For all those dreamers who dream of taking in the colors and vibe of the otherworldly Aurora Borealis, we bring together a list of the best places to see the northern lights in Europe for you to craft a perfect itinerary for Europe.
Once your itinerary is in place, these Europe travel tips for first-timers will help you handle the on-ground details much more easily.
We also have a list of the best places to see the northern lights in the world, with tips for witnessing them with kids.
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Where to See Northern Lights in Europe
Okay. So, you’ve been planning a trip to Europe in winter and searching for places to see the northern lights.
There are many beautiful northern lights countries in Europe. In fact, Europe tops the list when it comes to the Aurora Borealis. But, there are a few pointers that you should keep in mind before planning a northern lights vacation in Europe to give disappointment a wide berth.
If you’ve researched enough about northern lights, you must have come to know that it’s a natural phenomenon and not under our control, so there’s no certainty that you’ll be able to see them during your stay. Well, if you are lucky, you might see them every day you stay here.
When you choose the best place to see the northern lights in Europe, keep in mind that the further north you go, the better the chances of spotting the colorful lights. The destinations that lie within or near the Arctic Circle between the latitudes of 65 and 72 degrees North (aka aurora zone) promise great sightings.
What’s the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Europe
So, while the question of where you can see the northern lights in Europe is important, another valid question to ask is what’s the best time to see northern lights in Europe?
Also, the time of day and weather conditions play equal roles.
The darkest and clearest skies during the cold winter months between September and March maximize the sighting of the northern lights. Thus, it’s the best time to see the Northern lights in Europe.
The strongest lights appear between 10 pm and 2 am, though the best sightings often take place between 11 pm and midnight.
Now that you know the chances of seeing the lights depend largely on the right place, the right season, the right time of day, and the right weather (we can just hope that He blesses us with perfect weather during our trip), a little forward planning goes a long way.
Without further ado, here are our top destinations that promise an incredible northern lights experience!
Read More: Europe in February
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Europe
1. Tromsø, Norway
If seeing the Aurora Borealis dancing across the skies has been on your Europe bucket list, then head to Tromso. Norway is often named the best country to see the northern lights. Tromsø, Norway, is counted among the most celebrated destinations for chasing the northern lights worldwide.
The best time to see the northern lights in Tromsø is from September to April.
It’s recommended to join a northern lights tour, as a local guide knows where to spot them, thereby increasing the chances of seeing them.
Beyond the northern lights, there’s so much to see and do in Tromso in winter. Yes! The Norwegian city’s brimming with winter adventure activities to fill your itinerary.
From dog-sledding to reindeer sledding to skiing and snowshoeing to experiencing the Sami culture to visiting unique ice domes to the polar fjord and fishing cruise – you’ll be spoilt for choices.
2. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard has to be one of the most unique places in Europe to experience northern lights.
One of the most northernmost inhabited areas in the world, Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago best known for its rugged, snowy remote terrain of colossal glaciers, ice-covered fjords, ice caves, and incredible wildlife.
It’s where travelers flock to see rare wildlife in its natural habitat – from polar bears, reindeer, and walruses, to seals, arctic foxes, and whales.
The best time to see northern lights in Svalbard is from late September to the middle of March.
The chances to see aurora borealis in Svalbard are high from November until the end of January because the archipelago experiences exceptional weather conditions. It undergoes polar nights during this period meaning there’s no daylight, not even for a second.
Well, Svalbard offers many other activities in winter apart from northern lights viewing.
Apart from winter activities like dog sledding, snowmobile rides, or snowcat, you can visit ice caves or check out one of the best wine cellars in Northern Europe located at Husets Restaurant or learn about the mining history of Svalbard at Gruve 3 or take a boat trip to witness the wild, raw and untouched Arctic nature or visit the world’s northernmost craft brewery, Svalbard Brewery.
3. Abisko, Sweden
With ultra-clear skies, almost no light pollution, and location within the Arctic Circle, Abisko in Swedish Lapland is renowned for the most favorable conditions for northern lights watching in the world.
It is not only one of the best places in Europe to see northern lights but one of the best places to see northern lights around the world.
Aurora Sky Station, an observation center on top of the mountain is the best place to experience the northern lights in Absiko. About a 30-minute journey via chairlift takes you to the sky station.
It’s magical to look up at the clear sky full of stars and dancing northern lights. One helluva experience!
This guided northern lights tour with dinner is one of the best in Abisko. Book your spot!
You can also take a quick day trip to Kiruna from Absiko or can include a trip to ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi.
Other thrilling winter activities that you must experience in Abisko are dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice climbing, and hiking.
Best Hotels in Abisko and Kiruna
4. Saariselkä, Finland
Nisha & Vasu of Le Monde from Poetic Travels says, “If one is looking for Aurora Borealis in Europe, then there’s nothing better than Finnish Lapland.”
The place to be in is Saariselkä. it’s the northernmost Ski Resort in Finland.
There are direct flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi which take a little more than an hour to reach.
Around 260 km north of Rovaniemi, Saariselkä village is close to the Urho Kekkonen National Park. Climb the Kaunispää and Iisakkipää fells, and have incredible views of the infinite landscape with the vastness of white snow all around spread out in front of you.
Belonging to the Inari municipality, Saariselkä village has just about 350 inhabitants. This region also has the Sámi communities of Finland.
There are many things and activities to do in Saariselka Lapland. The most inviting thing, of course, is the sighting of northern lights.
Guided northern lights tours lead to the best spots to see them dancing across the sky.
The best places to see northern lights in Saariselkä are the snowshoe track around Saariselkä chapel, Javri restaurant, and the top of Kaunispää Fell.
Saariselkä is well-known for its glass igloos where you can sleep under the open starry sky and see the northern lights from a bed. The 6 igloo resorts include Northern Lights Village, Wilderness Hotel Muotka, Kakslauttanen, Star Arctic Hotel, Revontulikota Cabins, and Aurora Village Ivalo.
The best time to see the lights in Saariselka is from September to March.
Saariselkä is known to have aurora displays over 200 times per year which increases your chances to see northern lights here but, please be prepared not to get disappointed if you don’t get to see them because of their elusive nature.
There are reindeer safari and husky safari to be done both at night and day as per your convenience.
Add to it a sumptuous lunch or a session of hot coffee, or tea at midnight with the locals.
Don’t forget to do snowmobiling, the thrill of speeding on frozen lakes, and passing through jungles is an experience of a lifetime.
Snowshoeing, ice fishing, bird watching, sauna, etc. are for people who are not that much into an adventure.
You can also meet Sami people and Santa Claus as well. And your kids can enjoy their day in Angry Birds Activity Park.
5. Iceland
Iceland is famous for its rugged landscapes and scenery but the northern lights remain one of the biggest draws to the Land of Fire and Ice. Iceland has to be a part of the article that talks about the best places in Europe for northern lights!
If luck favors you, you can spot the lights in Reykjavik too but the best and the easiest place to see the northern lights in Iceland is the South Coast which is a few hours’ drive away from Reykjavik.
Jökulsárlón, Reynisfjara, and the villages of VÃk à Mýrdal, Höfn, and Hella are some of the best locations in south Iceland to spot this elusive natural wonder.
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe is located quite close to Höfn where you can experience the exhilarating glacier hiking and ice caving.
You can drive along the Ring Road (about 828 miles) and stop by stunning attractions to watch the vibrant colors of the aurora swaying in the sky. It’s so beautiful that it invariably is counted among the best European road trips.
Kirkjufell on Iceland’s north coast is also counted among the best locations for northern lights viewing.
Or can join this 2-day south coast tour with a blue ice cave.
6. Shetland, Scotland
Lying about 100 miles off the northeast coast (60 degrees north) of Scotland, the Shetland Isles are the northernmost tip of Scotland and consist of about 100 islands, 16 of which are inhabited. The chances of seeing the northern lights here are quite high owing to its extreme north location.
Due to its proximity to Norway, the islands showcase a unique blend of Scottish and Norwegian cultures.
The best time to see Mirrie Dancers in the Scottish Isles is from mid-October to mid-March.
Apart from the most desirable northern lights, there are plenty of things to do in Shetland. With some of the most magnificent landscapes in the UK, incredible wildlife, a beautiful cliffed coastline, pristine beaches, a Viking heritage, and so much more, the islands are perfect for adventurous souls.
That’s a wrap! Hope you got some ideas to plan a Northern Lights vacation in Europe.
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