Why 2025 and 2026 are the best years to take a Northern Lights Rail Holiday

The Northern Lights are set to put on a spectacular show in 2025 and 2026, making it the perfect time to plan a rail holiday to the Arctic Circle. 

Solar Cycle 25 is reaching its peak between 2024 and 2026, resulting in the most intense Northern Lights displays in over a decade. This period of heightened solar activity, known as the solar maximum, increases the frequency and intensity of auroral displays, making it an ideal time for aurora enthusiasts!

The best time to witness the Northern Lights is from late September to March, with December through to February offering the most favourable conditions because of extended hours of darkness and clearer skies.

Easy access by train and Hurtigruten Coastal Express.

Traveling by train offers a scenic and comfortable way to reach prime Northern Lights destinations. From the UK, you can easily access cities like Stockholm and Kiruna, which serve as gateways to the Arctic Circle. We offer plenty of options to tailor a holiday that includes the famous Hurtigruten Coastal Express beside Norway’s fjords.

Stockholm and the Northern Lights

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is well-connected by rail to Abisko National Park, renowned for its clear skies and frequent auroral activity. The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko offers a chairlift ride to an observation tower, providing an excellent vantage point for Northern Lights viewing. Our Stockholm & the Northern Lights itinerary includes stops in Munster and Copenhagen and an overnight train from Stockholm to Kiruna. It starts from £1,149 per person for 9 days, one way, and we can tailor it to add extensions or extra nights.

Norway in a Nutshell

Our popular Norway in a Nutshell holiday itinerary combines scenic train journeys with opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. The route includes the famous Flåm Railway, the scenic Bergen railway and a fjord cruise. The itinerary also includes stops in Brussels and Hamburg, so you can combine a visit to a Christmas market too – you can always add extra nights here. Prices start from £1,369 per person for 9 days, one way.

London to the Arctic Circle

For a longer journey into the heart of the Arctic, we’ve created our London to the Arctic Circle by train holiday. This scenic route includes a city break in Norway’s capital, Oslo before on to Trondheim – the ancient Viking capital! After this, the trains get especially scenic as you cross into the Arctic Circle and on to Bødø. Prices start from £1,299 per person one way for 10 days. Extend your holiday with a Hurtigruten cruise or visit Abisko or Kiruna in Swedish Lapland. You could even pop in to see Santa!

Other holidays to the Arctic

If you are interested in seeing the fjords as well, our Hurtigruten Coastal Express holiday includes 3 nights on board as well as scenic rail journeys on the Douvre line and the Nordland line. Prices start from £2,199 per person, one way.

Or choose an epic Scandinavian rail adventure! Our Grand Tour of Scandinavia takes three weeks and combines visits to capital cities Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm with a 3-night Hurtigruten cruise, an overnight train and the stunning Lofoten islands. Prices start from £2,999 for a round trip by rail and sea.

Tailor Make your dream winter Northern Lights itinerary

Of course, you can choose to create your own itinerary including Christmas markets, the Northern Lights, Hurtigruten Coastal Express, overnight trains and scenic routes, such as the Flåm railway. Just contact our friendly team and let them know when you are thinking of travelling.