The northern lights season in Finland, Iceland and Norway runs roughly from September to March, and all three give Indian travellers a fair chance of seeing the aurora on a 5 to 8 day trip. Choose Finland (Lapland) for families and snow activities, Iceland for dramatic landscapes, and Norway (Tromsø) for a lively Arctic city base with fjords around it. Including flights from Delhi and the Schengen visa, northern lights tours cost roughly INR 1.85 lakh to INR 3.2 lakh per person, depending on the country and the number of nights.

Here is how the three compare on timing, weather, travel time, visa and budget, so you can pick the right one for your family or your trip as a couple.

When to go on northern lights tours: best months and real chances

The aurora needs two things: dark skies and clear weather. In Finnish Lapland and around Tromsø, the lights can appear from late August to early April, and most organised aurora activities start in September. In Iceland, the season runs from about September to mid-April.

Visit Finland names September–October and February–March as the peak periods, when the lights are visible on roughly every second clear night. Clouds are the main problem, not cold, so a 3 to 4 night stay in aurora country gives you several chances. Visit Tromsø says activity is often strongest between about 8 pm and 2 am.

For Indian families, the Christmas–New Year break and the February–March window work well. Christmas week is the busiest and most expensive time in Rovaniemi, so book early if your dates are fixed.

Finland (Lapland): suits families and first-timers

Lapland is the easiest northern lights trip for first-timers. Rovaniemi sits on the Arctic Circle and is home to Santa Claus Village, which children love. Days are filled with husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling and snow play, and you go out at night to look for the lights.

• Getting there: Finnair flies Delhi–Helsinki–Rovaniemi with one stop. The quickest connections take about 17 hours, and Finnair runs daily flights between Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
• Weather: Snow usually arrives in October and November, and February–March brings reliably cold days with excellent snow.
• Good to know: A Finland tour package works well as a short break. Three nights in Lapland is enough for safaris and a few aurora nights.

Iceland: suits couples and landscape lovers

Iceland mixes the aurora with waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches and geothermal lagoons, which makes it a strong pick for couples and photographers. October, November, February and March tend to offer the most workable combination of long nights and weather.

• Getting there: There is no direct flight from Delhi. Most routes connect once in Europe or the Gulf, and the journey is long, so plan a rest day on arrival.
• Weather: Milder than Lapland but windy and changeable. On the Golden Circle, average January lows are around −4°C.
• Good to know: Many Iceland tour packages from India stay in Reykjavik and head out on day trips. Self-driving on icy winter roads is best left to experienced drivers.

Norway (Tromsø): suits travellers who want a city base and fjords

Tromsø is a small Arctic city with restaurants, a cable car and fjords on all sides. If clouds sit over the city, aurora tours drive out to find clearer skies, often towards the coast or inland valleys.

• Polar night: From late November to late January the sun stays below the horizon. Daytime is a soft blue twilight rather than total darkness.
• Getting there: There is no direct flight from Delhi. Routes connect through cities such as Helsinki, Oslo or Munich, and the quickest take around 14 to 16 hours.
• Combine two countries: In winter 2026–27, Finnair runs a daily Tromsø–Rovaniemi flight from 26 October 2026 to 28 March 2027, so a Norway tour package can easily include Lapland.

Cost of a northern lights trip from India, and the Schengen visa

The table combines economy flights from Delhi, the visa fee and the starting price of a Dewan Holidays land package in each country.

Per person	Finland (Lapland)	Iceland	Norway (Tromsø)
Return flights from Delhi (economy, approx.)	INR 75,000–INR 1,00,000	INR 60,000– INR 90,000	INR 70,000– INR 1,00,000
Schengen visa fee (Euro 90)	approx. INR 9,800	approx. INR 9,800	approx. INR 9,800
Dewan Holidays land package (from)*	INR 99,990 (3 nights)	INR 1,79,070 (6 nights)	INR 2,08,281 (6 nights)
Indicative total per person	approx. INR 1.85–2.1 lakh	approx. INR 2.5–2.8 lakh	approx. INR 2.9–3.2 lakh
Indicative total per couple	approx. INR 3.7–4.2 lakh	approx. INR 5.0–5.6 lakh	approx. INR 5.8–6.4 lakh

Flight ranges are based on fares seen on fare-comparison sites in October 2026 for November–January travel; Christmas week can cost far more. Euro amounts are converted at about INR 108.6 to Euro 1. Totals exclude travel insurance, VFS service charges and optional excursions.

One visa for all three countries

Finland, Iceland and Norway are all in the Schengen area, so one Schengen visa covers the trip. Apply to the country where you will spend the most nights; if the nights are equal, apply to the country you enter first. In India, all three take applications through VFS Global.

• Fee: Euro 90 for adults (approx. INR 9,800) and Euro 45 for children aged 6 to 12 (approx. INR 4,900).
• When to apply: No earlier than 6 months and at least 15 days before travel. Decisions normally take 15 days but can stretch to 45.
• Insurance: Travel medical insurance with at least Euro 30,000 cover for the whole Schengen area is required.

Dewan Holidays helps with visitor-visa documentation and VFS appointments; see our Finland visa services for the process. The consulate makes the final decision, and this is general information, not legal or immigration advice.

What to pack, and our northern lights tours

Dressing for Arctic cold

• A thermal base layer in wool or synthetic fabric (avoid cotton), a fleece or down mid-layer, and a windproof, waterproof outer jacket and trousers
• Insulated waterproof boots with a good grip, plus woollen socks
• Gloves with thin liners, a woollen cap and a neck warmer
• A power bank, because phone batteries drain quickly in the cold, and a small tripod for aurora photos

Before booking any aurora excursion, check whether warm clothing is provided. Visit Tromsø suggests confirming this along with food and hotel pick-up.

Northern lights tours from Dewan Holidays

Browse all our northern lights tours from India, or start with these:

• Lapland Adventure (Finland): 3 nights, from INR 99,990 per person*
• Iceland Northern Lights Adventure: 6 nights, from INR 1,79,070 per person*
• Norway Aurora Adventure: 6 nights, from INR 2,08,281 per person*
• Winter Wonderland (Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Norway; group departure): 8 nights, from INR 3,06,990 per person*

*Price as listed on our website at the time of writing. Check the tour page for current dates and prices. International flights are not part of these listed prices.

Couples often prefer a private trip at their own pace, while families who like company and a set plan may enjoy a group departure. You can also compare our Finland tour packages, Iceland tour packages and Norway tour packages.

Northern lights FAQs

Which country is best for seeing the northern lights from India?

All three work well, so choose by travel style. Finland suits families and snow activities, Iceland suits couples who love landscapes, and Norway's Tromsø suits travellers who want a city base with fjords.

What is the best month to see the northern lights?

September to March is the main season. Visit Finland names September–October and February–March as peak periods, and February–March also brings reliable snow.

How much does a trip to Iceland cost from India?

Roughly INR 2.5 to 2.8 lakh per person for six nights, including return flights from Delhi, the Schengen visa and a land package. Christmas dates and upgrades push this higher.

Do Indians need a visa for Finland, Iceland and Norway?

Yes, Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa, and one visa covers all three. Apply to the country where you will spend the most nights.

Is seeing the northern lights guaranteed?

No, the aurora is a natural event and depends on solar activity and clear skies. Staying at least three or four nights in aurora country and going out on several nights improves your chances.

Is Lapland good for a northern lights trip with kids?

Yes, Lapland is the most child-friendly of the three. Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer rides and snow play keep children busy during the day.

Planning a northern lights holiday for this winter or early 2027? Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we will suggest the right country and itinerary. Send us an enquiry or call us on +91 9310 800 700.