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.

Kiruna

Home / Sweden / Kiruna

Welcome to Kiruna, nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, where the magic of the Northern Lights awaits. Prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness and the celestial spectacle that dances across the night sky.

The aurora borealis is visible in Kiruna from late September to early April, with peak viewing in February and March, when the nights are longer and the sky is often clear.

Credit: Oliver S.
Credit: Oliver S.
Credit: Oliver S.
Credit: Oliver S.
Credit: Koen Swiers
Credit: Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto
Credit: Timo Horstschaefer
Credit: Oscar Ekholm Grahn

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Kiruna. 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 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Kiruna 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

Moonrise 12:02am

Moonset 1:00am

Weather Forecast for Kiruna

Rain

13°C Feels like 12°C

High: 13°C
Low: 5°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 100%
Northerly winds 13 km/h gusts of 19 km/h
Rain 17 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Kiruna

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

Free cancellation

From Kiruna: Aurora Snowmobile Adventure

5.0 (5)

3 hours 30 minutes From £80.25

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.
Free cancellation

Sunrise Zen Husky Tour (10:00 to 13:00 - sitting on the sled)

5.0 (121)

3 hours From £185.50

If you are interested in dogs, you will love being here at Snowdog. We have an amazing bunch of super friendly canines. Oh, of course, we have a big bunch of superhero puppies you may wish to meet? We will tell you about Lapland, dog sledding and of course the resident Hero's - our dogs.
Free cancellation

Guided Northern Lights Tour at Kiruna

3.6 (28)

4 hours From £140.33

Kiruna is located in an ideal position in Lapland to view the northern lights. During winter we have long dark nights and even 6 weeks without a sunrise! The first step to chasing the aurora is to get away from the city light pollution and that's exactly what we do on this tour. Our skilled guides will study the aurora and weather forecast to find the best locations based on their prior knowledge of the area, and then off we go! In our minivan, we will drive up to 125km away from the city if necessary to chase the aurora out in the arctic wilderness. There are many different locations we can visit depending on the forecast, one of which is the beautiful Abisko National Park area. Of course, it is up to mother nature where the chase will take us, but our guides will do their best to help you search for this incredible natural phenomenon
Free cancellation

Abisko and Björkliden Day Trip From Kiruna with Lunch

5.0 (13)

6 - 7 hours From £149.21

Explore the stunning landscapes of Abisko National Park on this 6-hour guided day trip from Kiruna. Experience breathtaking views as you visit the impressive river canyon and the picturesque Silver Waterfall, often partially frozen and perfect for memorable photos. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the cozy village of Björkliden, surrounded by majestic mountain scenery. This adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in one of Sweden's most beautiful regions. - Duration: 6 hours - Visit to Abisko National Park and the scenic Silver Waterfall - Lunch included at a local hotel in Björkliden - Pick-up available from Kiruna hotels
Free cancellation

Northern Light Photo tour

4.7 (18)

4 hours From £160.50

Borrow a camera equipment and a tripod from us and follow our professional Sami photo guides to find the best spots to photograph the aurora. Our guides are born in the area and have been out in the forest since childhood. With our local knowledge we choose the best spots for northern light for the night. There are always chances to see the aurora - even in bad weather there is many different spots with better weather if you know where to go.
Free cancellation

From Kiruna: Narvik City and Fjord Day Trip

5.0 (6)

8 - 9 hours From £173.40

Embark on a breathtaking journey from Kiruna, Sweden, to Narvik, Norway, exploring stunning landscapes, picturesque viewpoints, and the charming city of Narvik. This day trip blends natural beauty with cultural experiences, offering peaceful valleys, frozen lakes, and snow-covered mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop for photos and to enjoy the quiet Arctic scenery. Crossing into Norway, the landscapes grow even more dramatic, with towering peaks and deep fjords. The highlight is Narvik Fjord, a striking body of water framed by cliffs and snowy hillsides. Several viewpoints let you breathe in the fresh air and take in unforgettable sights. This relaxing journey offers Arctic wilderness, scenic stops, and stunning views—a perfect way to experience the beauty of two countries in one day.

Places to check out around Kiruna

Arctic Thai & Grill

Thai Restaurant
Camp Alta

Campground
Camp Alta Sauna

Sauna
Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården

History Museum
Landströms Kök & Bar

Scandinavian Restaurant
Luossatoppen

Mountain
Luossavaara

Mountain
Midnattssolstigen

Hiking Trail
Mommas Pub

American Restaurant
Restaurang Ripan

Scandinavian Restaurant
Stejk Street Food

Food Stand
Torneälven

River

Explore more nearby Kiruna

Credit: Tobias Fischer

Jukkasjärvi

67°50'59"N, 20°36'7"E

Aurora probability in Jukkasjärvi: 1%

Jukkasjärvi, a charming village in Swedish Lapland, is renowned for its iconic Icehotel, stunning natural beauty and rich Sami culture, making it a unique destination for experiencing the Arctic wilderness.
Credit: Stephan Widua

Nikkaluokta

67°51'3"N, 19°0'54"E

Aurora probability in Nikkaluokta: 1%

Nikkaluokta, a Sami village in Swedish Lapland, serves as a starting point for hiking the iconic Kungsleden trail north towards Abisko, offering stunning views of the Kebnekaise mountain and a glimpse into Sami culture.
Credit: yelr

Kurravaara

67°56'35"N, 20°21'31"E

Aurora probability in Kurravaara: 1%

Kurravaara, a small village in Swedish Lapland, is nestled on the shores of Lake Torne, providing a peaceful retreat with opportunities for experiencing the Northern Lights, fishing and enjoying the serene Arctic landscape.