The wonder of the Northern Lights has fascinated people since ancient times. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, create a stunning natural light show that swirls across the night sky in shades of green, pink, and purple. Watching the Northern Lights is often found on many travel bucket lists. Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, is the light show by nature. Now, this show mostly occurs in the Northern Hemisphere on clear, dark, autumn and winter nights. They are best visible in places far away from cities and towns with no light pollution.
To have a better chance of seeing these amazing lights, here are the top five places – where you are most likely to see them during peak season!
Tromso – Norway
Head to Norway’s north – it’s one of the last places on Earth where people live, and it is full of amazing things to do. Its location above the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best countries to watch Aurora Borealis. Tromso features an extraordinary backdrop for these lights with its scenic fjords and mountains.
If you visit from September to March – you can get the front row seats to watch this light show by nature. The perfect mix of wild nature and urban comfort of Tromso allows you to explore the beautiful Arctic city by day and chase the auroras by night. You can opt for a Northern Lights cruise or join a guided tour into the surrounding fjords and mountains.
Rovaniemi – Lapland
Experience the Northern Lights from the magical hometown of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi isn’t just about Christmas magic – it’s an aurora-watching wonderland. While city lights may make it harder to spot the Northern Lights from the city centre, you will have a better chance of seeing them just outside the city.
The light show can be seen about 150 nights each year, mainly in autumn – September to October, but you can still spot it until March. Stay in a glass igloo and watch the lights from your bed, or join a snowmobile safari into the Arctic wilderness. Besides the Northern Lights, the city has plenty of winter activities, like husky sledging and snowmobiling.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Iceland
If you are looking for stunning photos of the Northern Lights, this glacial lagoon in Iceland offers a spectacular setting. Located on the south coast, about 90 minutes from Vik, you will find beautiful icebergs from a nearby glacier. The night skies here are dark, and you can see amazing reflections of the Northern Lights in the deepest lake of Iceland. This stunning lagoon, filled with floating icebergs, creates a magical setting for the Aurora Borealis.
Many Iceland tour packages include evening visits here specifically for aurora watching. A great way to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights is to join a guided tour with a certified operator. They know the best spots and times, plus they advise extra activities that independent travellers may miss.
Abisko – Sweden
Abisko, Sweden is considered one of the top spots to see the Northern Lights, thanks to its unique weather that often gives clear skies. The Abisko National Park has a unique microclimate that often results in clear skies, making it one of the best spots in Europe for viewing. The climate in Abisko is special because of the 43-mile-long Torneträsk Lake.
The lake helps form the Blue Hole of Abisko, a spot that stays mostly clear of clouds, even when the weather around it is cloudy. The Aurora Sky Station, located on top of a mountain, is the best spot to see the Northern Lights in Abisko. You can reach it with a 30-minute chairlift ride. Once there, it’s magical to look up at the clear night sky filled with stars and the dancing Northern Lights.
The Faroe Islands – Denmark
Imagine watching the Northern Lights dance above dramatic cliffs and moody North Atlantic waters. That’s the Faroe Islands for you! This beautiful group of islands, between Iceland and Norway, is ideal for anyone wanting to avoid the crowds. The Faroe Islands are less developed than other places in Europe, and their remote location means there’s little light pollution, giving you a clear view of the Northern Lights.
With dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and picturesque villages, the islands provide a beautiful backdrop for the dancing lights. The mix of stunning nature and rich culture makes the Faroe Islands a great place for watching the Northern Lights.
Conclusion
Ready to tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list? These places in Europe aren’t just locations—they are doors to one of the most amazing shows of nature. Whether you choose the remote beauty of the Faroe Islands or the winter wonderland of Rovaniemi, you are in for an unforgettable experience. These destinations not only provide stunning views of the Aurora Borealis but also offer exciting activities and rich cultural experiences. Explore Europe tour packages with an addition of your favourite place to watch the Northern Lights. Keep in mind, that the Northern Lights appear on their own time and will, which adds to the excitement. It’s time to bundle up, grab your camera, and head north for an unforgettable light show.
