7 places around the world to witness the magical Northern Lights
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Check out these Northern Lights destinations around the world for an unforgettable Arctic Holiday experience
Imagine watching the night sky turn green and purple, with the colours dancing above snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes and soothing Arctic villages. Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience for many travellers, and the right destination can make the trip even more memorable. From Norway's fjords to Iceland's volcanic landscapes, these seven places offer some of the world's best opportunities to witness the aurora borealis.
If you're planning a winter escape, here's where to go, the best months to visit and what you can experience beyond the lights.
If you're planning a winter escape, here's where to go, the best months to visit and what you can experience beyond the lights.
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Tromso, Norway
Best time to visit: September to early April
Tromsø is a good starting point for travellers hoping to see the Northern Lights without giving up the comforts of a city. Located well above the Arctic Circle, it offers guided aurora-chasing trips that take visitors away from streetlights in search of clearer skies. During the day, travellers can explore the waterfront, take fjord excursions or try dog sledging. Winter brings long, nights, giving visitors more opportunities to look for the lights.
Travel tip: Plan at least three nights to allow some flexibility if clouds interrupt your aurora plans.
Tromsø is a good starting point for travellers hoping to see the Northern Lights without giving up the comforts of a city. Located well above the Arctic Circle, it offers guided aurora-chasing trips that take visitors away from streetlights in search of clearer skies. During the day, travellers can explore the waterfront, take fjord excursions or try dog sledging. Winter brings long, nights, giving visitors more opportunities to look for the lights.
Travel tip: Plan at least three nights to allow some flexibility if clouds interrupt your aurora plans.
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Iceland
Best time to visit: September to March
Iceland offers more than a chance to see the Northern Lights. Travellers can watch for the aurora above waterfalls, glaciers, rugged coastlines and volcanic landscapes. The countryside beyond Reykjavík provides several viewing opportunities when skies are clear, and light pollution is low. During the day, visitors can explore the Golden Circle, relax in geothermal lagoons or drive along parts of the south coast. Winter weather can change quickly, so keeping travel plans flexible is important.
Travel tip: Choose accommodation outside the capital for darker skies, but check road and weather conditions before setting out at night.
Iceland offers more than a chance to see the Northern Lights. Travellers can watch for the aurora above waterfalls, glaciers, rugged coastlines and volcanic landscapes. The countryside beyond Reykjavík provides several viewing opportunities when skies are clear, and light pollution is low. During the day, visitors can explore the Golden Circle, relax in geothermal lagoons or drive along parts of the south coast. Winter weather can change quickly, so keeping travel plans flexible is important.
Travel tip: Choose accommodation outside the capital for darker skies, but check road and weather conditions before setting out at night.
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Rovaniemi, Finland
Best time to visit: Late August to early April
In Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi brings together Northern Lights viewing and classic winter holiday experiences. Travellers can visit reindeer farms, try husky sledding and explore snow-covered forests. Glass-roofed cabins are another draw, allowing guests to watch the sky from indoors while staying warm. Although the aurora can appear over the town, heading into the surrounding countryside can offer darker viewing conditions. The destination is particularly suited to families and first-time visitors to the Arctic.
Travel tip: Consider staying for several nights and including activities beyond aurora viewing, as the lights are never guaranteed.
In Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi brings together Northern Lights viewing and classic winter holiday experiences. Travellers can visit reindeer farms, try husky sledding and explore snow-covered forests. Glass-roofed cabins are another draw, allowing guests to watch the sky from indoors while staying warm. Although the aurora can appear over the town, heading into the surrounding countryside can offer darker viewing conditions. The destination is particularly suited to families and first-time visitors to the Arctic.
Travel tip: Consider staying for several nights and including activities beyond aurora viewing, as the lights are never guaranteed.
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Abisko, Sweden
Best time to visit: October to March
For travellers who prefer mountains and open wilderness to a busy city, Abisko National Park is worth considering. Located in Swedish Lapland, it is known for conditions that can favour clear skies, although the weather is never predictable. Visitors can explore the surrounding trails during the day and head out after dark to look for the aurora. The Aurora Sky Station is one of the area's best-known viewing attractions.
Travel tip: Pack proper thermal clothing and allow time for more than one evening of aurora watching.
For travellers who prefer mountains and open wilderness to a busy city, Abisko National Park is worth considering. Located in Swedish Lapland, it is known for conditions that can favour clear skies, although the weather is never predictable. Visitors can explore the surrounding trails during the day and head out after dark to look for the aurora. The Aurora Sky Station is one of the area's best-known viewing attractions.
Travel tip: Pack proper thermal clothing and allow time for more than one evening of aurora watching.
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Yellowknife, Canada
Best time to visit: Late August to early April
Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territories, is a popular choice for travellers looking for wide-open skies and a wilderness setting. The aurora can appear above frozen lakes and stretches of open landscape, creating striking views away from urban lighting. Visitors can join organised viewing excursions or stay at lodges outside the city. The destination also offers a different kind of Northern Lights holiday from the European Arctic, with opportunities to experience Canada's northern culture and outdoor life.
Travel tip: Winter temperatures can fall sharply, so invest in suitable cold-weather clothing before travelling.
Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territories, is a popular choice for travellers looking for wide-open skies and a wilderness setting. The aurora can appear above frozen lakes and stretches of open landscape, creating striking views away from urban lighting. Visitors can join organised viewing excursions or stay at lodges outside the city. The destination also offers a different kind of Northern Lights holiday from the European Arctic, with opportunities to experience Canada's northern culture and outdoor life.
Travel tip: Winter temperatures can fall sharply, so invest in suitable cold-weather clothing before travelling.
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Alaska, USA
Best time to visit: Late August to April
Fairbanks is one of Alaska's best-known bases for Northern Lights trips. Travellers can head to darker areas outside the city, stay in remote cabins or combine aurora viewing with a visit to Chena Hot Springs. The lights are not limited to the coldest months, and autumn can offer opportunities before winter temperatures reach their lowest. During the day, visitors can explore the surrounding wilderness and experience Alaska's distinctive northern landscapes.
Travel tip: If you want to photograph the aurora, bring a tripod and allow time to learn the camera settings before heading out.
Fairbanks is one of Alaska's best-known bases for Northern Lights trips. Travellers can head to darker areas outside the city, stay in remote cabins or combine aurora viewing with a visit to Chena Hot Springs. The lights are not limited to the coldest months, and autumn can offer opportunities before winter temperatures reach their lowest. During the day, visitors can explore the surrounding wilderness and experience Alaska's distinctive northern landscapes.
Travel tip: If you want to photograph the aurora, bring a tripod and allow time to learn the camera settings before heading out.