‘It is magical to swim surrounded by the Arctic winter in all its brutal glory’: an eco cruise in Norway’s far north
Our writer travelled on a low-emission ship to the top of Europe in winter to experience the northern lights, cross-country skiing and a freezing plunge in the sea
December 2023
A light in the dark – traditions to brighten winter’s darkness, from Greenland to Antarctica
There’s joy to be found in the darkest winter months, and people living in cold places use a variety of rituals to celebrate the lack of light – and its eventual return
January 2022
All systems glow: 10 of the UK’s best winter light festivals
Gaze upon shimmering forests and postapocalyptic sunsets, chase the northern lights or let ancient tales guide you along city walls
October 2021
It’s snow time: 10 new winter holidays in Europe for skiers and non-skiers
Fresh ideas from the Dolomites to the Arctic include rail tours, gourmet mountain huts, eco-friendly snowmobiling – and great skiing
December 2020
Northern lights photographer of the year – in pictures
A selection of the best images of the natural phenomenon curated by Capture the Atlas photography blog
January 2020
Amateur stargazers capture new form of northern lights
Aurora enthusiasts discover new phenomenon in Finland
November 2019
Aurora adventure: Norway’s northern lights, on a budget
A cottage stay in a remote winter wonderland is an affordable way to see the northern lights – but will the aurora show its true colours?
September 2018
Experts' and readers' tips
5 of the best holidays in Norway – chosen by locals
Islands, rivers, mountains and pretty villages: holiday destinations from those in the know
November 2017
Shortcuts
Are pop-up igloos the new Christmas markets?
Pop-up snowglobes are appearing on roof terraces, and in back gardens and holiday resorts – with Instagram feeds set to be filled with #igloo pics all winter
July 2017
'It's the closest thing to the moon': my space odyssey to Iceland
How Iceland became a magnet for star-gazers, film-makers – and astronauts
May 2017
Weatherwatch
Purple streaker Steve a mystery of the night sky
Weatherwatch Given a ‘down to earth’ nickname for the time being, a newly found fast-moving gas ribbon is fascinating astronomers
February 2017
Adventures in wild Britain
Five phenomenal night skies visible in Britain
From the fabled northern lights to the meteor shower that inspired one of John Denver’s most famous songs, stunning celestial wonders can be seen beyond the UK’s street lights
October 2016
Insider's guides
Insider's guide to Rovaniemi: heavy metal in snow-muffled silence
Finland’s Rovaniemi is the ‘official home town of Santa Claus’, but local journalist Emma Kähkönen shows us there’s more to this Arctic city than reindeer
October 2015
Holiday guides
Northern lights holiday guide
How do I…?
How do I ... see the northern lights?
August 2015
Northern lights from the International Space Station – timelapse video
In footage filmed from the International Space Station, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, can be seen shrouding the Earth during a sunrise
June 2015
Northern lights put on breathtaking display over Minnesota – video
Northern lights give rare display over Minnesota - video
