Best Northern Lights Holiday Destinations: Sweden

Aurora Borealis chasing has, in recent years, become a hugely popular pastime among adventurous travellers. Specialised holidays focusing on the opportunity to sight nature's most mysterious and elusive natural phenomenon are increasing every year. This type of break is now rivalling winter-sports holidays and tropical getaways as the most sought after activity to indulge in during the colder months.

Two destinations, in particular, recurringly capture the imagination of those looking to enjoy a Northern Lights holiday: Sweden and Iceland. Both are equally popular and, despite offering very distinct types of weather and attractions, both allow for plenty of opportunity to actually see the famed Aurora Borealis. Below, we focus on Sweden, to provide some insight with regards to the country's climate, lifestyle and sightseeing potential.

A 'Cool' Holiday

When compared to Iceland, its neighbour to the west, Sweden greets visitors with considerably harsher climactic conditions. During the winter, temperatures frequently dip to a staggering minus 30 (with the average being minus 15), prompting the need for thermal wear as mandatory to avoid frostbite. Visitors to Sweden, and particularly the Lapland region, should also be prepared to contend with heavy snow during the colder months.

In spite of these conditions, however, visitors embarking on a Northern Lights holiday to Sweden will discover the country has a lot to offer. The Abisko region in particular – with its virtually cloudless micro-climate – is ideal for aurora chasing, and will also lend a picturesque side to the holiday, with its traditional Sami villages and the opportunities for pursuits like husky-led sledding and snowmobiling. This is also the location of the world-renowned original Ice Hotel, in Kiruna, which provides a totally unique accommodation option. If you do choose to spend a couple of nights at the hotel, while not as cold as the 'outside world', it can still get quite chilly inside, with minus 5 being the average temperature within the structure – however you'll be well-prepared and looked after.

Those enjoying a Northern Lights holiday in Swedish Lapland can expect to spot a variety of unique wildlife, including Arctic mammals such as the elk and the Arctic Char. A spot of ice fishing is also a nice way to spend an afternoon, and can constitute an exciting new activity for those not native to the region!

Despite the somewhat intimidating climate and the related necessary precautions, Sweden has so much to offer travellers on a Northern Lights holiday – even beyond the sight of the lights themselves.

Kevin Collins is director of Aurora Nights, who offer a select range of trips to see the Northern Lights. For a Northern Lights holiday, 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 passionate about client service, with a vast in-depth knowledge based on extensive travels to region of the Aurora Borealis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.