Our guide on the best places to see Northern Lights around the world for your next travels.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on Earth. This guide highlights the best destinations worldwide to witness this magical display, tips for maximizing your experience, and when to visit.
With careful planning and a touch of luck, witnessing the Northern Lights can be a truly magical experience. Whether you venture to the Arctic Circle or stay closer to home, these destinations promise unforgettable memories under the shimmering skies.
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Tips for Maximizing Your Northern Lights Experience
Check Aurora Forecasts
Use apps like Aurora Forecast or websites like SpaceWeatherLive for updates.
Choose a Dark Location
Avoid light pollution by heading to rural areas or designated viewing sites.
Be Patient
The aurora is unpredictable; spend multiple nights in a location for better chances.
Dress Warmly
Arctic temperatures can be extreme. Wear layers, thermal clothing, and waterproof gear.
Capture the Moment
Use a DSLR camera with a tripod. Set a long exposure (10-20 seconds) and a high ISO (800-3200).
Plan Activities
Combine aurora hunting with unique local experiences like dog sledding, ice fishing, or hot springs.
Best Places To See Northern Lights
1. Tromsø, Norway
Why Visit:
Located in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers high aurora visibility. A lively city with cultural attractions, making it a great base.
Best Time: September to April
Top Experiences:
Take a Northern Lights cruise or chase the aurora by snowmobile.
Visit the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden and the Arctic Cathedral.
2. Abisko, Sweden
Why Visit:
Home to the Abisko National Park and the “Blue Hole,” a weather phenomenon offering clear skies.
Renowned for its Aurora Sky Station.
Best Time: November to March
Top Experiences:
Take a chairlift ride to the Aurora Sky Station for a panoramic view.
Enjoy skiing or ice-climbing during the day.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Why Visit:
Easily accessible from the capital, with plenty of tours to remote locations.
A natural wonderland with geysers, glaciers, and volcanoes.
Best Time: September to March
Top Experiences:
Combine a Northern Lights tour with a dip in the Blue Lagoon.
Visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Finnish Lapland (Rovaniemi and Kakslauttanen)
Why Visit:
Stay in a glass igloo for a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience.
Rovaniemi is also the “official” hometown of Santa Claus.
Best Time: Late August to April
Top Experiences:
Enjoy reindeer or husky sledding under the aurora.
Visit the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
5. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Why Visit:
Known for clear skies and proximity to the Arctic Circle.
Home to the Aurora Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs.
Best Time: Late August to April
Top Experiences:
Relax in the Chena Hot Springs while watching the lights.
Visit Denali National Park for incredible stargazing and aurora views.
6. Yellowknife, Canada
Why Visit:
Situated directly under the auroral oval, offering high visibility.
Minimal light pollution and organized tours.
Best Time: Mid-August to late April
Top Experiences:
Stay in an aurora-viewing lodge.
Explore the culture of the Indigenous Dene people.
7. Svalbard, Norway
Why Visit:
One of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth.
Experience the Polar Night, where the sun doesn’t rise for months, enhancing aurora sightings.
Best Time: November to February
Top Experiences:
Join a dog sledding tour in the Arctic wilderness.
Visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
8. Murmansk, Russia
Why Visit:
A less crowded and affordable destination for aurora viewing.
Close to the Kola Peninsula, a prime location for the lights.
Best Time: Late September to March
Top Experiences:
Explore the Sami culture and try reindeer sledding.
Visit the Lenin, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker.
9. Greenland
Why Visit:
Minimal light pollution and vast wilderness offer incredible viewing.
Unique ice fjords and glaciers provide stunning backdrops.
Best Time: September to April
Top Experiences:
Visit Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a dog sledding expedition under the aurora.
10. Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Why Visit:
Known as the “Mirrie Dancers,” the aurora can sometimes be seen in northern Scotland.
A more accessible option within Europe.
Best Time: November to February
Top Experiences:
Visit Cairngorms National Park for aurora hunting.
Explore historic castles during the day.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.