Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

From the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the vast wilderness of Alaska, we help you find the best destinations for seeing the aurora borealis. Browse our guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons for each.

Great places to view the Aurora

  • Canada

    From the Arctic tundra of Yellowknife to the Rocky Mountain parks of Alberta, Canada offers some of the most reliable and dramatic aurora viewing in the world.

    Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

  • Faroe Islands

    A dramatic North Atlantic archipelago at 62°N with virtually no light pollution. When the maritime skies clear, the Faroe Islands’ rugged coastline provides a striking backdrop for the Northern Lights.

    Tórshavn

  • Finland

    Finnish Lapland combines dark Arctic skies with excellent tourism infrastructure, from glass igloos and fell villages to reindeer safaris and the Finnish sauna tradition.

    Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

  • Greenland

    The world’s largest island with virtually zero light pollution. Greenland’s icebergs, fjords and vast Arctic wilderness create an unmatched setting for Northern Lights viewing.

    Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

  • Iceland

    A volcanic island at 64°N where glaciers, lava fields, hot springs and waterfalls create some of the most dramatic aurora backdrops in the world.

    Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

  • Norway

    Northern Norway’s fjords, mountains and fishing villages provide some of the most iconic aurora viewing in the world, with excellent transport links and a well-established tourism infrastructure.

    Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

  • Shetland

    The most northerly point in the British Isles at 60°N, where minimal light pollution and wide open horizons make the “Merry Dancers” a regular sight during geomagnetically active periods.

    Lerwick

  • Svalbard

    A high Arctic archipelago at 78°N where months of polar night provide round-the-clock aurora viewing opportunities in one of the most remote inhabited places on earth.

    Longyearbyen

  • Sweden

    Swedish Lapland’s clear inland skies, particularly around Abisko, offer some of the most reliable aurora viewing in Scandinavia, with the Aurora Sky Station and Icehotel adding to the appeal.

    Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

  • USA

    Alaska’s interior sits beneath the auroral oval, with Fairbanks offering some of the most reliable aurora viewing in the world. Vast wilderness, dry skies and a long season from August to April make it a premier destination.

    Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

CanadaFaroe IslandsFinlandGreenlandIcelandNorwayShetlandSvalbardSwedenUSA

Plan your aurora adventure

Check tonight’s forecast, pick the best month to travel, learn what to pack and how to photograph the aurora. We’ve also got guides on chasing the lights from home and spotting them from lower latitudes when conditions are right.

  • Aurora Forecast

    Stay updated with the latest aurora forecast including Kp-index, Bz, solar wind density and speed, plus a 3-day outlook, aurora map and top viewing locations.

  • Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure

    When to go? What to wear? Things to consider when planning a trip to see the Northern Lights.

  • Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights

    When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? A month-by-month guide covering aurora season, solar cycles, equinox effects and what to expect throughout the year.

  • Northern Lights By Country: A Comparison Guide

    Comparing the best countries for seeing the Northern Lights. Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Canada, Alaska and beyond. Which destination is right for your aurora trip?

  • What To Do If The Aurora Doesn’t Appear

    Travelled to see the Northern Lights but the sky won’t cooperate? A guide to making the most of your trip when the aurora doesn’t show, with alternative activities and tips for maximising your remaining nights.

  • Northern Lights Photography

    A complete guide to photographing the Northern Lights. Learn the best camera settings, equipment and composition tips for capturing stunning aurora photos.

Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureBest Time Of Year To See The Northern LightsNorthern Lights By CountryWhat To Do If The Aurora Doesn’t AppearNorthern Lights Photography

Discover the science, stories and sounds of the aurora

Learn how the solar wind creates the aurora, read about the myths and folklore behind the lights, browse a glossary of space weather terms, or put on a playlist while you wait for the sky to turn green.

  • Aurora Glossary

    A comprehensive glossary of aurora and space weather terms. Understand Kp, Bz, solar wind, CME, substorms and more to improve your Northern Lights viewing.

  • Science Of The Aurora

    Understanding the science behind the Northern Lights. Learn about the solar wind, Earth’s magnetic field and how charged particles create the stunning auroral displays.

  • Northern Lights Playlist

    Pop on your headphones and relax. A curated playlist to accompany your Northern Lights experience.

  • Northern Lights Gallery

    Enjoy the vibrant colours dancing in the night sky in this collection of our favourite aurora images.

  • Northern Lights Myths And Legends

    Exploring the myths and legends surrounding the Northern Lights, from Norse Valkyries and Inuit spirits to Sámi beliefs, Finnish folklore and beyond.

Aurora GlossaryScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights PlaylistNorthern Lights GalleryNorthern Lights Myths And Legends