Welcome to our Aurora Academy, designed to give you insights into everything to do with one of nature’s most incredible phenomena, the Aurora Borealis.
Northern Lights Information
Aurora Borealis: A Mythological Fusion
The term Aurora Borealis is a fusion of Greek and Roman Mythology. Aurora was the Roman goddess of Dawn and Boreas the Greek name for the North Wind.
For Millennia the Northern Lights has captured the imagination of people who have witnessed them and many myths and legends abound as to how they are formed and why they appear. The inhabitants of southern Europe who did not witness the Aurora often believed it was direct communication from the Gods, whilst the peoples of northern Europe tended to think that it was an omen – both good and bad. Finally the tribes of Northern America believed that the Auroras lit the way to the afterlife.
Anyone who has stood beneath a full blown aurora display and felt the emotion of witnessing something so beautiful will see how superstition could take over in the absence of understanding.
Our Top Picks
Northern Lights Holidays
Classic short breaks in Finland
Book a classic short break in Finland and enjoy winter adventures by day and chase the Northern Lights by night.
Classic Short Breaks in Iceland
Short Iceland breaks that combine dramatic volcanic scenery, super-jeep adventures and breath-taking Northern Lights tours. Short but spectacular.
Classic Short Breaks in Norway
Classic Short Breaks in Norway. Chase the Northern Lights over a long weekend. Our Norway short breaks pack lots of culture, adventure and Aurora hunting into one spectacular holiday.
Classic short breaks in Sweden
Experience the magic of the Arctic on a short getaway to Swedish Lapland, with up to four days of outdoor adventure and aurora hunting.
Escorted tours Iceland
On escorted tours in Iceland, just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Explore Iceland’s natural wonders, guided by our aurora experts.
Escorted tours Norway
See the best of Arctic Norway. Discover dramatic fjords, mountains and glaciers on a Norway escorted tour.
Exclusive aurora holidays in Finland
Luxury northern lights holidays to Finland are an unforgettable way to see the aurora, with exclusive accommodation and activities.
Exclusive aurora holidays in Iceland
Opt for a luxury holiday to Iceland and experience the northern lights as a VIP, with private activities and high-end accommodation options.
Exclusive aurora holidays in Norway
These luxury northern lights holidays combine private Arctic activities and high-end accommodation options for an extra-special aurora experience.
Exclusive Northern Lights holidays in Sweden
Embark on a luxury Northern Lights holiday to Swedish Lapland, staying in exceptional accommodation and enjoying private tour experiences.
Glass igloo holidays in Finland
Igloo holidays in Finland are a one-of-a-kind experience. Spend your nights in a cosy, glass-roofed igloo, with the starry sky above.
Self-drive tours in Iceland
Ready for an adventure? Then self-drive tours in Iceland give you the freedom and flexibility to explore this stunning country at your own pace.
Ready for an aurora adventure?
Book with Aurora Nights, the Northern Lights holiday experts. We will personally plan your bucket-list Northern Lights adventure holiday to Swedish Lapland, Iceland, Norway and Finland.
Latest from our Northern Lights Blog
The Mystical World of the Northern Lights
The science of the Northern Lights is now perfectly detailed and it is valuable insight to understand the basics before planning a trip to see the Northern Lights.
We invite you to read more about what the Northern Lights are and then if your curiosity and desire to see them is sparked read on to where you can see the Northern Lights, and when the best time to see the Northern Lights is, and we have helpful practical information for a Northern Lights Holiday.
As specialists in Northern Lights holidays to Iceland and Sweden we have also provided you with some more detailed information on these two destinations to help you plan your trip to the Arctic Circle and beyond. These two contrasting countries provide you with a myriad of fabulous destinations, wonderful and unique places to stay and a plethora of once in lifetime experiences.
The aurora viewing season runs for 6 months of the year. Most people think of the classic winter season with snow and all related activities as the only time to experience the Northern Lights but the autumn season has many advantages and the Auroras can be viewed in their splendour.