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Top 5 Places to See the Northern Lights

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Northern Lights travel

2025-11-17T16:36:14.620Z

Watching the sky glow with swirling greens, purples, and reds is an experience that stays with you forever. To make the most of it, it is important to choose the best places to see northern lights and season. Clear, dark skies and cold winter nights give you the best chance to see northern lights in all its glory.

Here are the 5 best places to see northern lights, along with tips to increase your chances of seeing this incredible view.

1. Tromsø, Norway – Best Northern Lights Spot in Europe

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Best time to go: November to March

Conditions: Cold, clear nights with minimal light pollution. Tromsø’s location above the Arctic Circle provides long, dark evenings ideal for northern lights viewing.

Tips to increase your chances:

Stay in cabins or lodges outside the city for darker skies.
Check daily aurora forecasts via apps or local websites.
Dress in warm layers for temperatures below -5°C.
Join guided northern lights tours — local guides know the best spots each night.

Costs: A night in a hotel starts at $80–$120. Guided tours range from $100 to $150 per person.

2. Abisko, Sweden – Top Spot to See the Aurora Borealis

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Best time to go: December to March

Conditions: Abisko has a unique microclimate that often keeps skies clear, even in winter. Nights are cold but manageable with proper clothing.

Tips:

Stay at STF Abisko Turiststation for easy access to observation points.
Take the chairlift to Aurora Sky Station for elevated views.
Keep checking the aurora forecast for optimal viewing nights.

Costs: Accommodation at the Turiststation starts around $100 per night; Sky Station tickets cost about $25–$30.

3. Fairbanks, Alaska – Aurora Borealis Tours and Viewing Tips

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Best time to go: Late August to April

Conditions: Clear, cold nights with little artificial light. Fairbanks lies under the auroral oval, providing frequent aurora displays.

Tips:

Rent cabins or lodges outside the city for darker skies.
Use aurora forecasts and cloud cover predictions.
Consider photography tours for professional-quality photos.

Costs: Hotels start at $90 per night, and aurora tours range from $100–$150.

4. Yukon, Canada – Best Places to See Northern Lights in North America

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Best time to go: Late November to early April

Conditions: Very low population density ensures minimal light pollution. Long winter nights provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Tips:

Base yourself in Dawson City or Whitehorse.
Use snowmobiles or guided tours to reach remote spots.
Bring warm, insulated clothing — temperatures can drop below -20°C.

Costs: Lodging starts at $80 per night; guided tours range from $120–$200.

5. Iceland – Northern Lights Travel Guide

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Best time to go: September to March

Conditions: Clear nights with minimal clouds are essential. Avoid full moons for the darkest skies.

Tips:

Rent a car and drive to rural areas away from Reykjavik.
National parks and remote fjords provide excellent viewing spots.
Stay flexible — northern lights are unpredictable, so plan multiple nights for better chances.

Costs: Guesthouses start at $70 per night; guided tours cost $90–$150.

Connect with Local Guides

Seeing the northern lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and with the right planning, it is very achievable. All that’s left is to decide where to go to see the northern lights and pack your backpack. Travel to locations with dark skies, visit in winter, and dress warmly for cold nights.

Download FindGuide and start planning your perfect trip. Our guides can show you the best viewing spots and help you make the most of your northern lights trips. Prepare to be amazed as the sky dances with color above you, creating a memory you will never forget.