The ethereal dance of the aurora borealis is a sight that seems to belong in a fairy tale, making it a top bucket list item for travelers. But chasing the northern lights isn’t as simple as picking a location and hoping for the best—it involves timing, positioning, and a bit of luck. From Iceland to Scotland, here’s your guide to some of the best places to experience this otherworldly phenomenon.
-Iceland: A Northern Lights Paradise
Iceland’s stunning landscapes are captivating on their own, but when illuminated by the northern lights, they become truly magical. For some of the best aurora views, head to Thingvellir National Park. Located just 25 miles southwest of Reykjavik, this flat terrain offers an excellent vantage point for capturing those elusive northern lights in all their glory.
-Svalbard, Norway: Daylight Aurora Viewing
For an extraordinary twist, Svalbard offers the chance to see the northern lights during the day. Situated between the mainland and the North Pole, this archipelago experiences Polar Night—a period of darkness lasting 113 days from November to January. With so many hours of darkness, you’ll have ample opportunities to catch the aurora. Consider a northern lights safari by dog sled or snowmobile, or take a photography workshop to learn how to capture the lights.
-Sweden's Abisko: The Blue Hole Effect
In northern Sweden, Abisko National Park is renowned for its exceptional northern lights viewing. The surrounding mountains create a microclimate that reduces cloud cover, leading to what locals call the “blue hole over Abisko.” This phenomenon allows for nearly nightly sightings of the aurora during peak season, making it a prime location for this breathtaking spectacle.
-Finland’s Rovaniemi: Cozy Northern Lights
For a unique northern lights experience combined with luxurious accommodation, Finnish Lapland is the place to be. Rovaniemi, home to the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, offers stunning views of the aurora from the comfort of your bed. With the northern lights visible about 200 nights a year, you can enjoy the show through panoramic windows or warm up in your private sauna.
-Fairbanks, Alaska: Aurora Without a Passport
You don’t need to cross international borders to see the northern lights—head to Fairbanks, Alaska. Situated under the aurora oval, Fairbanks offers excellent viewing conditions from late August through April. Venture to Cleary Summit for a spectacular view or relax at Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak in the hot springs while watching the aurora.
-Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Aurora in the Lower 48
Surprisingly, you don’t have to leave the continental US to experience the northern lights. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers unobstructed views of the aurora along Lake Superior’s shoreline. For the best experience, visit Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, where you can enjoy stargazing workshops and stunning aurora views between August and April.
-Churchill, Canada: A Year-Round Adventure
Churchill, Manitoba is a unique destination where you can witness the northern lights, observe polar bears in fall, and encounter beluga whales in summer. During winter, heated tundra vehicles transform into aurora-viewing platforms. For an immersive experience, join a Frontiers North Adventures tour for an exclusive northern lights dining event.
-Yellowknife, Canada: Mild and Magical
If you prefer milder temperatures but still want to see the northern lights, Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories is ideal. With aurora viewing available in late summer and early fall as well as winter, you can enjoy the phenomenon from the luxurious Blachford Lake Lodge, where you can watch from expansive windows or the hot tub.
-Kangerlussuaq, Greenland: A Hidden Gem
Greenland offers excellent northern lights viewing, particularly in Kangerlussuaq. This small town in central-western Greenland benefits from more than 300 clear nights each year. Despite its remote location, Kangerlussuaq is accessible via an international airport, making it a great spot for experiencing the aurora.
-Shetland, Scotland: A Scottish Aurora Adventure
Shetland, Scotland is a lesser-known spot for northern lights viewing. Known locally as “Mirrie Dancers,” the aurora here adds a touch of magic to the remote Scottish islands. Visit between October and March for the best chance to see the lights and consider timing your trip with local winter fire festivals for an added cultural experience.
-Tromsø, Norway: The Paris of the North
Tromsø, Norway is often called the “Paris of the North” for good reason. This city, situated north of the Arctic Circle, offers northern lights viewing even within city limits. Visit during the darkest polar nights of December and January for the best chance to see the aurora against a city backdrop.
-Utqiaġvik, Alaska: The Northernmost Aurora Spot
Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska is the northernmost city in the US and a prime location for aurora viewing. With its extreme northern latitude, the lights are visible from late August through April. Experience the aurora from the comfort of your hotel room or venture outdoors for an even better view.
-Ylläs, Finland: The Aurora App Experience
In Finnish Lapland, Ylläs offers an extraordinary northern lights experience with its Ylläksen Yöpuu accommodation. Guests benefit from a northern lights alarm app that sends alerts when the aurora is visible, ensuring you don’t miss this stunning display while you’re sleeping.
No matter where you choose to chase the northern lights, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Plan your trip around the best viewing seasons and consider local guides to enhance your aurora adventure.
Comments