Take Your Pick: Four Destinations to Witness Solar Activity in 2025
2025 is set to be a mammoth year for ‘noctourism’ with astronomers, meteorologists and scientists from NASA recording a peak in solar activity which will lead to more frequent and intense Northern Light spotting across the globe. As revealed in our annual Travel Predictions research, nighttime activities are on the rise with nearly two thirds of travelers (62%) considering visiting darker sky destinations with starbathing experiences (72%), star guides (59%), once in a lifetime cosmic events (59%), and constellation tracking (57%) topping the stellar adventure list*. To help travelers plan for a year of spectacular solar adventures, we have identified some of the star destinations to witness cosmic events this year.
Longyearbyen, Norway
The largest inhabited area of Svalbard in Norway, Longyearbyen is hailed as one of the most captivating areas to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights. The world’s northernmost settlement is surrounded by ice-covered fjords, glaciers, ice caves, wild huskies and rare wildlife, while between late October and the end of February, the "polar night" commences, when there is complete darkness, significantly increasing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. For a town with only 2,400 residents, there is plenty to do and explore in this off the beaten path location. Travelers will find a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars, breweries, a greenhouse housing all the town's local produce and microherbs, and even a chocolaterie! From dog sledding to aurora borealis spotting in the arctic wilderness, Longyearbyen is a paradise awaiting the noctourist.
Where to stay: The Vault, a boutique hotel centrally located in Longyearvyen, is just a short drive away from Svalbard. The architectural concept of this property is inspired by the Global Seed Vault, a security warehouse located deep in the permafrost of Svalbard, where food seeds are preserved to help with the supply for future generations. Equipped with cosy double rooms, daily breakfast served on site, lounge areas located across the property and a Japanese restaurant serving traditional dishes, The Vault is the perfect place to settle down after a long evening of exploring.
Churchill, Canada
Located in Hudson Bay in the far north of Manitoba, Churchill is known for its chilly climate, and even better known for its polar bear migration every fall, when temperatures drop and the crystal waters freeze over. Thanks to its sub-arctic location, the Northern Lights can be seen in Churchill most of the year, with January through March the ideal time because of the longer nights and colder weather. From aurora spotting, stargazing and comet spotting, there are a great deal of miraculous nighttime events to enjoy. If travelers are seeking some exploration, wildlife polar bear tours are abundant and there are plenty of places to enjoy them, including Aurora Domes, the Northern Studies centre, and for a more rustic setting, dogsled camps such as Wapusk Adventures and Churchill River Mushing.
Where to stay: Located in Churchill’s city centre and a 4.3 mile (7 km) drive from Churchill Airport, Beluga Beach House is ideal for travelers venturing into the city to capture some nighttime activities. Offering a fully equipped shared kitchen and bathroom, fresh bed linen and towels and free parking on-site, guests can make the most of the incredible wildlife and nature that Churchill has to offer on their doorstep.
Jökulsárlón, Iceland
Jökulsárlón, literally translated to ‘glacial river lagoon’, is a large glacial lake in the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland. One of the most breathtaking regions and national landmarks in Iceland, Jökulsárlón is filled with icy waters, impressive icebergs and inhabited by a variety of unusual and unique wildlife such as seals and whales. During the summer the highlight of any visit is a boat tour along the lagoon, while in winter, nighttime activities are favored by residents and locals alike. From a tour of the ice caves to aurora light spotting, there are plenty of evening adventures for night owls to get stuck into. Other activities to tempt travelers include visiting Diamond Beach, where miniature icebergs on the black shore resemble floating diamonds, and exploring the walking trails around the lagoon to catch wildlife and natural surroundings up close.
Where to stay: Set just 6.8 miles (11 km) from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon lies Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel, a breathtakingly beautiful property overlooking the surrounding snowy white mountain region of surrounding Vatnajökull National Park. The property houses a fitness centre, wellness area equipped with sauna and hot tub and a restaurant and bar for guests to enjoy throughout their stay.
Sedona, Arizona, United States
Sedona, a desert mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, is situated in the northern region of Arizona. In the colder months, the city, known for being an oasis of red hues, completely transforms into a breathtaking winter retreat, offering travelers quiet trails and snowy mountain peaks. As darkness lingers for longer, visitors can opt for more evening-based activities to truly immerse into the local surroundings such as The Night Sky Star, Galaxy and Sedona Story Tour, where astro-adventurers can learn more about the history of Sedona’s astrology concepts and uncover hidden aspects of modern culture, connecting this to the region's ancient past. Chairs, blankets and starry gadgets are provided on this tour to help uncover the night sky wonders of Sedona. Beyond nighttime activities, travelers looking to soak up more of the city’s culture are encouraged to hike one of the region's vortexes, visit the Chapel of Holy Cross or take a walking tour of Sedona’s art galleries. And for the lucky ones, don’t miss out on capturing a glimpse of the Northern Lights, which are due to make an appearance in the region in the new year.
Where to stay: Offering picturesque, red mountain views, The Wilde Resort and Spa is ideal for travelers wishing to immerse themselves in the region's natural surroundings. Sleep in or rise with the sun, the rooms are adorned with contemporary furnishings and touches. The property also features Rascal Restaurant, serving up delicious, American cuisine. Situated nearby secret trails to vortex meditation sites, Verde Valle wine tasting and pottery classes, there is lots to explore just outside the resort’s doorstep.
*Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by Tripeden.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1,002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1,004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.