5 best places to see the northern lights around the world
Updated October 11, 2024
Let us get a little nerdy for a second: Solar cycles last around 11 years, with solar flares and electromagnetic activity peaking right in the middle of the cycle. More flares means breathtaking, frequent northern lights—and right now, we're smack-dab in a solar cycle's peak.
While this means you can sometimes see auroras in unexpected places like Texas or Germany, you'll want all-but-guaranteed front-row views of nature’s biggest light show a little farther north. Go on an aurora chase from Tromsø, Norway, to Alaska, admiring the lights from a glass igloo or on a thrilling dog sled ride through the snow.
Here are the top spots to view the northern lights, plus expert tips for catching the auroras, from travelers who have been there before.
Iceland
Best time to visit: Late August to mid-April
Nothing says “Icelandic winter” quite like chasing the northern lights. The country's dark winter skies make for more frequent sightings and brighter aurora displays, with stunning natural landscapes as a backdrop—think the glacial lakes of Jökulsárlón and the majestic Skógafoss waterfall.
Most Icelandic northern lights tours begin their voyage in Reykjavík, taking you to the outskirts of town for darker skies and brighter displays of the aurora borealis. Go on a midnight adventure tour with a trusty aurora expert who’ll guide you to the best viewing spots in town.
For thrill-seekers, check out this Super Jeep northern lights tour that’ll take you off the beaten path and into the remote corners of Iceland for maximum chances of catching the dancing lights.
Norway
Best time to visit: Late September to late March
With a milder climate than many other aurora viewing spots, Norway is a great destination to embark on your chase without the freezing temps. To witness the magical aurora borealis against a backdrop of Norway’s mountains, valleys, and fjords, head north to cities like Tromsø, Alta, and Kirkenes.
The easiest to reach, Tromsø is one of the more popular places to see the northern lights, as it sits right at the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic. Boost your chances of seeing the lights and join a northern lights big bus chase which will take you to the best viewing spots in Tromsø. For a more intimate aurora viewing experience, join a small group tour like this northern lights tour that comes with a professional photographer or an all-inclusive tour that comes with dinner and hot chocolate for maximum coziness.
Best hotels in Norway to see the northern lights
Canada
Best time to visit: Late August to October, and mid-November to early April
Much of Canada lies beneath the auroral oval, which means higher chances of seeing the polar lights. Head up to the northern provinces like the Yukon, Yellowknife, and Churchill, where the aurora borealis make an appearance an average of 240 nights a year.
Whitehorse, in the Yukon, is an especially popular spot—it's a 2.5-hour flight from Vancouver, has a ton of action-packed, aurora-viewing tours (including this tour where you can warm up in heated cabins), and some spectacular lodging options. If you want to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, consider this four-day Yukon tour based in Whitehorse, which will take you ice fishing and dog sledding by day and aurora hunting by night.
Alaska
Best time to visit: August to April
Located near the Arctic Circle, Alaska is a haven for both new and seasoned aurora chasers alike. While you can see the northern lights from Anchorage and harder-to-reach Nome, Fairbanks is one of the finest hotspots in all of North America for spectacular views of the northern lights. With minimal light pollution and thinner crowds, you’re treated to front-row seats to nature’s merry dancers from almost anywhere in town.
Sign up for northern light tours for higher chances of seeing the lights, many of which include stop to dog sled, ice fish, or bliss out in bubbling hot springs.
Sweden
Best time to visit: Early September to early April
With long winter nights and virtually no light pollution, Sweden boasts some of the blackest skies in the world, making it the perfect backdrop for twinkling stars and the gentle, milky green wisps of light. Head further north to towns like Jokkmokk or remote areas like Abisko National Park for more frequent aurora sightings and fewer tourists.
For a little bit of infrastructure, though, visit Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost town that's adored by outdoor enthusiasts for its deep forests, charming lakes, and snow-capped mountains. From here, you can hop on a seven-hour tour from town that'll take you to Abisko for an incredible northern lights experience. Want something with a little more thrill? Get off the roads on this guided snowmobile tour and dash through the darkness in search of the elusive aurora.
Best hotels in Sweden to see the northern lights
First-timers' tips for seeing the northern lights
1. Start your aurora hunt early
The northern lights can be difficult to predict, so by going on your first night, you’ll have plenty of time left to continue your chase if the weather conditions aren’t great or the lights don’t come up to play. Although they may not be perfectly accurate, forecasts apps and websites like Aurora Alerts and Space Weather Prediction Center come in handy to maximize your chances, too.
2. Stay up late
During winter, the sun sets early and you’ll have longer hours of darkness to chase the aurora. But, in most places, the peak viewing time is between 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., so patience is key. If you’ve had a full day of activities and need a quick power nap, fret not. Some hotels offer aurora wake-up services if the lights decide to grace you with their dance.
3. Bring a camera
While your phone camera is great for most travel photos, it's hard to capture the full glory of the northern lights without a proper DSLR camera. Consider playing around with the settings at home before your trip so you're prepared when the auroras start dancing and don't be shy in asking your guide for tips—they're pros.