Where and When to See the Northern Lights in Europe – The Ultimate Guide

If you’re wondering where to see the Northern Lights in Europe, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide has been carefully put together to give you all the info you need about the best spots and perfect timings to catch the breathtaking beauty of the Aurora Borealis.

As one of nature’s most mesmerizing shows, the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights can truly enhance your European adventure.

Keep in mind, that seeing the Northern Lights or visiting Scandinavia might not be the cheapest options. But you know what? With some careful planning and a good dose of curiosity, it’s totally worth it!

So, let’s hop on this adventure together and prepare for one of the most mind-blowing experiences ever!

Understanding the Northern Lights

So, the Northern Lights happen when charged particles from the sun collide with particles in the Earth’s atmosphere.

This collision creates energy, which then shows up as those stunning colorful lights in the sky.

And guess what? The colors of the Northern Lights actually depend on the kind of gas particles they run into.

For example, when they bump into oxygen, we get those lovely green lights, and when they collide with nitrogen, we see those vibrant red lights.

Now, if you’re wondering where you can witness this jaw-dropping spectacle, well, you’re in luck!

The Northern Lights can be seen in several European countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Scotland.

These countries are located within what’s called the “Aurora Oval,” which is basically an area around the magnetic North Pole where the Northern Lights are most visible.

But here’s a pro tip: if you really want to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe, it’s highly recommended to head to remote locations away from any artificial light sources.

Oh, and keeping an eye on the weather forecast and aurora forecasts can definitely help you plan your trip accordingly.

To sum it all up, the Northern Lights are truly a natural wonder that can be witnessed in several European countries.

Understanding the science behind this magical phenomenon and planning your trip smartly can definitely increase your chances of experiencing this breathtaking display of lights in the sky.

When to see Northern lights in Europe

If you’re aiming to witness the mesmerizing northern lights, careful and detailed planning is a must.

First things first, plan your trip between September and April when winter in the Northern part of Europe brings long, dark nights.

December to March is especially dark, with some places experiencing the phenomenon of “Polar Night” where the sun doesn’t rise. But hey, aurora borealis can appear as early as August in certain spots!

But wait, there’s more to the Nordics than just the northern lights.

The winter season offers a magical opportunity to explore natural ice caves in Iceland, try dog sledding, and go snowmobiling. So, get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

📍 It’s important to note that weather conditions can also play a role in your ability to see the Northern Lights.

best places to see the northern lights in europe

When it comes to the best places to see northern lights in Europe, there are a few that really stand out.

Tromsø, Norway

Have you heard of Tromsø, Norway? It’s often called the “Gateway to the Arctic” or even the “Paris of the North.” This incredible place is perfect for catching a glimpse of the mesmerizing aurora borealis.

Located just 350km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is surrounded by frozen fjords and majestic peaks that stay snow-capped for most of the year.

If you’re looking to witness the northern lights, the northern region of Tromsø is your best bet, especially between September and April.

However, it’s worth noting that the winter brings polar nights when the sun doesn’t rise for weeks. But fear not! These longer nights give you even more time to spot the enchanting aurora borealis.

The region is perfect because it’s far away from light pollution from the city’s lights.

The season is also ripe for a huskies’ experience where you can encounter over 300 huskies with their puppies and also a great time to Norwegian stockfish around the fireplace.

So, whether you opt for an aurora safari or take a cruise to see the light show from the sea, Tromsø Norway has a higher success rate than anywhere in the region.

Visiting Tromso? Check out my other posts!

• Your 2024 Ultimate Travel Guide To Tromso
• Best Tours In Tromso For An Unforgettable Arctic Experience
• Guide to the Best Tromso Hotels for Every Budget
• Tromso Winter Vacation: How To Plan Your Dream Trip to Norway’s Northernmost City
• Seven Amazing Places To Visit When You’re In Tromso

Where to stay in Tromsø

To see the lights, you must stay clear of hotels in the city center. Here are two hotel recommendations to consider;

❄️ Aurora Camp Tromsø; Located in the Lyngen Alps, a night at the hotel entails a crystal lavvo (an indigenous Sami lodging made of glass panes to allow you to see the northern lights).

The hotel fee includes transportation from downtown Tromsø, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), snowshoe or cross-country ski activity, and a tour (either snowmobiling through the Lyngen Alps or whale watching in Skjervoy).  ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

❄️ Tromsø Ice Domes; Perched in a region free of light pollution in Tamok Valley, the ice hotel is the perfect place to see the lights.

The domes are made entirely from ice, take about two months to build every year and are only open from December 10^th  to March 31^st because the season is chilly enough to keep the ice domes intact. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is in a prime spot near the Arctic Circle, which makes it perfect for catching a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Even though light pollution in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, can sometimes make it hard to see, just a short drive from the city center can lead to breathtaking views of the Northern Lights.

Plus, the city has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of cozy cafes where you can warm up after a day of chasing the lights.

By the way, going on a cruise deep into the sea is absolutely amazing! It can be one of the most exceptional experiences you’ve ever had.

The two-hour cruise will take you from the Old Harbour into the Atlantic, where your guide will offer insights and myths about the aurora. And if the conditions are suitable for northern lights but it’s too windy to take a boat, the tour crew will take you by bus.

And if you don’t catch the flicker, no worries! There are tons of other things to do in the area.

You can go hiking along the Elliðaárdalur Valley, check out ice caves, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, and explore the black beaches on the southern coast. Plenty of options to keep you entertained!

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Staying in a hotel outside the city is your best shot at seeing the lights. Here are two recommendations;

❄️ Hotel Husafell; Perched far away from the light pollution in Reykjavik, Hotel Husafell is an excellent spot to see the lights. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

The hotel is also in a region where you can glimpse snowy peaks, vegetation and waterfalls. The hotel also arranges activities such as hiking and thermal baths.

❄️ Hotel Laxnes; The beautiful rustic hotel is a great spot to see aurora borealis.

The hotel has a bar where you can sit and marvel at the spectacle with a beer in hand. Hotel Laxnes offers breakfast and arranges activities such as whale watching, hiking and kayaking tours. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

Rovaniemi, Finland

Located near the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is an absolutely stunning place with snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and vast tundra.

And guess what? Your chances of seeing the northern lights are pretty high, as they can be spotted for up to 200 nights a year!

Plus, there are so many fun ways to chase those lights, like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

You can even hop on a snowmobile and zip across a frozen lake into the forest, sipping on hot drinks as you wait for the lights to appear.

But that’s not all! This town is an absolute gem, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It’s known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, and you can visit his house and create some unforgettable holiday memories.

And if you’re into skiing, head over to Ylläs, a famous ski resort in the area. And for all you outdoor enthusiasts, a hike along the frozen Kemijoki River is just as magical.

Looking to book a tour in Lapland?

That’s an absolutely fantastic idea! Tours are undeniably one of the most effective ways to uncover the hidden gems of the country.

If your travel plans fall during the peak season, I cannot stress enough the importance of pre-booking your tours to avoid any disappointment.

When I travel, I swear by this company for booking my tours. Their offerings include everything from skip-the-line tickets for the world’s most iconic attractions to intimate walking tours led by knowledgeable local experts.

If you’re a foodie, you will not be disappointed with their immersive food and beverage tours. They also organize unique cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and even niche tours that you will find nowhere else!

Now, let’s talk about some of the best tours in Finland:

1. Ultimate Northern Lights tour: This is an absolute must! Check prices!
2. Reindeer sleigh ride with a hot drink and cookies: A quintessential Lapland experience! Check prices!
3. Incredible Husky Safari in the snow: A thrilling ride you won’t forget! Check prices!
4. Santa Claus Village with Huskies AND Reindeer! Talk about a magical experience! Check prices!
5. Unsure about which tour to pick? No worries, check out more tours for your trip here!

Where to stay in Rovaniemi

There are plenty of hotel options in Rovaniemi. Here are two recommendations;

❄️ Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort; This is one of the most popular Finland northern lights hotels offering an array of options such as glass igloos, snow igloos, wooden chalets and traditional Finnish houses.

The hotel also organizes tours such as reindeer safaris, snowboarding, skiing, ice fishing, and husky safaris. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

❄️ Arctic Treehouse Hotel; Each suite has a window with panoramic views of the forest and sky for guests to take in the scenery without having to leave their rooms. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

Abisko, Sweden

Abisko, up there in the Arctic north of Swedish Lapland, is an absolute gem if you want to see the mesmerizing northern lights in Europe.

Thanks to the huge mountains that shield it from any artificial light, Abisko has an 88% chance of catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis if you spend three days there between September and April, as long as the skies are clear.

But wait, there’s more! This place has tons of exciting activities like snowshoeing and husky sledding for all you adventure junkies.

Oh, and you can’t miss Lapporten, this stunning U-shaped valley nestled between two majestic mountains.

Trust me, the view is mind-blowing! And of course, make sure to explore the breathtaking Abisko National Park, where you can take some jaw-dropping postcard-perfect shots of the dancing northern lights in the sky.

Where to stay in Abisko

There is a myriad of hotel options. Here are two accommodations;

❄️ STF Abisko Turiststation; Perched in Abisko National Park, STF Abisko is an excellent spot to see the northern lights. The hotel is also within walking distance of hiking trails, and ski enthusiasts can glide down Mount Njullá. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

❄️ IceHotel; What started as a novelty experience in 1989, when the first ice hotel in Sweden was hand-sculpted, has become a lucrative business, with many travelers flocking to the hotel to enjoy the experience. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

Alta, Norway

Have you ever heard of Alta in Norway? It’s this incredible place where you can witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the aurora borealis right on the continent, nestled within the northern lights’ oval.

That’s why it’s often called the “City of Northern Lights.” And guess what? It’s home to the world’s first Northern Light Observatory too, adding to its significance in studying and observing this celestial wonder.

During the winter, Alta frequently enjoys clear skies, which is perfect for spotting the elusive northern lights.

They grace the city on about 200 nights annually! But Alta isn’t just about the lights. You can explore the rich history at the Alta Museum, where ancient rock carvings are preserved. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the unique Church of Northern Lights!

For those who love adventure, Alta has got you covered with exhilarating winter sports like dog sledding and snowshoeing. Trust me, every experience in Alta will leave you in awe of Norway’s stunning beauty.

Where to stay in Alta

The hospitality industry in this region is robust, so finding a hotel won’t be a challenge. Here are two recommendations;

❄️ Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge; The hotel is in a prime area, and guests can easily participate in other activities such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

❄️ Thon Hotel Alta; The hotel, located only 5.2km from the airport, is the perfect starting point for international travelers hunting the aurora. There is also a 24-hour health club for guests to work out and a restaurant (Brasseri Alta) for guests to take a bite. ➡ BOOK AND CHECK PRICES HERE!

📍 If you’re looking for the best time to see the Northern Lights in a specific European country, it’s important to research the country’s climate and weather patterns. For example, December is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, while January and February are the best months for viewing in Norway.

Lesser known destinations to see Northern Lights in Europe

Greenland

Greenland is a lesser-known destination for viewing the Northern Lights in Europe, but it’s definitely worth considering.

The country’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal location for viewing the aurora borealis. The towns of Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq are two of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Greenland.

Scotland

Scotland is not as far north as some of the other destinations on this list, but it’s still a great location to see the Northern Lights in Europe.

The country’s northernmost region, the Shetland Islands, is one of the best places to view the aurora borealis. The islands are far away from the city lights, which makes them an ideal location for stargazing.

These are just a few of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe. Remember, the best time to view the aurora borealis is from October to April, and you’ll need to be away from city lights to get the best view.

Latvia

Latvia is a lesser-known destination for seeing the Northern Lights, but it is still a great option.

The best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Latvia is between November and March. The Gauja National Park and the Vidzeme region are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Latvia.

Russia

Russia is another country where you can witness the Northern Lights. The best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Russia is during the winter months, when the nights are long and dark.

Murmansk, Khibiny Mountains, and the Kola Peninsula are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Russia.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights in Europe

If you’re planning to witness the Northern Lights in Europe, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Check the Weather Forecast

You definitely want clear skies to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. So, before you go, make sure to check the weather forecast for the area you’re visiting. Cloudy or overcast skies can spoil the view of the aurora, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip when the weather is on your side.

Find a Dark Location

If you want to witness the magnificent Northern Lights, make sure to find a dark spot far from city lights.

Light pollution can spoil the view, so aim for places away from streetlights and other artificial sources of light. National parks, remote wilderness areas, and open fields are awesome spots to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis.

Be Patient

Catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights isn’t a sure thing, even if you’re in the perfect spot at the perfect moment.

These auroras are a natural wonder, and their appearance is totally unpredictable. Just hang in there and keep your eyes to the sky. Sometimes you’ll get lucky with a few minutes of magic, while other times you might be treated to hours of awe-inspiring beauty.

Bring Warm Clothing

If you’re planning to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the chilly, northern regions of Europe, remember to bundle up!

Don’t forget to bring layers of clothing, like a cozy jacket, hat, gloves, and boots. To stay extra warm during those long nights of aurora watching, thermal underwear and hand warmers can be a game-changer.

Consider a Guided Tour

If you’re new to aurora watching, think about booking a guided tour. A guide who knows their stuff can take you to the best spots for catching the Northern Lights and give you the lowdown on the aurora and its history.

Plus, guided tours hook you up with transportation and gear, so you can fully enjoy the experience.

If you follow these tips, you’ll up your chances of catching the Northern Lights in Europe and have an unforgettable aurora watching experience.

FAQ about Northern Lights in Europe

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Europe?

The best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe are in the northern regions of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland.

Specifically, Tromsø in Norway and Finnish Lapland are popular destinations for viewing the Northern Lights. However, you need to be able to see the northern horizon for a chance at glimpsing the lights.

What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Europe?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Europe is during the winter months, from late September to early April.

The darker and clearer the sky, the better the chances of seeing the lights. It is also important to check the weather forecast and solar activity before planning your trip.

Can the Northern Lights be seen in Germany?

While it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Germany, it is rare and not a reliable location for viewing the lights. The best places to see the Northern Lights are in the northern regions of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, seeing the Northern Lights in Europe is an unforgettable experience that should definitely be on your bucket list. With some good prep and planning, you can up your chances of catching this incredible natural phenomenon.

Here are a few important takeaways:

• Late September to early April is the prime time for catching the Northern Lights in Europe.
• Head up north to places like Scandinavia, Iceland, and northern Russia for the best views.
• Boost your chances by staying away from city lights, keeping an eye on the aurora forecast, and having a little patience.
• And hey, why not combine your Northern Lights trip with some other winter fun like skiing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding?

Just remember, spotting the Northern Lights isn’t a sure thing, but with the right prep and a dash of luck, you might just witness one of the most mind-blowing natural wonders out there.

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