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Witnessing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. But determining where to see the northern lights is a complex matter—actually encountering the majestic and alien-ish green and purple glow of the night sky is not only about location, but also timing (December to March is ideal in many instances; August through April in other parts), positioning (typically from latitudes 65 to 72 degrees North), and plain ol’ luck (a clear, dark, and cloud-free sky).
The awe-inspiring sight—which occurs when electrically charged solar particles interact with gasses in the earth’s atmosphere—is best enjoyed in rural areas where little light pollution allows aurora to shine its brightest. Traditionally, aurora hunters head to high-latitude destinations above the Arctic Circle in places like Finland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, and Alaska along a ring known as the Aurora Oval. While a light show is never guaranteed, this area close to the Earth's northern pole boasts the highest probability of catching aurora activity.
There’s never been a better time to view this extraordinary display: Activity is on the upswing, with scientists (including NASA) predicting that the northern lights will happen more frequently and intensely throughout 2024 and 2025. That not only means travelers' favorite aurora hotspots may glow more than ever, but less expected locations—such as Scotland and Michigan—are making the aurora map. Try to go with Indigenous guides, from communities who have long had ties to this sight—they can make your northern lights experience all the more special, even when the meteorological magic doesn't happen.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Alexandra Owens.
Bláskógabyggð, Iceland
Almost every picture we see of Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes makes us stop in our tracks—especially those with that famous glow against the winter night sky. While many spots along this country’s coastal ring road lend themselves to northern lights-watching, the flat terrain of Thingvellir National Park in southwestern Iceland and its proximity to Reykjavík (which is just 25 miles southwest) make it one of the best—and most easily accessible—spots for getting those prize-worthy, slow shutter speed shots of the northern lights.
Svalbard, Norway
Northern Norway undoubtedly ranks as one of the best places to see the aurora—but Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago between the mainland and the North Pole, is the only inhabited destination in the world where you can witness the northern lights at any time of day. To experience the phenomenon while you’re having breakfast or lunch, head to Svalbard during Polar Night—the country’s longest dark season—which lasts a full 113 days between November and January. With so many hours spent in darkness, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for aurora chasing. Embark on a northern lights safari by dog sled, snowcat, or snowmobile, or learn how to capture the aurora in all its brilliance during a hands-on photography workshop.
Abisko, Sweden
Live out your Frozen-inspired Scandinavian fairy tale in northern Sweden by first staying in the world’s original Icehotel (or sister property Icehotel 365) and then heading 70 miles northwest to Abisko National Park, Sweden’s top spot for the northern lights. The positioning of mountains on both sides of the park creates a microclimate, shielding most clouds, rain, and snow, and creating the so-called “blue hole over Abisko,” where the Northern Lights appear on a near-nightly basis during peak season.
Rovaniemi, Finland
If your dream is to sleep under the stars and winter’s otherworldly glow, there’s no better place to do it than Finnish Lapland. The country’s northernmost region happens to be flush with hotels that are purpose-built for snoozing under the night sky, where the Northern Lights are visible about 200 nights a year. Get cozy in the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, where you can soak up panoramic views of the aurora through floor-to-ceiling windows without leaving your bed (and warm up in your private sauna if you choose to brave the cold).
Fairbanks, Alaska
Spoiler alert: You don’t need a passport to experience prime northern lights—just head north to Alaska. Ideally located under the aurora oval, low rainfall and an inland location contribute to countless, clear winter nights, and excellent viewing throughout a lengthy aurora season (August 21 through April 21). Just outside the city lie several must-do lookout points like Cleary Summit, which even has its own cozy Aurora Borealis Lodge. Alternatively, head to one of greater Fairbanks’s hot spring resorts to soak in the aurora scene. One-hour east is Chena Hot Springs Resort, which offers Northern Lights packages during the season.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Okay, so you don’t even have to leave the Lower 48 of the US to enjoy the aurora’s beauty. Surrounded by untouched wilderness and the Great Lakes, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula boasts little light pollution and hundreds of miles of unobstructed north-facing views along Lake Superior’s shoreline. (Unlike destinations in the Aurora oval, activity typically appears on the horizon here). For prime Northern Lights spotting territory, set up your tripod at Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, headquartered at the rustic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, which holds stargazing workshops and events year-round. Northern lights season here is between August and April, with peak months being October, November, and April. An added bonus if you come in the fall: You’ll also be in town for leaf-peeping.
Churchill, Canada
Plan a trip to Churchill every season and you can truly do it all: get up close to beluga whales in summer; go on polar bear safari in fall; and get a front row seat to the northern lights in winter (or go in September when all three can sometimes overlap). Come mid-January, the same heated tundra vehicles used for observing polar bears in autumn transform into aurora borealis-mobiles, with open sky decks for optimal viewing. If possible, visit in February or March with Frontiers North Adventures for Dan’s Diner, an experiential gastro-tourism event that combines tracking the northern lights, traversing the frozen Churchill River by Tundra Buggy®, and enjoying a feast by a top Canadian chef.
Yellowknife, Canada
Love the idea of the northern ;ights, but not so into the freezing cold? Look no further than the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, which has a second aurora borealis observation season in late summer/early fall, in addition to the traditional winter viewing months. Pick one of the Northern Lights-based packages at the fly-in Blachford Lake Lodge on remote Blachford Lake, where it’s possible to watch the phenomenon from the main house's expansive glass windows, the hot tub, and even the dining room. Note that while worth the visit, the luxury here lies in the location, not the amenities. (You’ll have to share bathrooms in the main lodge, while cabins have private ensuite composting toilets).
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
There’s really no bad place to watch the Northern Lights in Greenland, but accessibility can be the main challenge in this sparsely populated (some 56,000 residents) yet enormous 836,300-square-mile landmass. (In comparison, Iceland is just 39,769 square miles). For the optimal Greenland experience, head to Kangerlussuaq in the country’s central-western reaches, which is blessed with more than 300 clear nights per year. Surprisingly, this town of 540 residents has an international airport with regularly scheduled flights, making it fairly easy to reach.
Shetland, Scotland
Known in Shetland’s local dialect as “Mirrie dancers,” there indeed seems to be a fairy-like magic to the aurora’s shimmering green ribbons on these remote Scottish islands. Visitors to the UK’s most northern destination can consult Wild Skies Shetland, an Unst-based charity which aims to showcase the local skies through exhibitions, maps, and accessible apps. Come between October and March for the best chance of seeing the aurora, and plan your trip to coincide with one of the archipelago’s famous winter fire festivals, like Lerwick Up Helly Aa (held between January and March), a celebration of Shetland’s Viking past. Make the most of your time in Shetland by booking Belmont House, a neo-classical Georgian country home and category-A listed historic building, where—with a little luck—you may be able to see the aurora shining over the manicured gardens and sea.
Tromsø, Norway
The largest metropolis north of the Arctic Circle is also dubbed the “Paris of the North,” so it should come as no surprise that Tromsø, too, is the City of Light—northern lights, that is. While darkness and minimal light pollution are typically key to witnessing the spectacle, Tromsø lies in such prime aurora borealis real estate that city-viewing is possible, namely during the clearest and darkest of polar nights (when night lasts more than 24 hours) in December and January. Just make sure to pack some vitamin D.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska (a.k.a. Barrow)
At latitude 71 degrees north, the northernmost city of the United States is one of the most far-flung, intriguing, and rewarding places to view the aurora borealis. Hop on an Alaska Airlines flight (surprisingly, there are daily flights to this city of 4,429 residents); check-in to the Top of the World Hotel; immerse yourself in Iñupiat culture by day; and stay caffeinated between 10 a.m. and 3 a.m., when the lights are easily visible from guest room windows. The views are even better outdoors, but bring plenty of layers—the average high is -6° Fahrenheit in January.
Ylläs, Finland
Besides housing Finland's principal ski resort and the most extensive cross-country ski trail network in the country, Ylläs in Finnish Lapland is also bar none for Mother Nature’s light show. Guests who stay at the charming lakefront complex Ylläksen Yöpuu even get access to their own northern lights alarm thanks to the phone app “Ylläs Aurora,” which tracks the night skies and sends text alerts of aurora borealis sightings to help avoid those I-can't-believe-I-missed-it moments while you're sleeping. The property also has a Northern Lights Camera, which you can watch live on your phone or tablet.
