The best places on the globe to see the Northern lights (also called aurora borealis) are located at the Earth’s most northerly and southerly latitudes. These locations include Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Norway, and Finland.
There is a broad and varied list of locations suitable for seeing the Northern Lights. This post will critically and efficiently examine the top 10 places to see the Aurora Borealis. That will allow you to effectively plan where to view the Northern Lights, enabling you to check this dream off your list of things to accomplish in your time.
Southern Iceland
For several reasons, Iceland is among the most excellent spots to see the northern lights (aurora Borealis). First, you may get reasonably priced flights from the United States and Europe. Because the nation is easily navigable and has decent roads, you can hire a vehicle and drive about the country on your own to look for the Northern Lights.
Even though Iceland is located below the Arctic Circle, there is still a significant possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Because it is one of the nations with fewer entrance restrictions due to the epidemic, it is a great destination regardless of where you are from. In terms of places, it is conceivable to see the Northern Lights from almost any site on the island as long as there is no light pollution.
Northern Canada
Northern Canada is a vast country, and the bulk of its spots are isolated and difficult to get to; nevertheless, there are several places in Canada where it is possible to see the Northern Lights. These include Whitehorse, located in the Yukon, which has the title of “Official Capital of the Northern Lights in Canada” due to the city’s high number of evenings during which the Aurora Borealis may be seen.
Most people who visit Canada to see the Northern Lights choose Whitehorse as their base of operations for viewing the phenomenon. Several housing choices are available, public transit is convenient, and visitors may take aurora tours from the city.
Tromso, Norway
There is no question that Tromso is among the best locations on the European continent from which to see the aurora borealis. Enjoying this natural phenomenon is made more accessible by the abundance of affordable travel options, including flights, excursions, and accommodations. In addition to Tromso, Norway has a significant number of easily accessible sites that are situated at the ideal latitude to see the “Green Lady” practically every clear night.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska, is the finest spot in the United States to see the aurora borealis. Of course, this doesn’t rule out witnessing the Northern Lights in any other fifty states or other sections of Alaska, but this city has the most straightforward access and maximum potential.
If you can be flexible with the dates of your trip, it is highly advised that you schedule your vacation to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights around March. In March, visitors to the city renowned as the “Aurora capital of Alaska” will find the most transparent sky and the most impressive displays of the Northern Lights.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Finland and Norway are the most popular places to see European aurora borealis. However, Rovaniemi, Finland, is an excellent place to see the Northern Lights. This city is home to a diverse selection of winter and Northern Lights-themed activities, as well as some of the world’s finest hotels specializing in Northern Lights viewing.
As one goes from the South to the north of Finland, aurora borealis sightings increase. If you want to enhance your chances of seeing the green Lights, traveling farther north will give you a better chance of doing so.
Kiruna, Sweden
In addition, the Arctic area of Sweden is a highly accessible and reasonably simple location to see the aurora borealis. Because it is easy to get to and has a wide variety of places to stay and explore, Kiruna has become the most popular location in all of Sweden for seeing the Northern Lights.
The climate of the Swedish Lapland is moderated by the Gulf Stream, which means that the region does not experience temperatures that are on par with those seen in Alaska or Canada.
Murmansk, Russia
Russia is the biggest nation on Earth, and most of its landmass extends north of the Arctic Circle. Some regions in Russia, like Murmansk on the Kola peninsula, are easier to reach and provide excellent opportunities to see the aurora borealis.
However, the vast majority of Russian territory is inaccessible and cold. Therefore, the most excellent place in Russia to see the aurora borealis is in the country’s northwest, notably on and around the Kola Peninsula. These locations are easily accessible and provide some of the best views of the phenomenon.
Ilulissat, Greenland
Greenland is yet another enormous and inaccessible region. Still, it is located inside the Auroral Oval and has several communities in breathtaking settings from where one can see the Northern Lights. There are some tourist-friendly locations near the shore of Greenland, but the majority of the country’s landmass is inaccessible due to dangerous terrain.
Another one of the greatest spots in Greenland to see the Northern Lights is the city of Nuuk: Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is one of the most incredible places in Greenland to see the aurora borealis since it is located farther south. This city is ideal for seeing the Northern Lights since fjords, steep peaks, and mountains encircle it.
Dunedin, New Zealand
If you want to view the Northern Lights Southern counterpart, the Aurora Australis, New Zealand, is the place to go. However, if you want to find it, you should go there. The city of Dunedin is the finest location in New Zealand to see the aurora borealis.
It is located at a very high southern latitude, it is easily accessible, and it provides some stunning landscapes to chase the lights, such as Moeraki. However, be mindful that these locations need a significant amount of solar activity to see the Aurora, so try to keep your hopes high and make it a habit to check the forecast for the Northern Lights daily.
Tasmania, Australia
The island of Tasmania in Australia is yet another fantastic location to see the Aurora Australis. The southern state of Australia is Tasmania. In addition, to having many of the most stunning coastlines, World Heritage rainforests, and national parks to photograph, visitors to Tasmania have the opportunity to see some of the most vivid auroras in the country due to the state’s high latitude.
Tasmania is the southern state of Australia. Because you require significant solar activity to view the lights from here, this location might be an excellent vacation spot during “maximum solar years,” which are years in which the sun’s activity is at its highest.
Conclusion
As can be seen, the most fantastic vantage points for seeing the aurora borealis are situated throughout the circumference of the Auroral Oval. Even though most of the sites inside the Arctic Circle are somewhat isolated, there are still some fantastic spots where it is adequately possible to see the Aurora Borealis. We hope our list of places to see the Northern lights is helpful for you if you are genuinely looking for places to see the Northern lights.
