The Northern Lights, also called the polar lights or Aurora or the Aurora Borealis, is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that captivates people worldwide. These colorful displays of light are caused by the crash of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s atmosphere. It can be seen in the night skies of the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
If you’re planning to witness the beauty of the Northern Lights, many destinations around the world offer excellent viewing opportunities. From the far north of Norway to the remote wilderness of Greenland, here are some of the top destinations for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights.
1. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, Norway, is one of the most beautiful places in the world to have a glimpse of the Northern Lights. It is located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle offers clear skies and low light pollution, and making it ideal for aurora viewing.
In addition to its natural beauty, Tromsø also has a rich cultural heritage. It offers a range of outdoor activities, from dog sledding and snowmobiling to skiing and snowshoeing.
Whether you’re an avid aurora hunter or just looking for a unique winter adventure, Tromsø is the perfect destination for experiencing the Northern Lights.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is one of the finest places in Europe to see the Northern Lights. Located just south of the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik offers clear skies and low light pollution, making it an ideal destination for aurora viewing.
When the nights are long, and the lights are most active in winter; visitors can head out of the city to darker, rural areas for even better viewing opportunities.
Many tour operators in Reykjavik offer Northern Lights tours, including guided trips to remote locations with the best viewing conditions. Reykjavik is a fantastic destination for experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights.
3. Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife is situated in the Northwest Territories of Canada. It is one of the most pleasing places in the world to view these amazing lights. With clear skies and low light pollution, visitors to Yellowknife have a high chance of experiencing this natural wonder.
The city is in the heart of the aurora belt, making it a prime location for aurora hunting. There are many tour operators in Yellowknife that offer Northern Lights viewing trips. It covers winter camping excursions to dog sledding adventures.
Whether you’re an amateur photographer or simply looking to encounter the magic of the Northern Lights, Yellowknife is a destination that should not be missed.
4. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Fairbanks, Alaska, is a prime destination for viewing the Northern Lights. Located just below the aurora oval, the city offers clear skies and low light pollution. This makes it an ideal spot for aurora hunting.
During winter, visitors can witness the stunning display of the Northern Lights, with colorful ribbons of light dancing across the night sky. Fairbanks also offers a variety of tour operators that take visitors out to see the lights, offering an unforgettable experience for aurora enthusiasts.
5. Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is a small town in the far north of Sweden known for its clear skies and low light pollution. This makes it one of the best destinations for viewing the Northern Lights.
The town is located within the aurora zone, and it is considered one of the best locations in the world to see the Northern Lights, with a high probability of clear skies and low light pollution.
Many tour operators in Abisko offer guided Northern Lights tours, where you can experience the beauty of the lights in a safe and comfortable setting. Additionally, the town is home to the Aurora Sky Station, a popular observation deck that offers panoramic views of the lights.
6. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland, is a top destination for viewing the Northern Lights. The city is located near the Arctic Circle. This makes it one of the finest sites to experience the natural beauty of the Finnish Lapland and the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi offers some of the best conditions for aurora viewing in the world.
During winter, visitors can take a tour to see the lights in the wilderness, go on a reindeer sled ride, or even stay in a traditional Finnish cottage or igloo.
With its unique mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, Rovaniemi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the Northern Lights.
7. Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna is also one of the top destinations for viewing the Northern Lights. It is located above the Arctic Circle and offers clear skies and low light pollution, making it an ideal spot for aurora hunting.
The town is covered by exceptional natural beauty. It includes the mountains and lakes of Lapland. It also has a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights from September to March.
A variety of tour operators in Kiruna offer aurora-viewing experiences, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer sledding tours.
Whether you’re a seasoned aurora hunter or a first-time viewer, Kiruna is an unforgettable destination for
experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights.
8. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, is a remote destination that offers some of the best opportunities to view the Northern Lights. Located in the heart of the aurora belt, Kangerlussuaq has clear skies and low light pollution, making it an ideal site for viewing.
The town is blanketed in darkness for hours in winter, providing the perfect conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. Visitors can take guided tours to see the lights or venture out into the wilderness on their own.
You can easily witness the beauty of the aurora away from city lights. With its remote location and natural beauty, Kangerlussuaq is a destination that is a must-visit for anyone who is willing to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights.
9. Jokkmokk, Sweden
Jokkmokk is a small town in northern Sweden. It is also considered one of the best places to notice the Northern Lights. With its remote location and clear, dark skies, Jokkmokk offers exceptional aurora viewing opportunities.
During the winter months, when the nights are long, and the lights are most active, visitors can go on guided tours to see the Northern Lights in all their glory.
The town is also surrounded by natural beauty, including forests, lakes, and mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
10. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard, Norway, is a remote and rugged archipelago within the Arctic Circle. With its unique location and clear night skies, Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights can be seen in Svalbard from late September to early April. These are the peak viewing times in winter when the nights are the longest. Visitors to Svalbard can experience the Northern Lights on various adventures, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, and even ice diving.
Svalbard is a truly unforgettable destination for anyone looking to see the Northern Lights. This place holds remote wilderness, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.
The Bottom Line
These destinations offer some of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights. You can see it with low light pollution, clear skies and high aurora activity.
Remember that the best time to witness the beauty of the Northern Lights is during the winter. It is the time when the nights are long, and the lights are most active. Additionally, check the aurora forecast before planning your trip, as you can ensure optimal viewing conditions.
