Countries like Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden offer some of the best vantage points for witnessing the Northern Lights.
(Anna Mardo via Getty Images)
The year 2026 is shaping up to be another stellar time for catching the Northern Lights. However, traveling to witness this breathtaking phenomenon can come with a hefty price tag.
Recently, the Aurora Borealis made an appearance as far south as Cornwall in the UK, but the prime viewing spots remain firmly in the Nordic region, particularly Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden—countries renowned for their soaring living costs. Despite this, with some savvy planning, a smartphone, and a knack for finding deals, you can tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list without completely emptying your wallet.
Choose a Package Wisely
One effective way to economize on your Northern Lights adventure is to book travel packages that bundle accommodations and excursions together.
For instance, TUI offers enticing winter packages to Iceland that include two complimentary excursions: a Northern Lights hunt and a tour of the Golden Circle. Similarly, Expedia allows you to craft your own package tailored to various Northern Light destinations, including Finnish Lapland, with options ranging from flights to accommodations that cater to all budgets.
Staying in hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb can undoubtedly help curb accommodation expenses. Additionally, consider opting for half-board options; brands like Home Hotels, a part of Strawberry Hotels, provide bundled meals including breakfast, fika—the traditional Swedish coffee break—and dinner, which can significantly cut daily costs.
The Northern Lights illuminate the sky above the Lyngen Alps near Tromsø, Norway.
(Natalie Marchant)
For an unforgettable experience, think outside the box and make your lodging part of the thrill. Spending a night in a glass-roofed cabin nestled in the Lyngen Alps near Tromsø can cost over £300 per adult; however, this price encompasses all travel (by road and ferry), accommodation, activities like snowshoeing or snowmobiling, and meals for an entire day—making it a genuine bucket-list affair.
Alternatively, you might consider blending your travel and accommodation arrangements. Travel blogger Beatrice Searle of Wild Bee Outdoors managed to save hundreds by flying to Helsinki instead of Rovaniemi and opting for an overnight train north—a decision that added to the excitement of the journey for her adventurous family.
Utilize Free Smartphone Apps
In today’s travel landscape, smartphones are invaluable, serving a multitude of purposes from checking in to booking excursions. They can also help you save money.
An essential tool for any Northern Lights trip is an aurora app. My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, available on both the Apple Store and Google Play, will ping you with alerts if conditions are favorable for seeing the Northern Lights—just allow it access to your location.
Given that Nordic countries often operate as cashless societies, it’s wise to steer clear of foreign transaction fees. Opt for a travel-friendly credit card or a multi-currency account like Monzo, Revolut, or Wise to mitigate unnecessary costs.
Smartphones can capture stunning images of the Northern Lights.
(Everste via Getty Images)
In addition to aurora apps, consider navigation tools like Google Maps or Citymapper, as well as Google Translate, to enrich your experience. If your phone plan doesn’t offer roaming, purchasing an eSIM via apps like Holafly or Airalo can ensure connectivity without reliance on Wi-Fi.
Perhaps one of the best kept secrets of smartphones is their ability to take surprisingly stunning photos of the Northern Lights, even when they might not be visible to the naked eye. To get the most out of it, bring along a tripod and a portable charger, as batteries tend to drain quickly in the cold—so it’s a good idea to keep your phone warm when not in use.
Cut Costs on Meals and Drinks
Numerous apps can assist you in saving on food and drink expenses while traveling. Too Good to Go is a clever app that connects diners with restaurants offering surplus, unsold food, helping to reduce waste.
In addition, food delivery services like Wolt and Foodora operate across the Nordic countries and often provide discounts. Don’t forget to explore local apps as well; Barhopp, for example, helps you navigate Iceland’s vibrant nightlife and includes a real-time happy hour tracker.
The famous Rakuten hot dog kiosk in Tromsø serves up delicious reindeer hot dogs.
(Ian Macpherson Europe)
Don’t overlook budget-friendly dining options, too. The legendary Raketten kiosk in Tromsø is known for its reindeer hot dogs and mulled wine, while Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur in Reykjavik prides itself on serving organic meat sausages.
Moreover, bakeries are a common sight on business corners, where you can fill your stomach with local treats such as Korvapuusti (Finnish cinnamon buns) or Kardemummabullar (Swedish cardamom buns) accompanied by coffee. Consider bringing along a thermos to refill your coffee during breakfast, maximising both taste and value.
Explore Free Walking Tours
Many towns across Europe, including the Nordic countries, offer free walking tours, which usually operate on a tip-only basis—meaning you give what you can afford.
For instance, Mauricio runs daily free walking tours in Tromsø in both English and Spanish, while CityWalk Reykjavik hosts twice-daily walking tours in English through Iceland’s capital. You can also discover free walking tour apps on your smartphone that provide curated experiences. Don’t forget to utilize Google Maps to locate must-see attractions.
It’s essential to bundle up warmly and wear appropriate footwear for these excursions; a thermos filled with coffee is also highly recommended. Many guides are more than willing to share dining suggestions and local activities, and some even maintain their own lists on Google Maps to help you out.
Escape Urban Brightness
As night falls—and in December or January, it may do so as early as lunchtime—it’s crucial to find a spot to view the Northern Lights.
Although popular tourist destinations often offer Northern Lights chasing tours or ferry rides, these can be pricey.
The Northern Lights over Kleifarvatn, Grindavikurbaer, in Iceland are best viewed away from urban glare.
(Amazing Aerial)
If you’re looking to save, venture away from city lights. With your aurora forecast app enabled and location settings activated, you will receive alerts when viewing conditions improve.
One of the prime viewing locations in Tromsø is Telegrafbukta park, easily accessible via a short NOK 50 (£3.90) bus ride from the city center. In Rovaniemi, head to the Arctic Garden at the Arktikum Science Centre and Museum for a convenient viewing spot that’s within walking distance of downtown.
Keep in mind that some Northern Lights tours—especially in Reykjavik—offer complimentary second attempts if you miss the aurora during your first outing. Check the fine print and make sure to allow sufficient time for a second chance if possible.
Consider Staying in the UK
If you want to witness the Aurora Borealis without the hassle of international travel, journey as far north in the UK as you can.
The Northern Lights casting a glow over Skerray on the northern coast of Scotland.
(Ashley Cooper pics)
Northern Scotland, at a similar latitude to Stavanger in Norway, offers a good chance to catch the “Mirrie Dancers,” as locals affectionately call the Northern Lights. Remote areas like the Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney, and Caithness may present ideal viewing opportunities, with sightings reported as far south as the Borders.
For those seeking out dark skies, consider visiting designated reserves in northern Wales and England—Snowdonia National Park, the North York Moors, and Northumberland National Park are notable options—as well as along the northern coast of Northern Ireland.
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