What can I do to enhance my chances of witnessing the northern lights during an Arctic adventure?

In this series, the Dinogo Planet team addresses your travel inquiries and shares tips and tricks for a smooth journey. We thought this question would be ideal for LP author Kerry Walker, who has a long-standing passion for icy, remote locations, snow, and the northern lights.

Question: We’re considering a winter getaway to the Arctic but can’t decide between Finland, Norway, or Sweden. Which destination would you suggest? We’ve also heard that there’s no guarantee of seeing the northern lights if we only stay for a few days. What other activities can we enjoy?

Kerry Walker: Absolutely. Witnessing the northern lights dance across the night sky is a memory you’ll cherish forever. However, there are no tickets for this show, and the aurora borealis doesn’t perform on command (or with a simple booking). While the unpredictability of the lights adds to their allure, it can be quite disheartening if you’ve set your heart on seeing them after investing time and money to travel to the Arctic—only to be met with disappointment.

However, before you prepare for potential letdowns, be aware that there are several strategies to boost your chances.

The light beyond

The northern lights grace polar regions from September to April, but your best odds are during the dark days and lengthy nights of the Polar Night (late November to mid-January), when the sun remains below the horizon. Choosing your location is key: opt for a base situated directly beneath the aurora oval, which encircles the Earth’s geomagnetic North Pole. The darker and more secluded the area, the better. After that, it’s up to chance: the clarity of the skies and the intensity of solar activity.

It’s crucial to remember that witnessing the northern lights shouldn’t be the sole purpose of your Arctic journey. They are a delightful bonus, not a guarantee. Plan a trip you would enjoy even without the lights. Trust me—it’s enchanting up there regardless. When you think of the Arctic, you might envision a desolate white landscape, but it’s truly breathtaking: the soft hues of potential sunrises and sunsets; the untouched snow and ice formations; the frozen forests, hills, and mountains.

Embrace the chill

There are countless ways to revel in this beauty. Winter in the Arctic isn’t about hibernating under reindeer hides; it’s about layering up in thermals, snowsuits, and sturdy boots and plunging into the snow—whether you’re in Lapland in Finland, Arctic Sweden, or Norway.

Even the tiniest villages often burst with activities, from snowmobiling and dogsledding to reindeer-pulled sleigh rides, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing (both downhill and cross-country), sea kayaking, and even ice floating (yes, that’s a real thing). These experiences aren’t solely for tourists; locals participate as well. While it’s tempting to do everything, remember to consider the severe weather and biting cold. Adopting a less-is-more mindset, with one major activity each day, allows you to savor the surroundings, observe wildlife, and soak in the tranquility and grandeur of the Arctic.

Organize your adventure

The options for destinations are endless. Finland often offers more competitive pricing (especially if you snag a deal outside the peak Santa season in December) and is easier to reach (with direct flights to Rovaniemi). Norway shines with its dramatic, towering mountains, while Sweden captivates with its remote, less-traveled wilderness.

If you’re open to traveling in a small group, guided tours are plentiful and can save you a significant amount, especially if you plan to engage in numerous activities. Companies like Intrepid, Exodus, Much Better Adventures, Responsible Travel, The Aurora Zone, and Discover the World specialize in Arctic adventures. The benefit of booking a package is the upfront pricing, as most include flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, and activities.

For those considering an independent trip, the Arctic is full of possibilities. You might not think of Finnish Lapland for skiing, where the fells reach a modest height of 1000m (3281ft), but it’s worth a thought. The crowds are minimal, and the frigid polar winters create perfect powder for cross-country, downhill, and off-piste skiing at resorts like Levi and Ylläs. For a quieter experience, venture further north to places like Saariselkä, the entryway to the enchanting landscapes of Urho Kekkonen National Park or Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, which border Sweden, offering some of the cleanest air in the world and a plethora of adventurous activities.

The Arctic’s hidden gems

Swedish Lapland is lesser-known and a bit more challenging to access (you’ll need a flight to Stockholm followed by a connection to Kiruna). But it is truly stunning—especially if you stay in places like Abisko, which borders an incredibly wild national park and is famous for offering some of the best northern lights experiences through its Aurora Sky Station. In Jukkasjärvi, the original Icehotel, rebuilt every year, is a destination in its own right, featuring a variety of Arctic activities such as dogsledding, Sámi reindeer encounters, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, moose safaris, and northern lights photography workshops.

Norway is equally enchanting, boasting towering mountains. The islands provide breathtaking scenery—consider visiting Lofoten or Senja, or travel to Rebbenesøya, just north of the easily accessible Tromsø, for Arctic camping and winter activities like kayaking, skiing, and snowshoeing at Elements Arctic Camp. Positioned midway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard has more polar bears than people, retaining the charm it held for early explorers, particularly when you venture into the snowy wilderness on multi-day dogsledding or snowmobiling trips.

If you’re set on witnessing the northern lights at all costs, consider a Hurtigruten Cruise. During the aurora season, the company offers a Northern Lights Promise on journeys exceeding 11 nights—if the lights don’t make an appearance, they’ll provide you with a complimentary week-long northbound cruise to try again.