Imagine standing under a winter sky that suddenly bursts into shades of green, purple, and pink. The world around you is silent, snow glitters under your feet, and it almost feels like the universe is putting on a private concert just for you. Sounds unreal, right? Almost like a scene from a movie. But this isn’t fiction, it’s the Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights. And the best part? You can actually witness this magic in real life. From icy landscapes to cozy towns, here’s the ultimate guide to the best places to see Northern Lights. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Top Places To See The Northern Lights
Before we start, let’s be clear: there are no places in India to see Northern Lights. Even though the Aurora Borealis was visible from Ladakh in October 2024, this was a rare occurrence. So, visiting Ladakh in search of the Aurora is not something we would recommend. But if you’re eager to catch this magical display, here are the top spots to see the Northern Lights around the world.
1. Norway – Tromso, Alta & Lofoten Islands

Image Credit: Piotr Krzeslak/Shutterstock
Let’s start with Norway. Tromso is one of the best places to see Northern Lights in Norway. Known as the Gateway to the Arctic, it’s like the VIP lounge for aurora fans. You can visit this wonder from India with cheap flights to Norway, making it easier than ever to chase the aurora. Then there’s Alta, the City of Northern Lights, and the Lofoten Islands, which add even more wow factor with jaw-dropping
AT Tip: To visit the Schengen countries in Europe, you only need one common Schengen visa. With this single visa, you can explore Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland on your Northern Lights trip.
2. Iceland – Thingvellir, Jokulsarlon & Vik

Image Credit: bundit jonwises/Shutterstock
Next stop: Iceland! Here, you’ll find glaciers, volcanoes, and tiny towns tucked away from city lights. Thingvellir, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Vik are perfect spots to watch the lights swirl overhead, making Iceland one of the best places to see Northern Lights in Europe, especially for travelers looking for less crowded locations.
Also Read: 8 Beautiful Places To Explore The Northern Lights In Person
3. Sweden – Abisko & Kiruna

Image Credit: PnPy/Shutterstock
Sweden is, without a doubt, the best country to see Northern Lights, thanks to its legendary Abisko National Park, famous among aurora hunters for the “Blue Hole.” This area has exceptionally clear skies, making it one of the top places to see Aurora Borealis. You can also visit Kiruna, a quaint northern town that combines cozy winter vibes with spectacular light shows overhead. These spots are ideal if you want a truly magical Scandinavian experience and complementing it with all-inclusive Sweden tour packages is all you need to enjoy a perfect vacation.
AT Tip: Since Stockholm is the main base city for international travelers, you can take a 5-hour train to reach these destinations. Staying at the best hotels in Stockholm will also make your journey more comfortable and less hectic.
4. Finland – Lapland & Rovaniemi

Image Credit: praphab louilarpprasert/Shutterstock
Now, how can we forget Finland! Finnish Lapland is like an aurora paradise. Think snowy forests, reindeer, and glass igloos where you can watch the lights from your bed. Rovaniemi, Santa Claus’ hometown, adds a whimsical twist to the experience. Finland is hands-down one of the best places to see Northern Lights in a cozy, magical setting and with all-inclusive Finland tour packages, you can enjoy a completely hassle-free trip.
5. Canada – Churchill, Yellowknife & Wood Buffalo

Image Credit: Hide’s photos/Shutterstock
Canada is a true winter wonderland for aurora chasers. Yellowknife is famous for its clear skies, Churchill offers a unique polar adventure, and Wood Buffalo National Park delivers vast, dark skies for the full effect. For a hassle-free trip, many travelers choose all-inclusive Canada tour packages that cover flights, stays, and aurora tours.
When planning your trip, it’s smart to book cheap flights to Toronto in advance. You can then secure a stay at some of the best hotels in Toronto for comfort before heading north. Additionally, applying for your Canada visa online early will make the process smoother.
6. Alaska, USA – Fairbanks

Over in the U.S., Fairbanks is the go-to spot for Northern Lights. With easy aurora forecasts, plenty of tours, and endless adventure, it’s perfect for both first-timers and seasoned sky watchers. If you’ve already secured cheap flights to USA, make sure Alaska is on your list. To make the most of your journey, consider adding it to one of the all-inclusive USA tour packages for a seamless travel experience. And don’t forget to apply for your US visa online as early as possible to avoid delays.
7. Russia – Siberia & Murmansk

Image Credit: mika_mgla/Shutterstock
For those who like the road less traveled, Russia has some seriously underrated aurora spots. Siberia’s vast wilderness offers pitch-dark skies where the Northern Lights stretch endlessly across the horizon. Murmansk, on the other hand, is a lively Arctic city often called the “Aurora Capital of Russia.” To get there, booking cheap flights to Moscow is the perfect starting point. Don’t forget to apply for your Russia visa online early to avoid delays, and consider choosing from all-inclusive Russia tour packages that make planning your aurora adventure effortless.
Also Read: Best Time To See The Northern Lights
When Can You See The Northern Lights
Timing is everything. From late August to mid-April, the aurora is active, but the real magic happens October through March when nights are long and dark. These months are definitely the best time to see Northern Lights.
How To Make It Even Better
These are truly some of the best places to see Northern Lights, giving everyone a front-row seat to this magical show. Here are a few easy ways to make the experience even better:
- Join an Aurora Borealis tour. They take you to the best spots, help with photos, and keep you warm while you wait.
- Stay in special places like glass igloos or camps so you can watch the lights right from your bed.
- Try camping under the Arctic sky for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Keep your camera ready. You might even spot Arctic animals, and if you are lucky, a polar bear at night.
- And remember: leave the city lights behind, check the aurora forecast, and bundle up, it gets cold!
Wrapping Up:
The Northern Lights are a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, and planning your trip to the right spot makes all the difference. From Norway’s icy fjords to Canada’s vast wilderness, Iceland’s glacial landscapes, Sweden’s pristine national parks, and Finland’s cozy Lapland, these destinations offer unforgettable views of the Aurora Borealis. Pick your spot, pick the right season, and get ready to be dazzled by one of nature’s coolest light shows. Ready to witness nature’s most stunning night display? Explore our guide to the best places to see Northern Lights and start planning your magical adventure today!
FAQs – Best Places To See Northern Lights
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?
For reliable and frequent sightings, destinations within the Arctic Circle such as Tromsø in Norway or Yellowknife in Canada are excellent choices. Other top locations include Fairbanks, Alaska, and Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland, which is known for its clear skies.
Where is the best place in the world for Northern Lights?
While there is no single “best” location, places situated directly under the “auroral oval,” like Yellowknife, Canada, and Tromsø, Norway, offer the highest frequency of sightings. The best place ultimately depends on your travel style and the type of landscape you want to see the aurora over.
Is Norway or Iceland better for the Northern Lights?
The choice between Norway and Iceland depends on your priorities. Northern Norway generally offers more reliable sightings and better viewing infrastructure, while Iceland provides a backdrop of surreal landscapes with volcanoes and glaciers.
Is Finland or Norway better to see the Northern Lights?
Northern Norway, particularly around Tromsø, is often considered to have slightly stronger and more frequent aurora displays. However, Finnish Lapland offers unique experiences like glass igloos and is also an excellent option, especially for those who enjoy forest and lake landscapes.
Is Finland cheaper than Norway to visit?
While the Nordic countries are generally expensive, Finland is often slightly more budget-friendly for travelers than Norway. This can depend on specific factors like the season, activities, and your choice of accommodation.
Is 2025 a good year to see the Northern Lights?
Yes, 2025 is an exceptionally good year to see the Northern Lights, as solar activity is peaking during the sun’s 11-year cycle. This means the auroras are expected to be brighter, more frequent, and visible from a wider area than in typical years.
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