Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Europe
This year, the skies above Europe have been graced with some of the most spectacular Northern Lights displays in recent memory.
Traditionally confined to the far north, this stunning phenomenon paints the night skies with vibrant hues, reaching surprisingly far south. This year, areas including southern England, central Europe, and several states in North America have experienced the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis.
In some locations, the displays have been exceptionally vibrant, with green, purple, and pink hues stretching across the horizon.
This surge in auroral activity is no mere fluke. It results from heightened solar activity, which scientists predict will continue for the next few years. As we move deeper into this period of solar peak, the opportunities to witness the Northern Lights are expected to increase.
So, where is the best place to go if you want to experience one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles? The Aurora Borealis can be unpredictable, but you can increase your chances of catching a glimpse by travelling to one of these Northern Lights sightseeing destinations.
Tromsø, Norway
Nestled in the heart of the Swedish Lapland, Abisko is famous for its ‘blue hole,’ an area of sky above the village that remains clear despite overcast weather around it. The Aurora Sky Station offers an exceptional viewing experience with guided tours and educational talks.
Activities: Take the chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station, go on a snowshoe hike, or experience ice fishing.
Suggested Itinerary: Begin with a day exploring the Abisko National Park. In the evening, visit the Aurora Sky Station. The following day, try a guided ice fishing trip.
Abisko, Sweden
Nestled in the heart of the Swedish Lapland, Abisko is famous for its ‘blue hole,’ an area of sky above the village that remains clear despite overcast weather around it. The Aurora Sky Station offers an exceptional viewing experience with guided tours and educational talks.
Activities: Take the chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station, go on a snowshoe hike, or experience ice fishing.
Suggested Itinerary: Begin with a day exploring the Abisko National Park. In the evening, visit the Aurora Sky Station. The following day, try a guided ice fishing trip.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik serves as a perfect base for Northern Lights expeditions. The city offers some viewing spots, but the real magic happens on short drives out of the town, where the Aurora can be seen dancing over Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. Thermal hot springs nearby provide a unique way to enjoy the spectacle.
Activities: Explore the Golden Circle, relax in the Blue Lagoon, and take a whale-watching tour.
Suggested Itinerary: Spend a day touring the Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall). Enjoy an evening Northern Lights tour. The next day, relax in the Blue Lagoon.
Rovaniemi, Finland
The official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, offers a magical winter experience. The Northern Lights can be seen here from late August to early April, with numerous tours to take you to the best viewing spots.
Activities: Visit Santa Claus Village, explore the Arktikum Museum, and try snowmobiling.
Suggested Itinerary: Start with a visit to Santa Claus Village and cross the Arctic Circle. In the evening, join a Northern Lights photography tour. The next day, enjoy snowmobiling in the wilderness.
Kiruna, Sweden
This Swedish town is a hub for various Arctic adventures. Besides the Icehotel, Kiruna is surrounded by vast wilderness areas ideal for Aurora viewing. The nearby Abisko National Park is also easily accessible from here.
Activities: Stay at the Icehotel, visit a Sami village, and explore the LKAB iron ore mine.
Suggested Itinerary: Spend a night at the Ice Hotel. The next day, visit a Sami village to learn about reindeer herding. In the evening, embark on a Northern Lights snowmobile tour.
Your Next Great Adventure Awaits
Although you may not be able to find these specific trips on our website, our expertise in crafting unforgettable travel experiences can still guide you on your journey and help curate the perfect journey.
Whether you need travel advice or itinerary planning or are looking for other unique travel ideas, our team is here to assist you. And explore the rest of our blog for a wealth of travel ideas and inspiration!
