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.

Finland

Home / Finland

Finland’s northern Lapland is renowned for its enchanting northern lights displays. Here, the long polar nights create prime conditions for the aurora borealis to dance across the sky. Guests can marvel at the lights from glass igloos or rustic log cabins, surrounded by tranquil, snow-laden forests. The Finnish experience is further enhanced by activities like husky safaris, snowmobiling, and unwinding in a traditional sauna, ensuring a visit to see the aurora is both unforgettable and deeply relaxing.

  • Inari

    68°54'22"N, 27°1'40"E

    Aurora probability in Inari: 0%

    Inari, located in Finnish Lapland, is an excellent destination for viewing the Northern Lights, offering clear skies and vibrant displays, along with rich Sami culture and winter activities.

  • Levi

    67°46'59"N, 24°52'22"E

    Aurora probability in Levi: 0%

    Levi, located in Finnish Lapland, is an excellent destination for viewing the Northern Lights from September to March, offering clear skies and a range of winter activities.

  • Luosto

    67°7'59"N, 26°53'59"E

    Aurora probability in Luosto: 0%

    Luosto, located in Finnish Lapland, is an excellent destination for viewing the Northern Lights from September to April, thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution amidst stunning Arctic wilderness.

  • Rovaniemi

    66°30'14"N, 25°43'45"E

    Aurora probability in Rovaniemi: 0%

    Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, is an ideal destination for viewing the Northern Lights from September to March, combining festive charm with stunning natural beauty.

Book an amazing adventure in Finland

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

  • Free cancellation

    Santa Claus Village with Reindeer & Husky Ride

    5.0 (17)

    4 - 5 hours From £175.59

    Start your magical Lapland adventure at the famous Santa Claus Village, one of Finnish Lapland’s top attractions. Meet Santa Claus in his official office, cross the Arctic Circle, and receive your official Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate. Make your visit even more memorable with optional Lapland experiences, including a 400-meter reindeer sleigh ride and an exciting husky sled ride. During the snowy season, husky rides typically range from 800 meters to 2 km, depending on weather and trail conditions. When snow is limited, rides are operated on wheeled carts (approximately 500 meters). From 6 December to 15 March, enjoy extra family fun at Snowman World, featuring ice slides, skating, and winter playgrounds perfect for children and adults alike. This all-in-one Arctic adventure is ideal for families, friends, and couples seeking unforgettable Lapland memories.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage

    4.9 (2573)

    8 hours From £176.04

    Join Arctic GM’s award-winning Northern Lights hunt, recognized as part of the Best of the Best experiences on Tripadvisor. This small-group experience is built around one goal: maximizing your chances through distance, flexibility, and real-time decision-making. Operated by The Original Aurora Hunters®, our family has lived in Lapland since the 1600s, combining generations of local knowledge with continuous Aurora and weather tracking. There are no fixed routes or predefined locations. Your guide adapts the plan throughout the night, traveling long distances — including crossing the Swedish border when needed — to find clear skies. Supported by real-time updates from our large team across Lapland, this is a true Aurora hunt focused entirely on results. Professional photography is included, so you leave with high-quality images of your night under the Northern Lights.

  • Free cancellation

    Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

    4.5 (182)

    3 hours From £193.74

    This combined husky and reindeer package is specially designed for those who would like to get the most of Lapland in a short period of time. You will be taken to a reindeer farm and for a short visit and safari. After visiting the reindeer, you will meet huskies and enjoy of a husky ride before heading back to Rovaniemi.

  • Free cancellation

    10 km Authentic Husky Safari in the Taiga Forest – Family Kennel

    4.8 (46)

    4 hours 30 minutes From £202.58

    Escape mass tourism and experience a truly authentic husky safari in the untouched taiga forest of Lapland. Drive your own husky sled on a 10 km wilderness trail, guided by professionals and hosted by a small family-run kennel where dogs are raised with care, respect, and love. ✔️ Small groups only ✔️ Hotel pickup included ✔️ No crowded routes or commercial loops Travelers choose this experience because it offers something increasingly rare in Lapland: ✔️ A genuine connection with the dogs ✔️ A peaceful ride through pristine wilderness ✔️ A personal, non-commercial atmosphere ✔️ Clear communication and well-organized transfers

  • Free cancellation

    Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi

    4.6 (54)

    2 hours From £131.81

    Delve deep into the wilds of Lapland on this 2-hour reindeer safari from Rovaniemi. Climb into your sled with a guide, then charge off into the snowy forests as the reindeer take the lead. During your sled ride (1,5 km), admire panoramic views over the Lapland countryside and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the reindeers’ hooves in the snow. Warm up with a hot drink by the fire, then listen as a guide talks of the reindeers’ role in traditional Lappish culture. This tour includes round-trip travel from Rovaniemi.

  • Free cancellation

    Half-Day Experience in Local reindeer farm in Lapland

    4.7 (95)

    3 hours From £154.81

    This is the only reindeer farm visit and sled ride in Rovaniemi that includes professional photographer and photos for download after the tour. You will visit local reindeer farm and take ride through the snowy forests of Lapland. After the ride you can feed the reindeers and get photos taken with them.

Other countries to explore

Canada•​Faroe Islands•​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