6 Amazing Places To See The Northern Lights

Of all the world’s most dazzling natural phenomena, few can top the northern lights, or aurora borealis (signifying the meeting of Aurora, Roman goddess of the dawn, and Borealis, the Greek north wind). Created by solar winds interacting with charged particles in the Earth’s magnetic field, the lights appear as otherworldly streaks of green, red, yellow, and purple dancing across arctic skies. Countries in the far-northern latitudes, optimally between 10 and 20 degrees from the magnetic North Pole the so-called “northern lights oval” are most likely to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, which occurs predominantly between late September and late March, often close to midnight.

From the snow-enveloped wilderness of Siberia to the northernmost tip of Canada, here are some of the best places to see the northern lights. So wrap up warmly, pick a crisp, clear night, and cross your fingers.

# Iceland

With its stark beauty, starry skylines, and magnificent frosted landscapes, Iceland’s unique backdrop makes it a favorite place for photographers to capture the lights. Auroral activity is greatest during the midwinter months, and the lights are visible from locations all over the country (on clear nights, you might even catch a few glimmers from Reykjavik). Two of the most popular watching areas are the Golden Circle, encompassing the Thingvellir National Park and the Haukadalur geothermal valley, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the famous Snaefellsjokull glacier—both easy trips from Reykjavik. For some of the clearest views and viewpoints away from the crowds, head to the northern coast on the brink of the Arctic Circle: The volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and the northern city of Akureyri are both great choices.

# Alaska

In the far north of the United States, Alaska’s vast snowy wilderness casts an eerie shadow beneath the glow of the northern lights, and the farther you venture out of the cities, the brighter the lights seem to shine. Fairbanks, Denali, and the Yukon Territory are all popular locations for watching the lights (the Fairbanks Visitors Bureau claims an 80 percent chance of seeing them if you stay there for three nights). Or hire a knowledgeable guide and head north.

Alaska also offers some of the most unique ways to see the lights, meaning that you’re guaranteed a memorable experience with or without the lightshow. Take an arctic cruise from Fairbanks, Anchorage, or Ketchikan and view the lights from the water; go “flightseeing” for a chance to get up close to the lights by flying over the Arctic Circle; take an overnight train over the snow-covered Alaska Range; or stave off the frostbite by soaking in the Chena Hot Springs while you wait.

# Alaska

In the far north of the United States, Alaska’s vast snowy wilderness casts an eerie shadow beneath the glow of the northern lights, and the farther you venture out of the cities, the brighter the lights seem to shine. Fairbanks, Denali, and the Yukon Territory are all popular locations for watching the lights (the Fairbanks Visitors Bureau claims an 80 percent chance of seeing them if you stay there for three nights). Or hire a knowledgeable guide and head north.

Alaska also offers some of the most unique ways to see the lights, meaning that you’re guaranteed a memorable experience with or without the lightshow. Take an arctic cruise from Fairbanks, Anchorage, or Ketchikan and view the lights from the water; go “flightseeing” for a chance to get up close to the lights by flying over the Arctic Circle; take an overnight train over the snow-covered Alaska Range; or stave off the frostbite by soaking in the Chena Hot Springs while you wait.

# Russia

The northern lights still hold special significance for the Russian Saami tribes, who gather to watch the lights from the shores of the vast Lake Lovozero and read their fortunes in the colored streaks. Perhaps one of the lesser-visited northern lights regions, Russia is the go-to place if you want the wilderness to yourself, with a mammoth stretch of the country lying close to the Arctic Circle and almost all of the northern regions offering great views.

The Kola Peninsula, snaking towards Scandinavia in northwestern Russia, is one of the principal lights-watching areas, thanks to its prime location on the northern lights’ belt and a number of guided excursions that run from the Arctic city of Murmansk. Get there in December or January and you’ll be gifted with pitch-black days and nights, as the sun disappears from view for around six weeks. Alternatively, Severodvinsk is renowned for having some of the brightest lights in Russia, with red and green glows even visible from inside the city. And Salekhard, the world’s only city located on the Arctic Circle, is firmly inside the superior viewing zone.

# Denmark

The most southern country in Scandinavia might be a bit far away from the Arctic Circle, but there are still opportunities to see the lights on Danish shores. Greenland’s Inuit populations have been enjoying some of the clearest views of the northern lights for centuries, believing that the eerie illuminations are the lost souls of the dead, and today the territory retains one of the highest hit rates of aurora sightings. Head to the popular town of Kangerlussuaq, or take a cruise along the sparsely populated east coast with a backdrop of towering icebergs. Alternatively, Denmark’s Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago stranded halfway between Iceland and Norway (with regular flights from Copenhagen), are likely one of the most unique locations to experience the lights.

# Sweden

Each Scandinavian country has its own stake in northern lights tourism, but Sweden boasts its own unique claim to fame. Jukkasjarvi was home to the world’s first ice hotel and bar, fashioned entirely out of the cold stuff, inspiring dozens of imitations around the globe and remaining one of the most atmospheric places to base your northern lights excursion. The Abisko National Park is another one of Sweden’s highlights, where you can head to Torneträsk Lake, renowned for its unique microclimate, which affords weatherproof clear skies. Or visit the legendary Aurora Sky Station, where you can take a chairlift up to the summit, explore the special Northern Lights Exhibition, and watch the night sky from the open-air observation deck.