If you want your Aurora Borealis served with utmost style, look no further. Here are the most incredible tours to Northern Lights from across the world…
As you may already know from your own research or our previous articles on the best places to view the Northern Lights and the best countries to visit for Northern Lights, the best aurora viewing locations are near or within the Arctic Circle. It is therefore no surprise that the top tours for Northern Lights are in Iceland, Alaska and Canada.
This article is just a small snapshot of some of the most popular tours to northern lights in the world today. There are many smaller tour providers who also offer stunning experiences, which we highly encourage you to check out, throughout Canada, Alaska, Lapland, Iceland, Norway and more. We will cover those tours to northern lights in other articles.
But for now, let’s have a look at the most luxurious offerings to whet your aurora appetite.
EUROPE Best Tours to Northern Lights
6 Days Around Iceland Adventure
Where: Iceland
Tour Provider: Arctic Adventures https://adventures.is/
More Information: https://adventures.is/iceland/multiday-tours/6-day-tour/around-iceland-adventure/
The Six Days around Iceland Adventure is a popular tour of Iceland, that allows small groups to travel the Ring Road and provides them with access to some of the most spectacular destinations in Iceland.
The tour starts off in Reykjavík, allowing visitors to explore the city center. From there, you will make your way over to Reynisfjara to view the beautiful black sand beaches. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to view the majestic Mýrdalsjökull glacier. On the third day of the adventure, you can explore the areas around the eastern fjords and see the awe-inspiring coastlines.
The tour heads into the Möðrudalur wilderness before making its way to the highest inhabited place in the country. With stops each night on the tour, there are plenty of different opportunities to view the northern lights. However, during the daytime you will be able to watch whales in Dalvík, and pass through the charming Eyjafjörður region. The tour ends in Western Iceland, with a hike up the sides of the Grábrók volcano.
Tour Highlights
The Six Days around Iceland Adventure takes you along the ring road, which gives adventurers access to the Vatnajökull Glacier, Golden Circle, the South Coast, Skaftafell National Park, as well as the very popular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You will have many opportunities to sit back, relax, and enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the northern lights, from just about every major vantage point in Iceland.
What’s Included
- 5-night adventure tour in Iceland
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Every group has its own private bathroom
- Breakfast every morning
- Tour the countryside in a private minibus with an experienced, English-speaking guide
- All safety equipment provided to hike on the Vatnajökull Glacier, as well as in Egilsstaðir
- Opportunity to view whales up close and personal in Dalvík
Why It’s Popular
This tour includes so much more than just seeing the aurora borealis, allowing you to really make the most of your vacation in Iceland.
When you choose the Six Days around Iceland Adventure, you will be able to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most pristine glaciers. Visitors have the opportunity to view volcanoes, geysers, as well as a number of different waterfalls. Not only will you have an opportunity to relax in the natural baths of Myvatn, but you will also be able to view the whales in Dalvik. Create incredible memories as you explore the frozen wonderland and view the breathtaking northern lights.
Northern Lights Escape
Where: Iceland
Tour Provider: Intrepid Travel https://www.intrepidtravel.com/
More Information: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/iceland/northern-lights-escape-123836
From gurgling hot springs to majestic waterfalls and volcanoes, the Northern Lights Escape is one most sought-after Icelandic adventurers available today.
You will start your northern lights escape in beautiful Reykjavik. The city is located just outside of the Arctic Circle and has been declared the northernmost capital city in the world. During the wintertime, there are only 4 hours of daylight, which provides plenty of time to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. While you are in the capital city, you will be able to visit the National Museum, as well as the infamous Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.
The second day of your adventure takes you out along the Golden Circle, for a breathtaking adventure throughout the Hvolsvollur region. Here, you will be able to see the Gullfoss Waterfall before settling down in Hvolsvollur Valley for the first real night of stargazing. From there, the tour will continue through the Thingvellir National Park, to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon before making your way to the Vatnajokull Glacier.
Tour Highlights
Because this tour focuses on smaller groups, you will have your own private minibus that will allow you access to some of the lesser-known destinations throughout the country. While most tours to northern lights make use of the public transportation system, the minibusses will allow you to visit places that just aren’t available to other tours to northern lights. Best of all, the buses have free Wi-Fi.
You’ll have the opportunity to follow the Golden Circle, and visit both geothermal springs as well as majestic waterfalls. Along the south shore, you will be able to step out onto the black sand beaches of Reynisdrangar, and even go for an adventure into the Skaftafell National Park.
What’s Included
- Spend 3 nights in a guesthouse, and 2 nights in a quality hotel.
- Breakfasts included
- Private mini-bus, with free WIFI
- English-speaking tour guide will take you from guesthouse to guesthouse as you travel the Golden Circle
- Opportunities to view the Strokkur Geysir, Glacier Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, Skogafoss Waterfall, Gullfoss Waterfall, as well as the Dyrholaey & Reynisfjara Rocks along the south coast
Why It’s Popular
You will find that the tour guides are very knowledgeable about the northern lights, Iceland, as well as the Icelandic culture. You will hear amazing stories about the mythology and history of the people who have inhabited Iceland for generations.
You will even have the opportunity to see parts of the country that just aren’t available on other tours to northern lights, which makes it a perfect option for a family who wants to view the aurora borealis together.
Land of Northern Lights
Where: Iceland
Tour Provider: GJ Travel https://www.gjtravel.is/
More Information: https://www.gjtravel.is/tour/land-of-northern-lights/
The Land of Northern Lights adventure provides visitors with access to popular destinations around Iceland including the Blue Lagoon, Black Lava Beach, and numerous waterfalls.
Destinations
The tour starts the moment that you arrive at the Keflavik airport, with a fly bus shuttle that takes you to your first destination, the Hótel Klettur. On the second day, you will have the opportunity to explore Reykjavík before making your way to the Blue Lagoon. With the help of a guide, you will get the most out of your trip to Iceland. From there, you will spend the next 2 nights staying at the popular Stracta Hotel which is located in Hella.
Every night, you will have the opportunity to view the northern lights. The hotel has a beautiful garden area, where many star gazers congregate waiting for the awe-inspiring beauty of the aurora borealis. During the trip, you will also have the opportunity to hike up to a glacier, or even a volcano.
From the Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls to the black lava beaches of Reynisfjara, there is a little bit of something for everyone.
Tour Highlights
The Land of Northern Lights Tours is known for offering one of the best values for your budget. Not only will you see the Golden Circle, South Coast, as well as the Blue Lagoon, but you will also have an opportunity to check out the Skógar folk museum.
This tours to northern lights provides you with 2 nights in southern Iceland, which is an excellent location for viewing the northern lights. Not only are there guided searches for the northern light, but you will also have access to presentations, lectures, and films about the aurora borealis.
There is even an optional Northern lights cruise and glacier hike.
What’s Included
- Spend 4 nights in comfort as you tour the countryside
- Shuttle service from the airport provided
- Complimentary breakfast available every morning
- Spend your days traveling through Iceland in a private minibus
- English-speaking tour guide
- Visit some of the finest destinations in the country, including the Blue Lagoon, Black Lava Beach, and the Geysir geothermal fields.
Why It’s Popular
Featuring some of the most knowledgeable, English-speaking tour guides, The Land of Northern Lights Tour will take you on an adventure through the Icelandic countryside. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the aurora borealis than you ever thought imaginable as you make your way from one cabin to the next along the Golden Circle. As you travel through Iceland, you’ll receive a wake-up call and be notified whenever the northern lights are visible.
NORTH AMERICA Best Tours to Northern Lights
Alaska Dreams
Where: Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks)
Tour Provider: Alaska Tours https://alaskatours.com/
More Information: https://alaskatours.com/alaska-vacations/alaska-dreams/
The Alaskan Dreams Adventure provides travelers with an amazing tour of Alaska that starts in Anchorage and goes all the way to the popular Borealis Basecamp.
The adventure begins in Anchorage, and travelers will spend their first night exploring the largest city in Alaska. From there, the adventure heads out to the Matanuska Glacier via the majestic Matanuska-Susitna Valley. On day 3, you’ll be able to board the famous and prestigious Alaskan railroad, for a ride up to Fairbanks. If the weather is perfect, you may even be able to see Denali in the distance.
The third night will be spent in Fairbanks, before making the final trek to the Borealis Basecamp. From dinner to a sunset tour, you will be able to spend the last few days of the tour relaxing at the Borealis Basecamp while you wait for the perfect glimpse of the aurora borealis.
Tour Highlights
You will be able to start your Alaska Dreams Adventure with a hike across a glacier, before beginning your journey up to Fairbanks. The most popular part of the adventure is the ride on the Alaska Railroad, which ferries you from Anchorage up to Fairbanks. The train provides visitors with some of the most majestic views of the Alaskan wilderness. Once in Fairbanks, you will be able to spend several days at the infamous Borealis Basecamp, where you can sit back, and relax while you view the aurora borealis from a private dome.
What’s Included
- Spend 4 nights in comfort as you travel through the Alaskan wilderness
- 8-hour hiking adventure on the Matanuska Glacier, including lunch
- Enjoy a ride on the infamous Alaska Railroad
- 2-night stay at the Borealis Basecamp, complete with a breakfast buffet
- 2-hour sunset tour
- Number of other optional activities, including ATVs and dog sledding.
Why It’s Popular
You will find the city of Anchorage comfortably nestled between the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. The city offers several excellent cultural attractions, as well as some of the finest restaurants in Alaska. Not only will you have the opportunity to hike on the Matanuska Glacier, but you will also be able to view some of the most stunning ice caves imaginable.
View the Alaskan wilderness like never before as you sit back and enjoy the ride aboard the Alaska Railroad. You’ll have many nights to relax at the Borealis Basecamp, where you will be able to view the northern lights as you lie in bed under the 16-foot-wide transparent dome.
Aurora Borealis & Little Atlin Lodge
Where: Canada (Whitehorse, Yukon)
Tour Provider: Northern Tales https://www.northerntales.ca/
More Information: https://www.northerntales.ca/tour/aurora-borealis-little-atlin-lodge
Little Atlin Lake is a popular yet secluded destination in the Yukon that is perfect for those seeking views of the northern lights.
Enjoy 2 nights in comfort as you hunt for the elusive Northern lights in the Canadian Yukon. At Little Atlin Lake, you can cozy up to a wood stove as you enjoy a good book, or head out into the frozen wilderness to get up close and personal with nature. During the peak of the winter months, you may even go ice fishing out on the frozen lake.
After the sun has set for the evening, shuttle services are available to take you to one of the best tours to northern lights in the world to see the aurora borealis. The shuttle service leaves the cottages at 10 PM and returns at 2:30 in the morning.
Tour Highlights
Enjoy relaxing mornings as you sleep in every single day. Then head on out on a tour of Main Street, with stops at the historic train depot, a log Church, a log skyscraper, and even a fish ladder. After spending 3 hours downtown, you can head over to the grocery store to pick up some extra food for your weekend snacks before making your way back to the lodge.
From the comfort of your cabin, enjoy all that the Yukon wilderness has to offer. During the daytime, you will be able to see deer, birds, moose, foxes, and even rabbits. But, after the night has fallen, you can view the dazzling auroras as they dance across the night skies directly over your cabin’s front porch. For an even more amazing experience, climb into the woodfired hot tub to keep you warm while you stare up at the night skies, looking for the ghostly lights to make their grand appearance.
What’s Included
- 2 Nights’ Accommodations
- Private Secluded Cabin
- Transfers to and from the Airport
- Aurora Viewing Experience
- Transfer to the Northern Tales Viewing Site
Why It’s Popular
Enjoy your stay in the Yukon wilderness at the wonderful yet rustic Atlin Lodge. You will have your choice of cabins including a 2-bedroom unit or an open loft design, which is perfect for family get-togethers. Each cabin comes complete with a woodfired hot tub and is heated with a wood stove. Don’t worry about warming up the place when you arrive, because the lodge staff will preheat the cabin for you.
Due to its Arctic location, you will be provided with plenty of wood to stoke the fire as well as snowshoes to make getting around a lot easier. Please keep in mind that this is a remote wilderness location, and you may be the only guests at the time, so you should also bring your headlamp to light the way up and down the paths.
Final Thoughts on Best Tours to Northern Lights
That wraps up our snapshot of the best tours to the northern lights, from around the world. They might not be the cheapest tours to northern lights around, but they are specially crafted to create lifelong memories and give you the best opportunities to see the lights. If travelling in luxury and being pampered are your thing, then these are some of the very best options out there.
However, don’t think these are your only options, and please don’t think that other tours to northern lights are somehow inferior. As long as you are in the ideal place for viewing the aurora borealis and at the right time, then you have exactly the same chance of viewing the lights as anyone else in that region. Afterall, no tour provider has a magic wand to somehow amplify the aurora over their territory or whisk away cloud cover. If the aurora is putting on a show, a guy camping in a tent in Whitehorse will likely have the same viewing opportunity as someone staying in a luxury lodge. However, camping in the snow for 4 days isn’t very fun!
Likewise, just because you pay lots of money for a fancy tour, it doesn’t guarantee that the aurora will show. I’m not trying to deter you from booking a luxury Northern Lights tour. Rather, I am just pointing out that mostly what you are paying for with these tours to northern lights are those additional touches to make your stay more fun and enjoyable, such as spas, meals, activities, comfy beds or a view out of your window. But, you cannot pay for the aurora borealis to appear!
However you choose to see the Northern Lights, whether on a luxury tour or on a budget, just make sure to choose the right times and places to travel, because ultimately that is what matters the most.
Happy travels!
This article was originally published on 13 July 2022 and updated on 9 August 2024 to replace outdated information and maintain accuracy.
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