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 discover the top destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. Browse detailed guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — complete with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons so you can plan your trip with confidence.

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

And find out how to make the most of your Aurora adventure

Whether you’re a first-time aurora chaser or an experienced astrophotographer, our practical tips cover everything from camera settings and exposure times to what to wear in sub-zero temperatures. Learn how to read Kp-index forecasts, find dark-sky spots away from light pollution and capture stunning long-exposure shots that do justice to the night sky’s most spectacular natural light show.

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Alta

Home / Norway / Alta

Alta. The name itself conjures images of snow-dusted landscapes, midnight skies ablaze with the ethereal green of the aurora borealis and the crisp, invigorating air of the Arctic. This charming town nestled in northern Norway is a haven for aurora hunters.

Alta is more than just a place to see the northern lights. It’s a gateway to the Sami culture, with its rich history and traditions. You can visit the Alta Museum and learn about the Sami way of life and even try your hand at snowshoeing or dog sledding.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Alta. 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

2%

There is a 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Alta area (forecast for 12 June 2026 at 8:54am UTC)

Kp 3.67

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 13 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 -6 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 8 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

Waning crescent 22%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Weather Forecast for Alta

Rain

13°C Feels like 13°C

High
15°C
Low
10°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • Easterly winds 6 km/h gusts of 9 km/h

  • Rain 3 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Alta

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

  • Free cancellation

    Small Group Northern Lights Hunt in Alta

    5.0 (3)

    4 hours From £177.56

    Venture into the Arctic night for a captivating Northern Lights hunt, where the mesmerizing aurora borealis illuminates the sky. This 4-hour small group tour begins with an insightful presentation on the science and lore behind the Northern Lights. Guided by local experts, you'll explore the best viewing spots based on real-time weather forecasts while enjoying warming beverages and snacks. Experience the thrill of chasing this natural wonder in one of the world's prime locations for aurora sightings, enriched by the stunning wilderness of Alta. - Duration: 4 hours of Northern Lights exploration - Small group for a personalized experience, suitable for ages 8+ - Includes professional guide, lectures, and local history insights - Complimentary snacks, tea/coffee, and rental of camera tripod provided

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights tour with Alta Adventure

    4.5 (129)

    4 hours From £184.10

    We offer a tour for a small group to enjoy togetherness and excitement while hunting for Northern Lights in the beautiful landscapes of the Altafjord. We arrange organized guided tours since 2007 and have the knowledge about how to find the Northern Lights if the conditions are there. On our tours you normally will have 80-90 % chance of seeing this spectacular view. Each tour is different, as we focus on finding the optimal place with the greatest chance of seeing the lights. We therefore sometimes have to drive quite far to find them, while sometimes we find them in the surrounding area. Necessary driving distance decide whether we establish a camp with a fire, or whether we serve hot chocolate and snacks at one of our short stops. While enjoying the great outdoors, we will share with you local stories about Norwegian way of living, local history from the Stone Age, Sami culture, reindeer-herding, 2nd World War and the modern society in Alta. We are normally back just over midnight.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Minibus Chase Max 16 Person In Group

    4.2 (18)

    4 hours From £161.49

    Small group at Max 15 person in a trip at 4 hours. Clothing is not included. Bonfire with some hot drink and snacks.

  • Free cancellation

    Sleigh ride Under The Northern Lights

    5.0 (19)

    3 hours 30 minutes From £250.31

    Your best chance to see the northern lights in Alta is to be out under the night sky as often as you can. This tour takes you outdoors for a cozy “slow adventure” – a perfect way to spend an evening in good company on a leisurely local northern lights hunt. Your ride will take you through the forest and along the Alta River until you arrive at a wilderness shelter and take a break. A late, light dinner will be served around a fire, protected from the weather by the shelter’s half-wall. Along with conversation and local stories, if the conditions are right you might even have a chance to take a few pictures of the aurora in the sky!

  • Free cancellation

    Alta: 2 Hours Guided Adventure Cruise in Alta Fjord

    4.9 (10)

    2 hours From £89.47

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting Alta Fjord, where nature, history, and wildlife come together in a truly immersive experience. Enjoy captivating birdwatching and encounters with diverse wildlife, and if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of playful dolphins along the way. Discover the rich history of the region, from its vibrant past and historic mining legacy to its role during World War II. Leave behind the stresses of everyday life as you embrace the tranquility of nature, the excitement of wildlife encounters, and the beauty of the fjord’s breathtaking scenery. Children under 6 years can maybe join. Must send a direct request to us beforehand. If you are susceptible to seasickness, take seasickness medication 3 hours before the tour starts.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Snowmobile or UTV Safari in centrum of Alta city. close to harbor

    5.0 (3)

    4 hours From £177.64

    On this trip all the guest will be seen and taken care of under the visiting. We take them with us on a trip in the forestry to see how we do the forestry. we show them the forestry machine we use and let the tray it. We drive around in the Forestry with snowmobile and Utv and the gest will get the opportunity to drive the snowmobile.We have fire pit to warm up the gest and grill some food on. Warm clothes the guest must have with them self. The guest will get an opportunity to test their skills to throw axe. And maybe we se the moose in the forestry.

Places to check out around Alta

Explore more nearby Alta

  • Blue wooden cabin surrounded by beautiful purple flowers, Kautokeino, Norway

    Credit: Andrea Maschio

    Kautokeino

    69°0'39"N, 23°2'29"E

    Aurora probability in Kautokeino: 2%

    Kautokeino, a remote town in Norway’s Finnmark region, is a cultural hub for the indigenous Sami people, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Sami culture, reindeer herding and the stunning Arctic wilderness.

  • Two reindeer on the roadside going into Hammerfest, Norway

    Credit: Secret Travel Guide

    Hammerfest

    70°39'48"N, 23°40'57"E

    Aurora probability in Hammerfest: 3%

    Hammerfest, one of the northernmost towns in the world, is a charming Arctic destination known for its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit spot for travelers seeking unique experiences in Norway’s far north.

  • The rugged coastline at Nordkapp, Norway

    Credit: Sayo Oladeji

    Nordkapp

    71°10'15"N, 25°47'2"E

    Aurora probability in Nordkapp: 3%

    Nordkapp, or North Cape, is a dramatic cliffside destination in northern Norway that offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and the midnight sun, making it a must-visit spot for travelers seeking to experience the raw beauty of the far north.

Other places in Norway

Bodø•​Lofoten•​Tromsø

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Hjemmelufttoppen

Home / Norway / Alta / Hjemmelufttoppen

Hjemmelufttoppen is a Mountain in Alta, Norge

Where to find Hjemmelufttoppen?

69°56'44"N, 23°10'16"E

Other places to try near Hjemmelufttoppen