Each year, millions of travellers visit Iceland in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Many tourists view the Aurora Borealis as a ‘must-see’ event while staying in the Arctic – and plenty are willing to pay hundreds of pounds to experience it.
The lights usually appear between 10pm and 2am and can be spotted from September to early April.
The best time to see the natural phenomenon is between November and January due to the nights being longer and darker.
It comes as next year is being tipped as the best year to enjoy the Northern Lights in more than a decade, as the sun’s 11-year activity cycle peaks.
Tour operators have cashed in on this, with some companies offering ‘guaranteed’ sightings, often with money-back promises,
These can cost upwards of £49 for a basic evening excursion, reaching into the thousands for high-end, tailor-made experiences.
But one holidaymaker has revealed an unusual tip for seeing the Northern Lights without paying for an expensive tour.
Each year, millions of travellers visit Iceland in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The lights are pictured over Basalt stack Hvitserkur on the Vatnsnes peninsula, Iceland
Many tourists view the Aurora Borealis as a ‘must-see’ event while staying in the Arctic – and plenty are willing to pay hundreds of pounds to experience it. Reykjavik is pictured
TikTok user Jamiel (@jami_el0) shared a video with the caption: ‘And suddenly you get the idea to follow that tour bus in Iceland and hope it brings you to see the Northern Lights.’
The video shows a couple driving behind a white van before pulling up and seeing the light display.
The post, which has been viewed more than 1.3million times, has prompted discussion in the comments, including stories from other people who have tagged onto tours without paying.
One user wrote: ‘In museums, I casually follow tour groups around and tune in when I am interested to know more about the item I’m seeing in front of me.’
Another wrote: ‘Smart. We followed a walking tour in Costa Rica in the jungle (from 50 feet away) and just looked where they were all looking and saw insane animals!!’
‘Omg I haven’t been using my free will properly,’ and ‘honestly that’s a genius idea,’ wrote others.
There are multiple apps which allow tourists to track the best times to see the Northern Lights, including Hello Aurora, My Aurora Forecast and Glendale, but their accuracy depends heavily on clear skies.
It comes as British meteorologist John Griffiths has shared his top tips for viewing the natural phenomenon.
Next year is being tipped as the best year to enjoy the Northern Lights in more than a decade as the latest 11-year activity cycle peaks. Kirkjufell mountain in Iceland is pictured
Location matters, says John, with the aurora ‘much clearer’ in dark sky spots such as forests, where there’s much less light pollution – but, he adds, you can still see them in busier areas.
‘Where there are clearer skies and less light, you will see it, but there’s nothing stopping you from seeing it in the city if it’s particularly strong.’
Top spots to see the Northern Lights in Iceland include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Thingvellir National Park, the Westfjords and North Iceland.
The meteorologist says that ‘it’s absolutely possible to do it on your own’, with the help of apps and a bit of research.
It’s worth bearing in mind you’re likely to have to stay awake for hours in the darkness to not miss them, whereas a guide will do all the legwork for you.
John adds that he’d urge everyone to try and see the impressive skyscape at least once, saying: ‘It is beautiful. There’s something about it which is a bit magical.’
