The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most breathtaking natural displays on Earth. Their swirling ribbons of green, purple, and red light have captivated travelers for centuries, and for good reason—there’s nothing quite like standing under a sky alive with cosmic energy. But not all places offer the same aurora experience. Factors like location, climate, and light pollution play a huge role in visibility.
We tried hard to narrow it down to a top five list, but honestly, that proved impossible. So, here are our top picks for the best Northern Lights destinations in the world, each offering its own unique charm and reasons to visit.
Understanding the Northern Lights
Before we get into the best Northern Lights destinations, it helps to understand what causes the aurora. The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful light displays. The strength and frequency of the lights depend on solar activity, meaning locations closer to the Arctic Circle generally have the best chances of seeing them.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, often called the „Gateway to the Arctic,“ is hands down one of the best, if not THE best, Northern Lights destinations. Located well within the Arctic Circle, it offers reliable aurora activity from September to April. What makes Tromsø stand out is its well-developed tourism infrastructure. Whether you want a guided Northern Lights photography tour, a whale-watching expedition, or to immerse yourself in Sami culture, Tromsø delivers.
Why Visit Tromsø?
- High aurora activity due to its prime location.
- A variety of guided tours specializing in aurora photography.
- Plenty of other Arctic experiences like dog sledding and fjord cruises.
- Easy access from major European cities.
- Unique accommodations like glass-roofed cabins for aurora viewing.
Recommended Viewing Spots:
- Prestvannet Lake – Close to the city but dark enough for great viewing.
- Ersfjordbotn – A scenic fjord that reflects the aurora beautifully.
- Lyngen Alps – A stunning mountain region away from city lights.
- Sommarøy – A remote island with minimal light pollution.
Check https://www.visittromso.no/ for more info on activities and bookings.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
If you’re looking for jaw-dropping landscapes alongside the Northern Lights, the Lofoten Islands should be at the top of your list. With dramatic mountain peaks, fjords, and picturesque fishing villages, Lofoten offers a stunning natural backdrop for aurora chasers. This is also one of the best places to combine daytime landscape photography with nighttime aurora hunting.
Why Visit Lofoten?
- The Lofoten Islands are nothing less than a paradise for Landscape Photography.
- Spectacular mountain backdrops for aurora photography.
- Less light pollution compared to mainland Norway.
- Unique accommodations in traditional fisherman cabins.
- Plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Recommended Viewing Spots:
- Uttakleiv Beach – Famous for its reflections of the aurora over the ocean.
- Haukland Beach – One of the most photogenic spots in Lofoten.
- Reine – A classic fishing village with clear night skies.
Check https://visitlofoten.com/ for more info on activities and booking.
Reykjavik & Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Iceland is another top destination for aurora chasers, offering surreal volcanic landscapes as a dramatic setting for the lights. While you can sometimes see the aurora in Reykjavik, venturing just outside the city provides much better conditions.
Why Visit Iceland?
- Easy access from North America and Europe.
- Hot springs and geothermal pools make aurora hunting even more relaxing.
- Unique volcanic landscapes and ice caves enhance the experience.
- Multiple locations across the country for clear, dark skies.
Best Viewing Spots:
- Thingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with minimal light pollution.
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – Where the aurora reflects off floating icebergs.
- Grotta Lighthouse – A convenient spot just outside Reykjavik.
- Kirkjufell Mountain – A famous peak offering perfect aurora photography opportunities.
Check out the Icelandic Tourist Board at https://www.visiticeland.com/ for more info on activities.
Abisko National Park, Sweden
Abisko is famous for having one of the most reliable climates for Northern Lights viewing. Its „Blue Hole“ phenomenon—an area with minimal cloud cover—means that even when nearby regions are overcast, Abisko often enjoys clear skies.
Why Visit Abisko?
- Extremely high probability of seeing the aurora due to its microclimate.
- Minimal light pollution.
- The Aurora Sky Station, a dedicated facility for optimal viewing.
- Plenty of winter activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing.
Best Viewing Spots:
- Aurora Sky Station – A specially designed observation area for aurora watching.
- Lake Torneträsk – A vast frozen lake offering stunning reflections.
- Mount Nuolja – Provides a higher vantage point for incredible aurora views.
More info on activities and travelling to Abisko: https://visitabisko.com/
Rovaniemi & Finnish Lapland, Finland
Finnish Lapland offers the full Arctic experience—snow-covered forests, reindeer safaris, and, of course, fantastic aurora displays. Rovaniemi, often called the „Official Hometown of Santa Claus,“ is a great base for exploring the region.
Why Visit Finnish Lapland?
- Glass igloos and aurora cabins for cozy overnight viewing.
- Rich Sami culture and unique Arctic activities.
- Long winter nights provide more opportunities to see the lights.
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure for winter travelers.
Best Viewing Spots:
- Saariselkä – Known for its glass igloos with panoramic views.
- Kakslauttanen – A resort famous for its heated glass domes.
- Pyhä-Luosto National Park – Offers stunning forested landscapes.
More info: https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/
Yukon & Northwest Territories, Canada
Canada’s vast wilderness is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, particularly in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. With some of the darkest skies in the world, these areas offer fantastic viewing conditions.
Why Visit Canada?
- Extremely dark skies with minimal light pollution.
- Aurora season lasts from late August to April.
- Opportunities for incredible wilderness adventures.
- Indigenous-led tours provide unique cultural insights.
Best Viewing Spots:
- Churchill – Famous for both auroras and polar bear sightings.
- Yellowknife – One of the most reliable aurora hotspots in the world.
- Whitehorse – A great mix of city life and remote viewing opportunities.
Find general information on visiting Yukon at https://www.nps.gov/yuch/planyourvisit/index.htm.
Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights
- Check the Aurora Forecast – Websites like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provide real-time updates. Check this article for more info on the best forecast websites and apps.
- Avoid Light Pollution – The darker the sky, the better the visibility.
- Be Patient & Flexible – The aurora is unpredictable, so plan multiple nights for the best chances.
- Dress Warmly – Arctic conditions can be extreme, so layer up. This article gives you a general idea on which temperatures you can be dealing with and how to cope with them.
- Book a Guided Tour – Local guides know the best viewing spots and increase your chances of success. In this article, we give you some advice for the best experience when enjoying the Northern Lights on a guided group trip: The Do’s and Don’ts of Enjoying and Photographing the Northern Lights in a Group
- Bring a Tripod & Camera – For clear aurora photos, stability is key.
- Choose the Right Accommodation – Staying in remote locations or aurora lodges increases your chances of seeing the lights right from your room.
The Decision for one these 6 best Northern Lights Destinations is yours!
We hope this overview of the best Northern Lights destinations was useful for you. Wherever you choose to go, seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, the untouched wilderness of Canada, or the vibrant Arctic cities of Norway, every location on this list offers something special.
Check out our dedicated guides for each destination for more detailed recommendations on where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your perfect aurora trip!