Could you watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed? Jo Robertson, Managing Director of The Aurora Zone, joins Daniel Edward to explore the holidays beneath those extraordinary skies, from glass-roof cabins and snowy forests to city breaks and family adventures.

The night that started an obsession

Jo’s first display came on a frozen lake in north-eastern Finland in February 2006. A hotel owner had confidently predicted the lights would appear at ten to ten. When the sky erupted, she wondered whether she had been travelling with a magician. The experience stayed with her, and she still struggles to go to sleep when the aurora is dancing outside.

We talk about the difference between what a camera records and what you can see with your own eyes, why every display is different, and the combination of darkness, clear skies and solar activity that makes aurora watching possible. No holiday can guarantee a sighting, which is why Jo’s advice begins with choosing somewhere you would love to visit anyway.

Four countries, four different holidays

Finland offers forests, fells and frozen lakes, with husky sledding, snowmobile safaris, snowshoeing and ice fishing among the experiences Jo discusses. Northern Norway brings mountains and fjords, with Tromsø offering restaurants and museums alongside excursions into darker surroundings. Swedish Lapland adds wilderness stays and the ICEHOTEL, while Iceland brings waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and geothermal bathing.

A city base and a remote lodge create very different trips. Jo explains the appeal of staying somewhere you can step outside and look up, as well as the extraordinary possibility of watching from beneath a cosy duvet in glass-roof accommodation. A glass-roof sauna also makes an appearance in the conversation.

What happens before the lights come on?

We explore Sámi culture and reindeer herding, fireside salmon soup, local berries and the pleasure of sharing hot chocolate during a day outdoors. For families, Jo describes the value of shared adventures across generations and choosing experiences that suit the people travelling.

When to go, what to wear and how long to stay

December is only one part of the season. Jo talks through autumn visits, snowy winter trips and her own preference for mid-March, when longer daylight hours allow more time for activities. She also discusses four-night breaks and the additional viewing opportunities that come with a longer stay.

There is practical advice on woollen layers, the specialist outerwear often supplied for organised activities, warming up between excursions and asking exactly what your operator includes. The conversation closes with Jo’s quickfire recommendations, including glass-roof accommodation and a traditional wooden cup to bring home.

Meet our guest

Jo Robertson is Managing Director of The Aurora Zone, a specialist Northern Lights holiday company offering trips across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland.

Plan your Northern Lights holiday

Where to Go for a Northern Lights Holiday: Finland, Norway, Sweden or Iceland?

When to Go on a Northern Lights Holiday: A Guide Beyond December

Glass-Roof Cabins and Northern Lights: What to Know Before You Book

What to Pack for a Northern Lights Holiday

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