DESTINATIONS NORTHERN LIGHTS | SCANDINAVIA
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This year’s solar maximum gives agents more opportunities to sell the northern lights, writes Alice Barnes-Brown
azing up at the night sky to see the darkness illuminated by dancing lights is a bucket-list experience for many clients – one they’ll have a good chance to complete this year, as the solar maximum
(the highest level of activity in the sun’s 11-year cycle) makes northern lights sightings more likely. Specialist operator The Aurora Zone has reported a significant increase in demand for this winter, with bookings for September 2025 onwards up by 63% compared with last year. The operator’s travel expert Allan Cooper says: “To meet soaring demand, we’ve increased capacity for next winter, particularly for our cabin holidays. The allure of watching the northern lights from the comfort of a glass-roofed cabin is a powerful selling point. Paired with thrilling adventures, these holidays are perfectly suited for first-time clients seeking a more adventurous short break.” But with so many northern lights breaks available, picking which is right for your clients can be a puzzle – so delve into the diverse offering with our guide.
BEST FOR . . . TOWN AND COUNTRY Reykjavik is a short drive from some fabulous northern lights viewing spots, and clients can have the best of both worlds on Audley Travel’s Iceland Winter
Break itinerary. The trip begins with two nights at Hotel Ránga, a country retreat that features its own observatory and northern lights wake-up service. During the day, clients can discover Iceland’s southern coastline, including the black granite beach of Reynisfjara and the fairytale falls at Skógafoss. They’ll also go on a guided hike to the Sólheimajökull glacier, clambering on the ice by way of crampons. Then, they will head to Reykjavik via the Golden
Circle. A 4x4 tour into the wilderness takes travellers to witness the aurora – which, in Icelandic folklore, is
believed to be the spirits of departed ancestors. Book it: Audley Travel sells the five-night itinerary from £5,690 per person, based on two sharing. Includes breakfast, listed excursions, transfers and flights.
audleytravel.com
BEST FOR . . . SNOWMOBILES AND SÁMI CULTURE Who says Lapland is just for little ones? Transun’s adult- only Snowmobile Voyager tour in Finnish Lapland sees clients whizz out on a northern lights-spotting safari. Two people share one vehicle, so this trip is ideal for couples keen to get cosy under the swirling skies. Clients will also get the chance to interact with the Indigenous Sámi people via a visit to a family-owned²
travelweekly.co.uk 5 JUNE 2025 43
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