Secure the best dates to see the Northern Lights – book now for 2027
























Witnessing the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights is a dream for many. As a travel authority for more than 50 years, we have carefully crafted Northern Lights tours that bring this dream within reach, putting you in prime position to witness one of nature's most breathtaking phenomena amid stunning scenery.
For a globe-trotting adventure, choose from incredible Scandinavia vacations that not only offer unforgettable landscapes, but also put local culture at the forefront. Ride scenic railways like the Nordland Railway and Ofoten Railway, cruise along dramatic fjords, and delve into local indigenous culture. You could also stay closer to home, witnessing nature's greatest light show in the Alaskan skies in beautiful and remote places such as Chena Hot Springs or Bettles Lodge. Find your perfect Northern Lights experience with Great Rail Journeys.

With clear skies and a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, there is no better time to view the Northern Lights than during the long winter months.

Exchange the Northern Lights for the "Midnight Sun" during these months when long daylight hours make it nearly impossible to spot the wonder.

As the seasons start to change and the nights stretch longer, it may be possible to catch a glimpse of the Lights as "Aurora season" begins once more.

Although some cloud cover can obscure the view, the winter-clad landscapes and long nights make an incredible setting for hunting the Northern Lights.





Seek the magical aurora borealis on a sensational winter journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage, riding the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali. An evening in the wilderness provides a great chance to catch the Northern Lights, while an exciting dog-sled ride through the snow-covered tundra and a curling lesson help uncover the...





Embark on spellbinding Scandinavian rail journeys from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to Swedish Lapland, visiting the best places to see the Aurora Borealis, with many opportunities to experience these swirling lights. Travelling by rail through amazing landscapes, cross the Arctic Circle to Bodø to seek the ethereal Northern Lights on...







By day and night, immerse yourself in the wonders of an Alaskan winter. With its far-north location, this state is one of the best places in North America to see the Aurora Borealis, and this journey features plenty of opportunities to do just that. Venture into the state's remote interior aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train,...







Experience the Northern Lights like never before on this independent trip into Alaska's backcountry to Borealis Basecamp. Set just outside of Fairbanks, this unique hotel immerses you in the spirit of Alaska with fantastic excursions, including dog sledding, and presents the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of private fiberglass igloos. ...







Embrace winter's natural beauty and Alaska's frontier spirit on this week-long journey featuring Fairbanks and Anchorage. In Fairbanks, spend your days exploring independently and your nights chasing the Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs Resort and a backcountry yurt. Then, traverse 350 miles of the remote, untouched Alaskan interior to...





Experience Norway in magical winter, first exploring Oslo and Bergen with an epic journey on the spectacularly scenic Bergen Railway, before embarking on a six-night cruise into the enthralling Arctic wilderness. Our northbound sea voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes passes beautiful fjords, and crosses the Arctic Circle, before a husky sled ride into...







America's Last Frontier is filled with wild beauty and fascinating cities, and you get a taste of both on this wintertime vacation. Travel between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Alaska Railroad before flying into the Arctic Circle for a two-night stay at Bettles Lodge. Here, with unspoiled views of the Brooks Range, you can spend your days...







Powder-capped mountains and frosty landscapes beckon in America's winter wonderland, Alaska. Here, the days are short, the nights are long, and snow covers the terrain to create storybook scenery during your four-day vacation. Split your time between Anchorage and Talkeetna, venturing between them on the storied rails of the Alaska Railroad...







Two national parks, endless mountain scenes and remote landscapes blanketed in snow set the stage for this independent vacation. With ten days split between Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, this journey paints a memorable picture of a Canadian winter. Experience beautiful winter scenery from an unforgettable vantage point...







Beautiful vistas and incredible adventures lie ahead on this journey through America's Last Frontier. Travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Alaska Railroad, surrounded by pristine wilderness, and experience Fairbanks your way before heading into the backcountry in search of the elusive Northern Lights. Complete with a two-day stay at...







One of the best places in the world for auroral activity, Swedish Lapland is as remote as it is scenic. Heritage and tradition are the beating heart of the region and experiencing morsels of this culture in highly scenic locations immerses you in Sweden in ways you could have only imagined previously. This expedition presents the opportunity to do...
From Norway's Lofoten Islands and Sweden's Arctic town of Kiruna to the vast wilderness of Alaska, our Northern Lights tours are designed around destinations known for the most mesmerizing displays. These remote locations offer crisp air, dark skies and minimal light pollution - ideal conditions for witnessing the Northern Lights in all their glory.
Our itineraries are scheduled during the best times of year to see the Northern Lights, from the snow-dusted landscapes of November to the long, clear nights of January through to March. On a tour with us, you can travel when chances are at their highest and the surroundings at their most magical.
On one of our most unique itineraries, Northern Lights on a Winter Arctic Cruise, you can enjoy a magical journey through Norway's dramatic fjords and into the Arctic Circle. This special journey offers unforgettable ways to chase the Northern Lights, from standing beneath snow-lit skies to watching from the comfort of a modern cruise ship, so you can experience this natural wonder from extraordinary vantage points.
Our expert Tour Managers and thoughtfully planned itineraries mean you can enjoy the adventure without any worries. We handle all the details, from travel and accommodation to excursions and local insight, so you can focus on soaking up the scenery and culture, and watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky.