Northern lights short breaks

The best time for your northern lights short break is any time from September to early April. This is when Arctic skies are dark enough for aurora viewing.

Within this window, travel in September or October for beautiful autumn colours — and travel from December to March for snowy adventures like husky sledding and snowmobiling.

There are no guarantees but you have an excellent chance of seeing the aurora borealis on your Aurora Nights short break.

You’ll travel to the best northern lights destinations in Europe and embark on aurora hunts, venturing into the Arctic wilderness with an expert aurora guide. Your guide will seek out the darkest, clearest skies where the northern lights are most likely to appear.

We put you in the best possible locations for aurora viewing. So when the northern lights do their thing, you’re in exactly the right place to see them.

On a northern lights mini break, prices include:

• Accommodation
• Transfers
• All activities
• Half-board or full-board dining

Arctic outerwear is also provided as part of our northern lights short break packages to Sweden and Finland (where temperatures are particularly cold in winter). In Norway and Iceland, where temperatures are a little warmer, Arctic outerwear is provided for chilly outdoor activities.

No, flights aren’t included in our aurora borealis short breaks. However, our team of travel experts is happy to advise you on the best flights and airlines for your trip.

You start by taking a look at the flight information we’ve put together here:

• Flying from the UK to see the northern lights
• Flying from the USA to see the northern lights

During every full day of your northern lights weekend trip, you can enjoy at least one guided activity and one northern lights chase. Activities include husky sledding, ice climbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, visits to see Santa Claus, and more.

Yes, absolutely. Many of our northern lights getaways include a stay in an Arctic town or city. Popular options include Reykjavik in Iceland, Luleå in Sweden, Tromsø in Norway and Rovaniemi in Finland.

But bear in mind, the northern lights are difficult to see when you’re close to the bright lights of towns and cities. That’s why, on an Aurora Nights city break, you embark on evening excursions, out into the dark Arctic wilderness.

On a short break to see the northern lights, there’s a range of hand-picked accommodation to choose from. Think boutique hotels, cosy log cabins, luxurious lodges, and glass igloos where you can watch the aurora from the comfort of your bed.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family or a group of friends, we’ll help you find the perfect place to stay.

When you book northern lights tour packages with Aurora Nights, you can count on:

• Tailored trips — our travel experts can create a bespoke northern lights holiday package, suited to your interests, budget and schedule
• Exceptional experiences — the very best accommodation and bespoke activities, with private or small group tours as standard
• Experienced local guides — our guides can show you a lesser-seen side of the Arctic and are skilled at tracking down the northern lights
• A hassle-free holiday — you book your flights, we take care of everything else – so you can focus on the excitement, not the organisation

Wherever you go and whatever your itinerary, the Aurora Nights team promise to make your short break a trip you’ll remember forever.

Start by browsing the tours above for inspiration. Then contact the Aurora Nights team to start planning your tailor-made trip.

You can send us an email, give us a call or fill in the website form. We’ll chat about dates, accommodation, activities and budget. Then plan the aurora holiday you’ve been dreaming of.