The Best Places to see the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, a dazzling display of dancing lights across the night sky, has captivated imaginations for millennia. Witnessing this natural phenomenon is a bucket list experience for many, but where can you go to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights?
Here is your guide to the best locations to see the Aurora Borealis!
Where can you see the Northern Lights?
The key to spotting the Northern Lights lies in your location. Auroras occur in a ring-shaped area around the Earth’s magnetic poles, aptly named the auroral oval or the zone where you would see an aurora. This zone is generally located between 60 and 72 degrees geomagnetic latitude, placing most of Scandinavia, Iceland, Alaska, northern Canada, and parts of Greenland right in the sweet spot.
Within the aurora zone, several locations stand out for their exceptional viewing opportunities. Here are some of the top contenders:
- Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice offers a unique combination of accessible Northern Lights displays and breathtaking landscapes. With minimal light pollution and long winter nights, Iceland provides ample opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Head out on a Northern Lights sailing excursion, or hunt for the Northern Lights with an experienced guide.
- Norway: Norway boasts locations like Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, and North Cape, known for their clear dark skies and frequent Northern Lights activity. Head out to the observatory in Tromsø, or even a cruise on a fjord trip in the night to see snow capped mountains and the Northern Lights, or try getting the train to the top of a mountain in Flam, near Bergen!
- Swedish Lapland: This winter wonderland offers you a Northern Lights experience like no other, combining the Northern Lights with snowy landscapes, cosy log cabins, and even opportunities to witness the lights while dog sledding, snowmobiling on a frozen lake, at the top of the Arctic circle or on a reindeer sled through the forests, with our experienced guides to help you find the best places to see the Northern Lights. Try a night in the famous Tree Hotel, and see the Northern Lights from the treetops!
- Finland: Finnish Lapland boasts long stretches of darkness during the winter months, with glass roofed aurora cabins, so you can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed. Finland also has beautiful log cabins along frozen lakes and has a beautiful Autumn season “Ruska” to see the Northern Lights, with stunning colours of the changing trees, and the added bonus of jumping into a lake after being in a sauna, before the winter season kicks in in November.
- Greenland: This vast island nation boasts minimal light pollution and a remote location, making it ideal for Northern Lights viewing. Towns like Ilulissat offer a chance to witness the Northern Lights reflecting over glaciers and icebergs.
When can you see the Northern Lights?
While location is crucial, timing your trip is equally important. The Northern Lights are most visible during the equinoxes (spring and autumn) when the day and night skies are more balanced. Generally, the Northern Lights season falls between late September and mid-April, with longer nights offering a better chance of sightings.
Remember, this is a natural occurrence!
Even within the prime locations and during peak season, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. Geomagnetic activity plays a big role in when and where you can see the Northern Lights, so it is always wise to consult the Kp-index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) which can help you predict how strong the Northern Lights may be. Additionally, escaping light pollution from cities is essential for optimal viewing and there’s always cloud cover that could stop you seeing anything.
Planning Your Aurora Adventure
With a little research and planning, your dream of witnessing the Northern Lights can become a reality. Choose your location based on some of the unique accommodation we provide in the top destinations to see the Northern Lights. Check out the Aurora Forecast with the MET OFFICE, and prioritise areas with minimal light pollution, and respect the local environment, and it’s always best to go with a knowledgeable guide when you are hunting for the Northern Lights.
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