14 Romantic Northern Lights Destinations for Your Next Getaway
Are you wondering where to spend a special weekend with your significant other that would be unrivaled to any other adventure you’ve had together? Well, watching the aurora borealis could provide the magic you are looking for. From an anniversary to a proposal or a simple need for an adventurous getaway, the northern lights are the perfect backdrop.
So where do you go to get this magical show? Its vibrant display of colors across a winter sky can only be seen in certain locations. Some locations offer better views than others and are less crowded, but offer a cozy setting for lovebirds to enjoy. So, pack your warmest clothes, grab your partner’s hand, and get ready to fall in love with these 14 romantic destinations.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is often called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, and there is a reason for that. Norway’s charming city, for the most part, is a mix of rugged natural beauty with modern comforts. Cuddle with a partner in a glass-domed igloo or take a hot cocoa-tasting tour on a quiet cruise through the fjord, as the aurora paints the sky. Your chances of viewing the lights are very high from September to April.
Abisko, Sweden
Abisko, in Swedish Lapland, is a couple’s haven for chasing northern lights – it’s nestled in Swedish Lapland. One of the best places in the world to see the aurora is the region’s crisp, clear skies. Walking on frozen trails and watching the Aurora from the Aurora Sky Station mountaintop observatory feels like a fairytale come true.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks in the United States is a gem for northern lights enthusiasts. It sits under the ‘auroral oval’ and gives you a near-guaranteed chance of seeing the lights in the winter. Couples can book a private cabin or soak away the days in natural hot springs and enjoy the show the aurora puts on each night.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is often considered the perfect blend of urban grime, and natural wonders. Iceland’s capital is the perfect place to spend your day, with lively cafes and shops within the city, and the chance to see the northern lights in the countryside. Whether traveling through Reykjavik on guided jeep tours or exploring seaside viewpoints, the experience is far from ordinary.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife claims a prime spot as a northern lights destination found in the Northwest Territories. Minimally affected by light pollution and with excellent viewing conditions, you can recline lakeside in a cabin for a cozy view of the aurora, or join a guided tour to unmapped sites where the aurora dances a bright waltz. Other cultural activities in the city that make your trip rich include dog sledding and Indigenous storytelling.
Rovaniemi, Finland
There’s nothing more romantic than seeing the northern lights in the official hometown of Santa Claus. Whimsical glass roofed accommodations in Rovaniemi provide you and your partner a chance to watch the aurora from the warmth of a bed. Activities like snowmobile safaris and reindeer sleigh rides make it a winter wonderland worth putting on your couple’s bucket list.
Svalbard, Norway
If you’re into remote and rugged, Svalbard is the best place to be, due to its northern locale this Arctic archipelago gives some of the most gorgeous aurora shows. During the day visitors can explore ice caves and at night wonder at a light show below. That’s the ultimate adventure and romance combo.
Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna is an aurora hotspot but the countryside is pretty charming and perfect for quieter experiences for couples. Spend your evenings snoring in a comfortable chalet or go ice fishing. The town also houses the world’s renowned ‘Ice Hotel’ where you can sleep on a bed of ice surrounded by art and sculptures made of ice.
Kakslauttanen, Finland
Kakslauttanen is the poster child for romantic Northern Lights trips. Located in Finnish Lapland, a spot whose glass igloos let couples enjoy the aurora from their own private cocoon of warmth. Combine this with hearty Finnish meals and nearby activities such as husky safaris and it’s no surprise that this spot is on so many wish lists.
Murmansk, Russia
As the world’s northernmost large city, Murmansk might not be the first place one would choose as a destination for a romantic getaway, but for aurora lovers, it’s a real hidden gem. It is a port city that comes up with unique winter experience like icebreaker cruises and snowshoeing in the peaceful landscapes. When the lights start their nightly dance, the open skies give a show you will never forget.
Isle Of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye might not scream ‘northern lights’ but it’s a charming exception. This island is known for its dramatic landscapes and is a place to see aurora in the darker months. Picture walking hand in hand along its rim while the skies shimmer with green and purple streaks — magic.
Nuuk, Greenland
Nuuk is a fantastic choice for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This remote capital has a modern convenience under the Arctic charm. Guided tours show you the best places for aurora viewing and the borough’s cozy inns and waterfront cafés create a romantic atmosphere. It’s like the gateway to another world.
Saariselkä, Finland
The small village of Saariselkä delivers big-time romance. This Finnish gem is famous for its glass igloos and luxury lodges where you can watch the aurora from your room. Ski your days away or relax in a sauna and spend your nights gazing up at the northern lights with your partner at your side.
Qaanaaq, Greenland
Qaanaaq is as remote as it gets for couples wanting serenity and quiet. Located in northern Greenland, this tiny village is far from modern life and will give you a front-row seat to the aurora borealis. Here you will feel like you and your partner have the sky, and the world, all to yourselves.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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