There’s no natural phenomenon like the vivid dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis. From the rugged isles of Scotland to the snow-covered expanses of Greenland, we show you the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Want to sleep in the middle of these outstanding light shows? Make sure you check out these hotels that provide amazing views of the Northern Lights.
Fairbanks, Alaska, US
Just sit tight and let the light show surround you
Checking in at a latitude of 65 degrees, Fairbanks is just below the “aurora oval”, the Northern Lights viewing hotspot. Head out to Cleary Summit on a moonless night for an epic light show of neon green, or make the drive to the oh-so-peaceful Denali National Park for your very own private viewing party. You can also check out the lights while soaking it up, spa-style at the Chena Hot Springs, or from the permafrost-covered wonderland of Nunivak Island. The best time to see the lights is between August and April, but plan your trip for March to take advantage of the longer days and slightly less chilly weather.
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Check availability at Chena Hot Springs
Tromsø, Norway
You don’t need to venture out of Tromsø to catch a glimpse of those beautiful Northern Lights
For 25 years, the Aurora Borealis has been celebrated in style at the Northern Lights Festival. Held during the last week of January, the festival features six straight days of world-class music set against a backdrop of the Northern Lights. Tap your toe to some light jazz or marvel at a soprano’s range while you take in the dazzling, luminescent bands that stripe the sky at what locals call “nature’s own theatre”. If it’s cloudy out, you can view a man-made version of the Northern Lights at the Tromsø University Museum. While you’re in town, explore Tromsø’s polar history at the Polar Museum and check out the views from the upper station of the Cable Car.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
On top of the Northern Lights, the Isle of Skye also boasts pretty amazing sunsets
This perfectly named Scottish isle gives you a heads-up of what’s to come: stunning stargazing and a spectacular natural light show. Sparsely populated and with nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites, it’s ideal for viewing what’s known in Scotland as the “Mirrie Dancers”. Head out to the famous Neist Point Lighthouse for a rugged viewing setting, or try the Shulista Croft Wigwams on the Trotternish Peninsula. The peninsula is rich with rock formations such as Old Man Storr and the Quirang, which are worthy of daytime exploration. Additionally, ancient castles and curious ruins dot the lush countryside, giving you plenty to explore while waiting for the lights to make an appearance.
Nellim, Finland
Just snow and an unforgettable light show in the Finnish Lapland
Just 9km from the Russian border in Finnish Lapland, Nellim is an unassuming village with a well-kept secret: it’s an ideal place to view the Aurora Borealis. Nestled amidst forested fells and snow-capped peaks, it dates back to the Stone Age, and is infused with Sami culture. Marvel at the lights from the shores of Lake Inari, head to Paatsjoki Bridge for an idyllic vantage point, or climb into a glass igloo for laid-back viewing. The swirling Borealis is on display for over 200 nights of the year, so have your camera charged and ready. Allow some time during the day for snow-shoeing or dog-sledding through the taiga, and then shake off the wintry chill with a traditional sauna.
Idaho Panhandle National Park, Idaho, US
Bring a warm sweater and stay put – the Northern Lights will make an appearance any time soon
At the very northernmost tip of the Idaho Panhandle, this national park is a serene, out-of-the-way spot for taking in the Northern Lights. About 80km south of the Canadian border, it’s a tree-smothered, mountainous setting with next to no light pollution. Set up your tripod on the banks of the massive warm-water Priest Lake and capture the lights in the sky and reflected in the still waters. During the daytime you can spot bears, deer and moose as you trek the trails encircling the lake. Boating, fishing and sailing are also high on the agenda. If the season’s right, you can also try your hand at huckleberry picking or mushroom gathering.
Akureyri, Iceland
Take in the spectacle of lights from Iceland’s second largest city, Akureyri
The Northern Lights have a folksy history in this chilly place: they’re said to be angels dancing in the sky. In the far north of Iceland, Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city, and it’s a cool little spot to check out while you wait for the night to usher in the Aurora. Artsy cafes, trendy restaurants and boutique galleries line the streets, all fed by Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. When the dark arrives, settle in at the forested Kjarnaskógur, the viewing platform at Mt. Vadlaheidi or the nearby ski resort for stunning glimpses of the lights. Swimming pools, ice-cream shops and local breweries beckon along the way. If you’re feeling bold, fly out to Grímsey Island, literally a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Take in the Northern Lights from a tepee in Yellowknife
From autumn through winter, the old gold rush city of Yellowknife puts on an Aurora spectacular like nowhere else. Charming houseboats and eclectic structures ranging from log cabins to tepees nestle against a sprawling backdrop of lush firs and jewel-like water. The expansive skies of the wilderness are just moments away, and they deliver the goods, with a 90% chance of Northern Lights viewing success. See the lights on a night-time dogsled tour, take them in while cruising on a snowmobile, or sharpen your camera skills with an Aurora photography class.
Abisko, Sweden
Take a nightly walk through Abisko and let the Aurora Borealis find you
Just under the Aurora oval, Abisko brings a cloudless microclimate into the mix that ensures prime Northern Lights viewing. The Aurora Sky Station offers solid viewing potential, but if you want to avoid the other tourists, just head down to the harbour and enjoy the sights from there. Viewing tours out to Abisko National Park or the surrounding Kiruna Mountains will put distance between you and any light pollution – and some provide cameras for you to capture the moment. Things book up fast here, so plan your trip ahead of time or aim to visit during the off-season.
Murmansk, Russia
Spot the Northern Lights from Russia’s northern city of Murmansk
Admittedly, Northern Lights sightings occur about only 15-20 times each Russian winter, so you’re not looking at the same odds as a trip to Scandinavia. But how many people can say that they’ve seen the Aurora all the way out here, in one of Russia’s most frigid, unforgiving settings? Located in the extreme northwest, Murmansk is a solid 32 hours by St Petersburg by train – or you can fly if time is of the essence. While you’re waiting for night to arrive, visit ‘Lenin’, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker, explore the city’s handful of museums and chow down at Torro Steak House.
Inishowen, Ireland
Malin Head provides some pretty stunning views while you’re waiting for the Aurora © banzai_sean
Head to the most northernmost tip of Ireland for something better than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: the Northern Lights. With low light pollution, this picturesque peninsula offers magnificent views of the lights against a backdrop of the wild Atlantic coast. Try Malin Head, Dunree, Mamore Gap and Dunaff for best viewing odds. For daytime explorations, hop on a bicycle or hire a car and drive the Inishowen 100, a signposted scenic tour. Fort Dunree, Slieve Snaght, Knockamany Bends and Five Fingers Strand are all worth a look – and don’t forget to stop in at a local pub for a meal and a drink.
Longyearbyen, Norway
Thanks to the polar night, you’ll be able to view the Northern Lights anytime of the day
It doesn’t get any more northern than the Svalbard town of Longyearbyen. 900km north of the Norwegian mainland, it offers unique Aurora viewing opportunities. When the polar night descends, you might even spot those tell-tale fluorescent green lights while you’re enjoying a traditional lunch of seal or whale. The neighbouring Adventfjorden Bay makes for an impressive Northern Lights photo opportunity as well. If you’re lucky enough to get some daylight on your trip, try ice caving beneath a glacier, a high-spirited dog sled expedition, or heading out on a boat to explore the arctic landscape.
Kangerlussuaq – Greenland
Just a tent below the colourful sky: that’s what it’s all about © lausthmark
A former US airbase, Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s top spot for viewing the Aurora Borealis – known here by a name that translates to “souls playing ball”. Dubbed the “Gateway to Greenland”, this secluded destination is about as tranquil as it gets. It boasts an incredible 300 clear days per year, and it’s perfectly positioned right in the middle of the Northern Lights belt. Snow is the rule here, so plan for winter-themed explorations. Spend your days dog sledding, musk oxen spotting, sailing between immense icebergs or tip-toeing across the Ice Cap. Kangerlussuaq is also home to Kellyville, a radar facility used to investigate atmospheric phenomena including the Northern Lights. Tours are available by appointment.
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