A 98km drive northwest of Kiruna brings you to Abisko, Swedish Lapland. This national park, close to the Norwegian border, is undoubtedly one of the best places on Earth for observing the ethereal lights. From astonishing eruptions of neon light to calmer, pulsating waves - the whole gamut of appearances can be experienced here. The Abisko Mountain Station in the heart of the 77 sq km national park, benefits from a piece of natural luck; prevailing winds push cloud away from the station meaning the skies are more likely to be clear here than just about anywhere in the northern hemisphere. And being so remote, fantastic sightings are pretty regular, if the conditions in the Earth's upper atmosphere are right. Head up to the Aurora Sky Station at the summit of the park's highest peak, on a chair lift that is an adventure in itself and, as you stand beneath a vast sky of deep indigo blue, prepare to be amazed. Yes it may be cold up there in the crisp winter air but with a display that can be nothing short of phenomenal, you won't even feel it! Warm up in the delightful summit cafe or dine here, sharing your excitement with fellow aurora watchers. With the prospects of seeing such a spectacular natural wonder as well as sleeping in a breathtaking manmade wonder, our NORTHERN LIGHTS & THE ICEHOTEL trip sells out fast. The term 'book now to avoid disappointment' has never been so appropriate.If you are considering a longer winter holiday we offer some superb multi-centre options teaming it with such places as Iceland, Stockholm or Tromso. It may also be combined with a voyage on Hurtigruten, the famous Norwegian coastal steamer, or the 'over the roof of Norway' scenic railway - see our website for details. Abisko - Swedentalk to the experts 01737 218 804 11

FinlandThere is something about the snow in Finland that makes you wonder if the locals sneak out at night and spray it with a coat of brilliant white paint - it really does seem that dazzling. And with pine trees laden with the stuff, they bend under the weight into curious shapes creating a unique snowscape. It is within this wonderful scenery that you'll find a variety of cabins to give you a genuine slice of life, Finnish style, as well as a truly splendid backdrop when searching for the aurora.Our CLASSIC LOG CABINS & IGLOOS trip is based in a vast fell area 300 km above the Arctic Circle. Kakslauttanen, where a collection of rustic and well-appointed cabins sit scattered amongst a pristine forest, is a mere 80 km from the Russian border. Being this far north, aurora watching has become an art and for this reason, you'll also find a collection of ingenious glass igloos. Heated, twin-bedded and with a WC and basin, you can be tucked up in bed quite comfortably ready to watch the night sky above - 'sleeping under the stars' has never been so cosy.Alternatively in the fell area of Yllas, why not stay at an apart-hotel in the ski resort, with an option to overnight at nearby Lainio in the Snow Hotel or a luxury heated teepee. Or perhaps travel to Iso-Syote in the southern fells, 150 km below the Arctic Circle, and experience an authentic LOG CABIN HIDEAWAY. Dotted around a charming and secluded ski resort, these hilltop and forested cabins are also well-appointed with private saunas.Wherever you stay in Finland, a full range of optional activities is available including evening snowmobile excursions in search of those elusive lights.Classic Log Cabins & Igloos I Log Cabin Hideaway I Snow Hotel "Our cabin was spacious and the children loved their log bunk beds but my favourite was the private sauna. It was light enough to walk off an early dinner and play outside in the snow. On our second night we were rewarded with a burst of colour above the treetops which continued to glow for about ten minutes. We had so much quality time together we'll definitely return next winter." Time to travel November to April12 visit discover-the-world.co.uk/northernlights