The Best Places on Earth to Spot the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of the earth’s most beautiful spectacles. Also known as Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights sit atop most people’s bucket lists. But where can you spot this phenomenon? And when? We’ve got the lowdown, and the best places on earth to spot the northern lights.

Reykyavik, Iceland

Iceland’s capital is a wonderful place to spot the neon green light strips that make up the Northern Lights. And where better to spot this spectacle than the land of some of the most stunning natural landmarks on earth.

Spend your time wisely in Iceland, visiting its geysers that shoot boiling water out into the atmosphere and its milky blue lagoon that’ll heat you up nicely in the brisk winter air.

With daylight hours escaping Iceland for most of winter, its the perfect time to capture the majesty of Aurora Borealis, so don’t leave it off your bucket list.

Visit – any time between September and April for the best chance to spot the lights.

Tromso, Norway

Tromso is often voted to be the ultimate city spot for capturing the Aurora Borealis, thanks to its central location in the aurora zone.

This is a great place to visit if you enjoy a hearty getaway with friends and loved ones, given that there are more bars and pubs in Tromso than anywhere else in Norway. It’s a bustling city with plenty to do during the daylight hours whilst you wait for the sun to set too. What are you waiting for?

Visit – any time between September and April for the best views.

Rovaniemi, Lapland (Finland)

Combine a trip to see Father Christmas himself with the Northern Lights and you’ll truly believe in magic once more. This is the most perfect spot for families to have the ultimate Christmas, and one you’re never likely to forget.

With a stunningly eerie wilderness full of trees and snow, and plenty of activities to dive into, like dog sledding, snowmobiling, or ice fishing, you’ll have the time of your life up here in the Arctic Circle. And with the nights lit up with all the colors that the Northern Lights have to offer, you won’t believe your eyes, and you certainly won’t be able to get to sleep, no matter how much fun you’ve had during the day…

Visit – any time between September and April for the most colorful explosions of light.

Ilulisat, Greenland

Nestled in the Aurora Belt is Ilulisat, a city of no more than 5,000 people who get to watch the Northern Lights come to life every night. This is a prime location for Borealis gazing, with a spectacular wilderness, and less light pollution than larger cities. It also has less rain and wind than our other three light gazing spots, making the lights even more magical to view.

During the days you can go dog sledding, and arctic caving; incredible winter activities that you don’t often find at home, and the nights are long and delicious, all the better for spying the neon stripes in the sky.

Visit – from late August to early April for the best views.

Which one of our 4 magical Northern Light Spots catch your eye? Will you be making your way to the Aurora Borealis this winter? Let us know in the comments below or visit us on Instagram and let us know there.

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