Top 7 Destinations in the World to See the Northern Lights

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Dancing flames in the midnight skies,

A canvas painted where beauty lies.

Aurora whispers, green and bright,

The earth’s own magic, a glowing night.

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of nature's most awe-inspiring sights. Imagine standing under a night sky filled with the aurora, watching the green, purple, and pink lights move above you. No photo or video can truly capture the thrill of seeing the beautiful northern lights with your own eyes.

Many people travel to see the Northern Lights every year, but here’s the catch: the northern aurora lights are elusive.

To witness the beauty, you must be at the right place at the right time and have a bit of luck. So, where exactly should you go? Let’s dive into the top destinations in the world to see the Northern Lights, each offering unique landscapes and unforgettable aurora-viewing experiences.

Best Destinations to See the Northern Lights

The question most adventurers ask is: “Aurora borealis — where to see the best?” To make your trip to see the northern lights unforgettable, we’ve rounded up the top destinations in the world where the aurora polar lights paint the heavens.

Tromso, Norway

Tromsø, often called the “Paris of the North,” is one of the best spots to witness the Northern Lights. This lively Norwegian city sits above the Arctic Circle and offers a blend of urban life and wilderness. Here, your chances of seeing the beautiful northern lights are among the best in the world.

• Best Time to Visit Tromsø for Northern Lights: September to April, with December and January offering long polar nights.
• What Else to Do: Dog sledging, whale watching, reindeer safaris, and soaking in the local Sami culture.
• Pro Tip: Enhance your Northern Lights trip by adding some fun and checking out the Arctic Cathedral.

Reykjavik & Beyond, Iceland

If you’re dreaming of combining stunning landscapes with the aurora polar lights, Iceland is a must. Reykjavik offers city life, and Thingvellir National Park, just a short distance away, boasts dark skies perfect for viewing the aurora. The country boasts volcanoes, lagoons formed by glaciers, and hot springs, making the experience of seeing the lights even more breathtaking.

• Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-April.
• What Else to Do: Explore waterfalls like Gullfoss, take a Golden Circle tour, or visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
• Pro Tip: You can rent a car and go aurora hunting on your own, or join a tour that will drive you away from the city's lights to see them best.

Abisko, Sweden

Abisko, located in Swedish Lapland, may not be as well-known as Tromsø or Reykjavik, but it has one of the most dependable locations for seeing the aurora northern lights in the world. Abisko usually has clear skies because of its special “Blue Hole” microclimate, even when nearby areas are cloudy. The Aurora Sky Station, located on Mount Nuolja, gives expansive views of the aurora borealis, where they are at their best.

• Best Time to Visit: Every night from October until the end of March.
• What Else to Do: Ride the chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station, go cross-country skiing, or explore frozen waterfalls.
• Pro Tip: Combine your trip to see the aurora polar lights with a beautiful train ride. Take the Arctic Circle Train from Kiruna to Narvik.

Yukon, Canada

If you love wide-open spaces and peace, think about visiting the Yukon in Canada. The views are incredible, and it's one of the most excellent spots to watch the northern lights put on their fantastic show. You can escape the craziness of daily life and simply enjoy nature. Additionally, you can explore towns such as Whitehorse and Dawson City. You can also experience the local vibe and meet people from all over.

• Best season to visit: late August to mid-April.
• What Else to Do: Adventure seekers can combine aurora hunting with dog sledging, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
• Pro Tip: Emergencies never arrive announced. To ensure your trip to Canada remains safe and stress-free, don’t forget to secure yourself with a comprehensive Canada travel insurance plan. At Care Health Insurance, we offer coverage for unexpected events such as lost baggage, trip cancellations, theft of passports, and medical emergencies. Protecting yourself with travel insurance not only safeguards your journey but also gives you peace of mind throughout your travels.

Lapland, Finland

Lapland, the uppermost part of Finland, has a certain magic to it. Its snowy forests, reindeer sleigh rides, and cosy glass igloos create a setting where seeing the aurora lights feels like stepping into a Christmas story.

• Best Time to Visit: August to April, with the clearest skies from December to March.
• What Else to Do: Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, try ice fishing, or stay in snow hotels.
• Pro Tip: Visit in December for a magical winter holiday, or in March for clearer skies and longer nights.

Fairbanks, Alaska

If you're in North America and want to see the aurora borealis, Fairbanks is a great choice that doesn't require overseas travel. It's located near the Arctic Circle, which means long, dark winter nights and often clear skies. The city even has a special Aurora Forecasting Centre that helps people plan their trips around the aurora.

• Best Time to Visit: Late August to late April, with peak activity in March.
• What Else to Do: Visit the Chena Hot Springs, explore ice museums, or take a snowmobile ride under the aurora night sky.
• Pro Tip: Fairbanks is a good choice if you're looking to see the aurora borealis in a North American arctic setting without going to extremes.

Ilulissat, Greenland

Want to see the northern borealis without any crowds? Head to Ilulissat, Greenland. It's like stepping into a fairy tale. This spot on the west coast boasts a huge icefjord and icebergs drifting around. Additionally, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a perfect foreground for the beautiful northern lights.

• Best Time to Visit: September to April, with peak clarity in winter.
• What Else to Do: Enjoy boat tours around Disko Bay, dog sledging, and explore traditional Inuit culture.
• Pro Tip: Book a room with a view overlooking Disko Bay. Many lodges offer a wake-up call if the aurora lights appear, allowing you to catch the view even if you're sleeping!

Tips for Planning Your Aurora Trip

If you are planning a trip to visit the Northern Lights, consider these tips to make your trip memorable and hassle-free:

• Check Aurora Forecasts: Websites and apps can predict activity levels and cloud coverage.
• Stay for Multiple Nights: Aurora sightings are natural phenomena and are never guaranteed. More nights mean better chances.
• Head Away from City Lights: Even in aurora-rich places, light pollution can dim the spectacle.
• Be Patient: The aurora often comes in bursts. Dress warmly and enjoy the wait.
• Capture the Magic: Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings for the best photos.
• Buy Travel Insurance: Needless to remind you that the best time to witness the magic of northern lights is in peak winters. However, extreme cold can also increase your risk of various health emergencies that you may not have anticipated.

Hence, it is always advisable to own a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers the unexpected medical emergencies and also offers coverage for events such as lost baggage, trip delays, loss of passport, and medical emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Catching the northern lights, whether it's in Finland's glass igloos, Norway's fjords, or Alaska's hot springs, isn't just a trip—it can really change your life. Each place offers a unique opportunity to see the aurora borealis. So, if you've dreamt of standing under the amazing northern lights, start planning that trip now. Nature’s most incredible light show is waiting, and trust us—the real magic begins when you look up.

>> Also Read: Tips for Travelling From India to the USA

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