Best Places to See the Northern Lights

The perfect time to see the Northern Lights is near, and at Civitatis we’d hate for you to miss out on this spectacular natural phenomenon. Where can you go to see them? Where’s the most ideal location to fully enjoy this spectacle? Read on and discover the 10 best places to see the Northern Lights.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Any Scandinavian destination is a great option to find the elusive Northern Lights, but Finland is undoubtedly ranked first in the top 10 best places to see the Northern Lights. More specifically, Rovaniemi, the capital of the Finnish Lapland, is the perfect choice to enjoy the northern lights, either in the city itself or as we venture into its forests to admire this unforgettable spectacle. How about this tour to see them in Rovaniemi? You won’t regret going!

Tromsø, Norway

Let’s now travel to Tromsø, Norway. The town’s proximity to the North Pole makes it one of the top 10 destinations to witness the Northern Lights. The city sits above the Arctic Circle and is considered by many to be the Gateway to the Arctic in Norway. You all know that the Northern Lights are natural phenomena and it’s almost impossible to guarantee their sighting, but, if you travel to Tromsø, you’ll be very likely able to enjoy this mesmerizing dance of lights in the sky. Check out this tour in Tromsø and see for yourself!

Reykjavik, Iceland

The sheer brightness of the Northern Lights in Iceland is indescribable, so if you’re considering visiting Reykjavik, definitely do it! The Northern Lights can be seen in the Icelandic sky almost nonstop, and on many occasions, it’s possible to witness this natural spectacle even from the city itself. Even so, we still believe that the best way to experience this winter wonderland is to get away from Reykjavik and enjoy the wilderness under the green, blue or pink hues of the Northern Lights.

Kiruna, Sweden

The Northern Lights are nearly impossible to spot when the sky is cloudy, but what if we told you that Kiruna is the driest and least cloudy place in Sweden? These two conditions result in Kiruna making it into our list of the top 10 destinations to see the Northern Lights without hesitation. The sight of this spectacle of nature in the middle of Swedish Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and to do so at Aurora Colosseum makes it even more unforgettable.

Svolvær, Lofoten Islands

We’re back in Norway, namely in Svolvær, in the Lofoten Islands. The so-called Northern Lights belt comes through these islands, and from there, they continue their journey into the country, leaving a magical trail of color in their wake. If the weather conditions are favorable, you’ll be able to see this mesmerizing dance of lights in the sky without any trouble. What’s more, the beauty of the landscape of the Lofoten Islands adds to this experience even more – no wonder it’s one of the top 10 destinations to see the Northern Lights!

Vancouver, Canada

We now move on from Nordic countries and cross the pond to Vancouver, Canada. Granted, we won’t be able to see them here, but you can go to Whitehorse and experience this natural phenomenon.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best places to go see the Northern Light in the world. Tours depart from towns like Fairbanks to the north of Alaska to chase these fleeting lights, so we had to include it!

Murmansk, Russia

If admiring the Northern Lights and learning what life is like in the Arctic Circle is what you are looking for, then perhaps your dream destination is Murmansk, Russia. The biggest port city of the country, the biggest city north of the Arctic Circle… Murmansk’s also the perfect place to bask in the beauty of the Northern Lights swirling in the night sky. Want to check for yourself? With this 3-day tour, you’ll find out for yourself!

Nuuk, Greenland

Despite being one of the most remote and exclusive destinations to see the Northern Lights, we had to mention this location. If you have the chance to travel to Nuuk, in Greenland, you have to go see the lights! Witnessing this natural phenomenon in one of the least populated cities in the world is one of the reasons that led us to include Nuuk among the 10 best places to see the Northern Lights.

Scotland, United Kingdom

And, last but not least, we move on to Scotland. It may not be one of the first places that come to mind when considering the top 10 best destinations to see the Northern Lights, but on the coasts near Caithness or in the Orkney Islands, it’s very likely that you’ll be able to witness this coveted wonder of nature.