Eyes on the Skies

Everybody should see the northern lights at least once. Thankfully there are more ways than ever to do so, with unique experiences in Iceland, Greenland, Lapland and Norway

The indigenous people of the Arctic Circle had some interesting ideas about what sparked the northern lights. In Finland, they attributed the aerial light show to a magical fox who sprayed snow into the sky with his tail. The Sámi people, from what is now Lapland, believed the lights were the souls of the departed, while Labrador Inuits believed they were a result of the dead playing football with a walrus skull in the sky. The Norwegians, on the other hand, thought that the aurora borealis was caused by the spirits of old maids dancing in the heavens-a belief their Viking descendants took with them to Scotland when they settled there.

Wherever and whenever they occur, the northern lights always inspire awe in the human witnesses below. Even today, when we know what causes them (charged particles from the sun striking atoms in our atmosphere), seeing the night sky come to life with shimmering sheets of celestial fire still retains much of the mystery that enthralled our ancestors.

If you’re planning an aurora-seeking adventure of your own, Regent Holidays’ Arctic specialists can help you create a bespoke itinerary to Iceland, Greenland, Lapland or Norway. Each destination has its own fascinating culture to explore and a very special way to see the lights.

Iceland

Iceland’s capital Reykjavik is an arty, edgy place, with a lively creative scene. It’s also one of the only major cities far enough north to get a good view of the lights, making it a great base for trips to the more remote interior. Try hiring a modified superjeep and heading out to track down the lights. Regent Holidays’ itineraries also take in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon and the volcanic Eyjafjallajökull glacier, where the lights can be even brighter. Don’t miss Pingvellir National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site, and Alþingi, seat of the world’s first democratic parliament, founded by Vikings in 930 AD.

Best For: relaxing in a geothermal spa as you drink in the celestial spectacle.

Greenland

The world’s largest non-continental island experiences the northern lights all year round, but the midnight sun of the Greenlandic summer means they’re mostly invisible between April and August. Visit outside of then though, and you’ll find a remote, often desolate, but starkly beautiful nation. Regent Holidays will arrange for you to stay in Kangerlussuaq, one of the best places to see the lights thanks to its clear skies (on average, the town has more than 300 cloudless days a year). It sits on the boundary between the green coast and the blues of the icecap, so you can spend your days exploring the fjords before embarking on a husky trek deep into the interior to hunt out the lights.

Before you leave, make sure you visit Roklubben: Kangerlussuaq’s best restaurant specialises in the use of local ingredients, and the chef there makes some uniquely delicious schnapps based on seasonal herbs and spices.

Best For: experiencing an authentic way of life in one of the world’s more remote regions.

Lapland

Tucked away in the far north of Finland, Lapland feels like the end of the earth. And in a way it is: at its extreme tip you’re further north than Canada and most of Alaska. The sense of space in the vast open snowfields gives everything a touch of the otherworldly. With Regent Holidays you have a choice of accommodation, including log cabins, ice houses or glass-roofed igloos. The clean air and lack of light means the night sky is incredibly clear; watching the lights dance as you lie in bed is unforgettable. Spend your days sledding or snowmobiling across the tundra before pulling on your skis and heading into the forests in search of the aurora. If you’re bold enough to brave the elements, try a traditional Finnish smoke sauna, finished off with a leap into the frozen river. From December, you can arrange a stay in the Arctic Tree Hotel in Lapland’s capital, Rovaniemi. Spending a tranquil night among the treetops make for a truly memorable experience.

Best For: snuggling up and enjoying nature’s show.

Norway

Statistically, Norway offers your best chance of catching the aurora. That’s because the country has plenty of low-population areas with very little light pollution, which conveniently sit at the right latitude. Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago to the north of Norway and home of the world’s most northerly town, Longyearbyen. Lights can appear at any time of the day or night; visit during a cycle of 24-hour darkness so that you can carry on with activities such as dog sledding or a snowmobile or snowcat trek across the icy tundra without having to wait for a show. Tie it in with trips to the Lofoten islands or Tromsø and you’re guaranteed an experience to really write home about.

Best For: an exhilarating aurora borealis experience on the snow.