The 18 Best Places to See the Northern Lights

For those eager to witness the magic dance of colors across the night sky, exploring the best spots to see the Northern Lights becomes an adventure filled with awe and wonder. From enchanting snowy landscapes to remote islands where the aurora puts on its best show, each destination offers a unique backdrop that transforms the experience into a magical memory.

Knowing where to see the Northern Lights can make a fantastic difference in your journey, offering clarity to those seeking this natural marvel. Each chosen spot promises the mesmerizing beauty of the auroras and a peek into the wonders of the local culture and nature, making the trip unforgettable.

Tromsø, Norway

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Tromsø, perched over 300 km north of the Arctic Circle, is a beacon for those chasing the Northern Lights. This Norwegian gem offers nights painted with swirling green and purple hues. Beneath this celestial spectacle, visitors can explore a vibrant city brimming with cozy cafes and bustling shops.

For the adventurous, dog sledding through snowy landscapes provides a thrilling contrast to the quiet beauty of the lights above. Meanwhile, the city invites exploration, with its iconic Arctic Cathedral and rich Sami culture shining through. Whether wandering vibrant streets or embarking on a guided aurora hunt, Tromsø encapsulates the magic of the Arctic winter nights.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Our Rating: 9.0/10

Rovaniemi is a magical place to experience the Northern Lights. The city, located in the heart of Lapland, offers a backdrop of snow-covered forests and starry skies that make each aurora sighting unforgettable.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacle from Arktikum Park, conveniently close to the city center. This spot offers a scenic view along the Ounasjoki River. For those seeking a guided adventure, Northern Lights tours take you to remote locations. These tours maximize your chances to witness the lights and often include warm drinks and stories around a campfire, adding to the enchanting experience.

Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Nestled in central Alaska, Fairbanks is a dream for aurora seekers. Known for clear skies and minimal light pollution, this location offers a front-row seat to the breathtaking northern lights. Adventurers flock to Fairbanks not only for the celestial show but also for the unique experiences on offer. Visitors can enjoy dog sledding under the auroras or relax in the natural hot springs while watching the lights dance above.

Riverboat Discovery tours provide a memorable way to explore the stunning Alaskan landscape during the day. Accommodations in Fairbanks often offer specialized viewing experiences, ensuring an unforgettable stay. With its magnificent wilderness and exciting activities, Fairbanks is perfect for embarking on a Northern Lights adventure.

Yellowknife, Canada

Our Rating: 9.0/10

Yellowknife, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, sits directly beneath the auroral oval. This geographical advantage means the city offers one of the best chances to see the northern lights, which appear around 240 nights each year. Visitors can venture just 18 miles northeast to Vee Lake. Rugged hillsides surround it and provide a serene setting far from urban lights.

Stargazing while wrapped in a warm blanket makes for an unforgettable experience.

During the day, Yellowknife offers a range of activities. Visitors can explore local culture through the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre or try ice fishing on Great Slave Lake. With its stunning night skies and vibrant community, Yellowknife is a must-visit for northern light enthusiasts.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Reykjavik offers breathtaking spots to witness the Northern Lights. The Sun Voyager sculpture, with its dream-like structure on the waterfront, creates a remarkable viewing experience. This place is perfect for those who want to enjoy art while the colorful auroras dance in the sky.

Grótta Peninsula, located at the city’s western tip, provides a serene environment to watch the lights. Visitors can walk along the scenic shoreline, taking in the unobstructed views of the northern horizon. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists. The Blue Lagoon, renowned for its mineral-rich waters and steaming pools, allows guests to relax and marvel at the night sky illuminated by the aurora borealis.

Svalbard, Norway

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Svalbard, Norway, offers a stunning canvas for viewing the Northern Lights. Visitors are enchanted by the vibrant auroras dancing across the Arctic skies from mid-November to late January during the polar night. Adventure seekers can embark on snowmobile excursions to ice caves in Svalbard. These thrilling rides provide a unique experience of the serene, icy wilderness.

For those interested in local wildlife, Arctic photography safaris present opportunities to capture unforgettable moments with native species, all under the alluring auroral displays. Staying at places like Svalbard Hotell Polfaren ensures comfort after a day full of excitement. Its inviting atmosphere adds warmth to the chilly adventures.

Abisko, Sweden

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Abisko, a hidden jewel in Swedish Lapland, offers one of the best spots on Earth to experience the Northern Lights. Nestled within Abisko National Park, this small village provides perfect conditions for witnessing this natural wonder thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Visitors can embark on guided tours or explore on their own. In addition to the dazzling Aurora, the park’s stunning landscapes, such as dramatic mountain ranges and serene lakes, offer great hiking and photography opportunities. Those looking to immerse themselves further can learn about the local Sami culture or enjoy thrilling activities like dog sledding through the Arctic wilderness. Abisko promises an unforgettable adventure in nature’s glowing embrace.

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Our Rating: 8.9/10

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, offers one of the most mesmerizing experiences for those chasing the Northern Lights. Nestled in an idyllic location, it enjoys about 300 clear nights annually, making it perfect for witnessing the auroras dance across the sky.

Apart from this natural wonder, visitors can embark on thrilling adventures to Greenland’s mighty ice sheet, which is accessible from Kangerlussuaq. This magnificent glacier offers a chance to climb ancient ice and feel the sheer expanse beneath one’s feet, creating unforgettable memories.

Murmansk, Russia

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Murmansk, perched above the Arctic Circle, is a magical spot to witness the northern lights. With its long, dark winters and often clear skies, the auroras dance vividly above this Russian city. By day, visitors can enjoy skiing or snowboarding nearby, offering action-packed fun amidst snowy landscapes. Exploring Sami villages provides insight into local culture and history, making the trip more memorable.

Partnering with institutes like the Polar Geophysical Institute enhances the chances of seeing the auroras. The city’s remote location ensures fewer crowds, creating a more intimate aurora experience. Each night, anticipation builds as the skies glow with hints of brilliant green and purple.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Our Rating: 8.5/10

The Isle of Skye, located off the west coast of mainland Scotland, offers an incredible chance to witness the northern lights. This beautiful island is known for its rugged landscapes and dramatic scenery. Visitors can explore the stunning Quiraing landslip or relax by the serene Loch Coruisk. Thanks to Skye’s minimal light pollution, these natural wonders provide perfect viewing spots.

In addition to watching the aurora, travelers can hike its famous trails and visit charming villages like Portree. With its mystical atmosphere and vibrant history, Skye is not only a place to see the northern lights but also to experience the heart of Scottish culture and nature.

Lapland, Finland

Our Rating: 9.4/10

In Lapland, Finland, the Northern Lights paint the sky in vivid colors, mesmerizing visitors with their dazzling display. The best moments often happen under the dark skies of Utsjoki, famed for its prime aurora views. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in nature’s light show from cozy log cabins or while relaxing in steaming outdoor hot tubs.

Beyond watching the auroras, Lapland offers exciting winter adventures. Visitors can glide across snowy landscapes on a husky sledding tour or explore the wilderness on snowshoeing treks. Ylläs, with its switched-off street lamps, promises clear views and an unforgettable experience under the world’s cleanest air. It’s an ideal destination for natural beauty and thrilling activities.

Kiruna, Sweden

Our Rating: 9.3/10

Kiruna, nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, is an unparalleled destination for witnessing the Northern Lights. This enchanting town serves as a gateway to stunning Arctic landscapes. Visitors can embark on guided Northern Lights tours that promise the best viewing spots.

Adventurers might enjoy a classic northern safari, complete with sledding. The Aurora Sky Station in nearby Abisko, just an hour’s drive away, is renowned for offering unmatched views of the shimmering Aurora Borealis. Thrill-seekers can also experience the ICEHOTEL, a unique attraction sculpted entirely from ice. The blend of natural beauty and exciting activities makes Kiruna a truly magical place to explore the Northern Lights.

Nuuk, Greenland

Our Rating: 8.5/10

In Nuuk, the Northern Lights paint the sky with brilliant waves of green. This Arctic capital is one of the top places for stunning aurora displays from late September to early April.

Beyond the lights, adventure awaits in the form of snowmobiling across glistening landscapes. Travelers can explore vibrant cultural festivals celebrating Greenland’s rich heritage against an icy backdrop. Whether you’re looking up at the dancing lights or sledding through snow, Nuuk offers a mesmerizing escape in winter.

Churchill, Canada

Our Rating: 9.5/10

In Churchill, Canada, the northern lights dance across the sky like a living masterpiece. This small town is nestled under the auroral oval, making it a prime spot for viewing the magical aurora borealis. Night skies here are often alive with vibrant colors, especially from January to March when darkness prevails.

Visitors flock to local viewing spots just outside the town, where light pollution fades away, and pristine views await. Some choose to experience the lights from the warmth of a heated observation dome or a cozy tundra buggy, which offers comfort and excellent photography opportunities. Adventure seekers can explore the snow-laden landscapes by husky sledding or enjoy a guided tour under the shimmering lights.

Banff, Canada

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers a stunning backdrop for witnessing the Northern Lights. The town’s low light pollution provides a perfect canvas for the dazzling Aurora Borealis. The best time to see the lights is in the winter months from October to May, but the lights can occasionally be spotted in summer.

Visitors to Banff can enjoy more than just the lights. Take a serene walk around Lake Minnewanka or drive to Castle Junction for an enchanting viewing spot. For a secluded experience, Peyto Lake offers breathtaking views and a tranquil setting. Embrace the crisp mountain air while sipping a hot drink under the shimmering skies. Banff promises an unforgettable aurora experience amidst its majestic landscapes.

Alta, Norway

Our Rating: 9.0/10

Alta, known as the “City of Northern Lights,” is a paradise for aurora enthusiasts. Nestled in the Arctic, its skies light up with vibrant colors during the long winter nights. This charming town offers not only a cosmic spectacle but also exciting adventures.

Travelers can explore the Snow Hotel, a magical structure made entirely of ice and snow. Alternatively, the Northern Lights Cathedral stands as a modern architectural wonder, offering warmth and stunning night sky views. Visitors can enjoy local dishes influenced by Sami culture, adding a rich culinary experience. A trip to Alta promises awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable memories.

Inari, Finland

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Inari, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, is a dream destination for those chasing the Northern Lights. The pristine wilderness and low light pollution create the perfect conditions for viewing the stunning auroras. Visitors can experience the magic of the Northern Lights reflecting over Lake Inari. This serene spot is ideal for peaceful contemplation under the vibrant sky.

Beyond the lights, Inari offers activities such as snowshoeing and reindeer sledding. Each adventure is an enchanting experience set against the backdrop of snow-covered forests. Inari not only offers natural beauty but also a glimpse into Sámi culture. Exploring this village provides a unique blend of awe and cultural immersion.

Fort Yukon, Alaska, USA

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Fort Yukon, nestled in the vast Alaskan wilderness, offers an enchanting view of the northern lights. This remote village lies above the Arctic Circle, making it ideal for witnessing the aurora borealis dance in the sky.

Visitors can enjoy the vibrant colors shimmering over the Yukon Flats. Guided tours provide warmth and expert knowledge, ensuring a memorable experience. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish dog sledding and snowshoeing under the glow of the auroras, adding a touch of thrill to their adventure. With its untouched landscape, Fort Yukon invites all to embrace the magic of the Arctic night.

Experiencing the Northern Lights is truly a magical event that’s hard to compare with any other natural spectacle. No matter which of these top locations you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable show that will illuminate the night sky and your memories for years to come.