The prime places to view the Northern Lights in 2024 are scattered on the most remote latitudes of our planet: Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Norway, Finland… The list of good spots to see the Aurora Borealis is long and diverse, so it’s usually difficult to choose which is the best Northern Lights destination, especially with a global pandemic ongoing.
But don’t worry. I’ve spent numerous years photographing the Northern Lights around the globe, and, in this article, I’ll break down the most suitable countries for viewing the Aurora Borealis so you can plan where to observe the Northern Lights and you can check this dream off your bucket list!
In a nutshell, these are the 10 best places to see the Northern Lights in 2024:
- Southern Iceland
- Whitehorse, Canada’s Yukon
- Tromso, Norway
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Rovaniemi, Finland
- Kiruna, Sweden
- Murmansk, Russia
- Ilulissat, Greenland
- Dunedin, New Zealand
- Tasmania, Australia
In addition to these, there are other great areas to view the Northern Lights around the planet. Toward the end of the article, we’ll examine:
- Where are some of the premier spots globally to witness the Northern Lights phenomenon?
- Where might one potentially view the Aurora Borealis this evening?
If you wish to embark on a multi-day tour but you are uncertain about the destination, examine the best excursions to view the Northern Lights in 2024.
Table of Contents
1. Southern Iceland
Iceland is one of the prime spots for witnessing the Northern Lights for several reasons:
- You can obtain inexpensive flights from locales within the US and Europe.
- The country has good infrastructure with quality roads, so you can simply rent a vehicle and conduct your own Aurora chasing trip according to your schedule.
- Even though Iceland is not north of the Arctic Circle, there are very high probabilities of seeing the Aurora.
- It’s one of the countries with fewer entry restrictions during the pandemic, which makes it an ideal destination regardless of where you’re traveling from.
In terms of areas, anywhere on the island away from artificial light is a good location for viewing the Aurora. However, I’ve been traveling there for many years to photograph the Northern Lights and, to me, the best places to witness the Aurora Borealis are in the South:
- Skógafoss (South): A mammoth waterfall where the Aurora can be seen.
- Jökulsárlón (Southeast): The renowned glacier lagoon is also an otherworldly place to potentially observe the Aurora.
- Stokksnes (Southeast): This black sand beach is my favorite place to photograph the Northern Lights.
- Reykjanesviti (SouthWest): An optimal place to view the Northern Lights near Reykjavik.
Some other regions outside Southern Iceland that are easily accessible include:
- Kirkjufell (West): The most iconic mountain in Iceland is also an excellent place to see the lights on the Snæfellness peninsula.
- Hvítserkur (NorthWest): Also known as “The Rhinoceros,” this stone formation is the best spot to view the Aurora in northern Iceland.
Tours
If you don’t know where to observe the Northern Lights, you may want to consider some of the best Aurora Excursions in Reykjavik, such as this 4-hour Northern Lights tour.
If you’re a photographer aiming to capture the Aurora, you can join our Capture the Atlas Iceland Photo Tour held every September.
Hotels
There are many quality accommodations in Iceland well-suited for Northern Lights viewing. A top recommendation is the Hotel Rangá, a stellar observatory hotel allowing admirers to enjoy the aurora borealis from a rooftop terrace.
Resources
- Vedur:Icelandic cloud visibility predictions.
- Road.is: Icelandic official roads details.
- NOAA Aurora prediction: Space organization`s forecast for the Northern Lights.
If interested in visiting that area, I suggest examining our article on the most opportune time and places to view the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.
2. Whitehorse, Canada’s Yukon
Canada is considered the premier location to observe the Northern Lights in North America.
Northern Canada is a vast expanse, with most remote and difficult to access spots, but some places to see the Northern Lights in Canada are accessible:
- Yukon:Whitehorse is officially designated as the Northern Lights capital of Canada, with a very high proportion of nights viewing the Northern Lights each year. Many individuals traveling to Canada seeking this experience decide on Whitehorse as their Aurora Borealis destination for valid reasons; numerous lodging options, convenient transportation, Aurora viewing tours originating in the city, etc.
- The Northwest Territories area around Yellowknife along with Whitehorse is probably the most accessible location to view the Aurora Borealis in Canada.
- Manitoba: Churchill offers a great chance for seeing Northern Lights displays and polar bears if you plan your trip during October-November.
- Canadian Rockies: The mountain ranges located farther north have rarer presentations of the Aurora Borealis, but the Lights can be observed during stronger manifestations. This was the place where I initially witnessed the Northern Lights.
Tours
If you visit Whitehorse, you can embark on this evening viewing excursion to observe the Northern Lights.
Hotels
There are numerous hotels in the prime areas to view the Aurora Borealis in Canada.
My preferred accommodation is the Northern Lights Resort & Spa, but you can also check our article discussing the finest Northern Lights hotels located in Canada.
Resources
- Aurora View: Aurora Prediction in Canada
- Vedur:Icelandic cloud predictions.
If Canada is your Northern Lights destination, I suggest checking our article on the best time and locations to see Northern Lights in Canada.
3. Tromso, Norway
The northern Norwegian city of Tromso is undeniably one of the premier spots within Europe for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Affordable flights and tours are readily available there, as are lodging options to make the most of witnessing this spectacular natural show.
Besides Tromso, there are many accessible areas in Norway located at an ideal latitude to see the “Green Lady” almost every clear night. Some of the most intense displays I’ve witnessed in my life have been under the Norwegian sky, making it one of my favorite countries to view the Northern Lights.
Some of the prime locations to see the Northern Lights in Norway include:
- Tromso: The most renowned location to see the Northern Lights in Norway. Aurora tourism is ubiquitous, and there’s a good offer of Northern Lights tours in Tromso.
- Lofoten Islands: The best area to see the Aurora Borealis in Norway if you’re a photographer.
- Senja: Not far from Lofoten, you’ll find the magical island of Senja, renowned for its rugged peaks and fjords.
- Alta: If you embark on a journey to northern Norway, Alta is also an excellent option to take into account for observing the Northern Lights.
- Svalbard: In addition to polar bear viewing, the northernmost city of Norway presents an excellent chance for Aurora displays.
Tours
For those seeking an organized expedition, we have curated some of the finest tour operators for witnessing the Northern Lights in Tromso, including this sightseeing cruise through the Lofoten archipelago.
If you’re an enthusiast of photography, we also offer a Capture the Atlas Lofoten Photo tour during each winter, aiming to photograph landscapes and the Aurora on the Lofoten Islands.
Hotels
Norway potentially has the largest collection of hotels focused on viewing the Northern Lights in the world.
The options are endless depending on your location, spending plan, and preferences. My favorite accommodation choice is the Eliassen Rorbuer cabins on the Lofoten Islands; it`s impossible to forget the night we spent viewing the Aurora from our fisherman-hotel cabin.
You can find more in-depth information in our article on the best Northern Lights hotels in Norway.
Resources
Valley Forge is an important historic site near Philly, and it’s considered a National Historical Park.
4. Fairbanks, Alaska
The community of Fairbanks, Alaska offers travelers the highest chances of viewing the Northern Lights in the United States. While seeing the Aurora Borealis is possible in other areas of Alaska and some other states, Fairbanks provides accessible opportunities to witness this natural light display.
If travelers are flexible with their arrival dates, plan a trip to see the Northern Illumination in Fairbanks in March since it’s the best time to enjoy clear night skies and vivid Northern Lights displays in the Aurora capital of Alaska.
During outstanding displays, the Northern Lights can periodically be seen further south in parts of northern America, for example Washington, Montana, Minnesota, Michigan, or Maine. To photograph the Aurora in the lower 48, I suggest checking our article on spotting the Northern Lights in Michigan.
However, since Alaska is a popular choice, here are some of the best places to view the Northern Lights there:
- Fairbanks: It’s the most voluminous inland city and the northernmost most accessible place for viewing the Aurora in Alaska. If you’re there during the winter and there are clear skies, go outside, since you’ll be very likely to see the Lights dancing.
- Anchorage: It’s the largest city in Alaska in terms of population and one of the locales that offers the most options for seeing the Aurora in the USA. There are many commercial flights, and it’s the simplest place to plan your Northern Lights trip to Alaska.
- Denali: The most famous national park in Alaska presents one of the best settings for observing the Aurora away from the light pollution of urban areas. You’ll also have plenty of activities to engage in during the day, depending on the time of the year.
Tours
Alaska is also a very popular location for Northern Lights Excursions, such as this Northern Lights and arctic circle tour in Fairbanks or this 6-hour dinner and Northern Lights tour.
Hotels:
The hotels offering excellent opportunities to witness the northern lights displaysare around Anchorage and Fairbanks. One of the more intriguing options is the Summit View Suit in Fairbanks or the Alyeska Resort not far from Anchorage.
Resources
For additional information, refer to our article on the optimal times and locations to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.
5. Rovaniemi, Finland
Finland is, along with Norway, among the most popular places to see the Northern Lights in Europe. One of the best spots to view the lights here is in the Finnish Lapland, particularly in Rovaniemi.
This city offers a wide range of Northern Lights and winter activities and some of the best Northern Lights hotels in the world.
The probability of seeing the Northern Lights in Finland varies drastically from the south to the north of the country. To maximize your chances, continuing further north will likely improve your odds of witnessing the green Illumination.
The subsequent destinations would be viewed as essentially the finest localities to witness the Northern Lights in Finland:
- Rovaniemi: The capital of Finnish Lapland is renowned for officially hosting Santa Claus but also for its frequent displays of the Northern Lights.
- Kakslauttanen: Further away from areas with significant artificial light, Kakslauttanen is well-suited for those seeking to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights from a transparent Igloo hotel.
- Ivalo: The small village of Ivalo in the northernmost Finnish region of Inari offers the opportunity to see the Aurora nearly every night provided the skies are clear. It’s colder than other places in Finland to see the Aurora, but your chances will be higher.
- Saariselkä: Further north, you are able to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness of Finland in this mountain village, where it is unusual to not see the Aurora if conditions allow for clear visibility.
Tours
There are plenty of Experiences to see the Aurora in Finland, for example snowmobile Aurora chasing tours,Sleigh Northern Lights tours, or activities to see the “green lady” in the wilderness.
Hotels:
The most renowned Aurora igloo hotel globally is situated in Finland, called Kakslauttanen arctic resort.
The Northern Lights Village, in Saariselkä, is also one of the top Northern Lights hotels in Finland. It’s a resort specifically aimed at seeing the Northern Lights and it also offers other winter activities.
Resources:
- Auroras now: Aurora forecast in Finland.
- SÄÄ: Sky coverage forecast.
For additional information, check out our article on the optimal times and locations to behold Northern Lights in Finland.
6. Kiruna, Sweden
The arctic region of Sweden is also a very accessible and relatively simple place to view the Northern Lights. Kiruna is the most popular location to see the Aurora in Sweden since it is readily accessible and provides plenty of accommodations and tours.
A benefit of Swedish Lapland is that its climate receives influence from the Gulf Stream, so temperatures aren`t as cold as in Alaska or Canada.
The northern reaches of the country present the finest locales for observing the Northern Lights:
- Kiruna: It’s the northernmost city located in Swedish Lapland with a sizable population, and there are various accommodation and service amenities available. From there, you can embark on a excursion deep into untamed wilderness to appreciate the Lights.
- Jokkmokk: This sparsely populated area is one of the most renowned places for observing the Aurora. There are many lakes nearby, which are great for seeing the Northern Lights reflected in the water or snow.
- Abisko: This tiny village directly at the entrance of Tours:
This tour near Kiruna potentially provides the ideal conditions for observing the Northern Lights in Sweden. The excursion takes photographers to prime viewing spots and offers guidance for capturing the Aurora on camera.
Hotels:
Avid hikers will love the Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Trek, the finest Iceland getaway package for the summer season. The excursion will include a visit to some of the most spectacular hiking locales on the island, allowing you to traverse certain of the most picturesque landscapes on earth.
Two other intriguing options in Abisko are the Abisko Hostel and the Abisko Guesthouse & Activities.
Resources:
- Sweden.se: Official Government info on Aurora
- Weather: Cloud projection in Sweden
For more details, refer to our article covering the best periods and places to watch the Northern Lights in Sweden.
7. Murmansk, Russia
Russia is the largest nation in the world, and a significant portion of its territory is positioned above the Arctic Circle.
While most Russian land is indeed remote and extremely cold, some areas like Murmansk, in the Kola peninsula, are more accessible and offer high probabilities of seeing the Aurora in Russia.
Some of the more accessible and premier spots for viewing the Northern Lights in Russia are located towards the northwest of the country, specifically around the Kola Peninsula.
Here are the ideal places to view the Northern Lights in Russia:
- Murmansk: Murmansk is the most significant port city in the Russian Arctic. It is considered one of the best locations for viewing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, in Russia. Nearby areas feature beautiful natural scenery like ice forests and an impressive shoreline along the Barents Sea.
- Teriberka: Not far from Murmansk but away from the artificial light pollution of the city, Teriberka is a small fishing village renowned for its great chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
- Arkhangelsk: Taking a 2-hour flight from Moscow, you can arrive at this northern Russian city to enjoy the Northern Lights. It’s one of the most popular Aurora destinations in the country.
Tours:
- Low-cost choice: Lost Inn Lisbon Lodging
- Kola Travel: Information about Kola Peninsula
- Meteoinfo: Forecast of weather and cloud cover in Russia as well as the Kola Peninsula
- Ilulissat: The Ilulissat ice fjord is one of the most enchanting places to witness the Aurora in the world. The UNESCO world heritage Disko bay is located there, where you can see the Aurora`s reflection in the sizable icebergs floating on the sea.
- Nuuk: Further south, Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, represents one of the optimum locations to view the Aurora in Greenland. This city is enveloped by fjords, rugged peaks, and mountains, an ideal landscape to behold the Northern Lights.
- Visit Greenland: Formal Greenland tourist advice
- Aurora-service: Forecast for auroral activity
Hotels:
As the temple is in the northeast of the island and far from the rest of the tourist areas of Bali, you can take this tour that will bring you to this temple and other popular places in Bali.
In Teriberka, the Teribersky Bereg cabins are the best choice. They provide a nice restaurant and offer day and Aurora activities in the area.
Resources:
8. Ilulissat, Greenland
Greenland is another vast and remote area, but it entirely lies within the Auroral Oval, and there are some communities located around spectacular landscapes to view the Aurora.
Much of the vast territory in Greenland is entirely inaccessible by visitors, but there are some coastal areas that are friendly for tourists.
These are the prime locations to view the Northern Lights in Greenland:
Tours:
Bear in mind that the distance between the northern and southern rims is 217 miles. To provide perspective, that’s a 4-hour car trip to get from one to the other, so we don’t recommend visiting both edges of the Grand Canyon in one day. ♣
Hotels:
For numerous factors, the Arctic hotel represents the most suitable Aurora lodging alternative in Ilulissat.
On the off chance that you choose to visit Nuuk, the Vandrehuset is a intriguing choice.
Resources:
9. Dunedin, New Zealand
If seeking the Southern equivalent of the Northern Lights, called the Aurora Australis,New Zealand presents opportunities to witness the phenomenon.
The city of Dunedin is the best location to see the Aurora in New Zealand; it’s at a very high southern latitude, accessible, and offers some spectacular landscapes to chase the lights like Moeraki.
It is important to remember that these places require significant solar activity to see the northern lights, so expectations should not be set too high and checking the Northern Lights forecast daily is advised.
10. Tasmania, Australia
Another prime location to view the Aurora Australis is the island of Tasmania, located in Australia.
Situated as Australia`s most southerly state, Tasmania aside from scenic coastlines, World Heritage forests, and national parks worth photographing, offers a chance to witness the country`s strongest auroras owing to its high latitude.
Lodge within a cozy cabin at the Aurora Village and glimpse Finland’s Northern Lights through a glass ceiling.
where are the best places to see the Northern Lights
In addition to the premier locations for viewing the Northern Lights we have discussed, there are other wonderful places to experience this majestic occurrence.
The Northern Lights phenomenon is observable at latitudes near the North Pole, in the area referred to as the “Auroral Oval”; the location with the highest probability of witnessing the Aurora Borealis is the Arctic Circle and the surrounding regions.
If you understand the main driver of the Northern Lights, you will know that the solar particles that form them travel to the poles, and therefore, places located in high latitudes, such as Scandinavia, northern Canada, Alaska, etc. offer the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are not the equivalent as the Southern Lights. The Southern Lights, likewise referred to as Aurora Australis, are seen in scopes near the South Pole, such as Antarctica or southern New Zealand.
However, if a major solar eruption occurs, Auroras can be observed in locations farther from the poles, like northern US states or England.
To maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora, my recommendation is to schedule your trip to a Northern Lights destination, such as those below, during the optimum phase to view Northern Lights.
Once you decide on your destination, you may also explore lodging alternatives in any of the top Northern Lights hotels globally.
where can I see the northern lights tonight?
Once reaching one of the premier Northern Lights destinations, your most common inquiry could be where to go to view the Northern Lights.
The best areas to heighten your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are always those with transparent skies.
I suggest checking local weather forecasts and cloud cover predictions, either through a weather site focusing on your area or a general site like Windy.com.
Once you’re in a dark location with no clouds, you only need to wait and be patient; the Northern Lights are unpredictable, and they can start shining at any moment!
Conclusion
As you can observe, the best places to see the Northern Lights are situated across the Auroral Oval circle.
While most regions within the Arctic Circle are very remote, there exist excellent destinations one can visit to view the Northern Lights.
Before your trip, ensure that you take warm clothes, have a Aurora forecast application, and you’re prepared to enjoy one of the most spectacular natural presentations on earth!
P.S. Should you be a photographer wanting to experience an thrilling escapade chasing and photographing the Aurora Borealis, don`t hesitate to sign up for our Iceland Photo tour or our Lofoten Islands Photo tour!
