Top 5 Travel Destinations to View the Northern Lights

Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights? Check out our guide to the top destinations and the best activities to make your adventure unforgettable.

A rare southern display of the aurora borealis or 'northern lights' colors the sky over a farm field just north of Stedman, North Carolina on the evening of Friday, May 10, 2024. The bright object near the horizon is the moon. Solar activity, which can trigger aurora displays, is ramping up so future auroral displays are possible, in the coming months, even from southerly latitudes. / Photo by Johnny Horne for The

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, offer one of the most spectacular natural displays on Earth. These vibrant light shows are caused by the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere. Charged particles from the solar wind collide with gas molecules, such as oxygen and nitrogen, in the Earth's upper atmosphere, exciting them and causing them to emit light. This process creates the dynamic, multicolored waves of light that dance across the night sky, predominantly in high-latitude regions near the Arctic and Antarctic. Here are five prime locations for viewing the Northern Lights, along with other fun activities you can enjoy while visiting these magical places.

1. Tromsø, Norway
2. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
3. Yellowknife, Canada
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
5. Rovaniemi, Finland

Tromsø, Norway

Northern Lights Viewing: Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. With its clear skies and high latitude, it offers frequent and vivid aurora displays from September to April.

Other Activities:

• Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of dog sledding through the snowy landscapes.
• Whale Watching: Join a whale-watching tour to see orcas and humpback whales.
• Midnight Sun Marathon: If visiting in summer, participate in or watch the Midnight Sun Marathon under the continuous daylight.

Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Northern Lights Viewing: Fairbanks is a prime location for aurora viewing, particularly from late August to April. The city’s location under the auroral oval makes it a hotspot for frequent displays.

Other Activities:

• Chena Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs while waiting for the auroras to appear.
• Museum of the North: Explore Alaskan history and culture at this renowned museum.
• Ice Fishing: Try your hand at ice fishing on one of the nearby frozen lakes.

Yellowknife, Canada

Northern Lights Viewing: Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, offers some of the best Northern Lights viewing opportunities from mid-August to April. Its clear skies and remote location provide excellent conditions for aurora spotting.

Other Activities:

• Snowmobiling: Explore the vast wilderness on a snowmobile adventure.
• Ice Road Tours: Drive on the famous ice roads featured in TV shows like "Ice Road Truckers."
• Indigenous Culture Experiences: Learn about the local Indigenous cultures through guided tours and cultural centers.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Northern Lights Viewing: Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, provides a great base for Northern Lights excursions from September to April. Just a short drive from the city, you can find dark spots perfect for aurora viewing.

Other Activities:

• Golden Circle Tour: Visit the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park.
• Blue Lagoon: Soak in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
• Volcano Tours: Explore Iceland's volcanic landscapes and lava fields.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Northern Lights Viewing: Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is a prime spot for Northern Lights viewing from late August to April. The city offers numerous guided tours to optimize your aurora-watching experience.

Other Activities:

• Santa Claus Village: Visit the home of Santa Claus and meet the man himself.
• Reindeer Safaris: Enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer through the snowy forests.
• Arktikum Science Centre: Learn about Arctic research and the natural history of the region.

These prime locations not only offer exceptional Northern Lights viewing but also provide a plethora of activities to make your visit unforgettable. From dog sledding and hot springs to cultural experiences and unique accommodations, these destinations ensure a well-rounded and adventurous trip.