I want to… SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Flashes of bright green, painted across an inky night sky – it’s a sight out of another world. No wonder the aurora borealis makes it on to so many must-see lists – witnessing it is one of nature’s most magical experiences.
To catch the phenomenon, you need clear, dark nights and a northerly latitude, upwards of 60°N. Iceland is a great choice; wherever you are, the Northern Lights regularly appear from September to March. What’s more, it rarely gets bone-chillingly cold – think zero rather than the -10C typical of Lapland – and the scenery is spectacular. Even if the aurora plays hard to get (sightings aren’t guaranteed), there are other natural wonders.
Come for a week and start your journey on Iceland’s south coast – a land of rushing waterfalls, glaciertopped mountains and black-sand beaches. In daylight, enjoying geysers and basalt columns. Then, as the long nights draw in, curl up at wood-lined Hotel Rangá (hotelranga.is) for a soak in the al fresco hot tubs, or a flaky cod feast in the gourmet onsite restaurant. The hotel operates a special wake-up service, so if the aurora arrives at 2am, your phone will ring, and you need only step out on to the terrace to witness the show. For a remote experience, head to Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Set at the base of a volcano, selfcatering Glacier Lodge is a
comfy hideaway sleeping up to six people. When you aren’t observing the night skies, explore the cliffs, fishing towns and dramatic peaks.
Before you leave, visit the capital Reykjavik, checking into Hotel Eyja Guldsmeden (guldsmedenhotels.com). In between museums, harbourside walks and bowlfuls of langoustine soup, keep a Northern Lights watch at the glass-lined rooftop bar at The Edition (editionhotels. com). Or head to the Blue Lagoon (bluelagoon.com) and soak in soothing hot springs for a fantastic photo op.
✢ MAKE IT HAPPEN Expert operator Discover the World has a seven-night package including Hotel Rangá, Glacier Lodge and Hotel Eyja Guldsmeden from £1,000pp, including flights and car hire; discover-the-world.com