The dancing Northern Lights in the night sky is one phenomenon that is on everyone’s travel bucket list. Otherwise known as as ‘Aurora borealis’ in the north, there’s some perfectly situated places to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Auroral displays appear in many colours although pale green and pink are the most common, while you’ll also spot shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland are the most popular viewing places, but Russia is great as well.
Tip: you can usually see the Northern Lights late August to mid April, so plan your trip then.
Best Places In Europe To See The Northern Lights
How do these rankings work?
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
During winter there can be up to 20 hours of darkness a day in Reykjavik, making it ideal for spotting the Northern Lights.
Make your way to Þingvellir National Park on a clear night for the most vivid light show in the city. More info here.
2. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is often referred to as “the mild Northern Lights area”, due to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream – so you won’t be freezing!
The city is also situated in the middle of the auroral oval, the area with the highest probability of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe. More info here.
3. Kakslauttanen, Finland
This incredible igloo hotel resort in Lapland is 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
You can admire the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed as you look out through the glass roof of the igloos. A once-in-a-lifetime experience. More info here.
4. Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is one of the premier destinations to view the Northern Lights in Sweden. While you are in the Abisko National Park or the surrounding Kiruna Mountains you have a very high likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. More info here.
5. Kirkenes, Norway
Close to the Russian border, Kirkenes is a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights thanks to its dry and cool climate.
The region has over 200 aurora nights per year, and you have the option of hunting the lights via husky sleigh or snowmobile. More info here.
6. Moray Coast, Scotland
Did you know northern Scotland actually lies at the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway and Nunivak Island in Alaska?
The 50 mile-long coast stretches from Aberdeen to Inverness and is a beautifully rugged place to see the lights during winter. More info here.
7. Sandgerdi, Iceland
From late September until the beginning of April, the Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland in most places but Sandgerdi is a top spot.
A fishing village on the Southern Peninsula, Sandgerdi is not far from the Blue Lagoon and you will see the Northern Lights reflecting off the surrounding sea. More info here.
I wasn’t aware that we can see the Northern Lights from Scotland. I learnt a lot from your article. I have heard about the Northern Lights with wasn’t aware of what it was. But Thanks to your post I finally know what they are! And they look so amazing! I think it’s a great idea to see Northern Lights from Tromso since the climate is not very harsh. I will surely visit these places. I have added all these 7 places to my bucket list.