Best Place to See the Northern Lights & See the Aurora Borealis
The magical green, purple, and red streaks that shimmer across the night sky have captivated people for centuries. Known as the aurora borealis, these breathtaking displays are a natural wonder created by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. But where is the best place to see these lights, and when should you go?
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the best destinations to see the northern lights, explain how aurora activity works, and help you plan your unforgettable journey to the arctic skies.
Understanding the Aurora: What Causes the Lights to Dance?
Before you book your trip to view the northern lights, it helps to understand how they’re created.
How the Aurora Borealis Happens
The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from solar winds interact with Earth's magnetosphere. These particles travel down the magnetic field lines toward the poles, where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, creating a glowing curtain in the sky.
- Color variations: Green is the most common, but reds, purples, and blues can appear depending on altitude and the type of gas reacting.
- Auroral oval: The auroral oval is the ring-shaped zone around the poles where aurora activity is most frequent and intense.
Helpful resource: NASA’s Auroras: Paintings in the Sky explains the phenomenon in detail.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights: Timing Your Trip
The best time to see the northern lights is not about the calendar date alone, but about several critical factors that influence visibility.
Seasonal Guide: When is the Best Time?
- Winter months (late September to early April) are ideal due to longer nights and frequent clear skies.
- Peak visibility often occurs between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- The 11-year solar activity cycle affects the intensity of aurora activity.
In 2024, we are near the peak of the current solar cycle, meaning your chance of seeing stronger displays is higher.
Weather & Sky Conditions
Even in the far north, a brilliant aurora is invisible behind cloud cover or city lights. Prioritize areas with minimal light pollution and monitor forecasts using apps like Aurora Alerts or NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard.
Norway: A Dream Destination to View the Northern Lights
When people imagine a perfect place to see the northern lights, Norway often comes to mind—with good reason.
Tromsø: One of the Best Places in Norway
Located in the heart of the auroral oval, Tromsø offers nearly everything you need: remote location, frequent aurora activity, and plenty of accommodation options. This alpine city lies more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
- Latitude: 69°N, placing it right under the auroral oval
- Excellent for winter excursions like dog sledding or igloo stays
- Great fjord views and low light pollution outside the city
Svalbard: Extreme Arctic Viewing
Even further north, the Svalbard archipelago provides unmatched access to aurora viewing in polar darkness—when the sky remains black for weeks during winter.
Travel tip: A guided tour increases your chance of seeing the lights while avoiding dangerous conditions in these remote areas.
Alaska: America’s Northern Lights Powerhouse
If you’re looking for a place to see the aurora without leaving the U.S., Alaska delivers.
Fairbanks: The Aurora Capital of the U.S.
Fairbanks, Alaska is widely considered the best place to see the aurora borealis in North America. It sits within the auroral oval, offering over 240 aurora viewing nights per year.
- Easy access to hotels, hot springs, and igloo-inspired resorts
- Low city lights in surrounding areas increase visibility
- Local culture embraces aurora tourism, with forecasts and viewing tours widely available
Recommended site: Explore Fairbanks offers real-time tracking and visitor guides for planning your stay.
Denali & Beyond: Rugged Aurora Backdrops
National parks like Denali offer more isolated arctic vistas for photography, though visibility is dependent on weather and cloud cover.
Finland & Lapland: Winter Magic Under the Northern Sky
No northern lights journey is complete without mentioning Lapland, the Finnish territory within the arctic.
Finnish Lapland: Family-Friendly and Authentic
Lapland is ideal for travelers who want reliable aurora viewing paired with winter fun. The region offers:
- Accommodation in glass igloos and cabins
- Reindeer safaris and Sami cultural experiences
- Reliable tour operators that monitor solar storms and maximize your chance of seeing the lights
Rovaniemi is the most accessible city, while areas like Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen offer better visibility due to their remoteness.
Iceland: A Rugged, Accessible Viewing Destination
Iceland is not only one of the world’s most photogenic countries, but also a popular destination to see the northern lights.
Pros and Cons of Iceland Aurora Viewing
- Easily accessible from North America and Europe
- Short distances between accommodation, tours, and natural landmarks
- Weather is highly variable—cloud cover can obstruct even strong displays
Top Spots in Iceland
- Thingvellir National Park: A UNESCO site with little light pollution
- Vík and the South Coast: Dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches offer striking backdrops
- Akureyri: Northern town with more stable weather than Reykjavik
Insider tip: Rent a car and stay flexible. Being mobile increases your chance of seeing a display when conditions change quickly.
Sweden and Abisko: Reliable Auroras in the Scandinavian Alps
If you're looking for consistently clear skies and a strong aurora forecast, Abisko, Sweden is widely regarded as one of the top places to see the northern lights.
Abisko National Park: A Spot for Aurora Reliability
Thanks to a unique microclimate and position within the auroral oval, Abisko experiences frequent clear nights and minimal cloud cover, making it a top spot for aurora chasers.
- Located in northern Scandinavia, away from city lights
- The Aurora Sky Station provides a dedicated observatory for observing the northern lights
- Home to one of the many lakes in the Swedish Lapland region that reflects the aurora on calm nights
Many tours allow you to join a northern lights experience led by expert guides. These guides will lead you into optimal viewing zones, often on snowshoes or skis for adventurous travelers.
Greenland & Canada: Remote Yet Rewarding Places to Witness the Lights
Though less visited, both Greenland and northern Canada are spectacular locations to witness the northern lights under pristine conditions.
Greenland: A Raw Arctic Experience
Greenland’s untouched wilderness, especially around Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk, makes it one of the most remote yet awe-inspiring places for northern lights travel.
- Almost no light pollution
- Long, dark nights in the winter months
- High latitude positions right under the auroral oval
Canada’s Yukon & Northwest Territories
These regions offer a similar blend of accessibility and solitude. Yellowknife and Whitehorse are known for frequent northern lights displays, with viewing packages available.
- Guides focus on optimal conditions for viewing
- Ideal between September and April
- Offers a unique blend of natural scenery and northern culture
Lofoten Islands: Norway’s Coastal Gem
Often overlooked, the Lofoten Islands in parts of Norway offer a stunning coastal setting for viewing the aurora borealis.
- Towering fjords reflect the lights in still waters
- Remote fishing villages minimize light pollution
- Ideal for photographers seeking dramatic Arctic landscapes
Despite being farther south than Tromsø, the latitude of the Lofoten Islands still places them within reach of the auroral oval.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights: Capture the Light Show
The magical northern lights, with ribbons of green and red streaming across the sky, are often visible to the naked eye. But capturing them with a camera requires some basic technique.
Camera Settings for Success
- Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls
- Set ISO between 800–3200
- Use long exposures (10–25 seconds) on a tripod
- Open the aperture wide (f/2.8 or lower)
Remember to bring extra batteries—they deplete quickly in the arctic cold.
Helpful link: Capture the Atlas Northern Lights Photography Guide offers hands-on tips for amateurs and pros alike.
Booking the Experience: Igloo Hotels, Tour Operators & More
From cozy accommodation in glass igloos to guided snowmobile safaris, your aurora viewing trip can be as rugged or luxurious as you choose.
Unique Aurora Lodging Ideas
- Glass igloos in Finland and Sweden’s Lapland for heated, panoramic views
- Treehouses, mountain cabins, and even igloo hotels with private hot tubs
- Remote eco-lodges in Alaska, Norway, and Iceland
Choosing a Tour or Guide
Booking with an experienced guide ensures you go where aurora is one with the landscape and not obscured by city lights or poor conditions.
- Guides track aurora forecasts and scout locations in real time
- Many tours provide warm clothing, photography assistance, and historical context about the northern lights
Scientific Origins: How Northern Lights Are Caused
Understanding the science behind the aurora only adds to the wonder. So, what exactly creates this light show?
Electrically Charged Particles Meet Earth’s Magnetic Field
The northern lights are caused when electrically charged particles from the sun’s solar activity enter the Earth’s upper atmosphere. They interact with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen in the earth’s magnetic field, creating the ethereal glow across the sky.
- Green and red lights stem from oxygen at different altitudes
- Purples and blues result from nitrogen
- Intensity rises with increased solar activity, which peaks every 11 years
We’re currently in a period of heightened solar activity, making the next couple of years ideal for northern lights viewing.
Plan the Perfect Northern Lights Adventure
The quest to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora, is a journey into some of the most beautiful and untouched places on Earth. From Alaska to Norway, Lapland to Greenland, these glowing waves of energy make the sky come alive in a way few experiences can match.
Whether you're sleeping in an igloo, hiking through arctic forests, or watching the lights dance above a fjord, every detail matters—from the best time to go, to where to stay, and how to avoid light pollution.
Plan smart, follow the aurora forecast, and keep your eyes on the night sky—your moment to witness the northern lights may be closer than you think.
