5 Best places to see the northern lights

Seeing the Northern Lights (scientists call it Aurora Borealis), a celestial light show where the sky bursts into shimmering curtains of green, pink, and purple, is the ultimate bucket-list experience. As you plan your trip, keep in mind this important fact: the years 2024 to 2026 are a rare, statistically perfect time to see it.

Summary: The best places to see the Northern Lights are Tromsø (Norway), Fairbanks (Alaska), Finnish Lapland, Iceland, and Abisko (Sweden). Visit during 2024-2026 during Solar Cycle 25's peak for optimal viewing. Plan trips between September and April, especially during equinoxes (March/September), with 4+ nights for the best chances of witnessing this spectacular celestial display.

We are in the midst of the Sun's 11-year cycle (Solar Cycle 25), which means that the Sun is sending out the most potent and frequent bursts of energy, resulting in truly amazing displays.

You need a strategy based on science, not just luck, to chase the lights. As travel experts and aurora fans, we know that two things are vital for success: finding the right place to see the aurora and the right time. This guide is a complete, data-rich map of the best places to see the Northern Lights. It will help you find the best spots to see them during this rare solar peak.

What is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights(Strategic Timing)?

You need to know the best time before you pick a place. Although the northern light can be seen at any time, there are some essential points to consider to enhance your experience and make it unique:

A. Seasonal Dynamics

The northern light can be seen at night from late August to early April, but not every night is the same. Savvy travelers plan their trips around the equinoxes, which occur in March and September, to maximize the frequency and intensity of daylight. Why the equinox? During these times, the Earth's position allows the solar wind to interact more easily with the planet's magnetic field. This stronger geomagnetic coupling increases the likelihood of intense storms. "By planning a trip in March or September between 2024 and 2026, you strategically combine the peak of the Solar Cycle with a natural planetary advantage, which gives you a statistically better chance of having an intense viewing experience." . B: The Peak Viewing Window

You'll need to be patient every night. The aurora is most often seen between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. local time, when it is darkest. Most experts suggest booking a trip of at least four nights in a row so that you have a higher chance (multiple opportunities )of seeing the lights, as they are not always visible.

The Peak Season Sweet Spots:

As we said earlier, any time during the viewing window is possible, but statistically, some months are better than others; you can see the quick overview in the following table:

Best Places to See the Northern Lights (Destination Guide)

Here are The World's Top 5 Northern Lights Viewing Spots

1. Tromsø, Norway: The Arctic Gateway 🇳🇴

Tromsø is one of the easiest and most popular places to see the Northern Lights in Norway. It's often called the "Gateway to the Arctic." It is located at nearly 70°N latitude, which places it directly under the auroral oval, making it visible to many people.

What Makes It Unique: The city is lively and charming, so you can fill your daytime hours with activities like visiting museums and cultural centers while you wait for the night sky. Many direct flights make it easy to get to, which is why it's a popular starting point.

Expert Tip: Tromsø is a great place to visit, but it is located on the coast and can experience cloudy conditions. Many experienced aurora hunters go on organized tours that take them inland, sometimes even across the border into Finland or Sweden, where the weather and clouds are usually clearer.

2. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA: The American Heartland of Aurora 🇺🇸

Fairbanks has one of the best records for viewing auroras in the world because it is far from the coast and has drier, clearer air. This is why it is one of the best places in Alaska to see the aurora.

Why It Stands Out: The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides a comprehensive, detailed, and up-to-date Northern Lights forecast that travelers can rely on. Local tourism experts say that if you stay for three nights during the busy season, you have a 90% chance of seeing something.

Expert Tip: Visit nearby locations, such as the Aurora Borealis Lodge or Chena Hot Springs Resort, for a unique experience. These places are great for seeing the aurora. They often offer "aurora wake-up calls" so you don't have to stay up all night waiting for the sunrise.

3. Finnish Lapland, Finland: Cozy and Magical

Winter magic is all around in the vast wilderness of Lapland. Rovaniemi and Levi are two places in Finnish Lapland that are great for seeing the aurora and staying in unique places. This makes Finnish Lapland an ideal destination for viewing the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora.

What makes it special: Finnish Lapland is renowned for its distinctive and luxurious accommodations, including igloos with glass roofs and custom-built cabins. This allows you to hunt the aurora from the comfort of your own home. The area is also renowned for its traditional winter activities, including snowshoeing and sledding with reindeer.

Tip from an expert: The Sámi culture is robust here. If you want a more real and deeper experience than just chasing the lights, think about going to a Sámi village or learning about their customs.

4. Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland is farther south than its Scandinavian neighbors. Still, the low light pollution outside the capital city and the dramatic, easy-to-reach landscapes make Northern Lights tours very popular.

What Makes It Unique: You can see the Golden Circle (with its waterfalls and geysers) and the Blue Lagoon while hunting for auroras, which makes for a fantastic trip. Picture the green lights moving over a beach with black sand or a glacial lagoon!

Expert Tip: To have the best chance, drive at least 45 minutes to an hour away from Reykjavík. Photographers can find really dark skies and excellent foregrounds at places like the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the south or the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

5. Abisko, Sweden: The Blue Hole Phenomenon

Abisko, in northern Sweden, is home to a rare weather event. The mountains around the area often create a "blue hole," a part of the sky that remains clear even when the rest of the sky is cloudy.

What Makes It Special: This microclimate gives Abisko a significant statistical advantage in terms of clear skies. One of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Sky Station on Mount Nuolja is by taking a scenic chairlift ride.

Tip from an expert: Abisko is a small town. If you want to experience a lot of life in a city, consider visiting Luleå or Kiruna, which are both nearby. Abisko is best suited for individuals who enjoy dark surroundings and are comfortable being alone in a quiet, remote location.

For those looking to maximize their Northern Lights experience beyond just viewing, explore our comprehensive guide on ways to enjoy the Northern Lights experiences. This resource offers unique activities, such as photography workshops, dog sledding under the aurora borealis, ice hotel stays, and cultural experiences with indigenous communities, that can transform your trip from a simple viewing tour into an unforgettable Arctic adventure.

Logistical Planning and Budgeting:

You need to plan and budget in advance because an Arctic aurora trip can be expensive. The price may vary significantly in different locations, particularly those closer to the poles. An example of high-cost living can be found in the Scandinavian nations of Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden. Hotels in Norway and Iceland typically range from $100 to $170 per night.

• Budget Packages: Everyone is charged between $1,440 – $1,800, typically covering flights, basic accommodation, and two or three guided tours.
• Mid-range Packages: These packages, priced between $2,040 and $2,640 per person, include fun activities such as staying in glass igloos, participating in cultural experiences, and husky safaris.
• Luxury Packages: Luxury packages start at $ 3,000 per person and increase thereafter. They provide personal guides, snowmobile lodges, and long snowmobile trips.
• A glance at the daily costs reveals that the difference in expenses according to distance to a location and existing infrastructure is quite significant.

For example, it is relatively inexpensive to visit Iceland through guided tours, averaging around 295 USD per day. Nevertheless, those that are package-based for the remote Alaskan wilderness are priced at up to $ 675 per day.

This means that the costs associated with specialized transportation, remote amenities, and operational complexity in areas not at the center of mass tourism lead to a high level of the wilderness premium. Alaska's rental cars cost $160 per day, which is a lot more than those in Iceland ($55 per day) or Norway ($50 per day). This is another sign of the premium.

Estimated Daily Travel and Tour Cost Benchmarks (USD Equivalent)

Book Your Northern Lights Adventure

Now that you know the best places to see the Northern Lights and when to go, it's time to make your dream come true. It's essential to book your travel plans early, especially during the solar peak from 2024 to 2026, when demand for aurora tours is at its highest.
Start by booking your flights to your chosen destination well in advance. Early bookings not only guarantee better rates but also ensure availability during peak viewing months, such as March and September. Direct flights to major aurora hubs like Tromsø, Reykjavík, and Fairbanks fill up quickly during the winter season.

Next, find the perfect accommodation that matches your budget and experience preferences. Whether you're seeking luxury glass igloos in Finnish Lapland, cozy lodges near Fairbanks with aurora wake-up calls, or comfortable hotels in Tromsø, booking early gives you access to the best properties and locations with minimal light pollution.

Conclusion: Chase the Dream, Prepare for the Journey

Visiting the best places to see the Northern Lights is more than just a vacation; it's an unforgettable adventure. You must be patient, prepare, and be ready to brave the cold, but the reward is a memory that will last a lifetime.

If you plan your trip during the dark winter months, you can spend a few nights (at least 4 nights) in places where the light stays low, you have a higher chance of witnessing amazing sights, such as the fjords in Norway, the snowy landscapes of Alaska, or Iceland's unique hot springs and volcanoes.