Parker Brickley on Best Places to Travel to See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, present one of nature's most spectacular theatrical performances. This natural phenomenon, resulting from solar particles colliding with atmospheric gasses, creates a mesmerizing dance of colors across the night sky. From vibrant greens to deep purples, the auroras captivate the imagination and draw travelers from around the globe to witness their majesty. For those yearning to experience this celestial show, certain destinations offer front-row seats to the awe-inspiring display. Here are the best places to travel to see the Northern Lights, each offering its unique charm and opportunities for adventure.

Tromsø, Norway

Perched above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is not just a prime location for Northern Lights viewing; it's a cultural hub with vibrant nightlife and a rich history. The city serves as a gateway to the Arctic, with numerous tours and activities designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the auroras. From September to March, when the nights are longest, your chances of seeing the lights are highest. Tromsø's surrounding landscapes provide a stunning backdrop, with fjords and mountains enhancing the visual spectacle. Additionally, the city's relatively mild winters make it an appealing destination for those looking to combine aurora hunting with comfort.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland's capital offers the unique advantage of being a Northern Lights destination within reach of urban amenities. Reykjavik itself occasionally offers glimpses of the auroras, but the real magic happens in the countryside, away from city lights. The Thingvellir National Park, a short drive from Reykjavik, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers dark skies and panoramic views. Iceland's geothermal activity adds another layer to the adventure, allowing you to watch the lights from the comfort of a hot spring. The island's position near the North Atlantic ensures an active auroral display, making Iceland a bucket-list destination for enthusiasts.

Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife, the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, is situated directly under the auroral oval, offering some of the most intense Northern Lights displays. Its remote location and stable weather conditions make it an ideal spot for aurora viewing. The city has even designated an Aurora Village, where visitors can watch the lights from heated teepees, blending comfort with tradition. The Aurora Borealis is best seen here between mid-November and early April when the nights are the longest and the skies the clearest.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks lies in Alaska's interior, away from coastal weather patterns, which allows for clearer skies and better chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Its location under the "Auroral Oval" means that auroral activity is frequent and intense. The city offers a variety of tours and activities, including dog sledding and ice fishing, to enhance your Northern Lights experience. The Chena Hot Springs, located just outside Fairbanks, provides a unique vantage point for aurora watching, combining the natural spectacle with relaxing thermal baths.

Kiruna, Sweden

Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, is renowned for its Icehotel and its proximity to the Abisko National Park, one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The park's unique microclimate leads to many clear nights, and its location away from light pollution makes it an ideal spot for viewing. Visitors can also take a chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station, offering an unparalleled viewing experience from the mountaintop. The period between September and March is the best time to visit, with long, dark nights providing ample opportunity for the lights to show.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, often referred to as the gateway to the Arctic, offers a magical Northern Lights experience in the official hometown of Santa Claus. The city provides a variety of tours, including snowmobile and husky sledding adventures that take you into the wilderness to chase the auroras. Glass igloos and traditional Lapland huts offer unique accommodations where you can watch from bed. The best time to visit is from September to March when the nights are darkest.

Murmansk, Russia

Situated well above the Arctic Circle, Murmansk is Russia's most accessible city for chasing the Northern Lights, thanks to its ice-free port. The city is steeped in Soviet history, offering an intriguing backdrop to the natural spectacle. The Kola Peninsula, where Murmansk is located, offers some of the most reliable Northern Lights displays from September to March, thanks to its latitude and dark, clear skies.

Inari, Finland

Deep in Finnish Lapland, Inari provides an authentic Arctic experience. It's home to the indigenous Sámi people, teaching visitors about traditional ways of life in addition to aurora watching. The limited population and low light pollution provide ideal circumstances for seeing the Northern Lights, with Lake Inari offering a magnificent reflected surface on clear evenings.