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northern lights in lapland

Northern Lights Holidays in Lapland

Discover sparkling snow-dusted scenery at its best and chase the aurora on one of these Lapland northern lights holidays. Your regional travel expert will plan everything for you, including accommodation, airport transfers and optional excursions.

13 tours available

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3 days
6 days

Prices per adult based on bookings for two

1466 EUR
2991 EUR
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Finland
Best seller
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
December

Best of Lapland - Guaranteed Departure

DECEMBER 18, 2024

2474EUR

Eur

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Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
December

2474EUR

EUR

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Finland
Best seller
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
4.9
Dec - Mar

Best of Lapland Classic - Rovaniemi

2034EUR

Eur

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Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Dec - Mar

2034EUR

EUR

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Sweden
Best seller
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Dec - Mar

Classic Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

2341EUR

Eur

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Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Dec - Mar

2341EUR

EUR

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Sweden
Best seller
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Dec - Mar

Lapland Adventure - Aurora Sky Station

2164EUR

Eur

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Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Dec - Mar

2164EUR

EUR

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Sweden
Partially Guided
4 days / 3 nights
Dec - Mar

Express Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

1960EUR

Eur

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4 days / 3 nights
Dec - Mar

1960EUR

EUR

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Sweden
Partially Guided
6 days / 5 nights
4.9
Dec - Mar

Lapland Adventure - Aurora Sky Station & ICEHOTEL

2991EUR

Eur

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6 days / 5 nights
Dec - Mar

2991EUR

EUR

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Finland
Partially Guided
3 days / 2 nights
Dec - Mar

Winter Getaway at the Arctic Snowhotel

1477EUR

Eur

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3 days / 2 nights
Dec - Mar

1477EUR

EUR

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Finland
Partially Guided
4 days / 3 nights
December

Winter Adventure at the Arctic Snowhotel

2458EUR

Eur

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4 days / 3 nights
December

2458EUR

EUR

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Finland
Partially Guided
6 days / 5 nights
Dec-Mar

Best of Lapland Complete - Rovaniemi

2464EUR

Eur

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6 days / 5 nights
Dec-Mar

2464EUR

EUR

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Finland
Partially Guided
4 days / 3 nights
Dec - Mar

Best of Lapland Express - Rovaniemi

1838EUR

Eur

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4 days / 3 nights
Dec - Mar

1838EUR

EUR

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Sweden
Partially Guided
4 days / 3 nights
Dec - Mar

Kiruna Cabin Getaway & Northern Lights

1466EUR

Eur

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4 days / 3 nights
Dec - Mar

1466EUR

EUR

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Sweden
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Dec 23

Christmas Adventure in Swedish Lapland

1896EUR

Eur

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5 days / 4 nights
Dec 23

1896EUR

EUR

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Sweden
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Dec 29

New Years Adventure in Swedish Lapland

1688EUR

Eur

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5 days / 4 nights
Dec 29

1688EUR

EUR

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About Your Lapland Northern Lights Holiday

Carefully curated, these itineraries are designed to maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights.

Enjoy a range of exciting excursions in the snow and benefit from the insider knowledge of your regional travel consultant. They will make all of the arrangements for your accommodation, airport transfers and excursions on your behalf.

When you book a Lapland northern lights tour with Nordic Visitor, you get:

• An authentic travel experience planned by an established and trusted agency
• A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your tour
• A detailed online personal itinerary
Handpicked accommodation for a comfortable stay
24/7 phone support for peace of mind
Tour itineraries that make the most of the winter season

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your getaway. Simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour
2. Confirm your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip

Why Choose Nordic Visitor

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Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor has been creating memorable travel experiences in Northern Europe ever since. We have dedicated travel consultants based in Stockholm who know Lapland inside out. They are on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to provide personal recommendations for your trip.

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You are in good hands

If anything unexpected crops up on your trip, don’t worry. Our 24/7 helpline means that we are only a call away in the unlikely case of bad weather, or an unforeseen event affecting your tour. Give us a call, and we will be able to rework your itinerary, while keeping you safe and informed.

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Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

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Hassle-free experience

Save time and effort by letting us do the leg-work for you. We will arrange your accommodation, airport transfers and excursions on your behalf. Our first-hand knowledge of the regions means that we have curated the best activities, ensuring that you have a memorable trip.

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Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event that the company experiences insolvency.

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Handpicked hotels

Your accommodation is selected based on quality, location and character. We’ve personally visited each accommodation on your trip to ensure that it meets our high standards. Rest easy in the knowledge that you’ll be sleeping peacefully somewhere that’s comfortable, clean and has a friendly atmosphere.

LAPLAND NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR REVIEWS

Read these reviews and find out what our wonderful clients enjoyed most about their trip to Lapland.

A

AdamItaly

Everything was great. The tour guides and employees were extremely friendly and professional. They accommodated us as... read more

Everything was great. The tour guides and employees were extremely friendly and professional. They accommodated us as best they could whenever we needed something. I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor and this package to anyone. Dress warm! 

Once in a lifetime experience! Thank you! It couldn't have gone better.

 

N

Nicola

We enjoyed all of the elements of our tour but in particular the safari by snowmobile tour which started at Nikkaluokta... read more

We enjoyed all of the elements of our tour but in particular the safari by snowmobile tour which started at Nikkaluokta was fantastic and this was our highlight. We weren't expecting to see as many Moose as we did, the food was delicious and the tour guide was very friendly.
1000+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Certificate of Excellence
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Your Lapland Highlights

Go on guided aurora excursions into the beautiful countryside and enjoy time to explore Lapland’s charming towns at your leisure. Visit Lapland and soon you could…

  • Whizz across snow-blanketed plains seeking the northern lights on a snowmobile safari
  • Delight in meeting Father Christmas and his elves at Santa Claus Village in Finnish Lapland
  • Head to the vast wilderness of Abisko National Park, one of Sweden’s best places for aurora-spotting
  • Savour a delicious gourmet dinner and take a northern lights tour at Abisko’s Aurora Sky Station
  • Mush a team of huskies on a dog sledding excursion and experience this traditional form of transport
  • Visit a reindeer farm and learn about the culture of the Sámi, Lapland’s native people
  • Relax and unwind in the sauna after a day of exploring Lapland’s beautiful landscapes
  • Stay in unique places, such as glass igloos, or an ice room at the Arctic SnowHotel
  • Tour the original ICEHOTEL, a frozen masterpiece that is sculpted anew each winter

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
LAPLAND NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS

Find out more about northern lights Lapland experiences, and get helpful information on the best times and places to see the aurora in these FAQs.

If you still have questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can also learn about our flexible Book with Confidence travel plan, find out how to make a booking, or check out our FAQs.

Yes, Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights.*

Located in Northern Europe, Lapland lies within the Arctic Circle in a region known as the “northern lights belt”. This area, also known as the “aurora zone”, encircles the earth at latitudes of 65-72°N.

All of the key ingredients that need to come together for you to see the aurora borealis are present in both Swedish and Finnish Lapland. These include high latitudes, long winter nights and low light pollution.

*Please note that, even in Lapland, the northern lights can’t be guaranteed as they are a natural phenomenon.

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so unfortunately sightings can’t be guaranteed on any trip. However, our Lapland northern lights tours are designed to increase your chances of seeing the aurora.

Before you travel your dedicated travel consultant will answer any questions you have about spotting the northern lights. They will also provide you with a detailed itinerary and personal recommendations for your trip.

While you are in Lapland, you will also benefit from the knowledge of experienced guides who will take you to the best places for sightings.

To maximise your chances of seeing the aurora, you could add extra northern lights excursions to your trip or extend your stay from 3 days to 4 days, 5 days or 6 days. Of course, the more time you are able to spend in Lapland the greater your chances of seeing the aurora will be.

Although the northern lights occur all year round, they can only be seen when it’s dark.

Thanks to its extreme northern latitudes, Lapland’s winter nights are long and dark. So if you are hoping to tick seeing the northern lights off your bucket list, then December to March are the best months to visit.

Find out the answers to FAQs about seeing the northern lights during these months, along with plenty of other helpful information:


There are also a variety of thrilling things to do in Lapland from December to March. So even if the northern lights don't make an appearance, you will still have an incredible winter break in Lapland.

You can visit anytime from December to March and you could:

  • Go mushing through the snow on a dog sled
  • Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
  • Explore the countryside by snowmobile
  • Have a private meeting with Santa Claus
  • Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
  • Try skiing, ice fishing or snowshoeing
  • Experience local Sámi customs and cuisine
  • See Arctic animals in their native habitat
  • Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna

Read more about the best Lapland holidays for a winter getaway on our expert's blog.

You can see the northern lights anywhere in Lapland as long as the skies are dark enough and there are low levels of light pollution

Head to Lapland’s remote landscapes for the best chance of spotting the aurora. These wide-open spaces are not only great for chasing the aurora, but are also perfect for enjoying a range of winter excursions. You could go on a reindeer safari, or ride a snowmobile across snow-blanketed plains.

Stay in one of the best places to see the northern lights in Lapland on one of our tours. These locations have been chosen for their fun winter excursions, expert guides and best chances of seeing the northern lights.

Finnish Lapland
Here are the best places to go in Finnish Lapland:


Thankfully you don’t have to go as far north as Lake Inari to see the northern lights in Finland. Slightly further south, you’ll find Rovaniemi, one of the top aurora hunting locations in Finnish Lapland.

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is renowned as the “official hometown” of Santa Claus. As a large town, Rovaniemi does experience some light pollution. However, this is just the perfect excuse to venture into the surrounding countryside on a northern lights excursion.

Find out what else you can do on a Lapland Santa Holiday.

Read this detailed guide to the best times and places to see the northern lights in Finland and explore these Finnish winter tours.

Swedish Lapland
These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland:


Kiruna and Abisko National Park are the best places to go in search of the northern lights in Swedish Lapland.

Kiruna is the hub of Swedish Lapland, and is also Sweden’s northernmost town. Its high latitude makes it a great spot for aurora hunting. Like Finnish Lapland, you’ll find that there are plenty of winter activities to choose from here. You can also enjoy a unique stay at the ICEHOTEL, the first of its kind in the world.

Alternatively, head to Abisko National Park and stay in a wilderness hotel. From here you can visit the Aurora Sky Station, which serves delicious gourmet meals and offers northern lights tours. You can also rent snowshoes to explore the countryside at your own pace.

Top tip: Abisko National Park is so remote that there is hardly any light pollution at all, increasing your chances of seeing the northern lights.

Check out this helpful guide to the best times and places to see the northern lights in Sweden and get inspired by these Swedish winter tours.

In Lapland you can choose from an array of out-of-the-ordinary accommodation options.

Some special experiences include overnighting in aurora cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the snow-laden landscape. You could even view the northern lights from your bed if you stay in one of the region’s domed glass igloos.

Alternatively, enjoy a stay in one of these “cool” hotels on a Lapland ice or snow hotel tour:


To make sure you don’t miss out on seeing the aurora, even after you have gone to bed, many hotels in Lapland offer an aurora alarm service. This means that you can choose to get a call to your room should the northern lights make an appearance.

Find out more in these guides to:

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so unfortunately they won’t always appear when you’d like them to. However, there are things that you can do to increase your chances of spotting them.

These are our top tips for seeing the northern lights in Lapland:

  • Visit from December to March, the darkest winter months.
  • Head to the Arctic Circle – the “northern lights belt” between latitudes of 65-72°N is best.
  • Seek low levels of light pollution by getting out of town.
  • Book onto northern lights excursions in the snow with a knowledgeable guide.
  • Check the daily weather and aurora forecasts so you know when the northern lights are most likely to appear.
  • Stay up late, as peak times for spotting the aurora are from late evening to 2 AM.
  • Practise patience while waiting for the lights to make an appearance.
  • Learn what your camera’s best settings for capturing the action are before you travel.

Read this handy guide for more detailed information on how to see the northern lights.

Happily, the northern latitudes of Iceland and Lapland make them both great places for seeing the northern lights. However, each has its own distinct character, which may mean you’d prefer to visit one over the other. The choice is down to your personal preference.

Located in the Arctic Circle, in the northern reaches of mainland Europe, Lapland can be a tranquil place to chase the aurora. In this winter wonderland, you can visit Father Christmas and ride through snow-blanketed forests in a husky or reindeer-drawn sled.

Found just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland’s remote landscapes mean that it enjoys low levels of light pollution. This, combined with dark winter skies, make it another top spot for glimpsing the northern lights.

In Iceland you can enjoy jaw-dropping scenery, including volcanoes, black sand beaches and glacier lagoons. You can also bathe in geothermal pools, venture into ice caves and experience the vibrant capital city of Reykjavík.

Still having trouble deciding between Iceland and Lapland for your northern lights adventure? Learn more about each in these helpful blogs:


Check out these Iceland northern lights tours for trip inspiration.

We may be biased, but we really think a northern lights tour is worth it. And, more importantly we think you will too!

If you book a northern lights tour with Nordic Visitor, you maximise your chances of seeing the aurora by benefiting from our insider knowledge.

When you book a trip, or contact us, you will be assigned your own regional expert. They will be able to help you and answer any questions you may have about Lapland.

Not only that, as standard your tour includes northern lights excursions led by a knowledgeable local guide. By drawing on their experience, you will be able to make the most of the conditions when you are chasing the aurora.

As well as this, we take the hassle out of planning your trip by arranging your accommodation, airport transfers and excursions on your behalf. You will also receive a detailed itinerary with personal recommendations.

Yes, Lapland winter tours are available from December or January to March.

Once you have selected the right trip for you, simply select the arrival date that suits you on the online availability calendar. Here you’ll be able to see the price for that departure date, which includes accommodation, airport transfers and any included excursions.

Yes, you can make some customisations to your tour throughout the booking process.

After selecting the start date you would like, you can choose to upgrade your accommodation. For example, you might like to add a night in a snow or ice hotel. You can also add extra nights or optional excursions to your short break.

Before booking your trip with Nordic Visitor, we recommend checking that flights are available on the dates that you would like to travel. However, please wait until your tour package is confirmed before you go ahead and book flights.

This is to avoid disappointment as some trips have limited availability. Please note that your tour arrangements aren’t finalised until you receive a confirmation email from us.

You will typically hear from your travel consultant within 2 working days of booking online. They will be delighted to let you know when your trip is confirmed. Waiting to hear from your travel consultant will also give you the chance to ask about your airport transfers.

Once everything is confirmed, you can book your flights and look forward to a memorable winter getaway.

Find out about flights to Finnish Lapland and flights to Swedish Lapland.

Lapland’s location in the Arctic Circle means that cold temperatures and snowy conditions await. But the stunning frozen landscapes are part of the reason you are visiting, right? So embrace the chill and wrap up warm to explore this winter wonderland.

There’s a saying in the Nordics: “There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothes.” With this in mind, we have provided a basic packing list for your northern lights tour in Lapland:

If you have any questions, you can always contact your travel consultant for advice.

  • Insulated boots with good grip
  • Insulated jacket (preferably waterproof too)
  • Waterproof or snowproof trousers
  • Thermal underwear and base layers
  • Warm woollen or fleece sweater
  • Warm gloves, scarf and hat
  • Thin thermal gloves (ideal as a base layer under snowmobile gloves)
  • Warm woollen socks
  • Small backpack or rucksack
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera with extra battery pack
  • Heat pads for hands and feet
  • Flashlight if you are staying in a wilderness cabin

Check out this more detailed packing list for Lapland in winter for additional advice on what to bring. You can also read this blog on tips and tricks for dressing to see the northern lights.

Contact us

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about planning your trip to Lapland. Our dedicated regional travel consultants will be happy to hear from you and arrange your tour.

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Our Swedish phone number is
+46 8 666 23 30

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