Global Interest in Northern Lights Tours Rises Sharply
2026-03-06 - 09:35
Interest in viewing the Northern Lights, one of Iceland’s best-known natural attractions, has increased sharply worldwide, according to new research analysing travel trends ahead of 2026. A study by travel insurance provider InsureandGo found that global Google searches for Northern Lights tours have risen by 573% year on year. The phenomenon ranked second among the fastest-growing “natural bucket list” travel experiences globally. What's the Story? Global Google searches for Northern Lights tours increased by 573% year on year, according to research by InsureandGo Study analysed 1,500+ online comments about travel bucket lists and compared Google search data for 2024 and 2025 Northern Lights tours ranked second worldwide among fastest-rising natural travel experiences, behind shark cage diving (+1,464%) Northern Lights over Lake Þingvallavatn, West Iceland. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. Travel demand rising Researchers analysed more than 1,500 social media comments discussing travellers’ bucket list plans, identifying frequently mentioned nature-based experiences. These were then compared with year-on-year Google search data to determine which attractions are seeing the largest growth in interest. Shark cage diving ranked first in the study, with a 1,464% increase in searches for related tours. The Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina placed third with a 543% rise, followed by gorilla trekking in Uganda and tours of Banff National Park in Canada. Northern Lights over West Iceland's national park. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. Wildlife-focused experiences accounted for nine of the top 15 entries in the ranking. Commenting on the findings, Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at InsureandGo, said: “Our research proves that travellers are looking for extraordinary moments that bring them closer to nature. People are clearly seeking more unforgettable experiences in 2026.” Iceland’s winter conditions—clear skies, volcanic landscapes and relatively low light pollution—have long made the country a popular destination for aurora viewing.