If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wished it would do something a bit more exciting, beyond the usual twinkling, the Northern Lights are nature’s ultimate “hold my drink”. And if you’re dreaming about the best places to see the Northern Lights, you’re in exactly the right spot. Below, we’re diving into seven unforgettable locations, mixing classic must-see aurora destinations with fresh, unique picks most travellers overlook. Think of this as your personal cheat sheet to watching the sky light up like it’s throwing its own neon dance party.
The aurora isn’t just a bucket-list tick. It’s a full-body experience. One of those rare moments when you’re standing in the dark, wrapped up like a burrito, thinking: Wow. The universe really went all-in on this one.
For many, the journey becomes an aurora chase—an adventurous pursuit where you actively seek out the best spots and conditions to witness this breathtaking phenomenon.
And the fun part? You don’t need to be a professional astronomer, a hardcore explorer, or someone who uses phrases like “geomagnetic storm”. You just need to know where to go — and that’s where this guide comes in.
Table of Contents
- Lapland, Sweden — The Winter Dream You Didn’t Know You Needed
- Finland — Aurora + Saunas = Your New Favourite Combo
- Iceland — One of the Most Dramatic Backdrops on Earth
- Norway — Because Yes, It’s Just That Good
- Canada — Big Skies, Big Wilderness, Big Drama
- Alaska — The USA’s Northern Lights Capital
- Greenland — Quiet, Remote, Absolutely Unbelievable
A Little Magic: What Exactly Are the Northern Lights?
Ever wondered what’s really happening when the night sky suddenly erupts in waves of green, pink, or even red? The Northern Lights—also known as the aurora borealis—are nature’s ultimate light show, and the science behind them is just as mind-blowing as the spectacle itself.
Here’s where the magic happens: charged particles from the sun crash into Earth’s atmosphere, colliding with oxygen and nitrogen in the most spectacular cosmic dance you’ll ever witness. These celestial encounters ignite the sky, creating ripples, waves, and colors that pulse and shimmer in ways that feel absolutely otherworldly. The result? The Northern Lights, painting the darkness with vibrant greens, electric pinks, and deep reds, you’ll savor in your memory forever.
But to catch the Northern Lights in their full glory, you need to know where the real action happens. Head as far north as you can—think the aurora oval, that magical circle stretching across northern Europe, Finnish Lapland, Swedish wilderness, Alaska, and Canada. These regions are your golden ticket to the aurora, especially when you escape those city lights and discover spots with zero light pollution. Urban glow is the enemy here, so embrace those remote lakes, dense pine forests, and wild national parks where the sky comes alive.
Timing? Everything. Aurora season runs from late August through April, when the darkest, clearest nights offer your best shot at this celestial celebration. Keep your eye on aurora forecasts and weather patterns—cloud cover will block your view, while solar storms and peak solar cycles make the lights dance even more dramatically across the sky.
The aurora isn’t just some static glow in the distance. Sometimes it’s a gentle, ethereal shimmer; other times, it’s a wild, swirling celebration across the entire sky. Those colors depend on which gases meet the sun’s charged particles—vibrant greens are the stars of the show, but intense solar activity brings out those deep reds and electric purples that’ll leave you breathless.
For the ultimate northern lights adventure, the best tours blend aurora hunting with unforgettable experiences. Picture this: dog sledding under a star-filled sky, ice fishing on frozen lakes, or sipping hot drinks while you wait for the heavens to come alive. Whether you’re deep in the heart of the aurora zone or chasing lights around Iceland’s Golden Circle, every night brings fresh adventure and new stories to share.
So, if you’re ready to witness the northern lights, pack your warmest layers, check those aurora forecasts, and head somewhere with crystal-clear skies and minimal light pollution. With a little luck—and maybe a thermos of hot chocolate—you’ll experience one of nature’s most unforgettable performances, one that’ll have you planning your next aurora adventure before you’ve even left.
Why Northern Lights Trips Matter (A Yes-Trips POV)
Travelling to see the aurora isn’t just about snapping the perfect photo or posting a story that makes your mates jealous (although fair). It’s about chasing something magical. Something bigger than you. Something you’ll still remember long after the snow has melted from your boots.
The first night of seeing the Northern Lights is often the most memorable, setting the tone for the rest of your trip and leaving a lasting impression that shapes your entire experience.
The Northern Lights pull you into the moment. They slow everything down. They make strangers chat, they make cold nights feel warm, and they remind you there’s a whole world out there worth saying YES to.
And honestly? Planning a Northern Lights trip can be surprisingly easy. People imagine it’s this complicated, ultra-scientific mission — but with the right destination and a bit of know-how, it’s way more accessible than you think. If you ever want to skip the research entirely, you can always peek at our Northern Lights group trip here: 👉 Northern Lights Tour
But for now? Let’s get you inspired.
Our Unique Picks (Because You Deserve More Than the Usual List)
Now for the fun part — the destinations most travellers don’t realise are top-tier for seeing the Northern Lights. These spots are perfect for aurora seekers looking for unique and memorable experiences, offering incredible visibility, easy access, local culture, dreamy landscapes, and a sense of adventure that gives this list its secret sauce.
These are the ones you’ll want to brag about later.
1. Lapland, Sweden — The Winter Dream You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’ve ever imagined sleeping in a glass-roofed cabin while the sky quietly puts on a light show above you… that’s Lapland.
This region of northern Sweden is an aurora powerhouse: wide-open skies, minimal light pollution, stable winter conditions, and long nights that almost feel tailor-made for aurora watching. Lapland lies within the auroral oval, a ring around the Arctic where the Northern Lights most frequently appear, which significantly increases your chances of seeing them.
Why it’s special: Lapland feels whimsical. There are reindeer wandering forests, snow that actually sparkles, and ice hotels that make you rethink your whole concept of accommodation. It’s a place that makes you feel like a kid again — except this time, the Northern Lights are real, and you’re old enough to appreciate how lucky you are.
Yes-Trips tip: Stay somewhere remote. The further you get from towns like Kiruna, the brighter and sharper the aurora appears. For the best experience, check aurora activity forecasts before heading out—these updates help you catch the strongest displays.
2. Finland — Aurora + Saunas = Your New Favourite Combo
Finland doesn’t just give you the Northern Lights. It gives you the Northern Lights and a sauna culture so strong it could probably win an Olympic medal.
In Finnish Lapland, especially around Rovaniemi, Levi, and Inari, the aurora is visible up to 200 nights a year. That’s basically every other day — wild.
Why it’s special: Finland has that perfect balance of wilderness and comfort. One minute you’re snowshoeing through a silent forest, the next you’re sipping something warm in a log cabin while the sky outside looks like an alien portal. Plus, you can unwind in hot springs for a truly unique Finnish aurora experience.
Yes-Trips tip: Visit between late September and early April for peak aurora visibility — but autumn trips offer easier travel, fewer crowds, and unreal reflections on a nearby lake.
3. Iceland — One of the Most Dramatic Backdrops on Earth
If the Northern Lights were choosing their own stage, they’d pick Iceland. Volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, glaciers, steaming geothermal fields… it’s almost too good.
Aurora viewing spots are everywhere across the island, from Thingvellir National Park to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the wild, wide-open north.
Why it’s special: It’s not just about seeing the lights — it’s about seeing them over Iceland, where every horizon feels like the opening shot of a fantasy film.
Yes-Trips tip :Rent a car if you’re comfortable driving in winter. The mobility gives you better odds of chasing clear skies — and clear skies are half the battle. Keep in mind that a full moon can brighten the sky and make the aurora less visible, so plan your outings around the lunar cycle for the best experience. If you’re taking photos of the Northern Lights, consider joining a guided tour for photography tips and to reach the best spots for capturing the aurora.
4. Norway — Because Yes, It’s Just That Good
We’ve already named Norway in the “algorithm-friendly” section, but it deserves a top spot too because… well, it’s Norway. If there’s one country people return to again and again for Northern Lights trips, this is it. Norway’s dramatic fjords create a spectacular setting for aurora viewing, with their rugged, mountainous features providing a breathtaking backdrop.
Tromsø in particular feels like a buzzing winter city built just for aurora chasers. You can spend your days adventuring and your nights watching the sky flicker green above the fjords.
Yes-Trips tip: February and March offer the best combo: long dark nights but slightly warmer temps. Slightly. For the best Northern Lights experience, make sure to find an unobstructed view—open areas or elevated spots away from light pollution are ideal. Don’t get cocky.
5. Canada — Big Skies, Big Wilderness, Big Drama
Canada’s aurora zone is huge, which means you can make your trip as rustic or as comfortable as you want. The country offers many designated viewing platforms and vast areas with dark skies, making it ideal for Northern Lights viewing. Yellowknife is especially famous for its stats — some of the highest aurora visibility on Earth.
It’s perfect for travellers who love the idea of being somewhere remote but still want access to warm lodges, tours, and hot drinks that don’t freeze instantly.
Yes-Trips tip: Canada’s winter can be brutal. Layer like your fingers depend on it. Because they do.
6. Alaska — The USA’s Northern Lights Capital
If you want high odds and zero nonsense, Alaska delivers. Fairbanks is the star, but Denali National Park and the Arctic Circle region offer some of the most unspoiled night skies in the world. Heading further north in Alaska increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as higher latitudes experience more frequent aurora activity.
Why it’s special: The cold here hits “my eyelashes are frozen together” levels — but that’s part of the charm. When the aurora rolls in, you forget everything except how gorgeous the world is.
Yes-Trips tip: Check the aurora forecast daily. Activity levels shift fast, and spontaneous midnight wake-ups are part of the adventure. For an even better experience, consider joining a night tour—these guided excursions use expert knowledge, weather updates, and sometimes include extras like photography tips or warming huts to maximize your chances of seeing the lights.
7. Greenland — Quiet, Remote, Absolutely Unbelievable
Greenland feels untouched — like you’ve wandered into a postcard and somehow never left. The air is crisp, the horizons are wide, and the Northern Lights feel extraordinarily bright because there’s almost zero artificial light. The natural beauty of Greenland’s pristine landscapes and unpolluted skies makes the aurora experience here truly unforgettable.
If you want serenity, this is the most peaceful place on the list.
Yes-Trips tip: Visit between September and March for your best shot. The Northern Lights can often be seen with the naked eye thanks to Greenland’s dark skies. And bring a good camera — phone cameras struggle in super-dark conditions unless they have a solid night mode.
FAQ: Everything You’ve Been Wondering About the Northern Lights
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Generally, from September to April, when nights are long and skies are dark. But different regions have their own peak windows.
Do I need to go somewhere extremely remote?
Not necessarily. Remote helps with light pollution, but many aurora-friendly cities (Tromsø, Reykjavik, Rovaniemi) offer fantastic visibility.
Can I see the Northern Lights without a tour?
Yes, but tours increase your chances because guides know local weather patterns and where the sky is clearest.
Is it guaranteed?
Nope. The aurora is a natural phenomenon, not a scheduled event. But choosing destinations in the auroral zone dramatically boosts your odds.
Is it really as magical as people say?
Honestly? Yes. And then some.
Final Thoughts. Your Next Adventure Is One YES Away
Seeing the Northern Lights isn’t just a travel moment — it’s a life moment. One of those memories that sticks with you long after the cold fades and the suitcase is unpacked. Whether you’re dreaming of glass igloos in Lapland, volcanic skylines in Iceland, or the wild quiet of Alaska, the world is ready to surprise you.
And whenever you’re ready to turn that dream into a plan, we’ve got a trip made just for that kind of yes:
👉 Northern Lights Tour
Pack your warmest layers, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready — the sky is calling.
Your Northern Lights story is waiting.
Boring stuff we’re obligated to include, but important stuff nonetheless
- The best locations to view the northern lights are in the “auroral oval” regions, which include Fairbanks, Yellowknife, Tromsø, Abisko, and Finnish Lapland.
- Svalbard, Norway, is the only inhabited place in the world where the aurora borealis can be seen during the daytime due to the “polar night” season.
- Iceland provides diverse landscapes that offer dramatic backdrops for the aurora, such as the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Þingvellir National Park.