The northern lights, and the pursuit of them, inspire passion and excitement in so many people in a way that is rarely matched by other natural occurrence. As such, northern lights holidays have become more and more popular in recent years, with demand increasing in line with the cyclical solar activity that causes this incredible natural phenomenon.
As long-standing specialists in creating holidays to the Arctic region, the wonder of seeing the northern lights is not new to us. We’ve been awed by them for nearly three decades as they dance and shimmer across the dark winter skies of Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Norway and beyond (throughout the aurora zone).
Tantalisingly unpredictable, the aurora borealis comes with no guarantees, though experience and knowledge have allowed us to create a superb collection of short breaks across the region. We have built a niche in providing northern lights holidays that offer travelers a choice of unforgettable experiences in locations renowned for opportunities to see the northern lights.
To see the northern lights is an experience that nobody will forget. Though displays vary in intensity, shape and color, each is mesmerising and truly extraordinary, made even more so by their erratic and irregular nature. Indeed it is this arbitrary characteristic that heightens their allure, but it is the very same characteristic that suggests that your northern lights holiday should be chosen with care and consideration based not only on location and scientific predictions, but also on the other opportunities and experiences available.
Back in Scandinavia, Norway has long been regarded as one best places to see the northern lights. It certainly made Joanna Lumley’s dreams come true just outside of Tromso. With the option to take a multi-centre break combining this charming city with the Icehotel, you can also journey to the far north of Norway into Finnmark on a coastal voyage on our aptly named In Pursuit of the Aurora adventure.
Swedish Lapland
In Swedish Lapland for example, you can see the northern lights whilst staying at the fabulous and unique Icehotel. Head out on snowmobiles in search of the northern lights, then celebrate with a cocktail in the Absolut Icebar before retiring to your exquisite bed of ice, adorned with reindeer skin. For the more adventurous, opt for our thrilling Husky Adventure where you drive your own team of huskies into the frozen wilderness. Staying in a cosy camp with hearty food spend the evening staring at the night sky just waiting for the aurora to make an appearance.
Iceland
Our northern lights holidays in Iceland are no less appealing. Though sitting just below the Arctic Circle, this mid-Atlantic island nation is well within the aurora belt. Benefiting from milder temperatures than those of its Scandic cousins, spend your days exploring Iceland’s stunning natural wonders including waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, glaciers and thermal springs. You can even combine the chance to see the northern lights with killer whale watching safaris off the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Finland
Finally, but by no means least, we also offer a collection of wonderful winter breaks in Finnish Lapland such as our Log Cabins and Igloos break at Kakslauttanen. Stay in your own cosy log cabin, enjoy a host of snow-bound activities by day and look out for displays of the aurora borealis by night. To maximise your chances you can even sleep in a specially designed glass igloo – fully heated, spend the night gazing skywards.
With all these options it might seem a little overwhelming, which is where our expert team come in. They can guide you through the choices to find the best northern lights holiday to suit you, based on location, time, budget and interests.
We can’t promise the aurora will appear, but we will give you the best possible chances as well as offer you a guarantee of quality and service.
For more information visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk. http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/special-interest/northern-lights.html