From Canada to Sweden, Greenland to Scotland, these are the best places to see the Northern Lights around the world.
Is there a travel bucket list on the planet that doesn't include the Northern Lights? Sure, social media is teeming with aurora hunters, but these incredible streaks of color in the sky melt even the most skeptical hearts. The Northern Lights remain one of the most magical sights on this wonderful planet.
Of course, there's a somewhat de-romanticized scientific explanation for them, but we're not about to put out the fire. What we can do, however, is offer a list of the best places to see the Northern Lights around the world. For the best viewing experience, you'll want to choose a dark night, so looking up between November and March is recommended. Choose a night with a new moon and make sure it's cloudless and free of light pollution. So, are you ready to see something truly spectacular? Here are the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights Around the World
1. Norway
Norway's northernmost regions are conveniently located within the Arctic Circle, and the incredibly long winter nights offer ideal conditions for Northern Lights viewing. Tromsø is a popular base for Northern Lights hunters. Sometimes, you can even spot the lights from the city itself.
If you're serious about your search, few places are better than Svalbard to spot the lights. The world's northernmost settlement, Svalbard, is constantly in darkness between November and February, providing ideal opportunities. Just be sure to take an official tour rather than heading out into the wild alone. This is polar bear territory.
Stay here: It won't open until 2024, but the Svart, the world's first energy-positive hotel, would be a dream base. The circular hotel, nestled in the shallow waters of a fjord, will be energy self-sufficient and produce zero waste—and its location in the Arctic Circle makes it a good bet for seeing the Northern Lights during your stay.
2. Greenland
Light pollution is minimal in wild and rural Greenland. If you visit during the winter months, your chances of spotting the Northern Lights are quite good. The lights can be seen in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, while Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut are good places to base your trip. Southern Greenland may be a better option if you don't like the harsh cold, but if you're feeling brave, you should book a trip to beautiful Ilulissat in northern Greenland.
Stay here: Wearing your thermals? You can spend the night inside a real igloo while chasing the Northern Lights in Greenland. Igloo Lodge, on the shores of the frozen Lake Nalluarsup, is a collection of traditional hand-built igloos, lit by candles and with really good sleeping bags.
3. Canada
While you can spot them anywhere in Canada, much of northern Canada lies within the Aurora Zone and is a brilliant place to try your luck. The Northwest Territories are your best bet. Churchill, in northern Manitoba, is another popular spot for aurora hunters for a reason, as are Yukon, Nunavut, Newfoundland, and Labrador. You might even get lucky in Alberta during the fall—the lights have been spotted in National park from Banff.
Stay here: Aurora Village Located near Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territories, you can probably guess from its name that it's a great place to see the Northern Lights. Spend the night gazing at the skies by the campfire in a teepee before being transferred to a hotel in Yellowknife for a well-deserved rest.
4. Iceland
Reykjavik is popular with aurora watchers, who base themselves in the city and head out into the darkness at night on organized tours or rental cars. You can even see the lights in the city, especially in the Oskjuhlid forest. But moving away from the bright lights will increase your chances. The Westfjords and North Iceland have more hours of darkness and statistically less cloud cover.
Stay here: The Rural Hotel Ranga, in southern Iceland, it boasts zero light pollution, riverside hot tubs, and a special wake-up call every time the Northern Lights appear. Yes, please!
5. Sweden
Swedish Lapland is an ideal playground for aurora hunting, with many outdoor activities to keep you busy while you wait. For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, head to the Aurora Sky Station at National park from Abisko. Kiruna, the country's northernmost city, is also an ideal base, as is the neighboring village of Jukkasjärvi (home to the Ice Hotel). For stunning scenery and seclusion, visit the small village of Porjus.
Stay here: There are countless amazing places to spend the night while hunting the Northern Lights in Sweden, but the Ice Hotel is one of the most iconic. The famous hotel, newly built and sculpted from snow and ice each winter, is a unique place to spend the night and an exceptional location for viewing the aurora.
6. Scotland
When conditions are right, the Aurora Borealis can be spotted anywhere in Scotland—they've been spotted as far south as Edinburgh—but northern Scotland, which is at a similar latitude to parts of Norway, is where you're most likely to see the dancing colors. The islands of Shetland, Orkney, Harris, Lewis, and the northernmost point of Skye receive regular visits from the lights. Other good places to try your luck are Caithness, the northernmost tip of the Scottish mainland, and National park Cairngorms.
Stay here: The Highland Haven is a tidy, Scandinavian-inspired cabin located just off the scenic North Coast 500 road in the far north of the Scottish mainland, close to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point.
7. Finland
Finnish Lapland hosts the Northern Lights an impressive 200 nights a year. You'll want to visit this northern region in winter, when the 24-hour summer day gives way to near-constant night. Popular bases for aurora-viewing vacations include remote Utsjoki in the far north, Kilpisjärvi to the west, and the ski town of Levi. In the central Lapland resort of Luosto, bells are rung when the aurora appears. Useful!
Stay here: If just the thought of spending all night outside hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora makes your toes go cold, try this instead. Arctic Treehouse Hotel has suites with floor-to-ceiling windows at the end of the bed to admire the view and see the Northern Lights from under a duvet.
With content from timeout.com
Lucas Wanderlust has a tireless spirit of adventure, always seeking new travel experiences. Fascinated by the world and the possibility of exploring unknown destinations, he fell in love with the sense of freedom and self-discovery that traveling alone provides. With a backpack on his back and a heart open to the unknown, Lucas embarks on exciting journeys, where each destination becomes a unique chapter in his life story. He gives himself body and soul to the magic of solo travel, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and discover themselves through adventure.
