The Best Destinations to View the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) is a stunning natural phenomenon that many travelers have on their bucket list. Watching the dancing lights illuminate the night sky near the Arctic Circle is an unbelievable experience. As solar winds crash into gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere, multi-hued shades light up the horizon. You’ll often see ribbon swirls of green, blue, purple, yellow, or red lighting the sky.

To witness this magical occurrence in nature, you must venture toward the Arctic Circle and escape light pollution. The bright lights of big cities make it impossible to view the Northern Lights with your eyes. Places near or within the Arctic Circle have little to zero daylight during long winters. If you’re unsure where to begin your search for the Northern Lights, here are the top places we recommend.

Yellowknife 

Canada

Regarded as the aurora capital of North America, Yellowknife is heralded for its magical Northern Lights shows. From November to April, Yellowknife’s long, dark winter nights present perfect conditions to witness the dancing lights. Its prime position inside the “Aurora Oval” makes this Northwest Territories town among the world’s best aurora borealis hunting grounds. 

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, spend a few nights inside a teepee at the Aurora Village to watch the twinkling lights. Great Slave Lake borders Yellowknife and is a thrilling spot for ice fishing. The swirls of green, yellow, blue, and purple in the dark Canadian winters leave your heart racing for more.

Lapland 

Finland

Situated in the Arctic Circle, Lapland offers 200 nights per year of potential Northern Lights sightings. Spend your nights inside a glass igloo at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort to study the dark skies from your accommodation. If the igloo isn’t your style, there are also rustic cabins, log chalets, and queen suites. 

September-March is primetime aurora season, and you’ll likely see the Northern Lights whenever skies are clear. More adventurous ways of watching the aurora borealis in Lapland include dog-sledding, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Just make sure you’re dressed for the frigid -50° C weather of the Arctic Circle this time of year.

Fairbanks

Alaska

Nestled beneath the Auroral Oval, Fairbanks is one of the world’s reliable spots to view the Northern Lights. During peak aurora season from August to April, most nights are clear enough for a sighting. With low amounts of rain and cloud cover, Fairbanks produces clear skies for a colorful spectacle. 

Many Northern Lights guides operate around the Fairbanks region to help you spot the aurora borealis. Whether you prefer the comforts of your cabin or while dog-sledding, you make it an authentic Alaskan experience. The aurora borealis around Fairbanks usually appears green or light-blue, but you’ll sometimes see purple.

Abisko

Sweden

Situated in Swedish Lapland, Abisko National Park is one of Europe’s top locations for Northern Lights sightings. There is virtually zero light pollution, and its clear winter skies create prime conditions to view the aurora borealis. The park sits beneath the Auroral Oval, and a clear sky is often all you need for a spectacular show. 

Located on Mount Nuolja, the Aurora Sky Station offers your best chance to witness the lights in Sweden. A chairlift transports you to the mountaintop, and their expert staff helps you spot the lights. With snow-lined peaks surrounding you, Abisko is a playground for other winter activities like dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Svalbard

Norwegian Archipelago 

If you have the means to reach Svalbard, you’re in for a showstopping experience in total darkness. The Arctic island chain is among the world’s most northernmost inhabited areas and buried in darkness at the height of winter. From November to February, clear skies and solar activity almost guarantee the Northern Lights illuminating the horizon. 

With its immense glaciers, jagged peaks, and polar bears, Svalbard is an epic location for Northern Lights hunts. Cruising around the Arctic wilderness on a Snowcat or snowmobile is a popular way to explore the pristine environment. Other thrilling excursions include ice caving, snowshoeing, and dog-sledding.

Kola Peninsula

Russia

Just a 2-hour flight from Moscow, the Kola Peninsula is Russia’s premier spot for a Northern Lights hunt. From late-August until April, the desolate region near the Khibiny Mountains produces continuous days of total darkness for colorful shows. The Kola Peninsula witnesses 42 polar nights per year, a phenomenon where the night lasts 24+ hours. 

With rugged peaks and arctic tundra surrounding you, the Kola Peninsula is a winter wonderland to watch the aurora borealis. Riding a snowmobile is a popular way to wander the area while gazing towards the sky. Head to the port town of Murmansk for an exhilarating Northern Lights tour along the Arctic Ocean.

Akureyri 

Iceland

As the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is a great launching pad for Northern Lights tours in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice.’ The lack of light pollution and dark skies make this a prime region for a breathtaking show. September-April is the best time for the Northern Lights in Iceland and Akureyri has longer winter nights than southern parts of the country.

Engulfed by snow-lined peaks, Akureyri offers a gorgeous setting to view the dancing lights. Most Northern Lights tours departing from Akureyri escort you in a 4×4 jeep on the adventure. Dog-sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing are other exciting winter activities offered around this charming town.