The simple answer is that there is not one single best place to see the Aurora Borealis. But there are areas where you have the optimal chance of seeing them.
In Europe the Aurora is most frequently visible in the far North, in a band that stretches between 66°N and 69°N which we call The Aurora Zone (see below for more details), and as you would expect for a company with our name, all our holidays take place within these latitudes.
We have spent 20 years hand selecting local experts to work with, and building holidays which maximise your Aurora viewing opportunities, whilst also offering the most incredible experiences in some of the most spectacular areas of Northern Europe.
The Auroral band stretches across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland and we feature a huge range of carefully designed holidays in these destinations.
As a naturally occurring phenomenon, the appearance of the Northern Lights is notoriously difficult to predict any further in advance than about two days before it happens, if it does then happen. So much is dependent on solar activity, the position of the Earth’s geomagnetic field and the weather. What we can say is the aurora season begins in late August and runs all the way through until early April. During this time, if you have a clear sky and you’re underneath the auroral oval in one of our destinations, you have a fantastic chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis
On occasion, if solar activity levels are very high, the Aurora can be seen further south, which is why in some rare situations, the lights can be visible in the UK. These displays, however, are nothing like what can be experienced when witnessing the same activity in Northern Scandinavia. What we can sometimes capture on our cameras here, is usually a full-blown Aurora storm which is completely visible to the naked eye in The Aurora Zone, and dances overhead in all its glory.
The Sun’s solar activity peaks and troughs every 11 years, and we are now the peak period of maximum activity which means there is an increased chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Northern Scandinavia. The means over the next couple of years, the number of times the Aurora is spotted from our destinations will increase, as will the strength of the storms. There hasn’t been a better time to book your trip to and with The Aurora Zone.
We fully appreciate we have a wide range of options, and it can be hard to know where to start, but by asking a few simple questions you can really focus in on the best destination for your holiday. If you consider all our destinations to be in ideal Aurora territory, you can then begin to narrow holidays down more easily.
The Aurora can be seen between September and the end of March/very early April, and there is no ‘best time’ within that period. So, the first thing to ask is when can you travel? Then, how long would you like to travel for? If you have an idea of your budget too then that is always helpful. You can then either use the relevant filters on our All Holidays page which will output holidays which fit the criteria, or of course you can contact one of our Aurora Travel Experts who will help you narrow things down and make recommendations.
You can also look at the types of holidays we offer, are you a family looking to combine Aurora hunting with a Father Christmas visit, are you are couple wanting to stay in a glass roofed cabin? You will see multiple options on our website which will really help pinpoint the right trips.
Another thing to consider is how remote a destination you are looking for. You may like the idea of exploring the city of Tromsø and staying in one of the modern hotels with access to fabulous restaurants. From the city you hunt the Northern Lights each evening by travelling away from the lights and into the wilds. Or perhaps, you may prefer one of our more remote destinations where the location is everything, and you can see the Northern Lights simply by stepping outside your accommodation.
Image credits: Panu Jyrä & Visit Levi, Gus Lopez, Northern Lights Village
Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland! With up to 200 nights of Aurora activity per year, Finland is a prime location to witness this natural wonder. Stay in cozy glass-roofed accommodations and embark on exciting adventures like dog sledding and snowmobiling.
Our expert guides will lead you on dedicated Aurora hunts, maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Explore diverse regions like Utsjoki in the north or Nellim in the east, each offering unique experiences.
Choose from leisurely to active itineraries, with activities like reindeer safaris and ice fishing to fill your daytime hours. Finnish Lapland awaits – an unforgettable adventure in Europe’s pristine wilderness.
Witness the dazzling Northern Lights in northern Sweden! With minimal light pollution and a sparse population, Swedish Lapland offers ideal conditions for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
Explore dramatic landscapes, from the frozen Luleå Archipelago to the majestic Torne River. Stay in unique accommodations like the famed Treehotel or the ICEHOTEL®.
Our curated Northern Lights adventures include thrilling activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling, alongside lesser-known experiences. We focus on prime Aurora viewing locations like Abisko and Luleå, where the frozen sea transforms into a viewing platform.
Embrace an unforgettable adventure in Sweden’s pristine wilderness, chasing the magical Aurora Borealis.
Image credit: Asaf Kliger and ICEHOTEL
Witness the captivating Northern Lights dance across the night sky in Norway! Escape city lights and venture into the majestic fjords, mountains, and islands where darkness reigns. Norway boasts some of the darkest skies in Europe, maximizing your chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis in its full glory.
Tromsø, a vibrant city nicknamed “The Gateway to the Arctic,” is a popular starting point. But for the most breathtaking views, we recommend venturing beyond. Head to hidden gems like Sommarøy or Senja, where light pollution is minimal, allowing the Aurora’s vibrant colors to come alive.
Norway isn’t just about the Northern Lights. This adventure-lover’s paradise offers a unique blend of experiences. Hike through dramatic landscapes, embark on thrilling whale-watching tours, or encounter majestic polar bears in the Arctic Svalbard. Savor delicious local cuisine, from fresh seafood to warming stews, after a day of chasing the Aurora.
Norway awaits with an unforgettable blend of natural wonders, cultural charm, and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.
Image credit: Olec Salomonsen
You might need another holiday after visiting Iceland. Adventures in geology and geography entertain by day and the Aurora is the focus once darkness falls. It’s rewardingly exhausting!
Iceland allows you to combine an incredible number of natural wonders in a short space of time. It is almost unfair that one country has volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and a great Aurora record!
The list of bucket list experiences available on this northerly island is staggering and we have tried to incorporate as many as we possibly can into our dedicated Aurora hunting holidays in Iceland.
We know that there are often adverts showcasing cheap deals to Reykjavik for Aurora hunting, but trust us, you get what you pay for. Reykjavik is a wonderful city and a must-see, but the light pollution of the capital is no place for Northern Lights viewing. So, whilst holidays such as our Reykjavik, Golden Circle and Northern Lights Inn, will show you the bright city lights, we will also take you well away from them in order to hunt the Aurora.
Together with our local team, we offer a range of dedicated Aurora holidays, each with their own style, so you can choose the trip that suits you and your bucket list best. You can search on land, on sea, from a super jeep or from a hot tub, the choice is entirely yours.
