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.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

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.

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.

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.

See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home

Can’t travel to see the Northern Lights? Watch aurora live from home using webcams, livestreams, alert apps and space weather dashboards. A complete guide to remote aurora viewing.

Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?

How far south can the Northern Lights be seen? A guide to aurora visibility by latitude, covering the UK, northern Europe, the US and beyond, including what Kp level you need and historic low-latitude sightings.

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.

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 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 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.

Abisko

Home / Sweden / Abisko

Abisko has a reputation as the "Aurora Capital of the World" it sits directly under the "Aurora Oval", the region where the northern lights are most active. The village is blessed with a unique microclimate that creates exceptionally clear skies, minimizing cloud cover and maximizing your chances of seeing the lights. Abisko also has strict light pollution regulations, helping to ensure that the night sky is truly dark, enhancing the brilliance of the aurora.

Abisko is also home to the Aurora Sky Station this incredible viewing platform offers panoramic views of the sky and is a prime spot to catch the show.

Aurora season is between late September and early April, with the peak viewing in February and March.

Credit: Timmy Siik
Credit: Niklas Sagrén
Credit: Mathias Celis
Credit: Mathias Celis
Credit: Niklas Sagrén
Credit: Peter van der Meulen
Credit: Lucas Santos

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Abisko. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Abisko area (forecast for 27 July 2026 at 12:50pm UTC)

Kp 2.00

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 14 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 1 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 5 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 86%

Sunrise 2:22am

Sunset 11:19pm

Weather Forecast for Abisko

Rain

17°C Feels like 16°C

High: 17°C
Low: 12°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 100%
South-Easterly winds 5 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Abisko

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Abisko.

Free cancellation

From Kiruna: Aurora Snowmobile Adventure

5.0 (5)

3 hours 30 minutes From £78.84

Cruise through the enchanting snowy landscapes of Lapland on a memorable snowmobile adventure in search of the Northern Lights. This 3 to 3.5-hour evening tour starts at 19:00 and offers you the chance to drive your own snowmobile or enjoy a comfortable ride in a sled (see options below), all while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Arctic night. Your expert guide will share local stories and traditions as you glide through pristine forests, pausing to breathe in the crisp air and gaze at the starlit sky. With warm drinks and clothing included, it’s a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility in the far north. - Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, starting at 19:00 - Drive your own snowmobile or ride in a sled - Experience the magical beauty of the Northern Lights - Warm drinks and clothing provided for added comfort To drive, you must choose one of the following options: Drive Your Own or 2 People Driving. If you book a sled ride, please note that this option does not include driving.
Private tour

Meet 70 Huskies and Enjoy a short ATV Tour with the Huskies

5.0 (19)

3 hours From £134.70

We have an array of world-class Alaskan huskies. With a gene pool that stretches across the pond. You will be delighted to experience their strength, beauty, and charismatic personalities. Their boundless energy and love shine with excitement every time they have a new group of visitors—a super friendly bunch of canines always eager for a bit of fun and action cuddles!
Free cancellation

The Ultimate Aurora Photo Adventure

4.9 (547)

4 hours From £126.38

While other operators may give you one method of chasing the lights on foot or in a minivan, we are proud to be the only outfitter to invest so much time and customer research into a brand new adventure that gives you not one, but THREE methods to see and photograph the northern lights and the absolute best chances of a successful aurora chase in Abisko National Park. We are proud of the fact that we are fully insured and have all the necessary permits to operate our tours in Abisko National Park, which many of our competitors have simply chosen not to do. All of our evening adventures have a maximum guest to guide ratio of 8:1. This makes the experience much more genuine, and helps us maintain proper social distancing at our locations. Since your adventure includes all transportation, there is not a set time that we have to return back to the hotel, which gives us more flexibility and the ability to stay out later than any other outfitter in Abisko.
Free cancellation

Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer

5.0 (816)

4 - 6 hours From £133.16

After we pick you up from your hotel in Kiruna, we will start to chase the northern lights that depends on each night according to the weather conditions. We can drive to Abisko, Kiruna’s boreal forest or wherever we can find clear sky to see Aurora Borealis. Lights of Vikings have a really high success rate in finding clear sky which is one of the most important criteria to see the Northern Lights. Our concept is famous for driving long distances if necessary! Wherever we go during the tour, we will tell you many stories about the northern lights and Vikings. After finding clear sky, we’ll admire the northern lights and we will take pictures which we’ll send to you within 3 days after the tour. If you bring your own camera, we will help you set it up to get the best shots. As the northern lights dance in the sky we will serve hot drinks and make a camp fire for you to keep warm. After the northern lights tour, we will drive you back to Kiruna.
Free cancellation

Full-Day Reindeer Tour with Pickup in Kiruna

4.8 (87)

7 hours From £221.47

Here at the heart of Sápmi you can become a reindeer herder for a day. You can ride a reindeer sleigh alone in the winter landscape, feed the reindeer and eat delicious food. You are invited to be a part of the real life of the Sámi people. A professional reindeer herder will introduce you to his reindeer herd in his native environment. We are a reindeer herding family in Swedish lapland. We live and operate in the northern Sweden, middle of the Torneträsk-Soppero primeval forest which is located north of Kiruna city. We are an indigenous people in Europe and the Nordic countries. The area that has historically been inhabited by our ancestors for generations is called Sápmi and includes northern part of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Our goal for you is to have a genuine experience with us, in our everyday life.
Free cancellation Special offer

Kiruna Small Group Snowshoe Tour with Fika

No reviews

2 hours 30 minutes From £69.41

This is a guided Arctic experience led by someone born and raised in Kiruna, offering a genuine local perspective of the surrounding wilderness. My lifelong connection to the area allows us to explore quiet forests and open landscapes away from crowded tourist routes. The pace and route are adapted to the weather, snow conditions, and your comfort level on the day, creating a flexible and natural experience in the Arctic environment. This is a slow and authentic experience focused on silence, nature, and real local knowledge—an alternative to mass tourism and standard group excursions.