Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights

As you scientists are probably aware, the Aurora Borealis, also known as 'Northern Lights', are created when plasma particles enter the earth's atmosphere and collide with atoms and molecules, changing the energy they use for speed into a light.


Of course, before the scientific explanation was discovered many 'superstitions' abounded regarding the origin of the Northern Lights. These include foxes with fur that gave off sparks; the reflection of large herring shoals in the ocean and glaciers shining from absorbing so much power. The Aurora Borealis even get a mention in Robbie Burns' poem Tam O'Shanter:


"…But pleasures are like poppies spread,
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed;
Or like the snow falls in the river,
A moment white - then melts forever;
Or like the Borealis race,
That flit ere you can point their place…"

Holidays to see the Northern Lights

Hilltop view of the Aurora Borealis

Hilltop view of the Aurora Borealis

We offer several short break holidays to Northern Europe where, if you travel at the right time of year, you may be lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis and come up with your own theory as to what causes them. As well as viewing the spectacular phenomenon of the Northern Lights, there will be plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Superjeep into the volcanic landscape of the Thorsmork Valley on our Icelandic Escapades holiday. This includes crossing glacial moraine, fluvial outwash deposits, lava flows and fording fast flowing rivers. If the weather is fine, we'll drive into the hills to find a point from where we can view the Northern Lights. A free day gives you the chance to visit Geysir, the spouting hot spring after which all others are named, go snowmobiling or go whale-watching. Finish off your holiday with a dip in the steaming turquoise blue waters of the blue lagoon.

Have a holiday in Greenland Inside the Polar Circle to try your hand at ice fishing or dog sledding, or go on a 4WD adventure to Greenland's inland ice cap that covers an area 14 times the size of England. Observe some of the native wildlife, such as arctic fox, caribou and musk oxen and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies so you can enjoy the Northern Lights.

On our Killer Whale Weekend holiday, watch these magnificent creatures feed; and circumstances permitting you may be able to snorkel with them. Finish off an exciting day observing the orcas up close with a view of the Aurora Borealis (weather permitting).

Family holidays to see the Aurora Borealis

Superjeeping through the snow

Superjeeping through the snow

Why not take the children to see the Northern Lights and see what theories they come up with.

After enjoying some Arctic Ice Adventures such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing, relax with a viewing of the show put on by the Northern Lights.

On our Seriously Superjeeps family holiday, drive into the wilderness of the Thorsmork Valley to find a spot from where you will get a fantastic view of the Aurora Borealis. As well as admiring the Northern Lights, marvel at the 'Golden Waterfall' of Gullfoss and the spouting spring of Strokkur that erupts every 3-5 minutes up to 100 feet high.