1. Tromso, Norway
Lapland in Northern Europe offers some Northern Lights hotspots. Today the region extends beyond the borders of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia. One of the most popular destinations for the Northern Lights is Norway’s Tromsø, an important cultural center north of the Arctic Circle. In January and February, the colorful show of the Northern Lights Festival takes place here with international musicians and classical ballet.
Fly Watch the spectacle on the water on a dinner cruise with Norwegian fishmeal. The color nuances of the northern lights range from a faint green glow to a sea of yellow and pink light.
2. Nellim, Finland
Characterized by dense forests and lakes, Finnish Lapland lies at a similar latitude to Tromsø. From September to March the nights here get longer and darker. So this is the ideal time to travel to Nellim on Lake Inarjärvi. It is about 40 kilometers from the airport in Ivalo to the small town. Wooden log houses with fireplaces and saunas provide the highest level of comfort. From here you can take day trips to the world-famous Levi ski area.
Fly An absolute hotel highlight is the Kakslauttanen Artic Resort, about 100 kilometers south of Nellim. Here you can stay in specially made glass igloos and enjoy the vivid northern lights in the starry sky.
3. Abisko, Sweden
The Swedish landscape is characterized by mountain ranges and imposing fjords. Swedish Lapland is located 140 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Only about 100 people live in the town of Abisko, but each of them has about 500 visitors a year. They retreat to the wilderness of the national park in the summer, and in the winter for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Supposedly scientifically proven to have the world’s highest chance of aurora success. This is due to the microclimate of the location on the shore of Lake Torneträsk and the pitch-black nights in Abisko National Park.
Fly Abisko Aurora Sky Station records the Northern Lights each night and broadcasts the photos live on the Internet. In the tourist center there is a museum and a cozy cafe.
4. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Iceland, located just south of the Arctic Circle, has long days in summer, but only four to five hours of daylight in January. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from September to October and February to March. The spectacle can be observed particularly well in Thingvellir National Park outside of Reykjavik. Preferably with spa in your own wooden house (the casserole is a must for Icelanders). Here you can relax with a glass of Prosecco or a beer and enjoy the Northern Lights.
Fly Icelanders love fireworks. A very special event is the light show in the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in August. Entry fees are fully donated to the Hornafjörður District Search and Rescue team.
5. Alaska, United States
There is also the possibility of observing the northern lights in Alaska, in the north of the USA. The best travel time is from September to April. You land at the airport in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city with a population of approximately 300,000. The best way to travel from here is to take an organized snowmobile or dog sled tour to the Arctic Circle. The Eagle River Nature Center has a particularly high chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It is run by a small non-profit organization. Accommodation in a log cabin or dormitory is also available.
Fly: The Aurora Winter Train travels between Anchorage and Fairbanks for twelve hours through Alaska’s magical winter landscape. A unique way to discover the beauty of the country.
6. Shetland Islands, Scotland
With a little luck, you can also observe the aurora borealis, or “Mirrie Dancer” in Scottish, on the picturesque Shetland Islands in the northernmost part of Scotland. The further north in Scotland, the greater the probability. The Orkney Islands in the Scottish Highlands, about 400 kilometers north of Edinburgh, and the island of Caithness are also great destinations. However, a natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights can never be accurately predicted or guaranteed. But nowadays apps make it much easier to observe the Northern Lights.
Fly One of the useful applications is «My Aurora Prediction». In other apps, Aurora fans can even share pictures with each other.
7. Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife in northwest Canada is also known as the “capital of the northern lights”. Even in the southern provinces, the chances of seeing the lights are high. At Aurora Village, visitors have a 95 percent chance of seeing skylights that occur 240 days a year. Colors stand out especially in winter. With temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, heated seats and tea keep visitors cozy and warm.
Fly You can hike the snowy terrain with a snowshoe guide from Aurora Village. Optional dog sled tours and dining experiences are also available.
When do you see the Northern Lights?
Despite the low temperatures, the north is home to a very special natural phenomenon that attracts many travelers to the country: the northern lights. It is very easy to see these magical lights that illuminate the sky at night, especially in Scandinavian countries.
The best time to travel to see the Northern Lights is not the end of winter. Your chances are better in February and March, when the sun is in the right place to create the colorful lights.