There are six specific places in Europe where you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, or ‘Aurora Borealis’, which is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.
The impressive colors that “dance” in the sky of the polar regions, the dark and clear nights of autumn and winter, are the best reason for a trip of a lifetime.
The months with the best chance of seeing the phenomenon are from September to March, while observing the phenomenon requires good organization, both in the date and in the weather forecast, since in order to enjoy the enchanting “dance of colors” the sky must to be clean, without clouds and mist.
If you want to admire this unique natural phenomenon, all you have to do is organize a trip to the following destinations:
1. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is a cute town with the largest number of old wooden houses in Northern Norway (the oldest dating back to 1789).
If you visit this city located above the Arctic Circle, from September to mid-April, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are quite high, as both light pollution and cloud cover are minimal.
The best way to enjoy the spectacle is to join a Northern Lights tour (from bus tours to cruises) with experienced aurora hunters.
2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
Filled with small icebergs, this eerie lagoon provides a breathtaking backdrop – one that only Iceland could have – for Northern Lights photos.
The best month to enjoy nature’s show is December, when daylight hours are limited and the night sky is darkest. Use the hello aurora app for accurate forecasts and user observations.
3. Ilulissat, Greenland
The Ilulissat Glacier and Fjord (Ilulissat Icefjord), which extends west from the Greenland Ice Sheet to Disko Bay, near the town of Ilulissat, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Although the Northern Lights can be seen here from September, it is best to visit the area near the New Year celebrations for a more special experience. If you’re lucky, you might ring in the New Year with the Northern Lights “dancing” above you.
4. Shetland, Scotland
As the solar cycle – a period of solar activity of around 11 years – approaches solar maximum between 2024 and 2025, sightings of the Northern Lights have become more frequent across Scotland and also in the North of England.
However, the Shetland Islands, being the most northerly part of the UK, still offer the best chance of seeing the phenomenon (called Mirrie Dancers here) between October and March. To track UK solar activity visit Aurora Watch.
5. Faroe Islands, Denmark
The 18 islands of the North Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland, are unlike any other place in Europe. If you travel to the Faroe Islands in the winter months you will find better prices and hotel availability and, of course, you will have a better chance of enjoying the Northern Lights.
The best islands to admire the lights that adorn the night sky are Suðuroy and Sandoy, from November to February, and the week before the new moon offers the darkest nights.
6. Rovaniemi, Lapland
Rovaniemi, Finland is one of the top places to see the Northern Lights. The “light show” is visible about 150 nights a year, mostly in autumn (September to October), but there is a good chance of visibility until March.
Lapland is known as a winter wonderland with plenty of activities for the whole family. The Arctic Garden, behind the Arktikum Museum, is a great viewing point, just a 10-minute walk from the city center.
