Nothing is quite like the Northern Lights. Dancing across the night sky in shades of green, purple and even red and blue, seeing the Aurora Borealis is a bucket-list wish for lots of people. If you’re planning to chase the lights in the Arctic, you’re in luck: Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland offer some of the best chances to witness this amazing phenomenon.

In this guide, we’ll explore when to go, where to stay and how to maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are visible from late September to early April, with the best times typically between November and March. During these months, the nights are longest and darkest, which is perfect for Aurora hunting and seeing the Northern Lights.

A Huge Tip: Avoid Light Pollution

Auroras can be seen best under clear, dark skies, which means getting far away from light is crucial. Even in Arctic towns, streetlights and buildings can prevent your view. Here’s how to get the best experience:

• Stay in remote locations: Choose accommodations outside cities or towns.
• Go off-grid: Look for guided Auroa hunting tours that take you into the wilderness.
• Turn off nearby lights: Even your phone screen or car headlights can limit your view.

Finland: Silent Snowy Forests and Glass Igloos

Lapland – Head to Saariselkä, Levi, or Rovaniemi, but make sure to venture outside the main parts of the towns. Northern Lights Village Saariselkä is one of our favourite accommodations to stay.

Inari – Remote and dark, perfect for Aurora viewing far from any city light. We would recommend staying in Wilderness Hotel Inari.

Sweden: Quiet Wilderness and the Original ICEHOTEL

Luleå – A coastal Arctic town offering Northern Lights views just outside the city. Here one of our favourite accommodations is Brändön Lodge.

Jukkasjärvi – A remote village best known for the ICEHOTEL® and stunning Aurora displays over the Torne River. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to stay at the famous ICEHOTEL® whilst you’re here.

Norway: Fjords, Fishing Villages and Island Adventures

Tromsø – Tromsø is a fantastic city base for your Arctic adventure, filled with culture and incredible Northern Lights experiences. The beautiful Clarion Hotel The Edge is not to be missed when visiting here.

Spitsbergen – The largest island in Svalbard, Spitsbergen offers some of the furthest North Aurora viewing on Earth, with polar nights and peaceful Arctic wilderness. If visiting Spitsbergen we would recommend Amerikalinjen as accommodation.

Iceland: Volcanic Landscapes Under Electric Skies

Reykjavik – Iceland’s capital offers easy access to Aurora tours and nearby dark-sky locations just outside the city lights. Our accommodation recommendation is Hotel Fron.

Aurora Tips for Every Country

• Check forecasts: Use apps like My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alerts.
• Avoid light pollution: Get to somewhere as dark as possible.
• Dress warmly: Arctic nights can hit -30°C, so layer up!
• Stay flexible: Cloud cover moves, so should you. Rent a car or join Aurora Hunting tours.
• Photography tip: Use a tripod, manual settings and turn off nearby lights for best shots.

Final Thoughts

Seeing the Northern Lights is about more than just being in the right country; it’s about being in the right place at the right time and in the dark. Whether you’re relaxing in a Finnish Glass Rood Cabin, exploring the Swedish wilderness, cruising Norway’s fjords or soaking in what Iceland has to offer, your best chance of seeing the Aurora depends on minimising light pollution and maximising patience.

So bundle up, go remote and let the Arctic sky put on a show you’ll never forget!

Image credits: Northern Lights Village, Wilderness Hotels, Hurtigruten Svalbard/Agurtxane Concellon, Pétur Þór Ragnarsson

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