The opportunity to view the green and purple colors that dance through the night sky is one of the main reasons many people choose to travel during the winter. A Northern Lights package or tour offers both an opportunity to see the aurora borealis and experience the beauty of a destination, as well as guided activities and experiences, including staying in a glass-roof cabin, viewing the fjords, and having a snowy adventure in the forest.
However, selecting the most appropriate package involves more than just selecting a beautiful hotel. The location of your trip, when you will be traveling, the number of nights you intend to stay, and the inclusion of any aurora tours are also important factors. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with the necessary information to assist you in planning.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are a natural light show that occurs when electrically charged particles interact with the atmosphere’s upper layer of gas. These lights may be seen as bright, curved bands, strips, or drapes hanging from the top of the sky.
To view the lights, you will need to have a sky with minimal light pollution, an active aurora, and a clear night. You cannot be guaranteed to see the lights on any given day.
Best Destinations for Northern Lights Tours
Different destinations suit different travel styles. Some offer comfortable city bases, while others focus on remote cabins and winter activities.
| Destination | Main attractions | Suitable for |
| Tromsø, Norway | Guided aurora chases, fjord scenery and Arctic city experiences | First-time visitors and couples |
| Finnish Lapland | Glass-roof accommodation, Santa Claus Village and snow activities | Families and honeymooners |
| Iceland | Waterfalls, geothermal attractions and countryside aurora trips | Photographers and nature lovers |
| Swedish Lapland | Abisko, Kiruna and Icehotel experiences | Travellers seeking an Arctic itinerary |
These destinations feature in specialist aurora packages, including single-country holidays and longer journeys combining several Nordic countries.
Tromsø, Norway
The town of Tromsø provides an excellent location for people wishing to dine at local restaurants, stay in area hotels, and take part in organized evening tours. When you are searching for clear views of the sky during your aurora chase with a guide, you will leave the light pollution that exists within the city limits. Operators in the area typically offer Northern Lights excursions from late September through the end of March.
Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland offers the opportunity to view the northern lights (aurora) along with forest vistas and other cold weather activities. The glass-roof cabin is one type of accommodation that has become popular; however, even if you stay in one of these, you may find that clouds obstruct your view of the northern lights. According to Finland’s national tourism organization, the general period for viewing the northern lights in Finland’s northern areas is from late August until April.
Iceland
Iceland is ideal for travelers who wish to experience a variety of activities during the day and then take part in northern light tours at night. Most travel packages will include a visit to Reykjavik along with visits to the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls, and other natural sights. Be sure to look at how much driving you will need to do, particularly when looking at shorter tours versus longer trips around the island.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights
September to March is a practical planning window for many Northern Lights holidays, although the season extends into April in some destinations.
| Travel period | What to consider |
| September–October | Dark nights return; suitable for autumn scenery and aurora viewing |
| November–January | Long nights and a winter atmosphere; plan around limited daylight |
| February–March | A useful combination of aurora opportunities and daytime sightseeing |
| Early April | Viewing remains possible in some northern locations |
Finland’s meteorological guidance highlights February–March and September–October as favourable periods. However, clear skies matter more than simply selecting a popular month. Snow-dependent activities have their own operating seasons, so confirm their availability separately.
Northern Lights Tour Package Prices
Prices vary considerably with destination, accommodation, season and inclusions. The following are advertised package examples checked in November 2026, rather than fixed prices for every departure.
| Package example | Duration | Advertised starting price |
| Dewan Holidays: Lapland Adventure | 3 nights | ₹99,990 |
| IMAD Travel: Iceland Land of Northern Lights | 5 days | ₹1,35,900 |
| Dewan Holidays: Iceland Northern Lights Adventure | 7 days / 6 nights | ₹1,81,849 |
| IMAD Travel: Tromsø and Oslo Northern Lights Safari | 6 days | ₹2,54,100 |
What Should a Northern Lights Package Include?
Before booking, check the written itinerary for:
- Accommodation: Hotel names, room category, and number of nights.
- Aurora excursions: Number of outings, duration, and transport type.
- Transfers: Airport transfers and transport to activities.
- Meals: Whether only breakfast or additional meals are included.
- Winter equipment: Availability of thermal suits and suitable boots.
- Cancellation Terms: Weather Policies for Cancellations of Activities and/or Missed Sightings.
Operators may offer you a second opportunity to go out on a different date if you have had no success on your first trip; however, it is dependent upon whether there is availability for the alternative option and what the booking terms are for your particular reservation. Request the operator’s policy in writing.
Suggested Seven-Day Northern Lights Itinerary
For a first trip, consider one main aurora base instead of spending every day moving between destinations.
| Day | Suggested plan |
| Day 1 | Arrive, transfer to your hotel, and rest |
| Day 2 | Explore locally and join an evening aurora excursion |
| Day 3 | Choose a scenic or cultural daytime activity |
| Day 4 | Enjoy a relaxed day and a second aurora outing |
| Day 5 | Add an optional winter activity or countryside visit |
| Day 6 | Keep time available for weather changes or another excursion |
| Day 7 | Transfer to the airport and depart |
This is a suggested itinerary, not a specific advertised package. Multiple nights provide more opportunities if clouds affect your first excursion.
Visa Requirements for Indian Travellers
Indian citizens typically require a Schengen visa to travel as tourists to Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. The application process should be completed in the country of primary travel; this is typically the country in which you will be spending the majority of your time.
The adult application fee for the standard process is €90, plus any service center fees that may apply. Generally, the application will take approximately 15 business days to process. However, the time required to complete the application process could potentially increase to 45 business days. You can submit an application for your visa up to 6 months prior to your intended date of travel. Prior to submitting your application, you should gather all of the necessary documentation, including but not limited to your passport, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial capability, and travel medical insurance, as stated in the documentation provided by the relevant consulate.
Essential Booking and Packing Tips
Pack thermal layers, an insulated jacket, gloves, a warm hat, and waterproof shoes that have excellent traction. Also, bring extra batteries or a power bank if you plan to spend time out-of-doors for an extended period of time.
When selecting a package, select one that includes sufficient time in the location where the auroras can be seen, has clear details regarding what is included in your package, and offers some type of daytime activity that you would find enjoyable. Your Northern Lights vacation can still be an exciting experience even if there is no possibility of seeing the auroras due to bad weather.
Also Read: https://northernlightsglow.com/