia.

Activities during your Northern Lights trip

dog sledding

A classic part of any Arctic trip: gliding through snow-covered landscapes with a team of huskies. In many places, it is also possible to go on a northern lights tour in the evening.

Reindeer safaris

A traditional and relaxing activity during your Aurora Borealis trip: ride through Lapland's winter forests on a reindeer sleigh and listen to stories of the Sami people.

snowmobile tours

A snowmobile ride through the vast expanses of the north offers pure adrenaline. Many tours lead to viewpoints or remote places for observing the northern lights.

Wellness and relaxation

After a cold night under the stars, a visit to the sauna or spa is particularly soothing. Many of our lodges offer hot tubs with views of the night sky.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Lights tours

How much does a trip to see the Northern Lights cost?
Prices vary greatly: an inexpensive Northern Lights trip starts at around 850 euros, while luxury trips with glass igloos and a full program can cost 5,000 euros or more.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Between September and March, especially around the new moon and when the sky is clear. February and March are considered particularly stable months.

Where can you see the most beautiful northern lights?
Top destinations are: Tromsø (Norway), Abisko (Sweden), Rovaniemi (Finland), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Yukon (Canada).

Is there a guarantee that we will see the Northern Lights?
No, there is no guarantee. However, on our Northern Lights tours, our local guides maximize the chances of seeing the lights with flexible tours and aurora forecasts.

How long do auroras last?
Auroras can be visible for a few minutes to several hours, depending on solar activity and weather conditions.

What should you take with you on a trip to see the Northern Lights?
Warm clothing, camera equipment, headlamp, power bank, snacks, and a good book for waiting outside.