Chasing the Aurora:
Best Northern Lights Spots in Scandinavia
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Last updated: 29.10.2024
Last updated: 29.10.2024
Scandinavia is considered one of the best regions in the world for Aurora hunting. Its northern regions extend well into the Arctic Circle, where the Aurora Borealis is most active. Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, each known as a prime northern lights country, offer distinct yet equally breathtaking landscapes—from Norway's rugged fjords to Sweden's vast boreal forests and Iceland's volcanic terrains. In addition, these countries provide some of the best travel infrastructure, including organized Northern Lights tours, cozy accommodations, and expert guides, ensuring your experience is as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Norway
When thinking about where to see the Northern Lights in Norway, it's important to note that tours to Norway offer numerous prime viewing spots, particularly in the Arctic Circle.
Tromsø is often regarded as the best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway. Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” this city offers excellent access to some of Norway’s clearest skies for Aurora spotting. From late September to March, Tromsø’s remote location and low light pollution provide ideal conditions for the Northern Lights in Tromso. Visitors can combine their Aurora hunt with winter activities like dog sledding, Sami culture experiences, and reindeer safaris.
The Lofoten Islands offer a unique setting for Northern Lights viewing, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and open seas. Though slightly south of the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands experience regular Aurora activity, especially between November and February.
The Lofoten Islands offer a unique setting for Northern Lights viewing, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and open seas. Though slightly south of the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands experience regular Aurora activity, especially between November and February.
The stunning combination of the lights reflecting on the water against a backdrop of rugged fjords makes this one of Norway’s most scenic Northern Lights destinations.
For the true Arctic experience, Svalbard is a must-visit. This remote archipelago lies further north than Tromsø and provides a unique opportunity to see the Northern Lights during the Polar Night period, from mid-November to January. With complete darkness around the clock, Svalbard offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the Northern Lights any time of day—ideal for those seeking a completely immersive Arctic adventure.
For the true Arctic experience, Svalbard is a must-visit. This remote archipelago lies further north than Tromsø and provides a unique opportunity to see the Northern Lights during the Polar Night period, from mid-November to January. With complete darkness around the clock, Svalbard offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the Northern Lights any time of day—ideal for those seeking a completely immersive Arctic adventure.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Sweden
Sweden is another ideal Northern Lights country, with several prime locations extending into the Arctic Circle.
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is widely considered one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Sweden. Known for its “Blue Hole”—a unique weather phenomenon that creates a sky clear of clouds over Lake Torneträsk—Abisko offers higher odds of seeing the Aurora than other locations: enjoy Nordic Lights Escapade is a perfect chance to explore the best of Swedish Lapland. You can reach Abisko via the Arctic Circle Train from Kiruna, which runs through scenic winter landscapes. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider staying at the Aurora Sky Station, where you can enjoy guided tours, warm shelters, and the thrill of watching the Aurora from an elevated mountaintop.
Kiruna
Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost town, provides both convenience and accessibility for Northern Lights chasers. Besides the nearby access to Abisko, Kiruna is home to the famous Icehotel, a unique accommodation crafted entirely from ice. Between December and March, Kiruna’s open landscapes make it a great destination for Northern Lights viewing. With activities like snowmobiling, ice sculpting, and meeting reindeer herds, Kiruna offers an immersive Lapland experience.
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is widely considered one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Sweden. Known for its “Blue Hole”—a unique weather phenomenon that creates a sky clear of clouds over Lake Torneträsk—Abisko offers higher odds of seeing the Aurora than other locations: enjoy Nordic Lights Escapade is a perfect chance to explore the best of Swedish Lapland. You can reach Abisko via the Arctic Circle Train from Kiruna, which runs through scenic winter landscapes. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider staying at the Aurora Sky Station, where you can enjoy guided tours, warm shelters, and the thrill of watching the Aurora from an elevated mountaintop.
Kiruna
Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost town, provides both convenience and accessibility for Northern Lights chasers. Besides the nearby access to Abisko, Kiruna is home to the famous Icehotel, a unique accommodation crafted entirely from ice. Between December and March, Kiruna’s open landscapes make it a great destination for Northern Lights viewing. With activities like snowmobiling, ice sculpting, and meeting reindeer herds, Kiruna offers an immersive Lapland experience.
For those interested in a scenic yet slightly more accessible location, Luleå offers a unique Northern Lights experience in the heart of Swedish Lapland. Nestled along the coast and surrounded by vast frozen landscapes in winter, Luleå provides excellent opportunities for Aurora viewing while also offering the charm of a historic town. Though it’s a bit busier than the remote villages of Porjus or Abisko, Luleå’s coastal position allows for stunning reflections of the Northern Lights over ice-covered waters, making it a popular spot for photographers and travelers who appreciate a blend of natural beauty and cultural experience.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland, with its surreal landscapes and remote skies, is often considered the best country to see the Northern Lights in Iceland for those drawn to a more dramatic setting. Located within the famous Golden Circle route, Thingvellir National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its geological significance and sweeping, open landscapes. Just an hour from Reykjavik, Thingvellir is convenient for those looking to combine Aurora hunting with sightseeing along Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle.
Few places are as photogenic as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The combination of drifting icebergs, a glacier backdrop, and the dancing Northern Lights makes this one of Iceland’s most enchanting viewing spots. Located in southeast Iceland, Jökulsárlón is best visited from October to March, when longer nights enhance the chances of an Aurora sighting. Be sure to dress warmly, as the lagoon’s coastal location can be chilly. While Reykjavik itself has light pollution, the areas around Iceland's capital city are ideal for catching the Northern Lights on a clear night. In particular, Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, just a short drive from Reykjavik, provides a dark and scenic location for viewing. For those with limited time, this makes for an excellent and accessible option.
Iceland, with its surreal landscapes and remote skies, is often considered the best country to see the Northern Lights for those drawn to a more dramatic setting
When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia?
The best time to chase the Northern Lights across Scandinavia is generally from late September to March. During these months, the nights are longest, offering the darkest skies. However, the peak season varies slightly by country:
+ Norway: September to March
+ Sweden: December to March
+ Iceland: October to March
Conditions for viewing are best on clear, dark nights, ideally in areas far from city lights. You’ll need patience, as the Northern Lights can be unpredictable, but with a bit of luck, Scandinavia’s magical skies will reward you with a spectacular show.
+ Norway: September to March
+ Sweden: December to March
+ Iceland: October to March
Conditions for viewing are best on clear, dark nights, ideally in areas far from city lights. You’ll need patience, as the Northern Lights can be unpredictable, but with a bit of luck, Scandinavia’s magical skies will reward you with a spectacular show.
Tips for Chasing the Northern Lights in Scandinavia
+ Check Aurora Forecasts: Websites and apps like Aurora Forecast or the Norwegian Meteorological Institute provide real-time information on Aurora activity levels and cloud cover.
+ Choose Dark Locations: To maximize your chance of seeing the Northern Lights, stay far from city lights and choose remote locations with open skies.
+ Be Patient and Dress Warmly: The lights may take time to appear, so wear layers and be prepared for cold Arctic nights.
+ Consider a Guided Tour: Joining a guided Northern Lights tour increases your chances of success. Expert guides know the best spots and conditions, plus they offer safety in unfamiliar terrain.
+ Capture the Moment: If you’re into photography, bring a camera with manual settings, a tripod, and wide-angle lens for the best results.
+ Choose Dark Locations: To maximize your chance of seeing the Northern Lights, stay far from city lights and choose remote locations with open skies.
+ Be Patient and Dress Warmly: The lights may take time to appear, so wear layers and be prepared for cold Arctic nights.
+ Consider a Guided Tour: Joining a guided Northern Lights tour increases your chances of success. Expert guides know the best spots and conditions, plus they offer safety in unfamiliar terrain.
+ Capture the Moment: If you’re into photography, bring a camera with manual settings, a tripod, and wide-angle lens for the best results.
For those seeking the best country to see Northern Lights, Scandinavia offers not only a high chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis but also a variety of unforgettable settings. Norway, Sweden, and Iceland each have their unique charms, from Norway’s scenic fjords to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and Sweden’s serene forests. No matter where you choose to go, the Northern Lights are a natural wonder that will leave you with lasting memories. So pack your warmest clothes, grab your camera, and prepare to experience one of the most beautiful sights on earth.
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