Norway, Canada, Iceland, Greenland…if you’re thinking about taking a trip to see Northern Lights, you’ve come to the right place. I hope that in 15 minutes, the time it takes to read this article on the best Northern Lights tours of 2023, you will already have decided where you’re going to make your dreams come true.
But first, let me tell you why it is so important for us to help you to plan your Northern Lights holidays. Every year we lead an Iceland Photo Tour and a Lofoten Photo Tour, so many travelers who want to see the Aurora Borealis ask us if they can participate.
Best trips to see the Northern Lights in 2023
Our photography tours are aimed at photography lovers who want to learn how to photograph the northern lights. If you sign up without being a photographer, it’s more than likely that you won’t enjoy the tour as much as you would with one of the best Northern Lights holiday packages, such as the ones I will recommend below.
However, I’d be very happy to help you fulfill your dream by helping you choose a good Northern Lights vacation package. Therefore, in this article, we’ll tell you how to pick a Northern Lights tour package in 2023.
- Best trips to see the Northern Lights in 2023
- How much does it cost to see the Northern Lights?
- Trips to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Trips to see the Northern Lights in Canada
- Trips to see the Northern Lights in Norway
- Trips to see the Northern Lights in Alaska
- Trips to see the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
- Trips to see the northern lights in Sweden
- Discounted Northern Lights travel deals
Best trips to see the Northern Lights in 2023
Taking into account price, dates, visited attractions, and quality of the tour guides, these are the best Northern Lights vacations in 2023:
- Land of the Northern Lights: Iceland in 5 days (affordable Northern Lights tour package)
- Northern Lights Exploration: 8-day Northern Lights trip in Iceland
- Finnish Lapland in Winter: 8-day Northern Lights vacation in Finland
- Best Value Aurora Viewing: 4-day Northern Lights holidays in Whitehorse (Canada)
- Northern Lights at Aurora Village: 4-day Northern Lights tour package in Yellowknife (Canada)
- Winter in the Rockies & Northern Lights: Canadian Rocky Mountains and Yellowknife in 10 days
- Norway Winter & Northern Lights: 7-day Northern Lights trip to Tromso and Lofoten Islands
- Northern Lights & wildlife in Swedish Lapland: Swedish Lapland tour in 6 days
How much does it cost to see the Northern Lights?
The cost of seeing the Northern Lights varies depending on where you live, the chosen destination, dates, if you want to travel on your own or book a Northern Lights tour, the duration of the trip, etc.
How much does it cost to see the Northern Lights?
Don’t worry, though. There are affordable trips to see the Northern Lights. Now we’ll tell you how much a Northern Lights vacation package costs and how much you would spend if you traveled on your own.
Cheap flights to see the northern lights
The best way to find cheap flights to see the Northern Lights is through Kiwi.com, between 3 and 5 months before your trip.
This is the approximate cost for a round trip ticket to some Northern Lights destinations:
Iceland | Norway | Canada | Finland | Alaska | Sweden |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USA (NY) | USD500 | USD450 | USD430 | USD490 | USD500 | USD456 |
Canada (Toronto) | CAD570 | CAD900 | CAD400 | CAD800 | CAD700 | CAD900 |
UK | GBP52 | GBP36 | GBP600 | GBP100 | GBP630 | GBP42 |
Australia | AUD1670 | AUD1160 | AUD1420 | AUD1140 | AUD1570 | AUD970 |
Northern Lights trip cost |
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Northern Lights vacation packages
You may think that taking a Northern Lights trip on your own is cheaper than booking a tour. However, there are very affordable Northern Lights holiday packages.
Although we will go into detail later, a Northern Lights tour in Iceland costs around $153 a day, including all accommodations, tour guides, and transportation. Of course, it would be much more expensive to plan it on your own.
Best Northern Lights vacation packages
In Canada, for example, there are Northern Lights vacations that are even cheaper, at a price of $130 per day. However, there are also some luxury Northern Lights tour packages, which include more activities, for $500 a day.
It all depends on what type of trip to see the Northern Lights you want to take.
If you don’t want to book a Northern Lights vacation package, remember to take into account the following expenses:
Price of Northern Lights hotels
In case you decide to take a Northern Lights trip on your own, you should consider the price of accommodation. Although you can choose to stay in one of the best Northern Lights hotels in the world, in most Northern Lights destinations you also find cheap options.
- Price for accommodation in Iceland: $ 150 on average (Northern Lights hotels in Iceland)
- Price for accommodation in Norway: $ 200 on average (Northern Lights hotels in Norway)
- Price for accommodation in Canada: $ 250 on average (Northern Lights hotels in Canada)
- Price for accommodation in Alaska: $ 200 on average (Northern Lights hotels in Alaska)
- Price for accommodation in Finland: $ 100 on average (Northern Lights hotels in Finland)
- Price for accommodation in Sweden: $ 70 on average (Northern Lights hotels in Sweden)
Self-drive Northern Lights trip (by rental car)
Also, if you decide to travel by yourself, you should consider the price of transportation. The cheapest way will always be a rental car. We practically always book through Rentalcars, since they have many discounts.
Northern Lights one-night tours
In case you don’t want to risk missing out on the show, it is recommended to hire a one-day tour to see the northern lights. The tour guides of these tours know perfectly where to see northern lights, and with them the chances of seeing the aurroa are quite high.
The prices of the Northern Lights tours in Reykjavik (Iceland) start at $ 50 per person, while in other places, they can be much more expensive. For example, the Northern Lights tours in Tromso (Norway) start at $ 80.
Check our guide on how to plan cheap trips. Below are our recommendations for the best Northern Lights holiday packages by destination.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is the most popular place to take a Northern Lights trip this year. If you don’t have much time or want to travel on a budget, the Land of the Northern Lights is your best bet. In just five days, you’ll see all the Iceland must-sees: Blue Lagoon, half of the South Coast, the Golden Circle, and Reykjavik.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
However, if you have more time for your Northern Lights vacation in Iceland, I recommend Northern Lights Exploration where, iin addition to the above, you’ll tour the easternmost area of the South Coast, visiting places as impressive as the Jokulsarlon ice lagoon, Diamond Beach, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You also have the option to visit an ice cave.
Best time in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Iceland
The 5-day Northern Lights trip to Iceland departs every Tuesday and Thursday during the winter months of 2021 (from September to April). You can check if there is availability for your dates here.
The 8-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland leaves every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from September to April. You can check if there are free spots for your dates here.
How much does a trip to see Northern Lights in Iceland cost?
The Land of the Northern Lights costs $ 1045, although it is currently discounted, so you can book for $ 768. This is $ 153 per day. If you take a trip to see the Northern Lights on your own, you will spend much more on accommodation and transportation.
On the other hand, the Northern Lights Exploration tour costs $ 1916 ( $ 240 per day). It may seem to you that it is much more expensive than the previous one, but keep in mind that the selected accommodations are superior and that it includes a cruise on the Breiðafjörður fjord and a farewell dinner. If you have enough time, I assure you that it is very worthwhile to make the itinerary of this Northern Lights trip.
Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
In case you are not interested in a guided tour, I recommend you read our guide to know when and where to see Northern Lights in Iceland on your own. We have also written a guide on the best places to visit in Iceland.
Also, if you would like to have the help of a guide to increase your chances of seeing the aurora, you can always use an affordable one-day tour to see the northern lights. Most of them depart from Reykjavik.
NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN REYKJAVIK
Although you can read here our opinion on the best Northern Lights tours in Reykjavik, summing up, the ones we recommend:
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Canada
Canada is one of the most magical places to see the Northern Lights in the world.
The Best Value Aurora Viewing tour is the cheapest tour to see the Northern Lights and takes place in Whitehorse. For 4 days, you’ll visit the capital city of the Yukon on your own and then meet your guide in the afternoon to hunt the Northern Lights. You’ll go to the AuroraCentre, a camp where you can wait, away from light pollution and sheltered by the heat of a fire, for the Northern Lights to appear.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Canada
Another option is to take a Northern Lights holiday package in Yellowknife. Northern Lights at Aurora Village, which also lasts 4 days, is the best option. Your guide will accompany you on different winter activities during the day, and at night, you’ll chase the Northern Lights from the Aurora Village, where you can shelter in a teepee or next to a bonfire.
Best winter Northern Light Tours
However, Winter in the Rockies & Northern Lights is my favorite Northern Lights vacation in Canada. It is a combo of a Northern Lights tour in Yellowstone and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The tour is quite like our 15-day Canadian Rockies trip, except that we had the tremendous fortune of seeing the Northern Lights in the Rockies. Realistically, you are much more likely to see them if you head to Yellowknife after your Rockies adventure.
Best time in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Canada
The Best Value Aurora Viewing tour run every day of the year except for April, May, June, and July. However, if you want to have a better chance of seeing the northern lights, I advise you not to book the tour in August or September.
The Northern Lights at Aurora Village tour currently only is available every day of December 2021, so if you are interested in this tour, I recommend you book well in advance.
The Winter in the Rockies & Northern Lights departs once a month in January, February, and March. The spots in January and February sold out immediately. If there is any place left for March, I recommend you book it, or in case you are planning your vacation well in advance, book it for 2022. This is possibly the most comprehensive aurora borealis trip of all since, in addition to enjoying the northern lights, we can admire the incredible beauty of winter landscapes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
How much does a trip to see Northern Lights in Canada cost?
In Canada, we have Northern Lights tours of all prices. The Best Value Aurora Viewing tour includes hotels, transportation, and auroras guide, for a price of $ 525 ($ 131 per day). However, the Northern Lights at Aurora Village tour also includes winter activities and daytime guidance for $ 1194 ($ 300 per day).
The Winter in the Rockies & Northern Lights may seem more expensive, at a cost of $ 5608 ($ 560 per day), but keep in mind that the Rocky Mountains hotels are much more expensive. In addition, this hotel includes a resort and premium activities, such as a helicopter excursion for snowshoeing. Without a doubt, it is the best luxury Northern Lights holidays in Canada.
Northern Lights Tours in Canada
In case you prefer to see the Northern Lights in Canada on your own, you can also hire the following night tours to enjoy this phenomenon.
Northern Lights tours in Whitehorse
Whitehorse is the only place in Canada that offers one-night Northern Lights tours. The price of this tour is $ 100. In addition, they will teach you how to photograph the northern lights.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Norway
Norway is one of the cheapest places to see the Northern Lights in Europe. Moreover, as far as tourism is concerned, there are many options. You’ll find everything from hotels specialized in the observation of this phenomenon to multi-day holidays for touring the north of the country.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Norway
Virtually all tours depart from Tromso, the Arctic capital, and from there, either visit the Lofoten Islands, such as this 7-day Norway Winter & Northern Lights tour, or take you to Alta, epicenter of the Norwegian Lapland, where you’ll have a great opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis, as in this 5-day Capitals of Northern Lights tour.
Best Northern Lights holidays in Norway
In my opinion, if, in addition to taking a tour to see the Northern Lights, you would like to fall in love with the landscapes of Norway, I recommend choosing the Lofoten Islands tour. We visit these islands every year during our Lofoten Photo Tour, and they have some of the most impressive landscapes I have ever shot in my life. If you choose that tour, here is a list of the most amazing places to see in the Lofoten Islands.
Best time in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Norway
The Norway Winter & Northern Lights starts every two Sundays from November to March. However, I recommend that you don’t take this tour in November, as historical data indicates that rainfall in Lofoten is more common that month, so you may have fewer opportunities to see the northern lights.
The Capitals of Northern Lights starts every Thursday from December to March. In this case, March would be the best month to take this Northern Lights Holiday Package.
How much does a trip to see Northern Lights in Norway cost?
The price of the 7-day trip to see the northern lights in Tromso and the Lofoten Islands varies according to the chosen date. On average, it costs $ 2,000 ($ 285 per day), although they often publish Northern Lights vacation package deals. You can check price and availability here.
The cost of the 5-day Northern Lights tour through Tromso and Alta is $ 1269 ($ 253 per day). You can check availability here.
Northern Lights Tours in Norway
In case you want to see the Northern Lights in Norway on your own, it is best to hire a one-night guided tour to make sure you go to one of the best locations to see the aurora depending on weather. Although most of the Northern Lights night tours run in Tromso, there is also some interesting option in the Lofoten Islands
NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN TROMSO
We have tol about the best Northern Lights tours in Tromso in that article. However, if you want a quick list of the tours we recommend, check here:
- Northern Lights 7-Hour Tour
- Small group Northern Lights Hunt
- Auroras + Whales + Overnight Lavvo Stay
Northern Lights tours in Lofoten
The offer of Northern Lights tours in Lofoten is more limited. However, we can find some interesting Northern Lights in Svolvaer, like this one.
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Alaska
Although Alaska isn’t the only place in the United States where you can see this phenomenon, it is the best place to plan a trip to see the Northern Lights. However, the options are somewhat scarcer than in the rest of the countries mentioned. The only multi-day tour we found departs from Fairbanks. On it, you’ll spend five days chasing the Northern Lights in the Borealis Basecamp and partaking in winter activities, such as snowmobiling or sledding.
Alaska – Trips to see the Northern Lights in Alaska
Best time in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Alaska
This tour is available throughout the year except in May, June, and July. However, if you want to have a chance to see the auroras, I recommend you hire it from October to April, the best time to see Northern Lights in Alaska.
How much does a trip to see Northern Lights in Alaska cost?
The price of this Northern Lights holiday package in Alaska is $ 1123 ($ 225 per day).
Northern Lights Tours in Alaska
If you want to see the northern lights in Alaska, another very convenient option is to hire a one-day Northern Lights tour. The variety is wider. These are the best Northern Lights tours in Alaska:
Trips to see the Northern Lights in Finland
Finland is one of the most popular destinations for Northern Lights packages and Christmas tours. Meeting Santa Claus, staying in an igloo, or seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland are the main attractions. If there’s a country where everything is about Northern Lights tourism, it’s got to be Finland. Here you can find some of the best Northern Lights hotels in the world.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – One of the best Northern Lights Hotels in the World
There are numerous guided Northern Lights multi-day tours in Finland, so here a complete list.
The Finnish Lapland in Winter tour is the cheapest 8-day vacation package. On this tour, you’ll travel by train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi to chase the Northern Lights. The four-day Finland Northern Lights tour is also a good option, where you will visit Harriniva in search of the Northern Lights.
Trips see the Northern Lights in Finland
If you want a more exclusive tour, where you’ll visit Oulu, Kemi, Rauna, Rovaniemi, Kemijarvi, Kuusamo, and Syöte in 8 days, I recommend the Northern Lights: A Lapland Winter tour.
Best time in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Finland
December, January, February, and March are the best months for a Northern Lights trip in Finland. However, if you travel with children and would like to visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, his hometown, I recommend you take it in December.
How much does a trip to see Northern Lights in Finland cost?
The Finnish Lapland in Winter tour cost $ 3120, although it currently has a discount ($ 312 per day). The Finland Northern Lights tour costs $ 2015, although it is also discounted ($ 419 per day).
If you take the luxury Northern Lights tour: A Lapland Winter, the price would be $ 5673, ( $ 709 per day).
Northern Lights Tours in Finland
In case you want to make the trip on your own and take a one-night tour to see northern lights, the best options are in Rovaniemi. These would be the most popular tours:
Trips to see northern lights in Sweden
Finally, if you have chosen Sweden as your Northern Lights destination, the Northern Lights & wildlife in Swedish Lapland tour, which lasts 6 days and leaves from Lulea, is your best option. With the Northern Lights and Wildlife holiday package, you’ll live an authentic adventure, camping in Sami tepees and photographing moose and wild reindeer found in this area of Sweden.
Trips to see northern lights in Sweden
Best time in 2021 for a Northern Lights tour in Sweden
Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Sweden. The tour run in December, January, and February. Spots usually sell out quickly, so check here if there are any available.
How much does a trip to see Northern Lights in Sweden cost?
The tour Northern Lights & Wildlife in Swedish Lapland costs $ 2406 ($ 401 per day).
Northern Lights Tours in Sweden
The best place to hire Northern Lights one-day tours is in Kiruna. This would be the best option.
Northern Lights travel deals
If you want to find affordable trips to see the Northern Lights, visit the TourRadar deals section. There, they post significant discounts, and you can select the country in which you are interested to see if there are any good deals.
If you’re looking for cheap Northern Lights holidays, please note that when traveling in a guided group, you won’t have to worry about paying for accommodation, rental car, etc. Sometimes, hiring a Northern Lights vacation package is cheaper than planning the trip on your own. However, always compare the prices of all the Northern Lights tours to choose the best option for you.
Which is the best Northern Lights destination this year?
Have you already decided where to spend your next Northern Lights holidays? Remember: it’s very important to travel during the best time to see the Northern Lights. If not, you won’t see them, no matter which tour you hire.
Feel free to leave me a comment if you need help with anything. Nothing would make me happier than helping you fulfill your dream of seeing the Northern Lights.
I am 81 and depend pn a wheelchair. Alaska would be of interest and travel by water preferable, but not written in stone. I would have a companion.
Hope you can get to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, it’s an amazing place to see the Aurora 😉
This information is super helpful. However, due to time constraints, we may only have 2 days max for the northern light experience in Sweden. Further more, we are visiting in end sep/early oct. We also realised that most Tour groups only start end oct onwards. Do you think we should drop the plan entirely or would you have any suggested companies we can approach?
Hi Katherine,
This one-day tour from Kiruna is a great option, but it’s available starting in mid-October. If you can change your travel dates, it’s well worth it!
Thank you, found your article helpful. I am in Sweden on a short visit and was planning to visit a place to see the Northern Lights either this weekend or next. (I know its way too ambitious to think I will get to see), but given my short trip, don’t have much choice. That said, would you recommend a place that I should attempt to go to?
Hi Venkat,
Where exactly in Sweden are you? The northern, the better when chasing the Northern Lights!
Ascen
Hello, I am interested on going to the Best Value Aurora Viewing Tour, for me a and my son. I want to know how much is for the tour. We are coming from San Antonio, TX. Do you have military veterans discount. We want to go on spring break around 3/15. What city do we flight into. Is lodging provided? Please advise. Thank you
Hi Juan,
We have just selected the best Northern Lights trips for 2022 but we don’t run these tours. I recommend you to contact directly with the organizer of the tour that you like by clicking on the links on our article. Anyway, March is a great time to see the Northern Lights and I wish you luck for your Aurora Viewing Tour.
Ascen
Very interesting; useful information. Planning stages, this helps.
Thanks Mike! Good luck chasing the Aurora on your trips!
This was super helpful thank you! I hope to get myself together to do this before my 40 th birthday in February
Thanks Bradley! hope you can fulfill your Northern Lights dream 😉