20 Best Places To View The Northern Lights

Witnessing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a bucket-list experience for many, offering a dazzling display of nature’s beauty. Across the globe, there are prime locations where this celestial phenomenon lights up the sky with mesmerizing hues of green, purple, and blue. From the remote wilderness of Alaska to the serene landscapes of Scandinavia, each spot offers a unique backdrop for the lights. This guide highlights 20 of the best places around the world for viewing the Northern Lights, providing not just a chance to see the aurora but also to explore the rich cultures and stunning environments of these areas. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or rugged adventure, these destinations promise unforgettable aurora-watching experiences.

Tromsø, situated well within the Arctic Circle, is one of the top destinations to view the Northern Lights, offering almost daily sightings during the peak season. The city’s unique geographical location allows visitors to enjoy the auroras even within urban areas, although darker skies just outside the city provide even more spectacular views. Many local tour operators offer guided Northern Lights chases, combining expert knowledge with warm clothing and sometimes even a campfire experience. Tromsø is also home to a variety of winter festivals and activities, enhancing the travel experience with cultural richness.

Fairbanks is optimally located under the “Aurora Oval,” where the Northern Lights are most frequently and vividly observed. This Alaskan city provides a range of winter activities alongside aurora viewing, including dog sledding and ice fishing, enhancing the auroral experience. Visitors can explore nearby areas like the Chena Hot Springs where they can watch the aurora from steaming natural hot pools. Fairbanks’ clear, cold winter nights offer some of the best chances to witness the spectacular light show.

Reykjavik serves as a convenient base for Northern Lights seekers, combining the comforts of a modern city with proximity to rural areas where light pollution is minimal. From here, travelers can embark on nighttime excursions into the Icelandic countryside, where the lights often appear in a spectacular dance across the sky. Iceland’s dramatic landscapes of volcanoes, geysers, and rugged coasts add to the awe-inspiring experience of the lights. Additionally, Reykjavik offers excellent hospitality with its range of hotels and restaurants, making it a comfortable and enjoyable destination for chasing the Northern Lights.

Kiruna is not only the northernmost city in Sweden but also an ideal spot to view the Northern Lights, thanks to its extreme latitude and favorable climate conditions. The city is home to the original Ice Hotel, providing a unique living experience and an additional attraction for tourists. Visitors to Kiruna can enjoy various Arctic activities such as snowmobile tours, dog sledding, and ice fishing, all under the possible glow of the aurora. The local Sami culture adds a rich historical layer to the experience, offering insights into traditional Arctic living.

Yellowknife, located directly under the aurora oval, offers some of the most intense Northern Lights displays. Its geographical position ensures that the auroras are visible over 240 nights a year, making it one of the world’s most reliable places for aurora sightings. The city provides numerous viewing tours and lodges specifically designed for night-sky observation, catering to all levels of comfort and adventure. Additionally, Yellowknife’s vibrant indigenous culture and frozen landscapes provide a unique backdrop for experiencing the Northern Lights.

Ivalo, deep in the Finnish Lapland, offers a serene escape with optimal Northern Lights viewing opportunities. This small village is surrounded by pristine wilderness, providing not only clear dark skies for aurora watching but also a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Traditional reindeer safaris and visits to the nearby Sami villages enhance the cultural and adventurous appeal of the region. The local resorts and cabins offer cozy accommodations from which to venture out into the cold, clear nights.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland is famous for its glass igloos, which allow guests to view the Northern Lights from the comfort and warmth of their beds. This unique resort provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the aurora borealis in a full panoramic view, under the Arctic sky. In addition to the igloos, Kakslauttanen offers traditional log cabins and a range of Arctic activities like husky safaris and snowmobile excursions. The resort’s location far from city lights ensures that guests enjoy the most vivid Northern Lights displays possible.

Murmansk, positioned well above the Arctic Circle in Russia, offers a unique urban setting to experience the Northern Lights. As the largest city in the Arctic, it provides all the conveniences of a city while being close to unspoiled Arctic wilderness, ideal for viewing the auroras. During the polar night, which lasts about two months, the Northern Lights are often visible even during daytime hours. Murmansk’s accessibility and amenities make it a popular choice for those seeking a Northern Lights adventure without sacrificing comfort.

Rovaniemi in Finland is known as the gateway to the Arctic and the official hometown of Santa Claus, providing a whimsical and enchanting setting for watching the Northern Lights. The town offers a variety of aurora borealis tours that take visitors into the Lappish wilderness, which is an ideal location for clear, uninterrupted views of the night sky. The Arctic Circle passes right through Rovaniemi, ensuring that it lies within the best latitudes for Northern Lights sightings. The combination of magical Christmas-themed attractions and the natural wonder of the auroras makes Rovaniemi a particularly appealing destination for families and couples alike.

Abisko National Park, located in northern Sweden, is often touted as one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights due to its unique microclimate. The park has very few cloudy nights each year, which significantly increases the chances of seeing the aurora borealis. The Aurora Sky Station, situated on a mountaintop in Abisko, offers guided nights and has been designed specifically for the observation of the Northern Lights. The pristine natural environment and the nearly guaranteed aurora sightings make Abisko a top choice for serious aurora watchers and nature lovers.

Luosto in Finland is a small, traditional Lappish village known for its Aurora Chalet, where an “Aurora Alarm” system notifies guests when the Northern Lights appear. This village is part of a sustainable tourism initiative that minimizes light pollution, making it an ideal spot for watching the aurora. Luosto’s location in the heart of the forested Finnish Lapland also offers ample opportunities for winter sports and activities, adding to the overall experience. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the area, with the added thrill of potentially witnessing the Northern Lights each night.

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, offers one of the most unique settings for viewing the Northern Lights due to its extremely stable dry climate, which results in very few overcast nights. This small settlement is located right at the edge of the Greenland Ice Cap, providing dramatic landscapes and almost guaranteed Northern Lights sightings during the season. The area is also accessible via Greenland’s main international airport, making it a practical starting point for tourists. Visitors to Kangerlussuaq can enjoy dog sledding and guided ice cap tours, enhancing their Arctic adventure with incredible natural beauty.

Senja, Norway, is the second largest island in the country and offers dramatic landscapes that provide a stunning backdrop for the Northern Lights. Known for its rugged mountains, deep fjords, and quaint fishing villages, Senja is less crowded than more well-known locations, offering a more secluded and intimate experience. The island’s diverse environments allow for various viewpoints to watch the auroras dance across the sky. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy hiking, skiing, and fishing, making Senja a versatile destination for nature lovers.

Whitehorse, located in the Yukon Territory of Canada, is a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights due to its northern latitude and clear skies. The city is surrounded by mountains that create a natural boundary from light pollution, offering perfect dark sky conditions. Several specialized lodges and tour operators provide tailored Northern Lights viewing experiences, complete with heated cabins and night photography lessons. Whitehorse is also rich in First Nations culture, offering visitors a blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage.

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are renowned for their distinctive scenery of dramatic peaks, open sea, and sheltered bays, making them a picturesque location for Northern Lights viewing. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream help keep the climate milder, which can provide more comfortable aurora watching experiences. The islands offer numerous vantage points for watching the Northern Lights, including beaches and mountain areas. Visitors can also explore traditional fishing villages and engage in activities like hiking and kayaking to enhance their stay in this spectacular part of Norway.

Svalbard, located in the high Arctic, offers a unique wilderness experience for viewing the Northern Lights due to its extreme latitude and polar night conditions, where darkness prevails 24 hours a day during the winter months. This remote archipelago provides not only a great opportunity to see the aurora but also the chance to encounter polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. The polar night also adds to the mystique and allure of experiencing the Northern Lights in complete darkness. Svalbard’s small human population and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for aurora observations, making it one of the most extraordinary locations on Earth for this natural phenomenon.

Anchorage, Alaska, combines the conveniences of an urban environment with access to incredible natural landscapes where the Northern Lights can be observed. Just a short drive from the city, visitors can find themselves in perfect spots for aurora viewing, away from urban light pollution. The city itself offers a range of cultural activities and amenities, making it a comfortable base for both adventure and relaxation. Anchorage’s geographical location within the “aurora oval” ensures high activity and frequent sightings of the Northern Lights, particularly during the fall and winter months.

Fort McMurray in Alberta is well-positioned for Northern Lights viewing, thanks to its northern location and dark skies. The community offers guided tours that take visitors into optimal viewing areas, maximizing the chances of witnessing this incredible light show. The aurora can be seen here from autumn to early spring, with the strongest displays often occurring during the winter months. In addition to aurora watching, Fort McMurray provides access to outdoor activities like snowshoeing and ice fishing, enhancing the winter travel experience.

Paatsjoki Bridge in Finland offers a remarkable viewing platform for the Northern Lights, set against the backdrop of a wide, scenic river. This remote location is favored by photographers due to its natural beauty and unobstructed views of the aurora borealis. The bridge spans a river that flows through a sparsely populated area, ensuring minimal light pollution and optimal conditions for night sky photography. Visitors often find that the natural landscape around Paatsjoki enhances the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, making it a prime location for those seeking to capture the aurora in its full glory.

The quest to witness the Northern Lights often leads to some of the most beautiful and remote corners of the world. Each location listed offers not just a spectacle of dancing lights, but a unique glimpse into the natural wonders and distinct cultures of the region. From the quiet expanses of Finland’s Lapland to the rugged landscapes of Canada’s Yukon, the journey to see the aurora borealis is as rewarding as the display itself. These destinations provide the perfect backdrop for one of nature’s most impressive shows, creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a tranquil traveler, these places promise to enhance your appreciation for the natural world and its stunning phenomena.