Northern Lights Trips - The Adventure of a Lifetime

The thrilling experience of Northern Lights trips are made even more special due to the fact that many people simply have no idea what to expect. This stunning natural scientific phenomenon has kept visitors and scientists pondering for centuries, yet never fails to fascinate. Although there is nothing ‘standard’ about an excursion to see what is also known as the Aurora Borealis, there are a several ways of making the adventure even more unforgettable.

Super Jeep Tours

In Iceland, many Northern Lights trips are made via specially adapted 4WD Super Jeep vehicles, equipped to transport visitors across country into the darkness of remote locations to optimise the viewing experience. The expert local guides base the tours on the forecast for the day and relish the opportunity to show off their beautiful country from all angles, while accompanying visitors on the hunt for the lights. These excursions under the cover of night are also a unique way of seeing the nocturnal Icelandic wildlife.

The tours cater to smaller, more intimate parties of four to six people. Many guides provide pleasant touches such as a stop for a bonfire after a successful viewing, complete with local delicacies and warming drinks. Enjoying some camaraderie by the fireside under a vast canopy of stars is an experience that stays in the hearts and minds of visitors for a lifetime.

Take to the Sea

However, travelling to dark, remote inland areas is not a visitor’s only option on these unique Northern Lights trips. One particularly enjoyable way of seeing the Aurora Borealis is by boat. Trips out to sea, just beyond the city lights, provide the perfect situation to see the spectacle, unhindered and in its magnificent glory. Visitors also have the benefit of seeing the stunning coastline of Iceland all lit up, which is worth the trip in its own right. The guides will provide viewers with all the tales of mystery and folklore behind the amazing cosmic light show as well as the true scientific explanation. Most of these excursions last approximately two or three hours and are a truly unforgettable way of seeing an incredible sight.

Iceland is a spectacularly beautiful country and can provide some unique and creative ways to experience Northern Lights trips and excursions. The experience itself is breath-taking but the local guides take pride in tracking the lights for visitors in the most fun and imaginative ways. Whether you chose to view them by land or sea, it is an experience that will leave you wanting to do it again and again.

Abigail Collins is director of Aurora Nights, a company offering a select range of once in a lifetime holidays to see the Northern Lights. For the best Northern Lights trips Iceland and Swedish Lapland offer an excellent chance to encounter the aurora borealis. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company with vast in-depth knowledge based on their extensive travels to the region of the Aurora Borealis and passionate about giving superb client service.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.