14 Romantic Northern Lights Destinations for Your Next Getaway
Nature’s only theatrical performance—flaring across the sky as ribbons of green and purple and pink. Nothing compares to the ethereal glow of the aurora borealis for couples looking for a seriously unforgettable romatic backdrop. Visiting to see this incredible show can rekindle your flame of adventure, and intimacy in a way that last a lifetime.
In addition to their spectacular views of the lights, these destinations also provide cozy, romantic accommodations and fun things to do all day long so your trip will be just as unforgettable as the sight. You can snuggle under a blanket in a glass igloo in Finland, or a nighttime snowshoe hike in Canada, where it’s hard not to connect with your loved one watching the sun rise over the snow covered treetops.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Situated under the “Auroral Oval” — a zone of frequent aurora activity — Fairbanks is one of the most dependable spots in the U.S. to see the Northern Lights. If you’d rather be less on show, consider booking a stay in a remote lodge or cabin. August through April is the best time to visit, when the skies are darkest and the lights are brightest.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is often called the ‘Paris of the North’ for good reason; it boast a vibrant cultural scene. The city is in the aurora zone, so visitors have a good chance of seeing the phenomenon. If you happen to spend the night there beneath the glowing skies, you can warm your belly at a local bistro, or visit one of the many museums in the city.
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Jukkasjärvi is a small village that offers big appeal to couples. Rebuilt completely of ice every year, the hotel includes art suites, an ice bar and even a chapel made of ice. To spend a night under the shimmering auroral sky, guests are wrapped in thermal sleeping bags on reindeer skins.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The Northern Lights can be seen from many parts of Iceland but Reykjavik is a lovely city to return to after your night of aurora hunting. The city is also the perfect base to launch into day trips to local geothermal hot springs, where you can relax and unwind in the sultry waters of the warm and mineral rich pools.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife, located on the shore of Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, is a premier viewing location for aurora. The city has several aurora resorts so you can watch the lights from a heated cabin or teepee. An adventure is added to the romantic experience with guided night tours on snowmobiles or dog sleds.
Ivalo, Finland
Offering couples an idyllic location to stay, Ivalo offers luxury glass igloos and log cabins that allow you to see the night sky without interruption. Surrounding wilderness creates a comfortable roomy atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Abisko, Sweden
Abisko, in Swedish Lapland, is often considered one of the best places on Earth to spot the Northern Lights because of its clear skies, a byproduct of its own unique microclimate. A ride up on the chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station is the best place to view the Aurora and a truly unforgettable night above the Arctic landscape.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Rugged landscapes and ancient castles provide a dramatic setting for the Northern Lights on mystical Isle of Skye. It is a remote location that means darker skies, and the possibility of a stunning aurora display, making it a magical place for history fanatics and nature lovers.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Fishing villages and dramatic peaks rising from the sea make the Lofoten a very Norwegian experience. The auroras are reflected in the ocean making the visual spectacle double. For a quaint and cozy retreat couples can rent a traditional fisherman’s cabin.
Luosto, Finland
Couples going to Luosto can stay at Aurora Chalet, where aurora alarms in the rooms are used to inform guests when the Northern Lights are visible. With this feature, you won’t ever miss a display, even if that means waking up to an impromptu light show in the middle of the night.
Senja, Norway
Norway’s second largest island, Senja, is famous for its fjords and mountain peaks. It’s the perfect place for adventurous couples who want to go hiking during the day, and then be able to kick back and relax under the Northern Lights at night.
Inari, Finland
Inari is in deep Finnish Lapland, where you are as far from the nearest neighbour as you can get, with the mystical Northern Lights over frozen lakes and snowy forests. Traditional Sami culture still flourishes here, and it’s another layer on a visit with narratives and practices that have embraced the aurora for thousands of years. Stay in a glass igloo and watch the lights from your bed.
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
With some of the most vivid Northern Lights displays set against the stark landscapes of an immense ice cap, this small settlement is a great place to visit. There are no light pollution to block the auroras so you can enjoy them in full majesty. Lovebirds who desire to combine romance with some adrenaline are catered for with local tour providers offering dog sledding or snowmobile trips into the wilderness.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard, one of the world’s northernmost inhabited places, is special in that it has polar night, when the sun never rises above the horizon, from November through January. That makes it one of the rare places in the world where you can see the Northern Lights during daylight, a surreal, romantic thing.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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