The Ice Igloos Of Kemi Finland
Maybe staying in an Ice Hotel is too posh for you. If youre ready to slum it and see the Northern Lights, then the ice igloos available in Kemi might just be the intimate encounter youve been wanting.
There are also restaurants made from ice to enjoy and if you need to get in touch with your spiritual side for some reason, theres a snow church to enjoy as well. For a fun adventure, you may join a day trip with the Snow Castle tour.
Alaska Winter Family Holiday Intrepid Travel
Tailored specifically to adventure-loving families, this five-day trip uses Fairbanks as a launchpad for striking out into the winter wilderness of Alaska, with plenty of opportunity to chase northern lights. Youll be based at the rustic Pikes Waterfront Lodge on the banks of the Chena River, with its own aurora-gazing deck and conservatory peering up to dark skies. Activities-wise, this is a surefire kid-pleaser, with days spent mushing with huskies, visiting Santa at Alaskas answer to Lapland, and stomping through snow-frosted forests with reindeer. Accommodation with breakfast, transport and activities are included in the price.
Group size 4-12
Hunting The Northern Lights Discovery Russia
A step beyond the ordinary northern lights trail, this five-day holiday takes you far north of the Arctic Circle to Russias Kola Peninsula. Running from October to March, this privately organised, fully escorted trip is nature and dark sky-focused, taking you out across the frozen tundra to remote eco lodges. Beginning in Murmansk, the tour heads north and away from the city light to the fishing settlement of Teriberka on the wild Barents Sea, before swinging south to Lovozero. Snowmobiling, dogsledding, ice fishing and reindeer farm visits unravel the lonely Arctic landscapes and lend insight into Sámi culture. Prices include accommodation , meals, activities and local transport.
Group size private
Read Also: London And Spain Vacation Packages
Auroras And The Sun Cycle
Since Auroras appear as a result of disturbances in the magnetosphere, caused by the solar wind when it interacts with the Earths magnetic field, the more intense the solar activity, the stronger the display.
Some of the best moments to witness Auroras are during geomagnetic storms. These cannot be predicted by a lot of time, but we can get an idea of how much solar activity can we expect in a year, by looking at the solar cycle.
The sun has an 11 years activity cycle, during which it experiences a peak and a low as its magnetic field flips north becomes south, and vice versa. These extremes are determined by how many sunspots there can be observed on the solar surface.
The optimal time to see the Auroras is during the peak period when the number of sunspots is highest. This means that solar activity is also more intense and solar storms are happening more frequently. As we approach the low period, solar activity decreases, which usually means fewer, weaker Auroras.
We are now experiencing Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019. It is expected to reach its peak around 2025.
Northern Lights Escape Intrepid
This six-day romp through Icelands wildest reaches pretty much guarantees light shows and in some of the most staggering landscapes imaginable. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, the tour hooks onto the Golden Circle route, looping together the countrys greatest natural wonders: first up is Unesco world heritage site Thingvellir National Park, birthplace of Iceland, where you can walk in wonder in a seismic rift valley dividing two continents. From here its on to the Geysir geothermal area, where geysers boil and blow. The final days weave along the south coast, via lava fields and black-sand beaches, to the crash-bang Skogafoss falls, iceberg-sprinkled Jokulsarlon lagoon and Vatnajokull, Europes biggest ice cap. There are frequent departures from late-October to March, and prices cover accommodation with breakfast, transport and activities.
Group size max 1-12
You May Like: Vacation Rentals Revelstoke British Columbia
Best Time In 2021 For A Northern Lights Tour In Norway
The Norway Winter & Northern Lights starts every two Sundays from November to March. However, I recommend that you dont take this tour in November, as historical data indicates that rainfall in Lofoten is more common that month, so you may have fewer opportunities to see the northern lights.
The Capitals of Northern Lights starts every Thursday from December to March. In this case, March would be the best month to take this Northern Lights Holiday Package.
Zion National Park Utah
Utah’s most traveled national park, Zion is less than three hours from Las Vegas and offers impressive natural craters, world class hiking and mountain biking, and sandstone cliffs for canyoneering. Zion Canyon boasts endless hiking opportunities along its floor in the 20- to 30-foot-wide area known as the Narrows and the even-more challenging area called the Subway. There are hiking trails for every skill level, but even the most advanced hikers will find a challenge here.
Recommended Reading: San Pancho Mexico Vacation Rentals
Abisko & Lofoten Islands Aurora Discovery Aurora Nights
Sweden or Norway for the lights? If you cant make up your mind, this twin-centre, eight-night trip, running in February and March, lets you have a taste of both. Youll head first to Abisko in Swedish Lapland, bang in the centre of the aurora oval and crowned by Mount Nuolja and its Aurora Sky Station. Nights are spent in a family-run wilderness lodge and days and evenings dogsledding, snowmobiling and mastering northern lights photography in Abisko National Park. From here its on to fjordside Narvik and Melbu on the island of Hadseloya for more northern lights viewings. Then youll hop aboard a Hurtigruten boat to the Lofoten Islands, where a boat whisks you across the Trollfjorden, a knockout of a mountain-rimmed fjord. Prices include flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, guides and Arctic clothing.
Group size small
How Much Does A Trip To See Northern Lights In Iceland Cost
The Land of the Northern Lights costs $ 1045, although it is currently discounted, so you can book for $ 768. This is $ 153 per day. If you take a trip to see the Northern Lights on your own, you will spend much more on accommodation and transportation.
On the other hand, the Northern Lights Exploration tour costs $ 1916 . It may seem to you that it is much more expensive than the previous one, but keep in mind that the selected accommodations are superior and that it includes a cruise on the Breiðafjörður fjord and a farewell dinner. If you have enough time, I assure you that it is very worthwhile to make the itinerary of this Northern Lights trip.
In case you are not interested in a guided tour, I recommend you read our guide to know when and where to see Northern Lights in Iceland on your own. We have also written a guide on the best places to visit in Iceland.
Also, if you would like to have the help of a guide to increase your chances of seeing the aurora, you can always use an affordable one-day tour to see the northern lights. Most of them depart from Reykjavik.
Read Also: Vacation Home In Myrtle Beach
Where Do I Go
Its a misconception that Iceland is the only place to see the northern lights. They can actually be seen from Norway, Finland, Alaska, and parts of northern Canada. Yet these areas do not have as reliable weather conditions as Iceland, which is why this island nation is so synonymous with the worlds most famous natural light show.
To start, book a flight to Reykjavik. If youre not able to travel outside the city, dont worry! There are places within Reykjavik you can easily access to see the lights! In fact, the gorgeous display is viewable from many different areas around the country. Just keep in mind the most impressive shows happen in areas of complete darkness, which is why the remote Icelandic countryside includes some of the most popular places to go.
Northern Lights Fairbanks Alaska
TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks sits in the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area around the North Pole, and its one of the best places in the world to see the lights. They’re often visible from August to May, becoming more intense between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
No matter where you are, remember the lights can be unpredictable, and you may have to look for them over a period of time. Even experts can’t always predict when the bright ribbons and swirls can be seen.
Recommended Reading: Port St Joe Florida Vacation Rentals
Winter In The Rockies & Northern Lights
Where: Canada
More Information:
When you book into the Winter in the Rockies and Northern Lights all inclusive vacation package, you will enjoy many opportunities to view the aurora borealis in a location that is known to see the northern lights on an average of 3 nights every single week.
In addition to the aurora, you will experience the finest cultural and nature highlights that the Canadian wilderness has to offer. For those who arent afraid of heights, climb aboard a helicopter as you are flown deep into the wilderness for an expedition on snowshoes. View the frozen Abraham Lake, which is filled with bubbles trapped deep beneath the surface, and learn about the tribes that once inhabited the region at the Squamish Lilwat culture center.
Whats Included
- 15-day, 14-night all inclusive Northern Lights vacation in the Canada Rockies
- 2 nights each at popular resorts like the Westin Whistler Resort and Spa, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Banff Springs, as well as the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.
- Enjoy 25 meals, included in the package
- All land and rail transportation from destination to destination is included
- Flights not included you will need to find your own flight from Calgary to Yellowknife.
Image source:
Why Its Great
The Finger Lakes New York
You’ve heard of Napa Valley and the Willamette, but did you know the Finger Lakes is one of the most up-and-coming wine regions in the country? This group of 11 lakes just south of Lake Ontario was, once upon a time, known for overly sweet Rieslings, but today, there’s been a renaissance. It would be hard to explore the whole region, so focus your attention on Keuka and Seneca Lakes, where the best wine is being made.
Of course, there’s more to do here than imbibe. The Finger Lakes are home to the funky town of Ithaca, the beautiful village of Interlaken, and a handful of National Parks: Watkins Glen, Letchwork, Buttermilk Falls, and Taughannock.
Read Also: Costa Rica Family Vacation Packages
Iceland Full Circle With Northern Lights Vulkan Travel
Running from October to April, this seven-night, self-guided drive takes Icelands phenomenally beautiful ring road in its stride. As Iceland is right below the aurora oval, brace yourself for a full-on feast of northern lights along the way. The word wow barely leaves your lips the rest of the time, whether youre drifting in the Blue Lagoon as the snow flutters down, or exploring lava fields, colossal glaciers, hissing geysers or the iceberg-choked lagoon of Jokulsarlon, which, incidentally, holds up a fabulous frozen mirror to the aurora. Prices include flights, accommodation, car rental and route-planning details.
Group size self-guided
Lake Tahoe California And Nevada
Lake Tahoe, a glistening alpine lake in the Sierra Nevadas, is worth considering for a getaway any time of year. In the winter, you’ll find excellent skiing and snowboarding, and in the summer, there’s swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking galore. The three main areas are all havens for nature, but they have different vibes: Go to South Lake Tahoe for restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, North Lake Tahoe for peace and quiet, and Reno-Tahoe for its old western-style towns.
Also Check: Panama City Beach Vacation Rental Management
Check Out The Perks Of Viewing The Lights From Every Corner Of Iceland:
From Reykjavik : Carless in Iceland? No problem. The Grotta Lighthouse and Hljomskalagardur Park are your best bets for viewing the lights inside the city. If you can, rent a car to visit Thingvellir National Park, one hour away from the center of Reykjavik. This area is remote and the pitch-black sky makes it a safe bet for excellent viewing conditions.
From the west: Calling all photographers! If you want a killer shot of the northern lights and an incredible backdrop, youd better head west. The small villages of Akranes and Borgarnes on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula can offer a variety of backgrounds like the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, black sand beaches, and other unique rock formations and waterfalls.
From the north: Want to see the northern lights and have an authentic Icelandic experience? Head north to Akureyri. The population here is spread thin across the sprawling landscape, creating an ideal viewing platform. The town itself is the second most populous in the country and has a thriving art scene, downtown boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. If you can get yourself to the north, you can have it all in one place.
Read our Akureyri Edition for more tips!
Round Up On The Best Way To See The Northern Lights On A Budget
- Choose Abisko as your destination! Sweden is a bit cheaper than other Nordic countries, besides there are higher chances of a clear sky here. That means that your stay can be shorter.
- Dont book an Aurora chasing tour. It is not necessary to book a tour since you can see the lights from the lake, for free.
- Book your train/plane ticket ahead of time.
- Book your accommodation ahead of time. There are so few options, that you might be forced to pay a lot more if you wait or worse, you might end up not finding a room to book at all. Remember, Abisko is a small village.
Don’t Miss: How To Cancel Vacation Club Membership
Best Northern Lights Vacation Packages To Book In 2022
Looking for the best Northern Lights vacation with the least amount of work? If so, then one of these Northern Lights vacation packages could be just the thing for you.
When you book into a Northern Lights vacation package, you leave all the planning and research up to someone else. They are a good option if you want to enjoy the Northern Lights and other vacation perks, but dont like planning and researching your own trip.
Vacation packages can be a more expensive way to see the Northern Lights, but a great way to travel if you prefer to leave all the hard work and stress to someone else. They also allow you to meet new friends, travel with other people, and see aspects of the countryside that you might not otherwise know about.
In this article, we bring together some of the most popular all inclusive Northern Lights vacation packages from different countries around the world, to inspire you.
Dont Go For The Northern Lights Go For The Destination
In talking to locals, including our new friend The Aurora Hunter, no one in Iceland had seen the Northern Lights in 3 weeks prior to our sighting. Storms had moved in clouding up the night skies and there just wasnt much activity going on on the sun.
Had we visited Iceland, Finland, Norway or Svalbard only hoping to see the Northern Lights, wed probably have been really disappointed. Instead, each destination gave us fantastic opportunities to be mushers for the day, go glacier hiking, and look for polar bears on a snowmobile expedition. Your adventure will be a memorable one when you have activities planned that youre really excited for and seeing the Northern Lights is an added bonus if they do come out to dance.
Why Abisko is the Best Place in Europe to See Northern Lights
But, if you really want the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe, head to Abisko. Its the driest place in Sweden and has the most clear nights of almost anywhere else in the Aurora belt.
Of course, Europe isnt the only place you can see the Northern Lights. Theyre also a number of places where you can see the Northern Lights in Canada and Alaska if you want to chase the Aurora in North America.
Read Also: Vacation Rentals Papagayo Costa Rica
Best Time To See Aurora Borealis
Do you have to wait until 2025 to try and see Aurora Borealis?! Definitely not!
I saw the Northern Lights in March 2018, less than 2 years before the Solar Cycle low. And I was lucky enough to catch two solar storms, on two consecutive nights, so it was quite a display. But it did require a bit more planning on my part, which Im positive that it contributed to my success in seeing the lights.
Now, while you do not have to sit around and wait for the Solar peak, it certainly helps to plan your trip as close as possible to it. You will have higher chances of seeing strong, amazing Auroras.
But the Solar Cycle peak is not the only period of time when we know that solar activity intensifies. This also happens during the Equinoxes. That means that its a good idea to plan your Aurora trip around the 21st of March or the 23rd of September.
And thats the reason why I went to see the lights in March. I knew that the period was not very good from a Solar Cycle point of view, so I decided to maximize my chances the best that I could. And it worked!
I stayed within the Arctic Circle for 4 nights and I saw the Northern Lights on 3 of them. We experienced a solar storm on 2 separate occasions: on the 19th of March and on the 20th of March, so right before the Equinox.
Where Is The Best Place To See The Northern Lights
Once youve decided youre ready to tick seeing the northern lights off your bucket list, the next decision is where to go.
Rodney Viereck works at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a US government body that specializes in monitoring weather and atmospheric conditions. According to him, spots like Fairbanks in Alaska, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Churchill in Canada, and Iceland and northern Norway are all safe bets.
The NOAA website has additional tips on where to view the aurora with links to maps that show where the light show can be seen. But overall, Rodney has some pretty simple advice for aurora hunters: be patient and go north.
Clear skies are a must for viewing the lights and, of course, staying in a destination for as long as possible will help increase your chances of spying them. The best time to see the lights differs slightly by country, but, in general, the peak season is between November and March.
Recommended Reading: Luxury Hill Country Vacation Rentals