6 alternative ways to see the Northern Lights
This winter is predicted to be a particularly good one for spotting the green-hued celestial clouds in the night skies of the Northern Hemisphere. Here are six unique ways to gaze at the Aurora Borealis in its full, natural beauty.
It’s not every day that gleaming swathes of light veil the Northern Hemisphere’s sky in an awe-inspiring show — otherwise known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. The spectacle, which occurs due to particles of the Sun burning up in the Earth’s atmosphere, is entirely dependent on the weather; actually seeing it, however, relies on that ficklest of things — luck. Yet, various sources, such as the KP-index, which monitors the strength and occurrence of the Northern Lights, are promising an unusually good season this winter. Whether it’s tracing the extraordinary phenomenon from bed or hopping on a husky-driven sled across snowy plains, these experiences offer exciting alternatives to many of the typical aurora-watching trips that are available.
1. Go on a snowmobile safari, Alaska
While Goldstream Valley near the Alaskan city of Fairbanks is well-known for aurora hunting, hopping on a snowmobile to search for the lights adds an extra dimension of excitement. Far away from the distracting, artificial lights of civilisation, guided tours allow adrenaline-seeking visitors to whizz through snow-blanketed landscapes and powdered pine forests as ribbons of vibrant green light dance across the sky above. Be sure to wrap up warm as temperatures are likely to drop well below zero and the pit stops for coffee and cocoa at various viewpoints can only do so much to warm you up.
How to do it: Snow Sleighers runs daily snowmobile tours at 10pm, starting from $200 (£108) per passenger, between November and March.
2. Strap in for husky sledding, Finland
The ‘silent landscapes’ of Finland’s remote Lapland region are legendary for their endless snowy marshes, drooping trees and occasional paw-prints of the furry, four-legged animals that live there. Huskies play a vital role in life here in the last great European wilderness, and many farms offer nighttime sledding tours to aurora hunters keen to catch a glimpse of the area’s exceptionally bright Northern Lights. Imagine undisturbed, Narnia-like scenery, the rhythmic crunching of snow and the burning sky in hues of green and pink.
How to do it: Hetta Huskies is a certified and responsible wildlife tour operator that offers expeditions from €175 (£154) per adult throughout winter.
(There's a real winter wonderland in Finland—here's how to visit.)
3. Dine at a Sámi-run reindeer camp, Norway
A short bus ride from Tromsø, the Tromsø Arctic Reindeer camp awaits right at the heart of Norway’s ‘Northern Lights capital’. Lovingly run by the Indigenous Oskal family, who have a herd of some 300 animals, the camp truly comes alive when the fires are lit inside the traditional, fur-decked lavvu tents. Visitors sit down for a three-course Sámi meal, featuring a meat and vegetable stew, before listening to Sámi folk songs and storytelling. During the evening, there are plenty of opportunities to pop outside and revel in the show in the night sky, just as the Sámi have been doing for centuries.
How to do it: Tromsø Arctic Reindeer hosts dinners every day throughout the winter from 1,950 NOK (£147) per adult.
(6 places to see the Northern Lights in Europe)
4. Catch the lights like a local, Sweden
It doesn’t get more remote than the quaint village of Mårdsel in the frozen wetlands of Sweden’s Northern Lapland, where a luxuriously revamped post office welcomes aurora hunters for a truly Swedish experience in the company of its six residents. Located a 1.5-hour car ride from Luleå Airport, the wooden lodge shines like a beacon in the quiet landscape of Sweden’s Råne River Valley, which is a rather underrated Northern Lights hotspot. Guests can use the lodge’s snowshoes, Nordic skis and kicksleds, as well as the option to relax in the sauna or outdoor hot tub — the perfect spot for some aurora-spotting after a long day out in the wild.
How to do it: The Outpost Lodge by Aurora Safaris operates between November and April, with stays including breakfast and lunch as well as free access to all the equipment in the lodge. Prices available upon request.
(What it's like to go wild skating in the Swedish Arctic)
5. Hop on board a Northern Lights cruise, Iceland
Witness two light shows at once on this charmingly retro yacht cruise: the colourful, blinking skyline of Reykjavík and the celestial waves of emerald light in the sky above the ship. Out in Faxaflói Bay, one of Iceland’s most marine-rich sea inlets, the only distractions to factor in are perhaps the local seabirds riding on the crisp ocean breeze or the occasional whale breaking the surface of the water. Beyond this, however, darkness gives way to an outstanding view of the Northern Lights, and with a warming cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate from the onboard cafe, the two-hour journey will fly by faster than you might like.
How to do it: Harpa Yachts operates daily evening tours along Reykjavík’s coastline from 12,990 ISK (£78) per person.
6. Stay at an Aurora Cabin, Greenland
The seven glass-walled cabins, perched on the rocky mountainside of Disko Bay on the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord in western Greenland, are a great option for those keen to see the Northern Lights from a different angle — lying down. By far the highlight of each cabin at the world's most notherly 4-star hotel is the double bed, which offers panoramic views of the iceberg-freckled Atlantic as well as a chance to feel like you're up close to the nightly light show. Put on a favourite tune via the Bluetooth music system and slip under the sheets as night descends and the glimmering, green-hued light begins to shine.
How to do it: Hotel Arctic’s private cabins start from 4,595 DKK (£542) per night.
