Experiencing the northern lights is a must-do, and 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect time to see them. Few sights are as breathtaking as watching the sky come alive with swirling greens and purples. However, spotting the elusive Aurora Borealis requires a bit of luck and some favorable weather conditions. By joining a guided tour led by experts, you can greatly improve your chances of witnessing this natural wonder. Many tours also include exciting daytime activities to enrich your journey. Here are some top tours for northern lights viewing.

Chasing the Aurora Borealis

Instead of sitting still and hoping for the northern lights to appear, adventurous travelers can increase their chances by actively seeking them out. On these tours, knowledgeable guides will identify the best nearby locations each night to maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora. Typically, they make multiple stops at prime viewing areas to capture various perspectives of the lights.

▶ Tour: The Northern Lights Escape in Iceland by Intrepid Travel (check out our review of the company) takes you across Iceland’s South Coast and Golden Circle to search for the dazzling displays. This tour also includes visits to Reykjavik, stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and unique black sand beaches.

A Multi-Country Adventure

Enhance your chances of experiencing the lights by venturing through two countries on one tour. Tours focused on the Northern Lights that cover popular locations in Finland and Sweden provide a wider range of opportunities (and picturesque backdrops) for viewing. You can also immerse yourself in cultural experiences that delve into the rich folklore surrounding this stunning phenomenon.

▶ Tour: The Scandinavian Northern Lights tour by Trafalgar (read our review of the tour operator) is a nine-day journey through both Sweden and Finland. Throughout the trip, you’ll have the chance to learn about the indigenous Sámi culture, explore both Stockholm and Helsinki, and, weather permitting, witness the spectacular aurora borealis.

Adventurous Arctic Safaris

If you’re the kind of person who craves thrills while enjoying the lights overhead, consider an Arctic Lapland Safari. This tour can include exhilarating activities such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and even accommodation in a treehouse amid the snowy landscape.

▶ Tour: Red Savannah’s Arctic Lapland Safari combines luxury with adventure, featuring opportunities to meet the Sámi people, engage in ice fishing, and participate in ice sculpting.

Photography Tours for Aurora Lovers

Few places on Earth rival Churchill, Canada for viewing the aurora borealis. Known for its polar bear tours, this Manitoba town sits by a bay that freezes in winter, minimizing cloud coverage and enhancing your chances of seeing bright aurora displays. A photography-centric tour will equip you with tips to capture this breathtaking spectacle, ensuring you bring back stunning memories.

▶ Tour: Natural Habitat Adventures’ Northern Lights Photography Expedition pairs you with experienced photographers who guide you through activities like dog sledding and snowshoeing during the day. At night, they take you to exceptional spots, including an Aurora Pod and a geodesic Aurora Sphere, to experience the lights and help you photograph the magic.

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Aurora Cruises

One of the most immersive ways to experience the northern lights is from the deck of a ship in open waters. Some cruise itineraries take passengers through regions where the aurora may unfold above them. Voyagers heading to Alaska, Iceland, Greenland, and Norway in the fall and winter seasons might be lucky enough to witness the lights while sailing.

▶ Tour: The Wild West Coast to East Greenland expedition cruise by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (here’s our detailed overview of the company) offers the chance to witness the northern lights alongside a National Geographic expert. The trip also features night photography lessons from a professional photographer.

Hot Springs and Lights

The northern lights are usually seen in very cold regions, making it a unique experience to view them from the warmth of geothermal hot springs.

▶ Tours: The Northern Lights and Blue Lagoon tour by Iceland Air includes a visit to the renowned Blue Lagoon and a nighttime cruise to spot the northern lights. Alternatively, the Northern Lights and Sky Lagoon tour provides the opportunity to see the lights from another of Iceland’s geothermal pools.

Experience Via Train

In Norway, take the Northern Lights Train, also known as the Arctic Circle Express, to escape the distractions of city lights. As you travel, you can gaze through the window for a chance to spot the northern lights against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Listen to enchanting stories about the northern lights and see beautiful fjords and snowy scenery. Upon reaching your destination, cozy up by a bonfire while tasting traditional pastries.

▶ Tour: UpNorway offers an Arctic Circle Express Train tour, which can be tailored for optimal aurora viewing. This tour also features hikes, visits to charming towns, and more.

In Canada, Dan’s Diner, a unique pop-up restaurant with panoramic glass ceilings, travels to ideal locations near Churchill to provide an incredible viewpoint for the northern lights. Guests wanting an immersive experience can enjoy the lights while gathered around a campfire just outside the diner.

▶ Tour: Join Frontiers North Adventures for a chance to witness the northern lights from Dan’s Diner, which might also include activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding, and exploring on fat-tire bikes through the boreal forest.

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With a Wake-Up Call

Certain hotels even offer wake-up calls for aurora sightings. This option is ideal for those who wish to avoid staying up late waiting for the lights but still want to catch the display. Typically, these hotels can notify guests in the middle of the night if the lights become visible. Guests can choose to view them from the comfort of their room or venture outside for a better look. Hotels like Hotel Ranga in Iceland enhance the experience by offering snowsuits and hot chocolate, so guests can enjoy the view without having to dress warmly.

▶ Tour: Iceland’s Hotel Ranga can arrange personalized tours filled with daytime adventures along the South Coast and Golden Circle, followed by opportunities for northern lights observation at night. Guests can view the aurora from geothermal hot tubs outside their rooms or by dry land with the assistance of the hotel’s on-site astronomer.

These unique Northern Lights tours offer unforgettable ways to see the Aurora Borealis originally appeared on TourScoop.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of YSL News. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Utilizing the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we evaluate and select family vacation concepts, prime vacation destinations, all-inclusive family resorts, and timeless family vacations for all ages. TourScoop features guided group tours and tour operators, reviews of tour operators, itinerary evaluations, and advice on travel gear.