Where to Go for the Best Northern Lights Views

Yellowknife, located in Canada's Northwest Territories, is a premier spot for catching the northern lights. Known for its crystal-clear skies, Yellowknife offers over 240 nights a year of potential aurora viewing. The area’s sparse population minimizes light pollution, creating optimal conditions for watching the lights flicker and dance in the sky. Numerous guided tours and cozy lodges enhance the viewing experience, making it a top choice for aurora enthusiasts.

Senja, an island in northern Norway, is famed for its dramatic landscapes and equally dramatic aurora displays. The rugged mountains and coastal inlets provide a stunning backdrop for the green and purple lights that illuminate the winter skies. With fewer tourists than more well-known spots like Tromsø, Senja offers a more secluded setting for those looking to enjoy the northern lights in peace.

The Lofoten Islands in Norway provide a unique blend of sea and sky, with the northern lights reflecting off the vast waters and rocky coasts. The fishing communities offer attractive accommodations and an ideal spot for aurora viewing. The finest months to visit are September through March, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest.

Svalbard is one of the few places in the world where you can see the northern lights during the daytime, thanks to its extreme latitude. This remote archipelago in the Arctic offers a unique wilderness experience, with polar bears and untouched glaciers adding to the adventure. While the polar night from November to February provides 24 hours of darkness, it also offers round-the-clock opportunities to witness the aurora borealis.

Oulu, situated in northern Finland, combines urban amenities with excellent opportunities for northern lights viewing. The city itself offers cultural attractions and events, but just a short drive away, you can find dark skies ideal for watching the auroras. The season runs from September to March, with numerous spots around the city providing clear views of the colourful displays overhead.

If you're chasing the northern lights, Yukon is your go-to. This Canadian territory offers some of the clearest views from August to April, thanks to minimal light pollution. For an unbeatable experience, visit during early winter when the nights are longest. The Midnight Dome in Dawson City provides a spectacular panoramic view, making it a prime spot for watching this celestial display.

Fairbanks, Alaska, sits in a sweet spot for aurora viewing, thanks to its position within the auroral oval. Here, the skies blaze with colors from late February to early April. Choose from a variety of unique accommodations, including geodesic igloos with clear ceilings, perfect for watching the lights. By day, the area offers adventures like dog-sledding and ATV tours.

Reykjavik goes dark from late September, setting the stage for amazing aurora shows through the winter months. Iceland’s capital offers more than just the lights, unwind at a geothermal beach or one of the city’s many hot pools. For a unique perspective, take a boat cruise from Reykjavik harbour and watch the lights reflect off the ocean.

In Sweden, Abisko National Park is free from city lights, offering pristine conditions for aurora watching. The park’s Aurora Sky Station on Mt. Nuolja is a highlight, accessible via chairlift. Here, you can absorb informative presentations or simply gaze at the awe-inspiring skies above.

Tromsø, located in the heart of the auroral oval, is surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords, enhancing its scenic beauty. The best times for aurora viewing in Tromsø are from September to March, with especially intense displays in the colder months. Venture to the city outskirts to escape the light pollution and enjoy a clear view of the auroras.

In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, the northern lights are so vivid they can be seen even in the city centre. The vibrant colours of the aurora are magnified by the snowy landscapes, offering a stunning spectacle that’s easily accessible and profoundly moving.

Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is another stellar location for northern lights enthusiasts. The park’s latitude is comparable to Norway and Alaska, providing excellent visibility. Locations like the Cairngorm Mountain car park and Glenlivet Estate offer perfect backdrops for night sky watchers.

Above the Arctic Circle, Lapland in Finland is a magical place with a potential 200 nights of aurora activity each winter. Rovaniemi, known as Santa Claus’s hometown, combines a charming setting with excellent opportunities for viewing the auroras amidst snowy forests and frozen rivers.

The Kola Peninsula in Russia offers a budget-friendly yet spectacular aurora watching experience with over 150 nights of activity annually. Murmansk, the region’s hub, provides a great base with its optimal location within the Arctic Circle.

This village is located 14 miles north of Tartu in central Estonia and sits calmly on the shores of Lake Saadjärv, a popular recreation location. The water in the lake reflects the shimmering green northern lights as they appear across the sky, casting a wonderful glow on its surface. If you dislike busy tourist locations, Saadjärv is off the usual path, so there are fewer distractions to ruin a peaceful and pleasant trip.