13 Bucket-List Destinations for Northern Lights Lovers
There’s something absolutely magical about standing under a starry sky and looking up at the northern lights—those wavy slices of green, pink, purple—dancing across the night sky. It’s like a grand adventure chasing this natural phenomenon, as one visit can take you to some of the most beautiful and far-flung corners of the Earth. It’s no surprise that so many people dream of seeing the aurora borealis.
Deciding where to go for the best views can be tricky, however; and timing plays a huge role in catching the show. Fortunately, there are places around the world that are dedicated to aurora hunters. Here are 13 destinations, from cozy Arctic villages to icy wildernesses, that are perfect for anyone wanting to see the lights.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska in the United States is one of the best places to see the Northern lights. Its location under the auroral oval, a sweet spot for aurora activity, means you can see the lights most clear nights from late August to mid-April. Dog sledding and hot spring soaking are also popular among many visitors who pair them with their aurora hunts.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife is one of the most consistent places in Canada to see aurora, which is why it is also known as the ‘Aurora Capital of the World.’ Flat terrain and clear skies can only mean one thing, the lights can dance across the horizon. Infact, locals say that the lights are so vivid here, that you can hear them crackling in the cold air!
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ and is a favorite with northern lights enthusiasts. Visitors who are lucky with the skies get to see the auroras from beyond as well as enjoy other Arctic activities such as whale watching, snowmobiling, and Sami cultural experiences. Tromsø is an adventure with comfortable cafes and warm hospitality.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is one of the few capital cities where you can see the northern lights. Breathtaking spots where the auroras seem to take over the entire sky are a short drive away from the city lights. If you’d like to turn most of your trip to Iceland, its waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs are endless options for daytime activities.
Abisko, Sweden
Its unique microclimate makes Abisko National Park one of the best places in the world to watch the aurora. The park also has a clear sky zone which will increase your chances of seeing the lights when the surrounding areas are cloudy. Aurora lovers must visit the Aurora Sky Station, a mountaintop observatory.
Rovaniemi, Finland
If you are looking for northern lights, Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is a winter wonderland. Visitors can go reindeer sleigh rides, ice fishing, and visit the Santa Claus Village between December and March when they can also see the lights. A dream destination for families and solo travelers.
Murmansk, Russia
Murmansk is another good destination for aurora enthusiasts located in Russia’s far northwest. Northern Lights sightings are long and dark winters. There are also tours to nearby tundra landscapes and visitors can also explore the city’s Soviet history.
Svalbard, Norway
If you’re feeling daring, Svalbard is a high‐Arctic archipelago with some really awesome opportunities to see the northern lights. Even during the polar night—the month(s) when the sun doesn’t rise at all—an aurora is visible. Polar bears are also around while you’re there, and you can go on a guided tour to learn about life in this extreme environment.
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Greenland won’t be an easy destination to get to, but it ranks high on a list of rewarding aurora hunting destinations. Kangerlussuaq is famous for its clear skies and its fantastic displays of the northern lights. If you’re there, you can also take a guided hike on the ice sheet for a true Arctic adventure.
Dalvik, Iceland
Dalvik is a little fishing village with plenty of room for aurora chasing, for those not looking to be in the middle of Reykjavik. It’s located on the northern coast of Iceland and provides great viewing spots far from city life. Besides whale watching during the day visitors can also enjoy the local seafood delicacies.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park is a surprising place to see the aurora borealis. You can catch the northern lights without leaving the British Isles, you know? Locally, the lights are known as the “Mirrie Dancers” and occasionally appear in the park’s skies on cold, clear winter nights.
Churchill, Canada
Churchill is known for polar bears, it’s also a fantastic aurora viewing spot. Auroras are visible up to 300 nights a year in this remote Manitoba town. Guided tours combine wildlife spotting with aurora chasing for an unforgettable Arctic experience for winter visitors.
Lapland, Finland
An aurora chaser’s paradise is Lapland, covering the region of Finland and Sweden. Imagine you’re stretched out on reindeer skins in an igloo whose roof is made of glass, and after craning your neck you watch lights twirling above. Lapland is a mix of tradition and modern comfort and a great place for anyone wanting a really immersive experience.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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