Chasing the Northern Lights: My Favourite Luxury Lapland Stays for Winter 2026/27

There is nothing quite like the moment the sky starts to move. If seeing the aurora is on your list, a luxury northern lights holiday is one of the most magical trips I plan, and this winter is a lovely time to do it.

Here's my honest guide to where I'd send you, the stays I love, and how to give yourself the best possible chance of a sighting.

The short answer

• Where: Finnish Lapland, Swedish Lapland or Arctic Norway. All three sit under the auroral zone, so your odds are good wherever you choose.

• When: ideally January to March, when the nights are long and dark but you also get some daylight for husky rides and snowy adventures.

• How long: three to four nights at the very least, and more if you can. The lights depend on clear skies, so every extra night is another chance.

Is 2026/27 still a good year for the northern lights?

Yes, though it helps to know what's going on with the sun. The Met Office says solar maximum came in 2024 to 2025 and the sun's activity is now in its declining phase (Met Office).

That doesn't mean the show is over. The Met Office points out that strong space weather events can still happen as activity falls, and historically many significant ones have come during the declining phase (Met Office). In the far north the aurora is a regular sight in any year: the Finnish Meteorological Institute says that in northern Lapland, three nights out of four have northern lights when the sky is clear enough (Finnish Meteorological Institute).

So the bigger factors for you are where you stay, how many nights you have, and the weather, which is why I plan these trips the way I do.

My favourite luxury stays for the northern lights

Finnish Lapland: glass igloos and aurora cabins. This is where you can watch the sky from your bed. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort near Saariselkä is the original glass igloo resort, with glass igloos and Kelo-Glass igloos that pair a cosy log cabin with a glass-roofed bedroom, plus husky and reindeer safaris.

In Levi, Levin Iglut – Golden Crown has glass igloos on a hillside, including Suite Igloos with a private terrace and jacuzzi. It's a gorgeous choice for couples, with the ski resort and restaurants of Levi close by.

Swedish Lapland: ICEHOTEL. In Jukkasjärvi near Kiruna, ICEHOTEL is rebuilt each winter from ice from the Torne River, so it's never quite the same twice. I love combining a night in the cold rooms with warm suites, as the hotel offers both. It also runs northern lights packages and activities like dog sledding.

Arctic Norway: Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps. About three hours from Tromsø, Lyngen North sits beside the Lyngenfjord with the Lyngen Alps across the water. Its glass igloos and Sky Suites, which have panoramic windows and a private hot tub, are a spectacular place to wait for the lights. I'd usually pair it with a night or two in Tromsø itself.

A Norwegian coastal cruise

If you love the idea of waking up somewhere new each day, a voyage along the Norwegian coast is a wonderful way to chase the aurora, as you move with the weather rather than waiting for it.

For a more luxurious way to chase the lights, Viking's In Search of Northern Lights is a 13-day voyage between London (Tilbury) and Tromsø, with departures in 2027. It calls at Edinburgh, Bergen, Narvik and Harstad, spends two days in Alta and finishes in Tromsø, and an excursion in each port is included. Leaving from London means you can skip the outbound flight.

Hurtigruten's Coastal Express sails the length of the Norwegian coast, and its Northern Lights Promise covers voyages of 11 days or more between 20 September and 31 March. Its UK site also lists packages with charter flights from Manchester, Stansted, Gatwick and Newcastle. Terms apply, so I'll talk you through the detail.

If you're weighing up cruising more generally, my guide on whether a luxury cruise is worth it may help.

My tips for the best chance of seeing the lights

• Stay longer: cloud is the most common reason people miss the aurora, so more nights means more chances.

• Find dark skies: get away from town lights. This is where remote igloo resorts and guided excursions really earn their place.

• Watch the clock: Visit Finland says the best viewing window is typically between 9pm and 2am (Visit Finland).

• Check the moon: a bright full moon can wash out fainter displays, so where you have flexibility I'll look at the moon phase when choosing your dates.

• Use the forecasts: keep an eye on cloud forecasts and aurora alerts, and let your guides move you to clearer skies.

Getting there from Northamptonshire

There are seasonal flights from the UK to Lapland and northern Norway, though routes and schedules change from season to season, and some run only around Christmas. I'll check the best options for your dates from the airports closest to you, including Birmingham, Luton and the London airports, and find the most comfortable routing for you.

Planning with me is free. I book through my partners at Not Just Travel. Where your holiday is a package that includes flights, it is ATOL protected, and I'll confirm exactly how your booking is protected before you pay anything.

Prefer warmth this winter instead? Have a look at my guide to luxury winter sun.

Call 01604 926 464, email becky@westawaytravel.co.uk, or get in touch via my contact page to book a free planning appointment.

FAQs

Can you see the northern lights in December?

Yes. December has the longest nights, so the viewing window is big. You do get less daylight for activities, which is why I often suggest January to March for a balance of both.

Are the northern lights guaranteed?

No. The aurora is natural and depends on solar activity and clear skies. Some coastal voyages offer a promise of a free future voyage if you don't see the lights, with terms, but no one can guarantee a sighting.

How many nights do I need?

I'd say three to four nights as a minimum, and five or more if you can. The more nights you have, the better your chances of a clear sky.

Finnish, Swedish or Norwegian Lapland: which is best?

Finland is my pick for glass igloos and classic snowy forest. Sweden is home to ICEHOTEL. Norway adds fjords, mountains and the option of a coastal cruise. All three are excellent for the aurora, so it comes down to the experience you want.

Can I combine this with a family Christmas trip to Lapland?

Absolutely. Many families see the lights on a Christmas trip, and I can add an extra night or a glass igloo stay. Have a read of my guide on booking Lapland for Christmas for timings.