One of the most enchanting sights on the planet is the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. They resemble lights that move and dance in shades of purple, pink and green across the pitch-black night sky. Clear skies, no city lights and the appropriate time of year, typically winter, are necessary to see them. The majority of these luminous lights are observed in nations near the Arctic Circle. A Northern Lights Tour Package will let you explore places to see Northern Lights and make you feel like you're under a magical sky. Here are some of the best places where you can witness this natural marvel.
15 Best Places to See the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is a dream for many travellers. These places are known for clear skies, beautiful landscapes and the best chances to watch this magical show.
1. Tromsø, Norway
Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," Tromsø is the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights. The city is ideal for seeing auroras because it is located far above the Arctic Circle. Long nights are a feature of winter and the best time to see the aurora is between October and March. In addition to the lights, Tromsø has fjord cruises, reindeer sledding and a cable car ride with breathtaking views. It blends Arctic culture with the beauty of nature.
Location: Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle
Best Time to See: October - March
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, offers visitors a good opportunity to see the Northern Lights without having to travel far. Even the city can see the aurora on clear nights, but the view is brighter and more enchanting if you drive a short distance into the countryside. The months of September through April are ideal for chasing the lights because of their long nights. During the day, you can take in Iceland's geysers, glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs in addition to the aurora. Thus, it is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Location: Capital city of Iceland
Best Time to See: September - April
3. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
One of the best places to see the Northern Lights is Fairbanks, Alaska. It is located beneath the "Auroral Oval," a region where auroras frequently and vividly appear. The likelihood of seeing the lights is increased by the cold but clear winter nights here. Visitors come to Fairbanks between August and April to take advantage of dog sledding excursions, hot springs and aurora lodges. Fairbanks provides one of the most satisfying Northern Lights experiences in the United States because of its expansive, open skies.
Location: Central Alaska, USA
Best Time to See: August - April
4. Yellowknife, Canada
The "Aurora Capital of North America" is Yellowknife, which is located in Canada's Northwest Territories. Particularly on clear nights, its location makes it one of the most reliable places to see Northern Lights. The aurora is made even brighter by the low light pollution and the long, dark winter skies. In order to see stunning light reflections, travelers frequently stay at neighboring lodges or visit frozen lakes. Aurora watchers from all over the world flock to Yellowknife between mid-November and April.
Location: Northwest Territories, Canada
Best Time to See: Mid-November - April
5. Rovaniemi, Finland
In addition to being known as the "home of Santa Claus," Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is renowned for its breathtaking views and is thus one of the best places to see Northern Lights. Here, you can watch the sky light up with colors while you sleep in glass igloos. From August through April, there are numerous winter nights when the aurora can be seen. Travelers enjoy cozy winter stays, reindeer farms and snowmobile rides in addition to the lights. It is unforgettable because of Rovaniemi's blend of Lapland culture and enchanted skies.
Location: Lapland, Northern Finland
Best Time to See: August - April
6. Abisko, Sweden
One of the most popular places to see Northern Lights is Abisko in Swedish Lapland. The "blue hole effect," in which local winds keep clouds away, is responsible for the exceptionally clear skies in the neighboring Abisko National Park. This greatly increases the likelihood of seeing auroras. Travelers come to Abisko from December to March for winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing as well as Northern Lights tours. For serious aurora hunters, its remote location and low levels of light pollution make it a dream destination.
Location: Swedish Lapland, near Abisko National Park
Best Time to See: December - March
7. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is positioned halfway between Norway and the North Pole and here one will have one of the most unique experiences since this is one of the best places to see Northern Lights. Between mid-November and late January, the Polar Night lasts, during which the sun does not appear at all. It implies that the travellers will be able to view the aurora even in daytime. It is made unforgettable by the icy sceneries, wildlife in the Arctic and the snow-covered landscapes. Due to its great latitude, Svalbard is ideal for people who would like to have an extreme and unusual experience seeing the aurora.
Location: Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole
Best Time to See: Mid-November - Late January
8. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Another marvelous place to see Northern Lights is Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. The town is located under stable weather conditions that imply clearer nights and better sightseeing. The aurora is vivid and colourful on the Arctic sky with practically no light pollution. The tourists visit it in the period between September and April to sample both the aurora scenery and the icy elements of Greenland, such as glacier tours and dog sledding. Kangerlussuaq has one of the most pristine and raw environments in which to see the Northern Lights.
Location: Western Greenland, near the Arctic Circle
Best Time to See: September - April
9. Murmansk, Russia
Murmansk in northwestern Russia is the largest city above the Arctic Circle and it is a good place to see Northern Lights. Winter is associated with nights and thus an increased possibility of viewing the aurora between November and March. Light pollution is more prevalent in the city compared to the remote areas and thus short drives to the countryside give clearer views. This place offers a beautiful combination of attractions to experience the Arctic culture, snow-covered forests and icebreakers in the harbour.
Location: Northwestern Russia, above the Arctic Circle
Best Time to See: November - March
10. Scottish Highlands, UK
The Scottish Highlands themselves are not as popular as Norway or Iceland but they offer a chance to see the Northern Lights, known locally as the "Mirrie Dancers." On very clear nights between late September and March, the aurora can be seen, sometimes in northern parts of the country like Caithness or the Isle of Skye. The sightings are less predictable but the beautiful landscape of Scotland is worth a visit. It's an excellent option for UK visitors who want to enjoy aurora hunting and are on the lookout for the best places to see Northern Lights.
Location: Northern Scotland, UK
Best Time to See: Late September - March
11. Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna, the northernmost town in Sweden, is a wonderful place to see Northern Lights. With snow-covered woods and iced lakes surrounding it offers a magical atmosphere to the aurora. From September to March, the sky typically lights up and visitors can enjoy winter sports like husky sledding, skiing or a trip to the world-famous Icehotel. Less touristy than Abisko, Kiruna still offers excellent viewing conditions along with a warm local culture and Sami heritage to explore.
Location: Northernmost Sweden, Lapland
Best Time to See: September - March
12. Ilulissat, Greenland
Ilulissat, a town in the west coast of Greenland, is famous for its enormous icebergs and open Arctic skies. From September through April, the Northern Lights will usually shine over the icy fjords, creating breathtaking reflections on the water. This World Heritage site gives visitors a mix of nature and culture as you can view lights after visiting Inuit settlements or boat tours. The combination of colorful auroras and huge icebergs places Ilulissat on the list of the most dramatic viewing sites.
Location: West Greenland, by the Ilulissat Icefjord
Best Time to See: September - April
13. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is yet another leading spot in Alaska when it comes to places to see Northern Lights viewing, especially if you want urban amenities along with aurora viewing. While light pollution in the city center of Anchorage makes it harder, short road trips out of town to Flattop Mountain or Eklutna Lake provide dark skies well suited for aurora hunting. The additional offer of skiing, snowmobiling and glacier cruises during late August to April adds further appeal. Its mix of urban comforts and outdoor adventures makes it a good hub for Northern Lights travellers
Location: South-central Alaska, USA
Best Time to See: Late August - April
14. Lapland, Norway (Alta)
Alta in northern Norway is also known as the "City of the Northern Lights." The area is rich in terms of a long history of aurora studies, as its first observatory was built there in the 1800s. September and March have mostly clear weather and tourists enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling or sleeping overnight in the ice hotel. Alta is less crowded than Tromsø and the spectators experience the views in peaceful environments. With its strong Sami culture and Arctic activities, it is a hidden gem for those who want a tranquil aurora holiday.
Location: Finnmark, Northern Norway
Best Time to See: September - March
15. Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is one of the most stunning places to see Northern Lights in the USA. With minimal light pollution, the aurora glows above snow-covered mountains and forests. During late August through April, visitors who camp as well as the ones who stay in lodges are able to see the lights as well as Alaska's wildlife. Seeing the auroras over North America's tallest mountain, Denali, makes it all the more special for people who admire nature and love adventure.
Location: Central Alaska, USA
Best Time to See: Late August - April
Conclusion
One of nature's most exquisite wonders is the Northern Lights. There are numerous Places to See Northern Lights from where you can witness the green, purple and red hues of the sky, ranging from Norway and Iceland to Alaska and Canada. The best time to visit most of these places is from September to March, when the nights are long and the skies are dark. In addition to the lights, tourists can take in the local customs, snow and mountains. Seeing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime, genuinely magical experience that you would not want to miss out on.
