Great destinations to see the Northern Lights

For many, winter is the perfect time to enjoy mulled wine, wander through Christmas markets, and sip on hot chocolate. But it’s also a season that offers the chance to witness one of nature’s most magical phenomena: the Northern Lights. Here’s a list of the some of the best locations to see the Northern Lights, from Iceland, Sweden and Norway to Canada and the United States.

Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway

Due to its proximity to the geomagnetic pole in the so called northern auroral zone, Norway is a great place to see the Northern Lights. Northern Lights also known as auroral borealis, display dynamic patterns of brilliant lights that appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or dynamic flickers covering the entire sky. Tromsø is one of the most popular destinations for viewing the Northern Lights, due to its location in the far north and the ease of getting there.

The city’s position above the Arctic Circle offers a prime vantage point for aurora sightings, making it a top choice for those chasing the lights. The best time to see the Northern Lights are from September until March between 11pm-2am.

Tromsø is a popular destinations, where travellers can take a weekend winter break, and if the chance arises, they may witness this spectacular natural experience. The Lyngen Alps, located near Tromsø, offer an excellent point for witnessing the aurora borealis – it is a favourite spot among locals. To maximise your chances, seek out a location with a clear, dark sky, ideally on a night when snow isn’t falling, as this can create cloud cover that blocks the view. With a bit of patience and some luck, travellers can be rewarded with the breathtaking beauty of the lights.

Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada

The splendour of the Northern Lights in Canada has mesmerised travellers from all over the world for years. Many travel exclusively to witness the breathtaking display of phosphorescent colours that light up the dark skies. The aurora borealis is a captivating natural phenomenon and its unpredictable nature makes this experience even more intriguing. In Canada, the chances of catching a glimpse are quite good, especially in the northern parts near the magnetic pole. These areas, with their wide-open clear skies and minimal light pollution, offer some of the best spots to experience the Northern Lights. Due to the long periods of darkness during winter, December to March around midnight is the best time to see them.

Yukon is one of the top destinations in Canada for experiencing the winter lights, as much of the region falls under the auroral oval. The general advice for hunting down the Northern Lights applies in Yukon as well: seek dark skies, avoid city lights, and find remote spots. It is highly recommended to follow the guidance of local experts who know how to chase the aurora the right way. Local tour operators, familiar with the region’s unique conditions, can point you to the best viewing locations and improve your chances of catching the lights at their most vibrant.

Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland

Between September and April, Iceland offers good chances of seeing the Northern Lights. While they are not always predictable and guaranteed, Iceland offers a great opportunity to witness them. To increase the chances, travellers may have to go a little further away from the capital and cities to find darker skies. That may not difficult, given that Iceland will have 22 hours of darkness around the winter solstice on 21 December.

Skies will need to be clear, as clouds may make it difficult for travellers to see the Northern Lights. There are a good variety of Northern Lights tours leaving from Reykjavik, to go in search of the green, purple and yellow, adding a level of adventure to the experience. But Iceland's special touch is its nature. With a series of natural sites combined with the magic of the lights, Iceland creates a unique experience.

Northern Lights in Kiruna, Sweden

To witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, a trip to northern Sweden between early September and late March is a must. With this winter marking the peak of the solar cycle, the aurora borealis is set to be especially bright. Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city with a population of around 22,000, serves as the ideal base for exploring the country’s great northern nature. Travellers can visit this astonishing city by plane from Stockholm or by a 12-hour train ride which showcases the iconic Swedish landscapes. The lights are usually more visible before midnight, with the most intense colours on display for only ten minutes. If the conditions are optimal with clear open skies away from light pollution, the aurora borealis will show its green, yellow and pink colours to visitors.

Travellers can stay at the iconic Icehotel, built using ice harvested from the Torne River, which flows right next to it. For those lucky visitors, viewing the Northern Lights at the Icehotel make for a memorable experience, especially when photographed with the hotel’s distinctive shape in the background. The blend of the aurora and the ice structure creates a stunning image, creating unforgettable memories for your winter holiday.

Whether you choose Scandinavia, Iceland or North America for your Northern Lights adventure, for peace of mind on your travels, don’t forget to take out a comprehensive travel insurance that covers your needs. Request an ABTA Travel Insurance quote today.