Blogs - Northern Lights

Picture this. As far as you can see, there's snow. Pristine, crisp perfect snow, only broken by the marks made by husky sleds and reindeer sleds. The light is incredible, fresh and crystal clear, and you can see...

They're magical, awe-inspiring, breathtaking and very, very weird. But what, exactly, are the Northern Lights, how do they happen, what are they made of, when are they at their best, and why would you want to see them in the first place? Here's what you need to know, including the very latest science revealing why the aurora makes such an eerie, spooky sound.

It's a very special occasion... and you want to mark it in a very special way. If you're looking for romantic winter getaways you can't go far wrong with the endless, sparkling, snow-covered landscapes of the far north, way above the Arctic Circle, where the air is incredibly crisp and the Aurora Borealis lights up the skies after dark. No wonder the magical landscapes beyond the Arctic Circle are one of the top 10 romantic destinations in Europe.

It might be your birthday, you may have just retired, you might be getting engaged or married. You may have passed your degree course, got a new job, got into the college you'd set your heart on. Whatever the occasion, someone you love dearly, and who loves you to the end of the earth and back, wants to whisk you away somewhere incredible. Here's what awaits you in Sweden and Finland, the ultimate in wintery, snowy holiday locations, both with romance set at their heart like a glowing jewel.

The Northern Lights are a magical sight, an experience you'll remember forever. Can you make it any better? Yes, you can. Staying in an ice hotel lets you soak up a whole lot more of the unique arctic atmosphere, feel closer to nature in all its wild, snowbound glory, and enjoy a truly intimate relationship with the endless, pristine snow and ice. When you're staying inside what's effectively a giant block of ice, it's almost as though you're part of nature rather than observing it from the outside.

If you'd like to get more out of the aurora's remarkable splendour, put an ice hotel at the top of your holiday wish list. The best ones are designed with the Northern Lights in mind, and some are even created specially for viewing the Lights from your bed. Imagine sleeping in an ice house surrounded by the snow and mountains, under a clear sky so dazzlingly starry it goes on forever.

The world's ice hotels are transient, and their temporary nature somehow makes them even more magical. The first hint of spring sees them melting, disappearing without a trace, to be rebuilt as soon as the cold weather returns. Plenty come with skiing nearby, plus a host more exciting snow-inspired activities to enjoy. Here's our special ice hotel feature, revealing some of the very finest ice hotel northern lights opportunities.

It's a sight you'll never forget, something totally magical, eerie, spectacular... there are so many ways to describe the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. But once your holiday's over and you've travelled home, will you actually be able to remember the spectacle, the glow, the colour, or will the memories fade away? The best way to bring back the magic is to take plenty of photos, and make the images good enough so they're worth having.

Every camera will give you different results. Every aurora is different, as is every night sky. You'll probably find yourself experimenting with different settings to get the images you want. Here's how to take the best photos of the northern lights.

For many years, people have been travelling far and wide in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the mysterious Northern Lights. They are found in the northern hemisphere and can be spotted in several countries, generally all of cold climate. So, if you want to see them with your own eyes, you’ll need to wrap up warm! Want to know where to see the Northern Lights in all their glory? Here’s everything you need to know.

Do you know anyone who has enjoyed holidays to see the Northern Lights? If so you'll have heard all about the aurora's absolute magnificence, the extraordinary sight it makes, glowing in the night sky and sending down curtains of gently-falling light, mysterious and ancient. But you might not have heard about the many different stories and legends that have sprung up across the world, dreamed up by ancient peoples who had no idea about the science behind the aurora but felt a strong need to explain the phenomenon for themselves.

Here are some of the most unusual and creative aurora legends to inspire you to book yourself on a dazzling Northern Lights tour.

You've always wanted to see the magical Northern Lights for yourself. And you're sure your kids will love the experience just as much as you. But the Arctic Circle is a cold and dangerous place, there might be quite a lot of waiting around to endure, and you need to be aware of how to keep your children stay safe, warm and entertained on free child place holidays far north. Here's our family guide to the ultimate Northern Lights trip.