THE SEASON AHEAD
Even though winters in the Arctic feel very far away, I’m already making plans for many people wanting to experience the Northern Lights in 2027. It is still possible to travel before the end of the year, but you need to book as early as possible to get the best choice of luxury lodges. December is particularly popular for family holidays to see the Northern Lights as you can combine it with a Santa Claus experience in Lapland. Even if you’re not travelling with children, there is so much magic to be had around the festive season. I can think of few better ways to bring in the new year than in a cosy lodge with a sauna and hot tub, surrounded by sparkling snowy landscapes wherever you look.
If you do have a bit of flexibility on when you can travel, there are many exciting reasons to visit in early 2027. You could plan a Northern Lights vacation in Iceland around the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival in February. Combine aurora hunting from a remote lodge in northern Iceland with a couple of days in the capital city, taking in the festival’s light trail, concerts and other cultural events. February also marks the start of Tromsø’s Northern Lights Festival, one of Norway’s most important annual events. The festival began in 1988 as a relatively small showcase of classical music, but these days is a much bigger 10-day celebration with an array of lively cultural events to choose from.
Whether your Northern Lights holiday coincides with a winter festival or not, the aurora always take centre stage. Escaping to a remote lodge to enjoy pristine snowy forests by day and absorb the wonders of the sky at night is something special, wherever you end up. I can help you make these dreams a reality.
Clare – Summer 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between December and March. Though aurora sightings are possible in northern Europe from September all the way through until April, we recommend the December to March period for the longest nights and clearest skies.
Weather conditions vary by destination. Iceland can be more changeable, with coastal weather systems, geothermal activity, and hugely varied landscapes. Inland areas of Finnish and Swedish Lapland often bring colder, drier conditions. In northern Norway, places such as Tromsø, Alta, and the Lofoten Islands combine strong aurora potential with Arctic coastal scenery.
Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights?
Though the Aurora Borealis can sometimes be seen in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, the best places to visit for reliable sightings are Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden. Parts of all these countries sit on or near the ‘aurora oval’ which means sightings are the most consistent.
Bearing this in mind, we particularly recommend the Arctic Circle for a luxury Northern Lights holiday, where latitude and lower light pollution significantly improve the odds. Which country you choose might depend on your budget, the best flight connections for you, and the Arctic experiences you want to combine with aurora viewing.
- Iceland – One of the most popular destinations for a Northern Lights vacation, Iceland combines accessible aurora hunting with great flight connectivity from Europe and the USA, and a wealth of natural wonders to discover. Alongside aurora watching, a luxury Northern Lights holiday in Iceland can include visits to lava fields, glaciers, geysers and thundering waterfalls. For the best Northern Lights spotting in Iceland, we recommend staying in a remote lodge in the north of the country. Our specialists will recommend the best options for you as part of a tailor-made tour.
- Norway – A superb destination for a Northern Lights holiday, Norway delivers reliable aurora viewing alongside landscapes of real drama. In the far north, places such as Tromsø, Alta and the Lofoten Islands sit beneath the aurora oval, providing excellent chances of seeing the lights on clear winter nights. Days can be filled with dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and fjord safaris, complemented by Norway’s exceptional foodie scene. Norway is also a destination where you can discover coastal Arctic culture.
- Sweden – Swedish Lapland is a lesser-known destination for a luxury Northern Lights trip, but it bears rich rewards. The region’s dense snowy forests encourage a deeper connection with nature, coupled with exceptional Northern Lights spotting within the Aurora Oval. The pristine wilderness of Norbotten County – particularly around Luleå and Harads – is home to some of Lapland’s most unique luxury lodges. Sleek cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury treehouses, glass-roofed tipis and floating saunas are all tempting prospects here.
- Finland – There is something intrepid and exclusive about a Finland Northern Lights holiday. Luxury Arctic travel finds its natural home in Finnish Lapland, where a clutch of boutique lodges with very few rooms balance sublime creature comforts with a true sense of place. All around you, nature is at its most raw. When you are not out hunting the Northern Lights under the extraordinary night skies, you might find yourself gliding through silent forests and tending to huskies. You may also encounter reindeer farmers and visit remote Sami communities.
