The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s great displays, seen in the polar regions, typically above about 66 degrees north, where parts of Russia, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden lie. A similar effect, the Aurora Australis, occurs below 66 degrees south, but it is harder to catch and seen from far fewer places, since those latitudes fall mostly over open ocean. Here are our five picks for seeing the Northern Lights, chosen as much for their landscapes as for the aurora itself.
Lofoten, Norway
Known for its rugged peaks, quiet islands and open sea, this archipelago is a fine sight, especially in the winter months of October to February, when the sky comes alive with colour. On the north-west coast are the beaches where you can watch the aurora. Uttakleiv Beach has mountains behind it, a good backdrop; Skagsanden Beach is popular with surfers and photographers; and for an open, unobstructed view, Storsandnes Beach is the place. Hamnøy, a fishing village near Reine, has a well-known bridge that makes a fine viewing spot.
Lofoten has no railway of its own; the nearest railheads are at Narvik and Bodø, from where you continue by boat or bus. Express boats and ferries run year-round between Bodø, Værøy and Svolvær. To fly in, the nearest airports are Bodø, Harstad/Narvik, Svolvær and Røst.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø sits under the auroral oval, where the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are among the highest in the world. On a really clear night the aurora is sometimes visible from the city itself, though for the best view most people head out of town. A good option is up the mountain, reached by the Fjellheisen cable car, and there are many remote spots with fine views, as well as a nearby hilltop overlooking the city. Beyond the aurora, Tromsø also offers whale watching, dog sledding and snowmobiling.
You can reach Tromsø by boat, by road or by plane. As the largest city in northern Norway, it has no shortage of places to stay, from five-star hotels to budget lodges.
Abisko Sky Station, Sweden
A large outdoor terrace and a lookout tower, reached by chairlift, this is one of the best places in the world to watch the Northern Lights. The view is unobstructed, as the station stands atop Mount Njulla. The area gets little precipitation and is well away from city lights, so the skies are clear and dark. A cosy restaurant on the sky station serves four-course meals.
You can get here by a direct transfer from Kiruna or Narvik, or by rental car, taxi or bus. There is plenty of accommodation in the nearby town of Abisko.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region, and there are many places around it to see the Northern Lights, with strong displays here. It is the home of Santa Claus and a fine place to be over Christmas, which is also the polar night. Santa Village is a must-see, and the Arctic Garden is a ten-minute walk from the centre. Another option is the top of Ounasvaara Fell, with open views of the aurora. You can also go looking for the lights by snowmobile, husky sled or reindeer sled.
Rovaniemi is easy to reach by plane; its airport is just 8 km from the city, and the train and bus stations are close to the centre. Taxis run from nearby towns too. There are plenty of hotels, lodges and cabins across the city, so finding a place to stay is easy.
Kirkjufell, Iceland
Kirkjufell, on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, is the most photographed mountain in Iceland, known for its symmetry. On a clear night, the aurora above it, with the mountain in the frame, makes for striking photos, so it is no surprise the spot is popular. The mountain looks quite different from different angles, the side view unlike the front. Climbing it is a scramble, best left to those with experience, especially in snow, but those who visit come away full of praise for the views.
There is accommodation in the nearby town of Grundarfjörður, about a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, with guesthouses, apartments and hotels.
We hope you enjoyed this list as much as we enjoy travelling to these places. To plan a Northern Lights trip, get in touch with our Nordic team.
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