Experiencing the northern lights - Best destinations

Seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience that many people wait a lifetime for—since the conditions must be perfect for this spectacular show to occur. The good news is that, with the right timing and by being in Scandinavia or other northern countries, you often get rewarded with breathtaking views of the lights. Due to the longer darkness and clear night skies, the months from December to March are usually the best time to witness this natural phenomenon. However, there are also places where sightings are possible year-round.

Northern Sweden and Finland

The northernmost city in Sweden, Kiruna, is considered Scandinavia's gateway to nearby attractions. These include the Ice Hotel, the mountainous Abisko National Park, the local Sami culture, and numerous reindeer. A short drive from the city will take you to an ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights. The weather here is much more stable than along the rest of the Scandinavian coast. In the nearby Finnish region of Lapland, Rovaniemi serves as the gateway to several national parks. In winter, you can see not only the Northern Lights but also frozen, snow-covered trees called "tykky" sculptures.

Northern Norway's largest urban area is located about 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, however, this part of the Scandinavian coast enjoys surprisingly mild temperatures. In addition, it features beautiful landscapes, magnificent fjords, and the Lyngen Alps. Spectacular Northern Lights are often observed from the village of Ersfjordbotn, just 20 kilometers from Tromsø, making it a popular destination for viewing the lights in Scandinavia.

Scotland

In Scotland, the lights have a particularly romantic name: "Mirrie Dancers." They can be seen across the UK during autumn and winter—even as far south as Kent and East Anglia in England. However, the best place is the northern Highlands or the Shetland Islands, where there is little light pollution. You can also head to the Isle of Lewis to see the ancient, man-made wonder: the Calanais Standing Stones, a circular stone formation believed to have been erected 5,000 years ago. Before setting out, sign up for AuroraWatch UK to get updates on the viewing conditions, ensuring you don't miss a sighting. 

 

Even without the Northern Lights, Iceland is an exceptional destination with its glaciers, geysers, massive waterfalls, and volcanoes. The latitude and longitude both favor viewing the Northern Lights in good weather. On the coastal roads that circle the country, you can chase clear skies. During high activity, the lights can even be seen from the suburbs of Reykjavík—Grotta Lighthouse is a popular viewing spot. Elsewhere on the island, you can watch the dancing lights from outdoor whirlpools, bubble huts, and hot spring lagoons.

Greenland

With minimal light pollution and near-perfect visibility in some places, Greenland offers exceptional opportunities to view the milky-green lights. A stay of three or four nights during the aurora season, between September and early April, gives you the best chance to see the lights. For instance, stay in igloos on the edge of the Ilulissat Icefjord, where the double rooms are equipped with electric heating, a TV, and a small bathroom. If you prefer a more rustic experience, plan a trip to Kangerlussuaq. This former US military base near the airport sees Northern Lights on 300 nights of the year, and offers excursions that include a tour to view the phenomenon and an overnight stay on the Greenlandic ice sheet.

 

Cherry Springs State Park, located away from major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, is dedicated to preserving its exceptionally dark sky. The area is classified as a "Gold Level International Dark Sky Park"—the highest designation given by the International Dark Sky Association. The park uses special lighting fixtures that do not affect visibility and has strict rules for flashlights and car headlights. Even if you miss the Northern Lights, you’re almost guaranteed an extraordinary view of the stars. Check the park’s website for special events like astronomy programs and public viewing nights.

Yellowknife, Canada

The capital of Canada's Northwest Territories on the shore of Great Slave Lake has its own aurora village and special activities for Northern Lights tourism. Thanks to its northern location and minimal light pollution, Canada is a paradise for viewing the Northern Lights. Other popular viewing spots in the country include Wood Buffalo and Jasper National Parks.

 

From August to mid-April, the Northern Lights swirl across the sky of Canada’s Yukon Territory. Depending on the cloud cover, light pollution, and aurora activity, you can watch the neon green and yellow hues for hours. At the Northern Lights Centre in Watson Lake, you can learn more about the science—and folklore—surrounding these colorful lights. Many local hotels, restaurants, and other venues also offer special events related to the Northern Lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Just two degrees below the Arctic, near the international airport and the impressive Denali National Park, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the USA to view the Northern Lights. The city even has its own aurora forecast system and offers tours that take visitors far away from city lights. The best time to visit is from late August to mid-April, when you'll have a chance to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon.

 

 

The Northern Lights are more commonly talked about than the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) because there are fewer places to view them in the Southern Hemisphere. Your best chances are on the island of Tasmania, Australia, and at the southern tip of New Zealand, where you can see active auroras over the southern horizon under a dark sky. These locations are the closest to the magnetic south pole—apart from Antarctica. The best chances to see the lights are during the equinox.