Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis is a notoriously elusive phenomenon, says Nigel Tisdall in the Daily Telegraph, but you can narrow your odds of seeing it by heading to the right spot. The town of Abisko, 60 miles west of Kiruna in the snowy wastes of Arctic Sweden, claims to be the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights thanks to the area's clear, dark skies. Intrepid aurora-hunters can stay in the Abisko Ark Hotel, a set

of small wooden huts on runners that are towed out on to a frozen lake every winter. The accommodation is basic, but you can enjoy a sauna, fish through an ice hole while lying in bed and - if you're lucky - witness an unforgettable light show. Discover the World (01737 218 800) offers direct flights to Kiruna on selected dates. It's an hour's drive to Abisko Mountain Lodge (+46 980 40200). Contact the lodge to arrange overnight stays at the Abisko Ark Hotel.