Northern Lights Tours: Everything First-Time Travelers Should Know

it’s like your own heavenly light show!

The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on Earth. Watching the night sky ripple with green, pink, purple, and blue light is a bucket-list moment for travelers everywhere. You dream about this experience for so long that planning your first time can be daunting. But fret not, here's what first-timers need to know before booking a Northern Lights tour.

A panoramic view of the Northern Lights in early autumn, Lapland

Photo credit: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

What Exactly Are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights are the result of solar particles colliding with gas molecules high up in the Earth’s atmosphere. This most frequently happens near the poles. This releases energy in the form of light which creates the curtains of color we see. It's a solar and atmospheric event and thus can't be guaranteed on any single night. But that unpredictability is part of the magic. The anticipation and travel all add up to a satisfying reward when the lights finally appear.

A couple enjoying the Northern Lights in Lapland

Can You Predict When You'll See Them?

Scientists track solar activity using tools like the Kp Index and Bz value which measure geomagnetic and solar conditions. A high Kp number paired with a negative Bz value generally means better odds of visible aurora. You don't need any fancy degrees to use this information, though. There are plenty of free apps for iOS and Android that track these figures in real time. Most local Scandinavian weather apps include aurora forecasts as standard. A good tour operator will also monitor these conditions closely and plan your outing accordingly.

Getting to see the Northern Lights is at the top of almost every travel enthusiast's bucket list

Where Should First-Timers Go?

The Arctic Circle is your best bet. The best sights are found in inland regions with fewer cloudy nights than places on the coast. Lapland in Northern Finland perfectly fits this criteria. Towns like Rovaniemi and areas further inland like Saariselkä and Inari are popular spots. They see stable weather, clear dark skies during winters, and miles of serene wilderness far away from the glare of city lights.

Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Finland

When Is the Best Time to Go?

Aurora season runs roughly from September through April, when nights are long and dark enough for visibility. In parts of Lapland, the lights can appear on as many as 200 nights a year during this window. Midnight tends to be the peak viewing time, so be prepared for a late night.

What Actually Happens on a Tour?

A Northern Lights hunting tour is a must-do activity when in Lapland. In this activity, you will be taken away from the city and into the Arctic wilderness, often in a minivan but if you are adventurous, you can choose a snowmobile or dog sled. Guides adjust routes and timing based on the day's weather and solar activity forecasts to maximize your chances. You'll be provided with proper winter gear, and many tours include hot drinks or snacks to keep you warm while you wait. Most guides also carry professional cameras and will take photos for you, capturing the aurora on a phone camera alone can be tricky, so this is a nice touch for first-timers.

Tours are available in small groups or as private experiences, which is worth considering if you're traveling with family or simply prefer a quieter outing.

Enjoy the Northern Lights from the warmth of your bed in a Kelo glass igloo, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Photo credit: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

A Few Tips Before You Book

1. Dress in layers. Even with provided gear, Arctic nights are cold, and you'll be standing still for stretches of time.

2. Manage expectations. No tour can promise a sighting every night, so ask operators about their rebooking or multiple-night policies in case clouds roll in.

3. Consider a glass igloo stay. Properties like the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselkä let you watch the sky from bed, which pairs nicely with an active hunting tour on other nights.

4. Book with flexibility in mind. Weather-dependent tours are best paired with a multi-night stay so you have more than one chance.

   
   

Ready to Start Planning?

If you're looking for an itinerary that puts the Northern Lights at the center of your trip, check out our Northern Light Winter Vacation Tour for inspiration on building your own Arctic adventure. First-time or not, few travel experiences match the feeling of standing beneath a sky lit up in color — and with the right planning, that moment is well within reach.

Northern Lights over a village in Lapland, Finland