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.

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.

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.

Faroe Islands

Home / Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands provide a truly intimate setting for experiencing the northern lights. Nestled in the North Atlantic, these remote islands are free from major light pollution, offering excellent conditions for aurora viewing on clear winter evenings. The dramatic scenery—towering cliffs, lush hills, and charming villages—serves as a perfect canvas for the shimmering lights. Beyond the aurora, travelers can delve into Viking history, enjoy lively local culture, and embark on outdoor pursuits like hiking and birdwatching, making a visit to the Faroe Islands both memorable and unique.

  • Tórshavn

    62°0'38"N, 6°46'26"W

    Aurora probability in Tórshavn: 0%

    Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, is a great base for viewing the Northern Lights from November to February, with easy access to various dark-sky locations across the islands.

Book an amazing adventure in The Faroe Islands

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to The Faroe Islands.

  • Free cancellation

    Sightseeing Around Nólsoy to see Puffins

    4.5 (35)

    2 hours From £154.10

    Take a break from your busy life and treat yourself to a relaxing boat tour around the beautiful Island of Nólsoy. With this two-hour trip, you can take in the amazing sights of the Eastern side of Nólsoy, sail past two lighthouses, and witness the majestic birdlife - including puffins! This is the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get back to nature. With this boat tour, you can enjoy the breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere that the island has to offer. So don't miss out - purchase your two-hour boat trip around Nólsoy today!

  • Free cancellation

    Guided Puffin Safari Boat Tour

    4.5 (11)

    1 hour From £77.35

    Faroe Island Puffin Safari Boat tour. You will discover the breathtaking beauty of the Vagar Islands. During the tour we will pass the Puffin Area near Tindhólmur. You can immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and vibrant wildlife that makes this place so special and where you can witness charming puffins in their natural habitat. The two famous waterfall's "Skarðsáfossur" at Akranes and "Múlafossur" in Gásdalur are attractions where we will stop. At the end of the tour we will sail close to Drangarnir Sea Stacks which is one of the most photographed senary in Faroe Islands. And if weather permits we will sail through the Arch of the big sea stack.

  • Free cancellation

    Drangarnir Sea Stacks Boat Tour

    4.7 (26)

    1 hour From £77.35

    Faroe Islands Boat Tour: Our first stop is the the quaint village of Bøur, where traditional grass-roofed houses greet the coast. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the coastline as we venture to Salgjógv, Akranes, and Skarsáfossur. Witness nature's artistry in the form of captivating rock formations. Brace yourself for the grandeur of Múlafossur, where a powerful waterfall cascades dramatically into the North Atlantic surrounded by cliffs providing a stunning backdrop. Sail to Tindhólmur, a tranquil islet rising majestically from the sea. Feel the serenity of this secluded paradise. Prepare for a close encounter with Drangarnir, a natural sculpture rising proudly from the sea. Experience the thrill of coming almost within touching distance of this iconic sea stacks. Weather permitting, embrace the excitement as we navigate through the natural arch of the sea stack. This rare opportunity adds a touch of adventure to your maritime journey, creating an unforgettable experience.

  • Free cancellation

    Exclusive 1,5 Hour Drangarnir Boat Tour

    4.8 (34)

    1 hour 30 minutes From £130.30

    Get front row views of the islands’ most breath-taking spots like Drangarnir sea stacks, Tindhólmur islet and the most Instagrammed waterfall in the world, Múlafossur in Gásadalur. As well as Mykiness - puffin island On this family-friendly sightseeing tour, you’ll be guided by our experienced skipper. A long-time Sørvágur resident, Elias knows the area intimately and has plenty of stories to tell about the local surroundings. Remember to ask him about the ‘water elf’! This is a group, meaning you can be joined by other passengers. We keep the number of passengers at 8.

  • Free cancellation

    Fishing Experience in Faroe Islands

    4.4 (7)

    4 hours From £308.80

    Embark on a captivating fishing expedition around Nolsoy. Sail across placid waters, enjoy catching different fish species like cod, haddock, and elusive halibut. Nolsoy isn’t just for fishing. It’s a birdwatcher’s haven, hosting one of the world’s largest storm petrel colonies. Witness puffins, guillemots, and gannets nestled on the cliffs. On navigating the island, spot seals lounging on shores or dolphins and whales occasionally surfacing. Your Nolsoy trip is not just fishing but an immersion into a vibrant marine ecosystem. Unforgettable experiences at every turn, promise an enriching, exhilarating adventure.

  • Free cancellation

    Shared Ferry Boat Tour to Mykines from Sørvágur

    5.0 (1)

    5 hours 45 minutes From £130.30

    Step aboard for a scenic journey across the Atlantic to Mykines, the westernmost island of the Faroe Islands. After a short boat ride, you’ll arrive where time seems to stand still — a charming village set among dramatic cliffs and rolling green hills filled with birdlife. Skip the queue on the public ferry and secure your spot on the express boat tour to Mykines with return to Sørvágur. Known as the “puffin island,” Mykines is a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. Thousands of puffins nest along the rugged coastline, offering unforgettable encounters with these iconic seabirds. Wander the island’s scenic paths, breathe in fresh ocean air, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islets. Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the dramatic landscapes, or the tranquil atmosphere, Mykines promises an adventure that feels both remote and magical.

Other countries to explore

Canada•​Finland•​Greenland•​Iceland•​Norway•​Shetland•​Svalbard•​Sweden•​USA

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•​Aurora Glossary