20 Most Epic Places on Earth to See the Northern Lights
Lights that dance and night skies that glow—are you ready to discover where you can see this amazing show? Join us as we explore the top places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights, nature’s most dazzling display!
1. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
In Fairbanks, you’re in for a stellar show of Northern Lights, or aurora borealis. This Alaskan city offers one of the best viewing experiences due to its geographical placement, allowing for those vibrant night skies.
The sky bursts with color, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch those greens and purples dancing just for you. Remember to peek outside between midnight and 3:00 a.m. for the optimal viewing time when visiting Fairbanks.
2. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is your gateway to Arctic adventure under the glowing Northern Lights. Nestled over 300 km above the Arctic Circle, it’s a prime spot for this natural light show. From late August to mid-April, the dark skies come alive with vibrant colors.
Tromsø is not just about lights; its stable weather increases your chance of a clear night sky. Find yourself a cozy spot anytime between 6 PM and 2 AM to witness the dance of the auroras.
3. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Yellowknife offers a front-row seat to the aurora borealis. This natural spectacle is vivid here because you’re right beneath the Auroral Oval, a place with some of the most active and brilliant Northern Lights.
With clear skies and minimal light pollution, your chances of spotting the dazzling colors dancing across the sky are high. And don’t forget, the winter season is prime time for viewing, so plan your visit when the nights are longest, and nature’s light show takes center stage.
4. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
If you’re looking for a magical spot to see the Northern Lights, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland should be at the top of your list. Picture large chunks of ice softly floating on the lagoon’s surface under the vivid dance of the aurora borealis.
Jokulsarlon is not only one of the most dramatic displays of natural beauty in Iceland, but also an incredible stage for the Northern Lights. They reflect off the ice and water, making the light show even more spectacular.
5. Abisko National Park, Sweden
Have you ever seen the night sky come alive with color? Nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Abisko National Park is a top spot for catching the Northern Lights.
Clear skies make the perfect canvas for the lights, and thanks to its unique climate, Abisko boasts some of the best viewing conditions. You can even ride up to the Aurora Sky Station for a crystal-clear view, making it a magnet for skygazers each winter.
6. Luosto, Finland
In Luosto, Finland, you’re in for an extraordinary treat with nature’s most dazzling light show, the Northern Lights. This charming spot in the heart of Lapland is famous for its clear skies, offering a canvas for the Aurora Borealis to paint its colors.
7. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
In Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, you’ll find more than a land cloaked in ice; it’s a premier spot for Northern Lights viewing! With over 300 clear nights a year, the chances are high you’ll witness the sky dance in vibrant hues.
Arctic wildlife, like the sturdy musk oxen, call this place home, and touring the gigantic Greenland Ice Cap is just a day trip away. Travel in winter for the aurora or visit in summer when the midnight sun shines bright, any season shines here.
8. Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
This city is the heart of Yukon and a haven for winter activities. You’ll find the aurora brighter and more vivid here. With increased solar activity, your chances of an incredible sighting are high.
9. Isle of Skye, Scotland
If you’re seeking a majestic display of the northern lights, the Isle of Skye is a stunning choice. With its stark landscapes and remote locations, the chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis are splendid, particularly during the darker months.
Be sure to visit the Quiraing or Neist Point for expansive night skies. Remember, patience is key as these natural wonders are elusive and weather-dependent.
10. Svalbard, Norway
When you seek the Northern Lights, Svalbard is a spectacle not to be missed. Nestled far north, you’ll find winter here wraps you in complete darkness during the Polar Night, from mid-November to late January.
This continuous night sky is your canvas for the Aurora Borealis. The lights aren’t just a flicker but can last for robust 30-minute displays. Svalbard invites you not just at night; the Polar Night means you could marvel at the Northern Lights in the daytime too!
11. Murmansk, Russia
In the heart of the Arctic, Murmansk offers you a dazzling display of the northern lights. Sweeping across the skies, the lights bring a splash of color to the dark winters here.
Your best chances to catch this marvel are during the long nights from September to March. Despite its chilly location, Murmansk is warmer than many other northern areas, making your adventure more comfortable.
12. Kakslauttanen, Finland
In the heart of Finland’s snowy landscape, Kakslauttanen offers you a magical view of the northern lights. Cozy up in a glass igloo and watch the aurora borealis dance across the sky.
If you’re more the adventurous type, consider staying in a snow igloo, making your northern lights chase even more thrilling. Remember, the aurora season stretches from late August to the end of April, so plan your visit within this timeframe.
13. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA
Denali National Park is one of those epic destinations where the skies come alive. In this expansive wilderness, you’re far from city lights, making those vibrant colors truly pop against the night canvas.
During the day, keep your eyes peeled—you might spot some of Alaska’s famous wildlife. The season’s prime from September to April, so plan accordingly.
14. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik may seem like a cozy capital, but it’s also your launchpad for watching the Northern Lights. With spots like Öskjuhlíð, a mere 5 minutes from downtown, you won’t need to travel far.
The city’s dark parks or the shores by the Grótta Lighthouse give you a front-row seat to this natural spectacle. And if you climb Perlan, set on a hill, the panoramic view intensifies the magic.
15. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Churchill is like watching the sky come alive with a spectacular light show. Situated below the auroral oval, you have one of the highest chances to see the auroras dance.
Your eyes will sparkle as the curtains of color sway above, and the best part? Churchill offers up to 300 nights a year where this natural wonder plays out. Whether you visit during the polar bear season or the equally incredible beluga whale season, the Northern Lights are ready to stun you in Churchill.
16. Ivalo, Finland
In the heart of Northern Finland, Ivalo invites you to an incredible light show courtesy of Mother Nature. Cocooned by dense pine forests and the winding Ivalo River, this village is the prime spot for Northern Lights seekers.
It’s not just about the lights; Ivalo is also home to a rich array of arctic wildlife, including reindeer, that add to the region’s charm. The best time for aurora viewing here kicks off in August and peaks through the winter months.
17. Lofoten Islands, Norway
If you’re seeking a spectacular light show, the Lofoten Islands are your stage. Nature’s dazzling performance, the Northern Lights, graces these skies, especially during the long winter nights.
Picture the colors dancing above you as you stand among the jagged peaks and reflective fjords. In Lofoten, these cosmic displays are most vivid from September to April, offering a lengthy season for you to witness the magic.
18. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is your gateway to witnessing the magic of the Northern Lights. Here, in this Finnish city, you’re in prime territory to catch the Aurora Borealis painting the sky. To almost guarantee a sighting, join a guided tour where you’ll chase this natural marvel into the night.
If you prefer to stay cozy while nature performs, Arktikum Museum offers a north-facing glass corridor. You can gaze at the auroras while staying toasty. And don’t think you need to venture too far—Lake Vietonen is a short drive away.
19. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA
If you’re eager to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky, Voyageurs National Park is the theater for your eyes. Enveloped in darkness, this Minnesota marvel gives a clear stage for the Aurora Borealis.
Here, you’re far from city lights, where the sky is a canvas for nature’s colors. It’s not just a winter show; these lights can flicker year-round!
20. Tasermiut Fjord, South Greenland
If you want to catch the northern lights in a place like no other, Tasermiut Fjord in South Greenland is where you need to be. This fjord offers a backdrop of rugged mountains that’ll leave you speechless.
You can kayak in its waters, surrounded by high granite peaks, watching the sky dance in vibrant colors.
