Seeing the Northern Lights: when and where to go

From late October to late March, the “hunt” for this natural phenomenon begins. The peak season is from November to February. The ideal conditions are a frosty, clear night and high solar activity the day before. There's no universal formula for success, as conditions vary, so it's important to track Northern Lights activity on specific websites that provide forecasts for each country.

Norway

Geographic location, weather, stunning landscapes, infrastructure, and well-developed winter tourism make Norway one of the favorite spots for Northern Lights hunters and photographers. The city of Tromsø is often called the "Gateway to the Arctic" and the home of the Northern Lights.

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The city is actively developing tourism, offering themed tours, expeditions, exhibitions, campsites, and cruises under the glowing sky. You can monitor the Northern Lights activity using the Norway Lights app.

Iceland

It's impossible to imagine this list without Iceland – you can even see the aurora borealis in the capital. However, tourists usually head to the small town of Stokkseyri, just an hour's drive from the capital, for the best viewing. Stokkseyri is home to the Icelandic Wonders Center, dedicated to Icelandic culture, where you can visit the elf museum and learn about famous ghosts.

At the center's cinema, you can watch a short film about Northern Lights activity throughout the year. You can also hire a guide who will show you the best places to observe this natural phenomenon. Track the forecast on the dedicated website.

Finland

Up to 200 times a year, you can witness the Northern Lights or "Revontulet" (Fox Fire) in Lapland. In areas like Rovaniemi, Kilpisjärvi, and Sodankylä, the aurora can be seen almost daily.

Many resorts in Finland offer accommodation in igloos, where tourists can watch the aurora borealis in warmth and comfort under a glass dome. The Finnish Meteorological Institute offers a special subscription for alerts on high aurora activity.

Canada

In Yellowknife, Canada, the aurora can be observed up to 240 days a year. Thanks to its geographical location, weather conditions, and infrastructure, this small town is considered the Northern Lights capital of Canada.

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The winters here are quite harsh, so tourists are provided with all the necessary conditions for a comfortable Northern Lights hunt — including special hotels, campsites, transport, and clothing. In Yellowknife, they monitor the aurora daily and claim that each season there is a 95% chance of seeing it for three days in a row. You can track the weather and aurora activity on the AURORA FORECAST website.

Alaska

Fairbanks is often mentioned as the best place to see the Northern Lights in the United States. In Fairbanks, they say that if you stay there for three nights, you have an 80% chance of seeing the aurora borealis.

The Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska – Fairbanks provides forecasts on aurora viewing conditions. Tourists can enjoy various specialized tours, trips to the Arctic Circle, and unforgettable journeys to remote, isolated areas on the Alaska Winter Snow Train.

Sweden

Sweden also offers ideal conditions for viewing the aurora, particularly in the small town of Abisko. It is located at an elevation in a national park, far from major cities. On Mount Nuolja, 900 meters above sea level, you'll find the Aurora Sky Station.

There is a cozy café, a souvenir shop, an observation tower, and a Northern Lights exhibition. The center is considered one of the most comfortable places to observe the aurora.