The best places to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are located within or near the Arctic Circle, typically between 60° and 75° latitude. Key destinations include:
- Norway : Tromsø is considered one of the top spots globally, offering excellent aurora views from September to April. Other great locations include Alta, the Lofoten Islands, Senja, and the Vesterålen Islands. Northern Norway combines stunning Arctic landscapes with good infrastructure and nightlife
- Swedish Lapland : Areas like Kiruna and the Luleå archipelago provide quality aurora sightings with fewer tourists. The season runs from October to March, with some flexibility depending on weather
- Finland : Finnish Lapland, including Rovaniemi, is also popular for aurora viewing, with a good chance of clear skies and winter activities to complement the experience
- Iceland : The Westfjords and northern parts of Iceland offer long nights and minimal light pollution, making them excellent for aurora spotting from late September to March. Reykjavik is a common base, but remote areas like Bolafjall mountain provide darker skies
- Alaska and Canada : Northern parts of Canada and Alaska fall within the auroral oval, offering frequent sightings during winter months
- Greenland : Kangerlussuaq is noted for stable weather and clear skies, enhancing aurora visibility from late September to early April
- Scotland : Although less predictable, northern locations such as Orkney, Shetland, and Caithness offer occasional aurora displays, especially between October and March
The best time to see the Northern Lights is generally from late September to early April, with peak activity often occurring between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Clear, dark skies away from light pollution are essential for optimal viewing
. In summary, for the strongest chances to see the Northern Lights, travel to Arctic regions in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Alaska, Canada, or Greenland during the winter months, focusing on clear, dark nights within the auroral oval