The Ultimate Guide to Northern Lights Tours 2026
Guided aurora borealis viewing tours, typically departing at night to dark-sky locations away from city light pollution. Expert guides use real-time Kp index data and local knowledge to maximise sighting chances. Dress in extreme-cold-rated layers and be prepared to wait patiently — the reward of seeing the sky erupt in green, purple and red is incomparable.
Season: September to March
Available in: 5 destinations worldwide
Best Destinations for Northern Lights Tours
- Rovaniemi — Aurora: 7/10, $130/day
- Akureyri — Aurora: 8/10, $160/day
- Dawson City — Aurora: 8/10, $130/day
- Nordkapp — Aurora: 9/10, $160/day
- Svalbard — Aurora: 10/10, $280/day
What to Expect
Northern Lights Tours is one of the most popular activities in the polar regions. Sessions typically last 2-4 hours, with operators providing all necessary equipment and safety briefings. Most tours operate in groups of 4-12 people, though private experiences are available at a premium.
Typical Schedule
- Pickup from your hotel (30-60 min before activity)
- Safety briefing and equipment fitting (15-20 min)
- Main activity (1.5-3 hours depending on tour type)
- Warm drinks and snacks (most operators include this)
- Return transfer to hotel
What's Usually Included
- All necessary equipment and safety gear
- Thermal suits/outer layers (most operators in Scandinavia)
- Hot drinks and sometimes snacks
- Guided instruction
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
What to Bring
- Thermal base layers (merino wool recommended)
- Warm hat and gloves (backup pair)
- Camera with charged battery
- Hand warmers
Costs
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Group tour (2-3h) | $80–180 |
| Private tour (2-3h) | $250–500 |
| Full-day experience | $200–400 |
| Multi-day expedition | $500–2,000+ |
Tour Operators
- Tromsø Outdoor (Northern Norway) — $90-180
- Arctic Adventures (Iceland) — $80-160
- Lights Over Lapland (Swedish & Finnish Lapland) — $150-400
- Aurora Village (Yellowknife, Canada) — $50-120
- The Aurora Zone (Scandinavia & Iceland) — $1200-3500
Best Time of Year
September to March. Peak months offer the best conditions combined with aurora viewing opportunities — you can often combine northern lights tours with northern lights viewing on the same trip.
Safety
Northern Lights Tours operators in all major polar destinations maintain high safety standards. Always:
- Listen to your guide's instructions
- Wear all provided safety equipment
- Inform guides of any medical conditions
- Stay within designated areas
- Follow weight/age restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience?
No. All tours cater to beginners with full instruction provided. More advanced options exist for experienced participants.What's the minimum age?
Varies by operator and activity type. Generally 6-12 years for family tours, 16-18 for more extreme experiences. Check with your specific operator.Should I book in advance?
Yes — 2-4 weeks ahead during peak season (December-February). Popular operators sell out.Can I combine this with northern lights viewing?
Absolutely. Many evening tours are timed to include aurora viewing. Your guide will point out any aurora activity during the experience.Explore all Northern Lights Tours destinations on PolarTourist.