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Chasing the Northern Lights is like going on safari. You set out in a coach from Reykjavik, the Iceland guides with walkie-talkies in hand, discuss the best viewing spot for the night, and then you’re off, zooming into the wilderness. When it’s time, you pile out of the coach, peer upwards, and wait. That’s when, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights will put on a show. Here’s our list of reasons why everyone should see them in their lifetime…
They can appear as bright white lassoes, neon-green paint strokes, or fiery red rainbows – seeing the Northern Lights for the first time is enough to bring a lump to your throat and a tear to your eye.
Even life-long Icelanders don’t know exactly when or where they’ll turn up, so a light-seeing trip really is an adventure.
Did you know?
The Northern Lights are formed when electrically charged, gaseous particles from the sun collide as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. The most common colour is a yellowy green, which is produced by oxygen molecules dancing around at about 60 miles above Earth. If you see red lights, you’re very lucky; these are formed at around 200 miles above our heads.
You get a chance to experience a part of the world that snuggles under long, dark nights in winter. What’s more, Reykjavik is well worth getting to know, with its colourful buildings and buzzing bar and café scene.
You can head out of the city and really get back to nature. Your chances of seeing the lights skyrocket as soon as you hit the wilderness in Iceland or Finland.
Back in 2007, the sun’s solar maximum kicked in. That’s good news for the Northern Lights, as they’re created by atmospheric gases colliding with charged particles from the sun. So when the sun’s solar activity is at its highest, the Northern Lights are at their best. This solar maximum is only set to last until 2018, so get out there before it’s gone.
Explore our Iceland holidays.
Just so you know - alll our three and four-night Iceland packages include a Northern Lights tour on your first night. But, if the weather or the lights aren't co-operating, the tour will run again - for no extra cost - on your second and, if necessary, on your third night.
The interiors of the Reykjavik Lights - 2 excursions included are designed to celebrate Iceland’s ever-changing illuminations.
After a chilly night watching the Northern Lights, warm up in the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura - 2 excursions included.
You get a Northern Lights trip included when you stay at the Borg - 2 excursions included or any of our Iceland hotels.
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