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While Northern Lights vacation packages are quite easy to find nowadays, you still need to consider your chances of seeing the stunning phenomenon that is Aurora Borealis.
Naturally, the where and the when are very important in this case, so let’s look through the best possible time and spots for seeing the Northern Lights.
Where To See the Northern Lights
Tromso, Norway
Probably quite unsurprisingly, Scandinavian countries are great for experiencing the Northern Lights. For example, if you head to Tromso, Norway, your chances are higher than almost anywhere else, as the geographical location is very convenient for the Aurora to appear.
While the city is energetic and loud, there are great completely remote sites, far away from the city noise, allowing you to see the Aurora from September to April. That being said, constantly check for updates that follow the movement of the Northern Lights.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital city remains, and probably always will be, the most favored spot to go hunting for the Northern Lights. Many travelers go there for the sole purpose of seeing them, and while we do not recommend basing your whole holiday on it, we can understand it.
The number of documented Aurora sightings in Reykjavik is absurdly high, and if you head to Hofdabrekka in the southern part of the city, you can enjoy the lights in complete isolation.
Just as in Norway, the lights are best seen during the months of September through April.
Swedish Lapland
Famous for its ice hotels, the Swedish Lapland, or more specifically the municipality of Kiruna, is excellent for seeing the Northern Lights. It is famous for many things, but mainly for the Aurora. You can see the Aurora from October to March.
Aside from the lights, you can experience the Midnight Sun here, yet another exciting natural phenomenon!
You can also head to the Lulea archipelago, a pristine place that allows you an even better chance of seeing the lights. Due to lack of pollution, travelers set up camp and spend their nights and days waiting for the Aurora.
Ilulissat, Greenland
The third-biggest city in Greeland is the textbook-perfect spot for observing the Northern Lights. Not only is it ideally located geographically speaking, but due to its very low population and almost a total lack of pollution, the skies are usually clear enough to see the lights, and no noise or additional winds will sully the experience.
If you visit between the months of September and April, spend the day exploring the quaint city and its surroundings or engage in some winter sports; then, late at night, set up camp and hope to see the sky colored in all different vibrant tones and shades. You can also see the Midnight Sun here.
Yukon, Canada
There are multiple reasons for visiting Canada, so your trip will be worth the effort even if you do not see the Aurora. However, there is a very good chance that you will.
Yukon, Canada, is one of a few places where you can feel completely isolated and at peace. There is just something about these surroundings that attracts tourists to camp and chill, so even if you run into other tourists, they will not disturb your alone-time. Same for the wildlife!
Yukon has an unwritten rule of being quiet and calm in a way it is almost magical. Add the Northern Lights to that? You have got yourself the best winter holiday ever.
Speaking of, you actually do not have to wait for winter to see the lights. Often they are visible as early as late August!
Finnish Lapland
Well, we have Swedish Lapland on the list, and Finnish Lapland is just as good. Finnish Lapland, or, more particularly, Rovaniemi, is located true north of the Arctic Circle, making it the perfect spot for the Northern Lights.
You can see the lights from September to May, but we suggest going during Christmastime. Yes, there will be huge crowds of people wanting to visit Santa, but the memories will be worth brushing a couple of shoulders in the end.
Putting the Northern Lights on your itinerary is a great idea and most likely a successful one, but remember that nature is unpredictable, so maybe do not build your whole holiday on seeing the Aurora.
Other than that, check updates, and happy Aurora-hunting!
