Top 10 Places to See the Northern Lights

It’s safe to say, no matter your travel style, dream destination, or ideal trip, one universal bucket list item for travelers is seeing the Northern Lights. To catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon, you need three things: a spot within the auroral oval, a dark night, and clear skies.

So, where in the world can you find such a unique location? Luckily, there are many places choose from! At Civitatis, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to see the Northern Lights so you can finally cross this must-see sight off your bucket list.

1. Rovaniemi, Finland

Any Scandinavian destination is a great spot to see the Northern Lights, but Finland is undoubtedly ranked first in the top 10 best places to see the Northern Lights. The Finnish Lapland sees the Northern Lights a whopping 200 nights out of the year, so chances of seeing the elusive natural light show here, are very high.

If you find yourself in Scandinavia, head to Rovaniemi, the capital of the Finnish Lapland. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the northern lights, either in the city itself or exploring its forests to admire this unforgettable spectacle. Don’t miss the chance to join a guided tour of the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi—it’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss a thing with the help of an expert guide.

Plus, as an added bonus for Christmas lovers, Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus! Book a winter vacation and immerse yourself in the festive magic, all while enjoying an enchanting Northern Lights display. It’s the perfect way to wrap yourself in the wonder of the season under a sky full of dancing lights.

2. Tromsø, Norway

Another top destination in Scandinavia, Norway is home to several hotspots that make the country an ideal Northern Lights viewing location. In particular, the northern reaches of Norway are perfectly situated within the Arctic Circle, making conditions ideal for spotting the elusive light show.

A great place to visit on your hunt for the Lights is Tromsø. Often considered the ‘Gateway to the Arctic Circle‘ the city is an ideal spot for setting up camp for Northern Lights chasers. In fact, it’s one of the top destinations for travelers with plenty of guided tours available. Book a guided tour of the Northern Lights in Tromsø and experience the magic for yourself.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

Without a doubt, one of the best places to see the Northern Lights is Iceland. What’s more, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik, making this the perfect destination for Northern Light dreamers.

By day, stroll the streets of the capital, as you trace Iceland’s rich Viking history. Then, by night, venture outside the city on a guided Northern Lights tour for the ultimate natural spectacle. While you might catch a glimpse of the Lights in the city, your best bet is to venture out a little farther. Plus, with a guided tour, you can sip on some hot chocolate as you take in the show—a picture-perfect winter wonderland experience.

4. Kiruna, Sweden

As we mentioned earlier, you need three key ingredients to see the Northern Lights: the right location, a dark night, and clear skies. While simple, finding these three things can pose a bit of a challenge—especially the clear skies. Enter Sweden, an excellent alternative.

While it may not be the most popular destination when looking for the elusive Lights, thanks to its dry and cloudless weather, the town of Kiruna in Sweden makes it a top contender. Imagine yourself deep in the heart of the Swedish Lapland, looking up at the best light show on Earth. Sounds good, right?

Take your experience up a notch with a guided trip to the Aurora Colosseum. Hitch a sleigh ride to this unique ice structure, adding to your Lapp-ish adventure, and sit down to a warm fireside dinner.

5. Svolvær, Lofoten Islands

Norway makes it on our list twice, this time being the Lofoten Islands in particular. This incredible archipelago just above the Arctic Circle is famous for its stunning landscapes and rugged terrain. Renowned for its remote location, this northern area of Norway is a hotspot for catching the Northern Lights.

Just a short 2.5-hour flight from Oslo lies the town of Svolvær, in the Lofoten Islands. Explore the sprawling natural beauty of this town during the day, soaking up incredible panoramas of Norwegian Fjords. Then, embark on a nighttime adventure searching for the Lights experiencing one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.

6. Whitehorse, Canada

Jumping across the pond, we’ll find Canada, the Great White North. The first thing that comes to mind is probably cities like Toronto, Montreal, or even Vancouver. But Canada is called the Great White North for a reason! If you travel past the border cities with the US and venture into the Yukon Territory, you’ll find ideal conditions for Northern Lights hunting.

This region of Canada is home to many First Nation peoples, whose influence is palpable throughout the territory. Visit Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, for a guided Northern Lights tour, where you can learn all about the folklore surrounding this natural light phenomenon.

Plus, during the day, try your hand at ice fishing and snowshoeing through the incredible larger-than-life landscapes. Then, at night, spread out under the stars to connect with nature. What’s more, follow up your night out in the cold with a visit to any of the natural hot springs in the area. From start to finish, an unforgettable experience!

7. Fairbanks, Alaska

Just west of northern Canada is the northernmost US state of Alaska. Easily one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, Alaska makes it on our list for its unique location and breathtaking natural scenery.

One of our favorite places is by far Fairbanks, a small yet vibrant town in the heart of Alaska. Fairbanks offers numerous advantages for aurora seekers, including its famously clear skies. Coupled with its ideal location within the auroral circle, spotting the Northern Lights here is almost guaranteed!

8. Kittilä, Finland

Nestled in the heart of the Finnish Lapland, Kittilä is a hidden gem for those seeking a Northern Lights adventure. This charming town offers a stunning winter wonderland with pristine snow-covered landscapes and endless Arctic beauty. Thanks to its location well within the auroral oval, Kittilä boasts excellent conditions for witnessing the Northern Lights, especially during the long winter nights.

In addition to the light show, travelers can try their hand at activities like snowshoeing, reindeer safaris, and exploring the nearby Levi ski resort. For an extra cool thrill, consider a snowmobile tour under the Northern Lights. Tear across snow-covered landscapes and admire the Aurora Borealis for an incredible Arctic adventure.

9. Nuuk, Greenland

Despite being one of the most remote and exclusive destinations to see the Northern Lights, we couldn’t resist including Greenland on our list. If you have the chance to travel to Nuuk, the country’s capital, experiencing the lights is a must-do!

With minimal light pollution and almost-perfect conditions, a trip to Greenland almost guarantees a magical light show like no other. Plus, if you’re a fan of adventure, consider camping for a night or two on Greenland’s ice sheet. Take your experience to another level and even stay a night in an igloo.

Witnessing this natural phenomenon in one of the least populated cities in the world makes Nuuk a truly special place to spot the Lights. It’s because of the region’s uniqueness, we chose to include it as one of the top 10 best places to see the Northern Lights.

10. Scotland, United Kingdom

While most think of the Highlands, haggis, and Edinburgh when they hear Scotland, there are, in fact, several destinations perfect for catching sight of the best naturally occurring light show out there.

The Orkney Islands are worth mentioning in particular, for being a mostly uninhabited and remote region of Scotland. When searching for the Northern Lights, ‘uninhabited’ and ‘remote’ are valuable keywords to describe your ideal spot.

While the islands are ideal for witnessing the light show at night, they’re also renowned for their breathtaking natural landscapes. And while we did say it’s mainly uninhabited, we should probably mention there are a crazy amount of sheep here. What baaah-tter way to experience the Northern Lights than with new sheepish friends?

No matter where you venture, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in your search for the Northern Lights! You’re sure to create unforgettable memories, set against a postcard-worthy backdrop.

Be sure to bundle up as you begin your Northern Lights adventure! The best times to see the Aurora Borealis vary between destinations, but as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to plan a visit in the winter months. While a trip to the Arctic Circle in winter is not for the light of heart, the breathtaking rewards are well worth the effort!