Where to go for the Northern Lights? Destination tips

The Aurora Borealis is one of the natural phenomena that takes the breath away of all who see it. Its gentle dancing movements in the night sky in tones of green, pink and purple draw adventurers and romantics alike to the most northern corners of the world. If you want to experience this “ballet of the skies” for yourself, there are several places to choose from where the chances of success are high. We’ll look at specific destinations and other practical tips in today’s article.

For us, seeing the Northern Lights was a dream come true, which we have already fulfilled 3 times and are already planning our next trip north.

Lapland, Finland

Finland is one of the most suitable destinations due to its location above the Arctic Circle and its peaceful nature. In Lapland, you’ll find beautiful areas such as Rovaniemi, known as the home of Santa Claus, or the surrounding ski resort of Levi, which is also just a short drive from the international airport. As well as the chance to see the Northern Lights in the beautiful scenery of snow-covered forests or frozen lakes, Lapland offers many winter activities that we recommend including in your itinerary.

Speaking of itineraries, we’ ve prepared a five-day itinerary for Lapland, which will give you countless tips not only for watching the glow, but also for the aforementioned activities. In addition, if you would like to plan your trip 100% to your liking, a trip to Finnish Lapland can also be arranged as part of the Tailor-made Itinerary.

Island

Iceland is another ideal destination for aurora viewing. The wild landscape full of volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls and glaciers creates a dramatic backdrop for this natural phenomenon. For example, the area around Vík, famous for its black sand beaches, is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland – even without the Northern Lights. In Iceland’s case, it’s not necessarily just about the Northern Lights; if you’re lucky, it’s about the Northern Lights in absolutely breathtaking scenery.

Within the above itinerary to winter Iceland you will also get many tips related to hunting the Northern Lights.

Around the capital Reykjavík, from where the Northern Lights are often visible, you can take shorter trips where the chances are a bit better. A great choice is the Reykjanes Peninsula with minimal light pollution or Thingvellir National Park, which is part of the famous Golden Circle. We can also recommend the Snæfellsnes peninsula, which is an often (and wrongly) underrated part of Iceland. The Aurora Borealis can also be seen from many of Iceland’s geothermal baths, which must be an absolutely wonderful experience – you’re warm and watching the show in the sky (we haven’t been lucky enough to do that yet :)).

Tromsø, Norway

In Norway, the Northern Lights are not only a common sight, but also part of the culture. The northern city of Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, is the starting point for those who want to combine aurora watching with expeditions to see the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. The city itself offers facilities in the form of cosy cafes and museums, but the real adventure begins beyond its borders. Cruises between the fjords, whale watching or snowmobile trips – you can experience it all during Arctic nights.

In the new 5-day itinerary, we focus not only on the Northern Lights, but also on many other activities that can be done in the Arctic Circle in winter.

Another option is the Lofoten archipelago, which is one of the most popular destinations not only in winter. The sharp mountain peaks, fishing villages and deep fjords create a beautiful scenery that you’ll love at first sight. Alta, known as the “city of the Northern Lights”, offers not only dark skies and stable weather, but also a fascinating museum dedicated to this phenomenon.

Sweden, Canada and more

Other destinations where the Northern Lights can be seen include Sweden, Canada and Alaska. Swedish Lapland, with its vast tundra and dark skies, offers quiet corners where the aurora dances almost undisturbed. Canada and Alaska, on the other hand, beckon with endless forests, frozen plains and the rugged beauty of the north.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

You can see the Northern Lights from September to April, with the best chance of seeing them in the months with the longest nights – November to March. The key to success is clear skies and as little light pollution as possible. If you’re interested in more practical tips, such as how to photograph the Northern Lights, we recommend our earlier article here on the blog.