Northern Lights Tours & Vacation Packages
See the aurora borealis on a guided or tailor-made northern lights tour in Iceland, Norway, Finland or Greenland. Our northern lights vacation packages start from $950 per person and pair aurora hunting with Arctic winter experiences, from fjords and fishing villages to glass-igloo style stays in Lapland.
Looking for the best northern lights trips in Europe? Compare tours by destination below, check departure dates, or request a quote for a custom itinerary from the US.
Iceland
Iceland sits directly beneath the auroral oval, making it one of the most reliable places for viewing. The entire country offers viewing opportunities, though heading away from Reykjavík's lights improves your experience dramatically. Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon offers reflections of aurora on icebergs, while Þingvellir National Park combines geological wonders with dark skies.
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Iceland Northern Lights Exploration
Reykjavik, Borgarfjordur, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast, Vatnajokull National Park, Glacial Lagoon, Diamon Beach, Blue Lagoon
Group Size - max. 40 people
- Oct 23, 2026 — Oct 30, 2026
- Oct 20, 2026 — Oct 27, 2026
- Nov 6, 2026 — Nov 13, 2026
- Nov 13, 2026 — Nov 20, 2026
- Nov 20, 2026 — Nov 27, 2026
- Jan 1, 2027 — Jan 8, 2027
- Jan 8, 2027 — Jan 15, 2027
- Jan 15, 2027 — Jan 22, 2027
- Jan 22, 2027 — Jan 29, 2027
- Jan 29, 2027 — Feb 5, 2027
- Feb 5, 2027 — Feb 12, 2027
- Feb 12, 2027 — Feb 19, 2027
- Feb 19, 2027 — Feb 26, 2027
- Feb 26, 2027 — Mar 5, 2027
- Mar 5, 2027 — Mar 12, 2027
- Mar 12, 2027 — Mar 19, 2027
- Mar 19, 2027 — Mar 26, 2027
- Mar 26, 2027 — Apr 2, 2027
- Apr 2, 2027 — Apr 9, 2027
- Apr 9, 2027 — Apr 16, 2027
Norway
Northern Norway, particularly Tromsø and Alta, combines spectacular auroras with dramatic landscapes. Tromsø is called the "Gateway to the Arctic" and serves as an excellent base. The Lofoten Islands offer fishing villages and mountain backdrops that create unforgettable photo opportunities.
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Northern Lights in Lofoten
Svolvaer
Experience winter peace and tranquility in Lofoten, chase the Northern Lights, watch the fish drying on the racks, enjoy life in the harbor, have a "skreimølje" dinner.
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Sensational Borealis
Located at 69 degrees North - Tromsø is 320 km above the Arctic Circle.
Alaska
Alaska, particularly the Fairbanks region, ranks among the world's most reliable aurora destinations. The area sits directly beneath the auroral oval and benefits from a continental climate that produces clear skies more consistently than coastal regions. Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit offer exceptional viewing, while Chena Hot Springs creates an unforgettable contrast - soaking in 106°F thermal pools while watching the aurora in sub-zero temperatures.
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Extraordinary Long Weekend in Ilulissat
Copenhagen, Ilulissat
- Oct 22, 2026 — Oct 26, 2026
- Oct 29, 2026 — Nov 2, 2026
- Nov 5, 2026 — Nov 9, 2026
- Nov 12, 2026 — Nov 16, 2026
- Nov 19, 2026 — Nov 23, 2026
- Nov 26, 2026 — Nov 30, 2026
- Dec 3, 2026 — Dec 7, 2026
Finland
Finnish Lapland excels in creating comfortable, almost luxurious aurora viewing experiences. The region's signature heated glass igloos allow you to watch the sky from bed, eliminating the need to brave -30°C temperatures. Rovaniemi, the "official" home of Santa Claus, makes this destination particularly popular with families.
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Ultimate Arctic Adventure
Norway - Sweden - Finland
Tromso, Alta, Levi, Haparanda, Rovaniemi
Group size - max 30 people
- Jan 15, 2027 — Jan 24, 2027
- Jan 29, 2027 — Feb 7, 2027
- Feb 5, 2027 — Feb 14, 2027
- Feb 26, 2027 — Mar 7, 2027
- Mar 13, 2027 — Mar 22, 2027
- Mar 26, 2027 — Apr 4, 2027
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Into the Arctic
- Dec 6, 2026 — Dec 16, 2026
- Dec 23, 2026 — Jan 2, 2027
- Jan 17, 2027 — Jan 27, 2027
- Feb 3, 2027 — Feb 13, 2026
- Feb 19, 2027 — Mar 1, 2027
- Feb 25, 2027 — Mar 7, 2027
- Mar 2, 2027 — Mar 12, 2027
- Mar 16, 2027 — Mar 26, 2027
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Best of Lapland & Norway in Nutshell
Helsinki - Lapland Adventure - Bergen - Voss Ski Resort - Oslo
Compare Northern Lights Tours
Prices are per person and start from the amount shown. Open a tour page for the route and current dates.
| Destination | Tour | Length | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | Northern Lights in Lofoten | 4 days | $950 |
| Norway | Sensational Borealis | 5 days | See tour page |
| Norway | Capitals of the Northern Lights | 7 days | See tour page |
| Greenland | Extraordinary Long Weekend in Ilulissat | 5 days | $2,625 |
| Iceland | Iceland Northern Lights Exploration | 8 days | $3,188 |
| Finland, Norway, Sweden | Best of Lapland & Norway in Nutshell | 11 days | $6,150 |
| Norway, Sweden, Finland | Into the Arctic | 11 days | $6,244 |
| Norway, Sweden, Finland | Ultimate Arctic Adventure | 10 days | $6,619 |
Northern Lights Vacation Packages by Destination
Iceland
Choose Iceland if you want a first aurora trip with easy logistics and strong scenery: waterfalls, glacier lagoons and the Golden Circle by day, dark skies by night. It suits solo travelers and couples. Departures run in October and November and weekly from January to April.
Norway
Choose northern Norway if you want the aurora with fjords, fishing villages and maritime culture. Tromsø is the most popular base, and Lofoten is quieter. For longer routes see our Norway winter tours.
Finland and Lapland
Choose Finnish Lapland for a comfortable winter trip, especially with children: Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village, reindeer and Sami culture. Check Finland tours for current options.
Greenland
Choose Greenland for a short, remote Arctic break from Copenhagen, with icebergs and long winter nights in Ilulissat.
Not sure which destination fits? Contact us and we will suggest a route based on your dates and budget. For a festive aurora trip see our Christmas and New Year tours.
When to See the Northern Lights
The northern lights season runs from late September through early April, and activity often peaks around the September and March equinoxes. The aurora depends on clear skies, so no tour can promise a sighting, and at least 3 to 4 nights give you better chances.
- October and November: Iceland Northern Lights Exploration and Greenland departures.
- December to March: Into the Arctic (December 6 to March 16 departures), Ultimate Arctic Adventure from January 15, and weekly Iceland departures from January.
- Christmas: Into the Arctic departs December 23, 2026.
What to Expect on a Northern Lights Tour
Beyond the aurora, northern lights tours usually add Arctic winter activities. These vary by tour, so check each tour page for the exact program:
- Reindeer sleigh rides: meet local herders and learn about Sami culture.
- Dog sledding: drive a husky team or ride as a passenger.
- Snowmobile safaris: evening trips away from city light.
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: quiet evenings on winter trails.
- Glass-igloo and ice-hotel stays: available in Lapland and Arctic Sweden and Norway on custom itineraries.
How to Choose a Northern Lights Tour
- Destination: Iceland for landscapes, Norway for fjords, Finland for families and comfort.
- Length: book 3 to 4 nights or more, because cloud cover can block any single night.
- Flexibility: choose itineraries with free evenings that can follow weather and aurora forecasts.
- Group size: escorted departures are capped at 30 on Ultimate Arctic Adventure and at 40 on Iceland Northern Lights Exploration. Tailor-made trips suit travelers who prefer their own pace.
Why Book Northern Lights Tours with Nordic Saga
Nordic Saga is based in Bothell, Washington, and plans Nordic and Arctic tours for American travelers. We build tailor-made itineraries with local expertise in Scandinavia and the Arctic, and our guests rate us 4.9 on Trustpilot from 79 reviews. Ask for a custom itinerary or request a quote.
How to Prepare: Clothing and Photography
Dress in Three Layers
Use a merino wool base layer (avoid cotton), a fleece or down middle layer and a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Add a warm hat, insulated mittens with thin glove liners, and boots one size larger than usual.
Photograph the Aurora
Bring a camera with manual controls, a wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), a sturdy tripod and spare batteries kept warm in an inside pocket. A good starting point is ISO 1600 to 3200, aperture f/2.8 and exposures of 8 to 15 seconds.
FAQ
When is the best time to see the northern lights?
The northern lights season runs from late September through early April, with the darkest skies from October to March. Activity often peaks around the equinoxes in September and March.
Can you guarantee that I will see the northern lights?
No. The aurora depends on solar activity and clear skies, so no operator can guarantee a sighting. Plan at least 3 to 4 nights and choose itineraries with flexible evenings.
Which is better for northern lights: Iceland, Norway or Finland?
Iceland is the easiest first trip, with landscapes and weekly departures. Norway adds fjords and fishing villages, and Finnish Lapland suits families who want comfort and Santa Claus Village.
How much does a northern lights tour cost?
Northern lights vacation packages start from $950 per person for a 4-day Lofoten tour. A 5-day Greenland trip starts from $2,625, the 8-day Iceland tour from $3,188, and 10 to 11 day multi-country Arctic tours cost about $6,150 to $6,619. Prices depend on the route, dates and group size.
Are northern lights tours suitable for older travelers or limited mobility?
Many tours suit travelers of all ages, but evening aurora excursions involve cold weather and some waiting outdoors. Tell us about mobility needs when you request a quote, and we will suggest suitable itineraries.
Can I combine the northern lights with fjords?
Yes. Norway winter tours combine Bergen and the fjords with Tromsø and the Arctic, and Lofoten adds fishing villages and mountains.
Where can I see the northern lights in Europe?
The best places are Iceland, northern Norway and Finnish Lapland, all covered by our tours. Greenland is an option for a short Arctic trip from Copenhagen.
Are there northern lights tours at Christmas?
Yes. Into the Arctic departs on December 23, 2026 and returns on January 2, 2027.
What photography equipment do I need?
Bring a camera with manual controls, a wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), a sturdy tripod and spare batteries. Start with ISO 1600 to 3200, aperture f/2.8 and 8 to 15 second exposures.
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