Northern Lights holidays

Seek out the Northern Lights by night, and explore your captivating surroundings by day – options include dog-sledding, snowshoeing, sightseeing and more. Whether you choose the Norwegian city of Tromsø or surreal and beautiful Lapland, you stay in a friendly hotel of character.
Northern lights breaks
Northern lights breaks

Northern Lights breaks

be awed by the aurora borealis

Few winter experiences are as magical as seeing the Northern Lights dance across a dark Arctic sky. Our Northern Lights holidays take you into the heart of Scandinavia, where crisp winter landscapes, snow-covered forests and long, dark nights create the perfect setting for an Aurora adventure.

But these aren't simply holidays spent waiting for the skies to light up. Explore the Arctic landscape by day, try traditional winter activities and experience the unique character of northern Norway and Finnish Lapland. Then, when darkness falls, head out in search of the Aurora Borealis. Whether you're looking for a short Northern Lights break in Tromsø or a more immersive activity week in Lapland, our holidays combine adventure, beautiful scenery and the freedom to experience winter at your own pace.

The Northern Lights are elusive and hard to predict, so seeing them in all their glory is such an exciting and tantalising prospect. To give you the best chance of spotting them, our Northern Lights Break to Tromsø includes an evening excursion with a local guide. Alternatively, head to Finland to immerse yourself in Lapland's frozen forests.
These range from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog-sledding, and from sightseeing to snowmobiling. (We’ll provide full information about the activities available and how to book.)

If you are lucky enough to see the Northern Lights during your break, it is an experience never to be forgotten: explosions of iridescent greens, pinks, yellows and blues flash and soar across the night sky in an incredible, almost surreal, display of celestial pyrotechnics.

Why take a Northern Lights holiday?


  1.png  Experience the Arctic in winter
Northern Scandinavia is transformed in winter. Snow blankets the forests and mountains, lakes freeze over, and the low winter light creates an extraordinary atmosphere. It's a chance to experience a very different side of Europe.

2.png  More than just the Aurora
Although seeing the Northern Lights may be the highlight, there's plenty to experience during the day. Try snowshoeing, husky sledding, reindeer experiences or other traditional Arctic activities, or simply explore the snowy landscape on foot.

3.png  A natural spectacle
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings can never be guaranteed. That's part of the adventure. Getting away from artificial light and spending time beneath a clear Arctic sky makes the experience memorable, whether or not the Aurora appears.

4.png  The perfect winter escape
A Northern Lights holiday is an opportunity to embrace winter rather than escape it. Wrap up warm, explore snowy landscapes and return to a cosy hotel after a day in the Arctic wilderness.

Tromsø Northern Lights Breaks

A short Arctic adventure with the Northern Lights at its heart.
  Tromsø is one of the world's most popular destinations for seeing the Northern Lights, and for good reason. Located well inside the Arctic Circle, the city provides an excellent base for exploring northern Norway and heading out into the surrounding wilderness after dark.

During the day, discover Tromsø's lively cafés, restaurants and Arctic culture, or venture further afield to experience the snowy landscape. As evening arrives, join a Northern Lights excursion and head away from the city's lights in search of the Aurora. A short break makes Tromsø particularly appealing if you're looking for a relatively easy introduction to the Arctic. There's enough time to experience the city and take part in winter activities, without needing to commit to a longer expedition.

Highlights

1.png  Stay in atmospheric Tromsø, the 'Gateway to the Arctic'
2.png  Search for the Northern Lights away from the city's light pollution
3.png  Experience the dramatic winter landscapes of northern Norway
4.png  Enjoy Arctic-inspired restaurants, cafés and cultural attractions
5.png  Add winter activities to your stay

Best for: A shorter Northern Lights escape with a good balance of Arctic adventure, city life and organised activities.

Lapland Activity Weeks

Immerse yourself in the magic of Finnish Lapland.
  For a more immersive Arctic experience, our Lapland activity weeks combine the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights with a host of traditional winter experiences. Based in the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland, these holidays are about much more than simply looking to the sky.

Try husky sledding through silent forests, meet reindeer, explore the wilderness on snowshoes or cross-country skis, and experience the remarkable stillness of the Arctic landscape. After dark, there is the added excitement of heading outside in search of the Northern Lights. Away from major towns and light pollution, Lapland's dark winter skies offer wonderful opportunities to see the Aurora. With several days to enjoy the activities and surroundings, these holidays give you time to settle into the rhythm of Arctic life rather than trying to fit everything into a short break.

Highlights

1.png  Experience the snowy wilderness of Finnish Lapland
2.png  Try traditional Arctic activities including husky and reindeer experiences
3.png  Explore the landscape on foot or by snowshoe
4.png  Spend evenings searching for the Northern Lights
5.png  Experience the tranquillity and unique atmosphere of the Arctic winter

Best for: Those looking for a fuller Arctic adventure, with plenty to do during the day as well as the chance to see the Northern Lights at night. <

Our Northern Lights breaks

Northern Lights FAQs

  • No. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings depend on solar activity, cloud cover and darkness. Our holidays maximise your opportunities to see them, but no operator can guarantee an Aurora display.
  • Some Arctic activities and accommodation are particularly well suited to families, while others have age restrictions. Check the individual holiday details with our team for suitability.
  • No. Even in excellent Aurora locations, visibility depends on solar activity and local weather conditions. Cloudy skies can obscure an Aurora that is otherwise active.
  • The Northern Lights can be seen across a broad area of northern Scandinavia, but northern Norway, Finnish Lapland and Swedish Lapland are particularly popular destinations.

    The further north you travel, the more frequently the Aurora is visible, while getting away from artificial light improves your chances of seeing it clearly. Tromsø and Finnish Lapland both offer excellent bases, combining access to dark skies with a wide choice of winter experiences.
  • Both offer excellent opportunities, but they provide different experiences. Tromsø combines Northern Lights excursions with a lively Arctic city, while Finnish Lapland offers a more immersive wilderness experience with a greater emphasis on traditional winter activities.
  • The Northern Lights season generally runs from autumn through to early spring, when the hours of darkness provide the conditions needed to see the Aurora.

    The darkest months of December, January and February offer long nights, while March can bring a particularly appealing combination of dark skies, increasing daylight and often excellent winter conditions.

    Ultimately, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, and sightings depend on solar activity, cloud cover and darkness. No one can guarantee a display – but that uncertainty is part of what makes searching for the Northern Lights such an exciting experience.
  • The Aurora may be the main attraction, but Arctic Scandinavia offers an impressive range of winter activities. Depending on your destination, you could:

    - Go husky sledding through snowy forests
    - Meet reindeer and learn about Sámi traditions
    - Explore the landscape on snowshoes
    - Try cross-country skiing
    - Take a snowmobile excursion
    - Walk through pristine winter landscapes
    - Discover local Arctic food and culture

    This makes a Northern Lights holiday with Inntravel particularly appealing if you want an active winter escape rather than a holiday waiting for the Aurora Borealis.
  • Arctic winter temperatures can be extremely cold, so keeping warm is essential. You'll need several layers, including thermal base layers, an insulating mid-layer and a warm, windproof outer layer.

    Warm boots, thick socks, gloves or mittens and a hat are also essential. Many organised Arctic activities provide additional specialist clothing, but check the individual holiday details before travelling.
  • Our Northern Lights holidays combine the excitement of an Arctic adventure with the thoughtful planning and attention to detail you'd expect from Inntravel.

    We choose destinations and experiences that allow you to experience the winter landscape rather than simply tick off a Northern Lights sighting. Whether you're exploring Tromsø or immersing yourself in Finnish Lapland, you'll have the freedom to enjoy the Arctic at your own pace, with carefully selected accommodation and experiences arranged for you.

Find the right holiday for you

From
To

Northern Lights breaks, Inntravel style

The three key ingredients of our Northern Lights breaks (and Inntravel holidays in general) are: awe-inspiring surroundings; hand-picked, welcoming accommodation; and traditional regional cuisine.
Last fetch time is : 8/20/2026 12:03:32 PM

currency iplookup:

cookie value: null

querystring value: null