Best destinations to see the Northern Lights

Discover the ultimate guide to witnessing the breathtaking natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights. This ranking explores top travel destinations renowned for their optimal viewing conditions, including Nordic countries like Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, as well as North American locations such as Alaska and Canada. Learn about the best times of year, ideal regions, and specific cities or national parks that offer unparalleled opportunities to experience the vibrant celestial display. From the Arctic Circle's pristine dark skies to remote wilderness areas, find out where to plan your next adventure to chase the aurora borealis. Explore options for organized tours, self-drive routes, and expert tips for maximizing your chances of seeing this spectacular light show.

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  1. 1

    Svalbard (Svalbard, Norway)

    153 Global Votes
    • Ideal location high in the Arctic Circle

      (+4)

    Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago very close to the North Pole, where the polar night during winter creates a perfect setting for the auroras. Its dark skies and absence of sunlight drastically increase the chances of sightings.

  2. 2

    Alta (Troms og Finnmark, Norway)

    152 Global Votes
    • Known as the Northern Lights City

      (+4)

    Known as the 'Northern Lights City', Alta has a long history of auroral research and offers clear skies and dry conditions. It features specialized accommodations like glass igloos for optimal viewing.

  3. 3

    Þingvellir National Park (Suðurland, Iceland)

    121 Global Votes
    • Offers aurora-spotting opportunities

      (+4)

    This UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland is known for its dark skies and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal and easily accessible spot for aurora viewing. Its proximity to Reykjavik makes it very convenient.

  4. 4

    Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach (Austurland, Iceland)

    82 Global Votes
    • Magical place to witness northern lights

      (+4)

    The reflection of the auroras in the calm waters of Jökulsárlón lagoon and on the icebergs at Diamond Beach creates a surreal and magical scene. It is an iconic location for aurora photography with a stunning natural backdrop.

  5. 5

    Chena Hot Springs (Alaska, United States)

    20 Global Votes
    • World-class aurora viewing

      (+4)

    Chena Hot Springs offers the unique opportunity to combine relaxation in natural hot springs with Northern Lights viewing. It is an experience that merges well-being with natural wonder.

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  7. 6

    Lofoten Islands (Nordland, Norway)

    1 Global Votes
    • Can see Northern Lights 8 months of the year

      (+4)

    The Lofoten Islands offer a spectacular backdrop of rugged peaks and fjords for the Northern Lights, making them an ideal destination for photography. The combination of dramatic landscapes and the Northern Lights is unparalleled.

  8. 7

    Tromso

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the best places in the world to see the northern lights

      (+4)

    Tromsø is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' and is located in the heart of the auroral zone, making it a prime destination for observing the Northern Lights. Its combination of urban life and easy access to the surrounding nature makes it ideal for aurora hunters.

  9. 8

    Abisko (Lapland, Sweden)

    0 Global Votes
    • Dark skies ideal for viewing

      (+4)

    Abisko is famous for its 'Aurora Sky Station' and a unique microclimate that creates a 'blue hole', keeping the skies clear even with clouds nearby. This maximizes the chances of spotting the Northern Lights.

  10. 9

    Yellowknife (Northwest Territories, Canada)

    0 Global Votes
    • Best place in the world to see Northern Lights

      (+4)

    Yellowknife is considered the 'Aurora Capital of North America' due to its strategic location under the auroral oval. This guarantees one of the highest probabilities of sightings on the continent.

  11. 10

    Fairbanks (Alaska, United States)

    0 Global Votes
    • Optimal viewing season from August to April

      (+4)

    Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights, with a very high chance of sightings if you stay at least three nights. Its location in Alaska places it directly under the auroral oval.

  12. 11

    Lapland

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers cozy glass-roofed cabins for viewing

      (+4)

    Finnish Lapland is a region encompassing several ideal locations for the aurora, such as Rovaniemi and Ivalo, offering stunning landscapes and a high probability of sightings. It is a classic destination to experience the magic of the Northern Lights.

  13. 12

    Reykjavik (Höfuðborgarsvæðið, Iceland)

    0 Global Votes
    • Fine place to see the northern lights

      (+4)

    Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, serves as an excellent starting point for aurora hunting, with the possibility of seeing them even from the city in dark spots like Grótta Lighthouse. Additionally, it offers numerous organized excursions to get away from urban lights.

  14. 13

    Murmansk (Murmansk Oblast, Russia)

    0 Global Votes
    • Aurora season runs from September to April

      (+4)

    Murmansk is the largest city in the world north of the Arctic Circle, offering excellent chances to spot the Northern Lights. The polar night during winter significantly increases the probability of seeing the lights.

  15. 14

    Nuuk (Greenland)

    0 Global Votes
    • Northern lights are a regular occurrence

      (+4)

    Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, offers specialized night tours to see the Northern Lights, with the comfort of heated transport and warm drinks. It is an accessible starting point for exploring the Northern Lights in this vast territory.

  16. 15

    Kirkjufell and Grundarfjörður (Vesturland, Iceland)

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the best places to see the Northern Lights

      (+4)

    Kirkjufell mountain is one of the most photographed in Iceland, and its iconic silhouette under the Northern Lights creates a stunning visual composition. It is an emblematic place to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights.