Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips · Northern Lights
To see the Northern Lights at least once
The Northern Lights over the fjell. A cozy chalet in the snow. And time to experience the North at your own pace.
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Our Northern Lights Travel Packages
Your Winter in Lapland and the Arctic.
Already put together for you.
Choose your package, which includes accommodations and the experiences listed. You can find details about meals, transfers, and activities directly in the offer.
8-Day "Deluxe" Northern Lights Package in Lapland, including 7 nights in an Aurora chalet with a glass roof, full board, and many activities
7-Day "Superior" Northern Lights Package in Lapland, including 6 nights in an Aurora chalet with a glass roof, full board, and many activities
6-Day "Culture" Northern Lights Package in Lapland, including 5 nights in an Aurora chalet with a glass roof, full board, and many activities
5-Day "Arctic" Northern Lights Package in Lapland, including 4 nights in an Aurora chalet with a glass roof, full board, and many activities
6-day Northern Lights package “Arctic Family Adventure,” including 5 nights in an Aurora Suite with a glass roof, a sauna, full board, and many activities
Countries & Regions
Where would you like to see the Northern Lights?
The forests of Lapland, the fjords of Norway, or the coast of East Greenland: the setting shapes your days just as much as your nights.
Our Lapland tours take place in Finland and Sweden. The East Greenland expeditions have their own departure dates; they are not winter tours. The following applies to all regions: Seeing the Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Her Way of Traveling
How would you like to experience the North?
Our Bestsellers Selected
Ten Special Places for Your Northern Lights Trip.
These accommodations are among our bestsellers in the north. Each has its own unique character: glass-roofed chalets, private log cabins, small lodges, and a camp. It all depends on how you want to stay and who you want to spend your days with.
- Glass igloo with a heated panoramic roof
- Aurora Alert: as soon as the sky camera detects the aurora
- Full board, thermal clothing, and airport transfer included
- 40 Aurora chalets with heated panoramic windows
- Northern Lights Alerts via App; Cameras Monitor the Sky
- Children under 3 are free; children up to age 15 receive a 50% discount
- Adults only, right on the shore of Lake Inari
- Optional Aurora Chalet with a panoramic glass roof
- A Visit to a Sámi Village
- Aurora chalets with a glass roof over the bed
- Siida Sámi Museum, Europe's Museum of the Year 2024
- Huskiesledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing
- Private log cabin lodge for up to six people
- A small herd of reindeer right in front of the lodge
- Sauna and outdoor hot tub, personal host
- Log cabins for 2 to 8 people, 90 m²
- Private Sauna and Outdoor Hot Tub
- At Kaunispää-Fjell, with a view over Saariselkä
- Just three log cabins on the riverbank
- Private hot tub on every terrace
- Floor-to-ceiling windows facing north for a view of the Northern Lights
- Wooden teepee with a sauna or cone room on the Råne River
- Huskies, horse-drawn sleds, snowmobiles, and ice saunas
- Then three nights at a lodge near the Arctic Circle
- Staying in 18th- and 19th-century houses
- Evening Northern Lights Stargazing by the Fire
- White-tailed Eagle Tour and Homemade Stockfish
- Only eight rooms, owner-operated
- Outdoor hot tub with a view of the fjord and the Lyngen Alps
- Huskiesleds, Snowmobiles, and Aurora Safaris
- Glass igloo with a heated panoramic roof
- Aurora Alert: as soon as the sky camera detects the aurora
- Full board, thermal clothing, and airport transfer included
- 40 Aurora chalets with heated panoramic windows
- Northern Lights Alerts via App; Cameras Monitor the Sky
- Children under 3 are free; children up to age 15 receive a 50% discount
- Aurora chalets with a glass roof over the bed
- Siida Sámi Museum, Europe's Museum of the Year 2024
- Huskiesledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing
- Adults only, right on the shore of Lake Inari
- Optional Aurora Chalet with a panoramic glass roof
- A Visit to a Sámi Village
- Private log cabin lodge for up to six people
- A small herd of reindeer right in front of the lodge
- Sauna and outdoor hot tub, personal host
- Log cabins for 2 to 8 people, 90 m²
- Private Sauna and Outdoor Hot Tub
- At Kaunispää-Fjell, with a view over Saariselkä
- Just three log cabins on the riverbank
- Private hot tub on every terrace
- Floor-to-ceiling windows facing north for a view of the Northern Lights
- Staying in 18th- and 19th-century houses
- Evening Northern Lights Stargazing by the Fire
- White-tailed Eagle Tour and Homemade Stockfish
- Only eight rooms, owner-operated
- Outdoor hot tub with a view of the fjord and the Lyngen Alps
- Huskiesleds, Snowmobiles, and Aurora Safaris
- Wooden teepee with a sauna or cone room on the Råne River
- Huskies, horse-drawn sleds, snowmobiles, and ice saunas
- Then three nights at a lodge near the Arctic Circle
Your Next Step
Discover our Northern Lights travel packages.
Accommodations, activities, and other services clearly organized. We'll help you find the right combination.
Services, age restrictions, and availability vary by accommodation and trip. Northern Lights sightings depend on weather conditions.
Private Lodges in Lapland
A table for all.
A home for you.
After a day in the snow, everyone comes back together. The sauna is warm, and there’s time to share stories over dinner. A private lodge gives your trip its own rhythm.
We tailor accommodations, travel arrangements, and activities to your group—whether you're a couple, a multigenerational family, or a small group looking to take a break together.
Who would you like to travel with?
Time spent together in the North.
Whether you're traveling as a couple, with children, with friends, or as a team: We'll plan your trip so that the accommodations, activities, and free time are tailored to your travel companions.
Canada Bay
Polar bears by day. Gazing at the sky by night.
Guided hikes through the tundra, a remote lodge on Hudson Bay, and evenings with views of the Northern Lights: Here, you can combine wildlife viewing with a trip to the Canadian Arctic.
- With photographer Jad Davenport
- Three nights at the Tundra Camp in the Barren Lands
- Premium Lodge on Hudson Bay
You can view the Northern Lights from the lodge or from a location approved by the team. In the polar bear area, nighttime viewing is also subject to the guides’ instructions. Sightings of wildlife and the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed.
Greenland Cruises in September
Sailing under the Northern Lights on a small boat.
Cruising among icebergs by day, relaxing on the outer deck by night: In September, dark nights return to East Greenland. Choose between a German-speaking expedition, a voyage on a three-masted sailing ship, and a longer route through Northeast Greenland.
- Special Guest on Board: Reinhold Messner
- Expedition led entirely in German
- With a little luck, the Northern Lights over Scoresbysund
- Three-masted schooner with a maximum of 33 guests
- Chances of seeing the Northern Lights starting around the end of August
- Visit to the Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit
- From Iceland via Scoresby Sund to Spitsbergen
- Scoresby Sund, the world's largest fjord system
- Icebergs over one kilometer long at Sydkap
starting at €7,550
Route & Dates : Northeast Greenland Extreme (opens in a new tab)Selected September departures in 2027. The linked travel offers include the current dates, cabin types, and amenities. The route and port calls are subject to ice and weather conditions; sightings of the Northern Lights are not guaranteed.
More Travel Ideas
Special Places in the North
Premium Log Cabins Above the Arctic CircleDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
A Cabin Getaway on the Bothnian SeaDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Kelo Boutique LodgeDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Spectacular Treehouse HotelDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Northern Lights Glamping & Action CampDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
A wilderness village with log cabin charm above the Arctic CircleDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Orcas & Northern Lights in the Norwegian FjordsDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Pyhä, the Northern Lights Village – Northern Lights at the Arctic CircleDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Muotka Log Cabin VillageDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Svalbard – Northeast Greenland – Iceland: Northern Lights, Inuit, and Long HikesDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Northern Lights Adventure in a Glass IglooDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Arctic Bath – A Floating Spa in the ArcticDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Photo Expedition to See the Wild Wolves on the Kaska CoastDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
A charming boutique hotel with sweeping viewsDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Saariselkä, the Northern Lights Village—Unobstructed Views of the Northern LightsDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)
Northern Lights and Whale-Watching Safari with an Overnight Stay on a Small ShipDiscover this trip (opens in a new tab)Understanding the Aurora Borealis
Interesting Facts About the Northern Lights
A bright arc that slowly changes shape. Glowing bands, sometimes with a reddish edge. What you see in the sky begins far above the clouds.
The Northern Lights are also called the Aurora Borealis. They are the polar lights of the Northern Hemisphere; in the Southern Hemisphere, they are known as the Aurora Australis.
01
How are northern lights formed?
High-energy electrons follow the Earth's magnetic field toward the polar regions. When they collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere, they transfer energy. The visible glow is produced as this energy is released.
02
Why does the sky glow in different colors?
The color depends on the excited gas and the altitude. Oxygen produces the most common color of the aurora and red light, while nitrogen produces, among other things, blue and violet hues. The colors you see also depend on the brightness of the display.
03
Why the far north, of all places?
The aurora borealis occurs most frequently in an oval band around the magnetic poles. Northern Scandinavia is well-positioned relative to this auroral oval. During strong geomagnetic storms, the northern lights can also be visible much further south.
04
Does it have to be cold to see the Northern Lights?
No. Cold weather does not cause the Northern Lights. The key factors are auroral activity, darkness, and a clear view. You can also see the Northern Lights in the fall. In the far north, the brightness of summer nights usually prevents you from seeing the lights.
05
Do the Northern Lights look like they do in photos?
Not always. Cameras can capture faint auroras that are barely visible to the naked eye. That’s why photos often appear more colorful. You can clearly see intense displays even without a camera—as arcs, ribbons, or moving curtains.
06
What do aurora apps predict?
Forecasts provide an indication of expected activity. They do not guarantee that you will see anything from your lodging. Be sure to also check the local cloud cover and look outside yourself. An app is no substitute for a clear view of the sky.
Regions
When and where can the Northern Lights be seen?
The Northern Lights can occur year-round. However, from the ground, you can only see them when it is dark enough and the sky is clear. The dates listed indicate the typical viewing season—they do not guarantee sightings, nor do they imply that our tours are available year-round.
| Country & Region | Typical observation season | For Your Travel Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Finland: Ivalo, Inari, and Levi | Late August through early April | Fall, for dark evenings without reliable snow; winter, for combining with snow activities. View Northern Lights packages. |
| Sweden, Swedish Lapland | September through the end of March | Lodges and camps in northern Sweden combine your stay with outdoor activities. Snow-based activities depend on local conditions. View trips to Sweden. |
| Norway: Lyngenfjord & Helgeland / Støtt | Approximately September through the end of March | A clear view of the fjords and coastline helps with observation; cloud cover remains a key factor. The exact season varies depending on location and darkness. View trips to Norway. |
| Greenland: Our Travel Destination: East Greenland / Scoresby Sund | Greenland in general: Late August through April; varies by region | Our selected East Greenland expeditions take place in late summer and fall. For Scoresby Sund, the specific route and departure date are key. View expedition. |
| Canada: Hudson Bay & Barren Lands | Our Featured Trip: September | The nights are getting dark again. With the right conditions and clear skies, you can view the Northern Lights from the lodge or designated viewing locations. View this trip with Jad Davenport. |
What time?
Plan for a late evening.
For Northern Scandinavia, the Finnish Meteorological Institute recommends approximately 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. local time as the best time for viewing. The Northern Lights may also appear before or after that time. The key factor is that it is already dark enough where you are.
Which months should I choose?
Fall or winter?
September and October, as well as February and March, are good months for viewing. In winter, evenings spent watching the Northern Lights can be combined with snow-related activities. Staying several nights in the area provides additional opportunities, though even then there’s no guarantee.
Watch from outside
Give your eyes some time.
Find a safe spot with an unobstructed view and minimal artificial light. Dim your phone's screen and have warm clothes ready. Don't just look north: Depending on your location and what you're doing, the Northern Lights may also be directly overhead.
With a camera or smartphone
Look first. Then take a picture.
Set your camera or smartphone on a stable surface. Try using night mode or a longer exposure without a flash. If there are moving bands of light, shorten the exposure time so that the shapes remain recognizable. Keep a spare battery warm and ready.
Scientific Background: NOAA · NASA · Finnish Meteorological Institute
Regional Seasonal Information: Visit Finland · Visit Sweden · Visit Norway · Visit Greenland
Travel Time & Rhythm
Which part of the North is right for you?
Dark nights make observation possible. The landscape, daylight, and activities change with the seasons.
The best time to travel depends on the region and the type of trip. The weather, cloud cover, and aurora activity determine what you'll be able to see once you're there.
Personal Consultation
Whether
is the right place is a personal decision.
Stephanie Gräf founded inventia in 2002. Together with her team, she plans your trip and advises you on choosing a destination, accommodations, and itinerary.
Would you like to step outside right from your chalet? Is a private sauna important to you? Are you traveling with children, or are you looking for some time alone together?
We'll discuss with you how you'd like to spend your days, how remote your accommodations can be, and what kind of excursions you'd like to take while you're there. This will result in a trip that's just right for you.
From Idea to Trip
Personalized planning. Thorough preparation.
1. Your ideas
Travel dates, travel companions, accommodations, and activities: We take the time to accommodate your wishes.
2. Your Travel Proposal
You will receive a customized quote with clearly specified services. Upon request, we can also help plan your flights and pre-trip activities.
3. Your Preparation
Before departure, we'll go over your gear, transportation, and the itinerary. We'll remain your point of contact throughout your trip as well.
Good to know
Your Questions About Northern Lights Tours
Which country is best for my Northern Lights trip?
In our selection, Finland offers glass-roofed chalets, log cabins, and private lodges. In Swedish Lapland, the focus is on small lodges and camps. Norway combines evenings of the Northern Lights with fjord and coastal landscapes. You can experience East Greenland on select ship expeditions. On Canada’s Hudson Bay, you can combine a lodge and camp trip with polar bear watching and Northern Lights photography. The key factors are your preferred travel style, travel dates, and on-site activities. Compare countries and regions.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
For our trips to northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway, the darker months from fall through spring are the best time to travel. In many winter itineraries, February and March offer more daylight while nights remain dark. Eastern Greenland has its own expedition dates in late summer and fall. The best time to visit depends on the region and the itinerary; snow, clouds, and aurora activity cannot be guaranteed in advance. More about the best time to travel.
How much does a Northern Lights trip cost?
The price depends on the dates, duration of the trip, accommodations, group size, mode of travel, and included activities. The linked travel offers list the respective terms and conditions; for your desired trip, you will receive a personalized quote detailing the included services. Request a travel quote.
Can you see the Northern Lights on every trip?
We cannot guarantee that you will see the aurora. You will need a sufficiently dark sky, as little cloud cover as possible, and sufficient aurora activity. We take your location and travel dates into account when planning.
How much time should I set aside?
The Northern Lights packages shown here range from 5 to 8 days or 4 to 7 nights. Staying for several nights gives you more opportunities to see the Northern Lights and more time to enjoy the scenery and activities. However, even with a longer stay, a sighting is not guaranteed. Compare packages and trip durations.
Will I be able to see the Northern Lights through the glass roof?
This is possible if visibility and alignment are good. Glare, lighting, and snow on the roof can affect your view. You often have a wider field of view when you're outside.
Is this trip suitable for children?
That depends on the accommodations, the children's ages, and the program. We make sure to arrange suitable rooms, consider travel times, and check the requirements for excursions. We clarify the age restrictions for individual activities before booking.
What kind of clothes do I need?
Be sure to pack several warm layers, windproof outerwear, well-insulated shoes, a hat, and gloves. We’ll check whether thermal clothing is provided for each specific offer.
Can I travel alone?
Yes. We'll find suitable accommodations and let you know which activities will be held with other guests. The terms for single occupancy will be included in the quote.
Are flights, transfers, and activities included?
The scope of services varies depending on the trip. Your quote lists the services included. We will coordinate any additional requests, such as flights, private transfers, or individual excursions, with you.
Information to Help You Plan Your Trip
You can find the scientific sources directly under " Interesting Facts About the Northern Lights." For travel dates and services, please refer to the linked inventia offers and your booking documents.
Your Northern Lights Trip
See the Northern Lights at least once.
We'll make it happen for you.
A glass-roofed chalet, a private home for your family, or a small expedition ship? Tell us about your dream trip. We’ll tailor the destination, travel dates, and accommodations to your preferences—in Finland, Sweden, Norway, East Greenland, or Hudson Bay.
Personal Travel Advice
The inventia team
Journeys | Beyond ordinary
+49 201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Owner-operated since 2002: We provide personalized advice, from the initial idea through to travel preparations. All we need to get started is a timeframe and your preferences.