Head Over for The Perfect Northern Lights Experience!

Picture this: It is nightfall. And all of a sudden the pitch black sky breaks into the most incredulous show of bright lights (greens, lemons and fuschia) swirling and dancing across the star-speckled backdrop, leaving you agape. These are the Northern Lights.

Also known as Aurora Borealis, meaning ‘dawn of the north’, this stunning celestial display can be seen on dark nights in regions near the North Pole, and to no surprise, is on every traveller’s bucket list! This experience comes with a chance to see pristine snowy landscapes, enchanting Arctic wildlife and some intrepid winter diversions.

Here is our pick of the top five destinations to visit for this exotic trip:

Tromso (in Norwegian Lapland)

This lively Arctic city is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway. Situated in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, it is surrounded by high peaks and stunning fjords that make for dreamy backdrops for the aurora display. While the lights are visible from Tromso itself, it is recommended to drive to the closeby islands of Kvaloya or Sommarøy for a clearer view. Skibotn village, about 2-hours drive away is also a good vantage point.

When not chasing the lights, drive down to see the seals and humpback whales, on meticulously-designed safari tours, or try husky sledging over the white-tufted landscape in the milky twilight.

Book Your Flight to Tromso

Finnish Lapland

For an authentic winter wonderland experience, head to the Finnish Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland. Here, the Northern Lights are visible almost 200 days a year!

The best way to go Aurora spotting would be on a dog-sledge or snowmobile. However, if staying out in the cold is not your thing, the Finnish Lapland offers glass-roofed igloos and villas for you can see the lights from cosy indoors, tucked under warm covers or enjoying a sauna.

In the daytime, go on a reindeer safari or explore the nearby Urho National Park on walking skis. And hey, don’t forget to surprise your kids with a visit to Santa Claus’ hometown, Rovaniemi.

Kiruna (in Swedish Lapland)

Kiruna, the gateway to the Swedish Lapland, is a perfect base for chasing the lights and for experiencing the Arctic Tundra.

The close by Abisko National Park with a ‘blue hole’, offers a patch of clear sky even though the surroundings are overcast- making it perfect for aurora sighting. Half an hour’s drive away, Jukkasjärvi village is home to the country's first ice hotel. From here, you can opt for a night flight tour to see the lights or a husky-pulled sledge ride through the spectacular winter landscape.

In the village of Porjus, 2- hours from Kiruna, you can sit by the frozen lake and gaze at the skies as they light up with neon colours.

Book Your Flight to Kiruna

Iceland

This small Nordic island nation, known for its dramatic landscape and natural formations, has been a favourite with aurora chasers. The lights can be seen not just from its buzzing capital, Reykjavik, but also against the surreal backdrop of waterfalls, volcanoes, ice caves and hot springs! The geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano are some of the popular sites. You could even take a ski safari to see the lights.

Set aside enough time to compensate for cloudy skies, a common weather-condition in Iceland.

Northern Canada

In Canada, the 'Aurora Oval' covers the majority of the country. Go seeking the lights on a Tundra buggy or a snowshoe trek.

A popular spot is Yellowknife- its flat landscape and clear nights give unobstructed views of aurora borealis displays. In Whitehorse, in Yukon, you can pamper yourself with a soak in the Takhini Hotsprings as you see the lights. Visit the small city of Melfort, also known as the ‘city of northern lights’, and see if it lives up to the nickname. Or head to the Muncho Lake, a picturesque stop along the Alaskan Highway, where you can watch the lights reflect off the waters and try your luck at ice-fishing.

In the town of Churchill, on the western shore of Hudson Bay, you can see the lights dance over a family of polar bears, its most famous inhabitants. For some real adventure, go on a late-night snowmobile journey across the frozen Great Slave Lake as you chase the lights.

Book Your Flight to Canada

Now you know the most exciting holiday you could take this winter. So get planning!