Discover Northern Lights experiences in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Enjoy aurora photography tours, Abisko Sky Station visits, snowmobile safaris and spa lagoons.
Northern Lights Adventure Holidays
@ Wilderness Lodge Sorrisniva
@ Wilderness Lodge Sorrisniva
Northern Lights Experiences in the Nordics
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are one of the most sought after natural phenomena in the world. Across Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, winter brings dark skies and optimal conditions for witnessing this extraordinary display. Aurora experiences in the Nordics combine expert guided tours, unique accommodation and immersive activities designed to maximise the chances of seeing the lights.
Aurora Experiences in Norway
Norway is one of the premier destinations for Northern Lights viewing, particularly in regions above the Arctic Circle such as Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands. Guided aurora tours often take travellers away from city lights into remote landscapes, increasing visibility and providing dramatic backdrops of fjords and mountains.
For a truly memorable experience, visitors can watch the aurora from outdoor hot tubs or glass fronted lodges, combining comfort with uninterrupted views of the night sky. Snowmobile safaris and dog sledding excursions are also popular, allowing guests to actively hunt for the lights while exploring the Arctic wilderness.
Photography tours in Norway are led by experienced guides who provide advice on camera settings, composition and timing, helping travellers capture the aurora at its most vivid.
@ Chad Blakley STF Abisko
Aurora Experiences in Sweden
Sweden offers some of the most reliable aurora viewing conditions in Europe, particularly in the far north around Abisko. The region benefits from a unique microclimate that often results in clear skies, making it a favourite for aurora enthusiasts.
A highlight is the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park, where visitors can ascend by chairlift to a mountaintop viewing platform. From here, the Northern Lights can be observed in a controlled environment with minimal light pollution. Guided evenings include expert talks, warm facilities and excellent vantage points for photography.
Aurora hunting in Sweden also includes snowmobile and dog sledding tours, which take travellers deep into forests and across frozen landscapes. These experiences combine adventure with the opportunity to witness the aurora in complete silence and darkness.
@ Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Aurora Experiences in Finland
Finland is renowned for its winter landscapes and innovative ways to experience the Northern Lights. In Finnish Lapland, travellers can stay in glass igloos or cabins designed specifically for aurora viewing, allowing sightings from the comfort of a warm interior.
Guided excursions often include snowmobile safaris and dog sledding adventures, where participants travel through snow covered forests and across frozen lakes in search of clear skies. Reindeer sleigh rides offer a quieter alternative, creating a peaceful and traditional way to experience the Arctic night.
Aurora photography tours in Finland are widely available, with expert guides helping visitors capture reflections on frozen lakes and the soft glow of the lights against snowy surroundings. The combination of accessibility and natural beauty makes Finland a popular choice for Northern Lights holidays.
@ Laugaras Lagoon
Aurora Experiences in Iceland
Iceland provides a dramatic setting for Northern Lights viewing, with volcanic landscapes, glaciers and waterfalls adding to the spectacle. Guided tours often depart from Reykjavik and travel into the countryside, where darker skies improve visibility.
One of the most distinctive experiences in Iceland is watching the aurora from a geothermal spa lagoon. Surrounded by warm mineral rich waters, visitors can relax while observing the lights dancing above. This combination of wellness and natural wonder is a defining feature of Icelandic aurora holidays.
Helicopter tours and super jeep excursions offer additional ways to reach remote locations, increasing the chances of clear skies. Photography tours are also popular, focusing on capturing the aurora alongside iconic landmarks such as waterfalls and black sand beaches.
@ Zoe - Off The Map Travel
Photography Tours and Expert Guidance
Across Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, dedicated aurora photography tours are designed to help travellers capture the Northern Lights at their best. Guides provide technical support, from camera settings to positioning, ensuring that both beginners and experienced photographers can achieve impressive results.
These tours often include transport to carefully selected locations, chosen for their low light pollution and scenic surroundings. The combination of expert knowledge and access to remote areas significantly enhances the overall experience.
@ Cahkal Boutique Hotel
An Arctic Escape beneath the Aurora
Celebrate in the Arctic with luxury lodging, snow adventures, reindeer encounters, and extraordinary northern lights.
Customers normally spend between (excl. flights)
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£4,180 - £6,270 pp*
@ Safartica
Reconnect under the Aurora
Wellness retreat in Swedish Lapland: yoga, sauna, forest bathing and breath-work in cabins beneath the Northern Lights.
Customers normally spend between (excl. flights)
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£7,495 - £11,245 pp*
@ Michael Mead Photography
The Ultimate Arctic Aurora Journey
From Lofoten’s fjords to forest spas in Swedish Lapland, this luxury Arctic escape blends wild landscapes with warmth and wonder.
Customers normally spend between (excl. flights)
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£12,530 - £18,795 pp*
Autumn Auroras Fabulous Foodie Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 7-night autumn adventure, seamlessly blending the natural wonders of Norway's fjords with the urban charm and culinary delights of Copenhagen.
Customers normally spend between (excl. flights)
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£9,920 - £14,880 pp*
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
Arctic Retreat was simply magical. Graham and his team were superb. Their entire focus was on ensuring we had an outstanding experience. The accommodation, setting and food were all excellent. The team, experienced professionals, each brought their own personal touch and local nuance. It was faultless. The dog sledging trip directly from Arctic Retreat was also superb. We would return to Arctic Retreat in a heartbeat.
George
We did! Everything was truly wonderful! I think the Holman Husky Lodge was our favourite place. Beautiful accommodations, but best of all, wonderful people! Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, excellent food, we really enjoyed our time there. We also greatly enjoyed Bergen! Opus XVI was beautiful and we loved being able to walk to restaurants and bars and take in the sights. All of our drivers were punctual and friendly. The itinerary was full but not overfull.
Thank you so much! It was an epic trip, we are taking home wonderful memories!
Shelly
Exceptional service throughout the entire planning and booking process – travel agencies don’t get any better than this. A brilliant, seamless experience matched by the holiday experience itself. Would recommend ‘Off the Map Travel’ to anyone considering booking for a Nordic experience ‘par excellence’.
Chris
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.
Giles
Amy planned a fantastic trip! Everything was very well-thought out. All transfers went smoothly, accommodations were amazing, great restaurant recommendations and the tours were once-in-a-lifetime, can’t book it yourself off the internet experiences. The guides were all fantastic. Communications were prompt and everything worked exactly the way it was supposed to. What a pleasure! Already working on our next trip.
Anonymous
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Rosie
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
Russell Snook
We have loved it so much here that we have extended our stay and will come back to Bjornfjell and stay in one of their cabins until Jan 3 then we are staying in the igloo hotel the night of the 3rd. 😊We added a few excursions this week – we did the whale trip on the RIB boat (wow!), toured the igloo hotel (which is why we decided to book the last night!) and did the reindeer sleigh at Sorrisniva. You were so right, the bonfire excursion was incredible!!It has been an absolutely amazing trip!
Kristen
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris
My family and I traveled to Sweden to see The Northern Lights in March of 2023. From the planning process to every detail of the trip, I could not have been more pleased with our experience. Alex was exceptional to work with. His guidance on the time of year, where to stay, activities to do and how to get to and from everything was spot on. I have never used a tour company before but thought a trip of this kind would be easier with some help. I am so glad that I did. The entire week was seamless and completely stress-free, allowing us to truly enjoy Sweden and our time together as a family. I will be recommending Off The Map travel to friends and family and will certainly be using them myself again in the future.
Emily