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best places to see northern lights

Last Updated At: 03-Feb-2023

11 Best Places to See Northern Lights | These Celestial Wonders will Cast a Spell on You

In a world full of unique travel experiences, witnessing the Northern Lights - the holy grail of sky gazing is placed on the top of every traveller’s bucket list. And why not? The charm of hunting the lights is undeniably the best and the reasons are compelling! Right from the spectacular display of shimmering auroras to spending quiet hours under the clear night skies has its own transformative effect. Watching this breathtaking sight of aurora borealis is indeed therapeutic; hence a dream for every aurora chaser, astronomy lover, skywatcher and travel aficionado alike. But only the fortunate ones get an opportunity to enjoy this life-altering Arctic experience. Hey! Hang in there! If you too are dreaming to tick off this classic celestial phenomenon from your wishlist, this editorial piece might prove essential for you. Without fueling your wanderlust more, let’s jump straight to the ultimate list of the 11 best places to see northern lights in the world. Take a dekko!

Top 11 Places to See Northern Lights

Also, make a note of the favourable time whilst visiting these gorgeous northern lights locations. You are sure to seek inspiration simply by grabbing vistas of this soul-stirring light show only if the timing is right. Yes, the timing has to be perfect. This is also a tip for every traveller who is longing for this celestial wonder. Enjoy reading!

1. Norway

Norway | #1 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

Norway is one of the best places in the world to see northern lights. With high-altitude places like Tromso which is considered the capital of the Arctic, the experience of viewing northern lights is going to be magical in Norway. Special safaris are also arranged for aurora chasers during the peak winter months that fall between November to February. Svalbard is another popular site in Norway where the skies are clear and nights are dark. You are sure to witness the mesmerising view of the multi-hued aurora show.

  • Location: Svalbard, Tromso, Kirkenes, The Lofoten Islands, North Cape
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Norway: November to February

2. Alaska

Alaska | #2 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

Apart from native heritage, gold mining, dog-sledging and other adrenaline-pumping activities, the land of the midnight Sun - Alaska is also famous for its spectacular northern lights. One of the best places to see northern lights here is the city of Fairbanks where the sky is clear and nights are long. It is reckoned as the top site in Alaska where northern lights are visible at an average of four out of five nights. The Aurora season here falls between late August through April when you can expect to see the grand spectacle of shimmering aurora.

  • Location: Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Wiseman, Utqiagvik, Nome
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Alaska: Late August through April

3. Finland

Finland | #3 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

Aurora hunting is best in Finland as the Northern Lights are visible around the year in its Lapland region. This undisturbed, pollution-free zone offers an incredible view of the Aurora Borealis. Another amazing experience here is that there are special purpose-built spaces like glass roof villas, Igloo huts and luxury suites from where you can enjoy nature’s most spectacular light show from the comfort of the indoors. For adventure junkies, you can enhance your experience of northern lights by adding the view whilst skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiles etc. Interesting, right?

  • Location: Kakslauttanen, Lapland, Rovaniemi, Utsjoki, Nellim, Kemi, Saariselka
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Finland: September to March

4. Canada

Canada | #4 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

Watch the spectacular natural light show in Canada, a country that is known for its picturesque villages and enchanting sites. There are several charming spots in Canada that offers the mesmerising experience of viewing the Aurora Borealis aka the northern lights. The blazing light show visible in the night sky draws a vivid scene of nature’s wonderment which includes the dramatic and brilliant display of colours. This probably is the reason why Canada has gained popularity among Aurora chasers. For sure, it is one of the best aurora destinations in the world where you can catch a glimpse of a unique celestial display.

  • Location: Yellowknife, Battle Harbour, Fort McMurray, Whitehorse, Churchill, Iqaluit
  • Best Time to See Northern Lights in Canada: October to March

5. Iceland

Iceland | #5 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

Creating endless opportunities for viewing the northern lights, Iceland is a dream destination for Aurora hunters. It is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights simply for a valid reason that the country enjoys longer nights and clear skies due to its high altitude. There are many northern lights tours arranged in the winter months for Aurora chasers because nights are longer which helps in easy spotting of aurora borealis. It is the winter wonderland where nature’s light show is life-altering. Go for it if you really wish to experience something exceptional.

  • Location: Reykjavik
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Iceland: September and April

6. Greenland

Greenland | #6 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

The riot of colours displayed across the sky is definitely worth watching. So head right to Greenland for the best possible views of the starlit sky and breathtaking northern lights. It is the dream destination for people who love to watch this nature’s enchantment. There are special guided night tours wherein professional Aurora chasers help you spot this magical celestial phenomenon that stays etched on your heart.

  • Location: Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Ilulissat
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Greenland: September to April

7. Sweden

Sweden | #7 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

If this strange astronomical phenomenon is boggling your mind, you must visit Sweden to spot the most magical northern lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis, there is some massive chasing happening here as the weather and the geographical proximity to the Arctic Circle support the possibility of grabbing the most fascinating display of lights. Embark on northern light-chasing expeditions with professional chasers who will ensure the most promising experience of northern lights.

  • Location: Jukkasjarvi, Abisko National ParkKiruna, Jokkmokk, Lulea, Porjus, Tarendo
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Sweden: September to April

8. Scotland

Scotland | #8 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

It is worth visiting Scotland during cold winters when the Northern Lights appear in full glory. The sky during this time of the year comes alive with multiple streaks of colour which puts a great display for Aurora hunters. The incredible light show at some of the renowned places like Orkney and Glasglow is going to leave you speechless. So get ready to capture the striking beauty of the Northern Lights with your camera.

  • Location: Orkney, Glasgow, Shetland, Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Scotland: Mid-October to Mid-March

9. Russia

Russia | #9 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

Catch sight of the flickering northern lights in Russia’s ethereal landscape. This country will surely leave you awestruck by the contrasting scenery and dazzling display of lights which is none other than the spectacular Aurora Borealis. It is absolutely romantic to watch the surreal view of the night sky lit up with a rainbow of colours on a chilly night. This surely is one of the most gorgeous northern lights locations that can cast a spell on you.

  • Location: Murmansk, Naryan-Mar, Salekhard, Arkhangelsk, Kirovsk, Petrozavodsk, Vorkuta
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Russia: Mid-September to Late March

10. Michigan

Michigan | #10 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

Nothing can match the stunning backdrop of northern lights in Michigan. This gorgeous city in the United States offers the best experience of spotting the aurora borealis. Nonetheless, the city will captivate you with its scenic charm. It is a popular destination in the US where thousands of northern light chasers visit here to witness this spellbinding spectrum of lights.

  • Location: The Upper Peninsula, Marquette, Copper Harbor, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Michigan: Between August and April

11. Estonia

Estonia | #11 of 11 Best Places to See Northern Lights

If you are looking for places to see northern lights, your search gets over with Estonia. Dotted with castles, churches and hilltop fortresses, Estonia is a European delight that is perfect for catching sight of the beautiful dancing waves of aurora. The sky in Estonia is clear, dark and free of clouds and offers a spectacular light show of swirling streaks to all travel enthusiasts who are interested in experiencing the dramatic aurora borealis. The experience here is magical and we recommend you not to miss Estonia if witnessing the northern lights is your agenda.

  • Location: Saadjarv
  • Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Estonia: December to March

Visit Adotrip.com to book Northern Lights tours to any of these aforementioned destinations and many curated packages that ensure fun and comfort. Enjoy our premium services and amazing discounts. 

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Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Best Places to See Northern Lights 

Q 1. Where can you see the Northern Lights?
A 1
. Places like Alaska, Iceland, Norway and Canada offer the incredible experience of Nothern Light show.

Q 2. What are the Northern Lights?
A 2
. Northern lights are generally called Aurora Boreali. It s basically a natural phenomenon wherein streaks of light can be seen in the sky at high-latitude regions which are close to the Arctic circle. These are also called polar lights.

Q 3. Where are the northern lights the most visible?
A 3
. All the cold places where nights are dark and sky is clear and free of clouds are perfect to view the northern lights as Aurora Borealis is more likely to be visible in such places.

Q 4. What state has the best view of the northern lights?
A 4
. Alaska and Iceland are nominated as the top places where people can enjoy the best view of the northern lights.

Q 5. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
A 5
. The winter season between December through March is usually the best time to observe this magical display of lights as the nights are darker and the sky is clear.

Q 6. Is Norway or Iceland better for northern lights?
A 6.
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland is much better for northern lights in comparison with Norway.

Q 7. Where is the best place to see the northern lights in 2023?
A 7
. You can go to Iceland, Norway or Canada to see the northern lights in 2023.

--- Published By  Shradha Mehra

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