Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

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

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

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.

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

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Kiruna area (forecast for 28 April 2026 at 7:34am UTC)

Kp 0.67

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 11 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 3 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 3 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.

Density 3.66 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 384.3 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 80%

Sunrise 3:52am

Sunset 9:20pm

Moonrise 4:54pm

Moonset 3:57am

Weather Forecast for Kiruna

Clear

-1°C Feels like -7°C

High
0°C
Low
-6°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 1%

  • North-Westerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 5 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Kiruna

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

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Private Transfer Kiruna - Abisko/Bjorkliden or Abisko/Bjorkliden - Kiruna

    No reviews

    1 hour 30 minutes From £188.78

    Your English & Swedish speaking driver will meet You in Kiruna Airport holding a sign with Your name written on it. It takes around 1.5 hr spectacular drive to reach Abisko. Drop off includes Abisko & Bjorkliden Area properties. If You need a departure transfer then Your driver will meet You at the lobby of Your hotel and drop You to the airport. You can also order a transfer if You're moving from Kiruna area to Abisko area during Your Swedish Lapland stay.

  • Free cancellation

    Aurora Borealis Dogsled Tour

    5.0 (4)

    3 hours From £310.29

    Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Aurora Borealis Dogsled Tour. Our dog sledding tours offer a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility as you glide through the pristine Arctic landscape. Guests rave about the professionalism of our guides, who not only ensure safety but also share fascinating insights about the region and its traditions. Interact with our team of well-cared-for, eager sled dogs—often described as the heart and soul of the experience. Reviewers frequently highlight the seamless logistics, personal touch, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or soaking in a polar sunrise, our tours provide once-in-a-lifetime memories for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Experience why so many travelers call their time with us “life-changing”!

  • Free cancellation

    Full-Day Reindeer Tour with Pickup in Kiruna

    4.8 (86)

    7 hours From £229.73

    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

    Arctic Afternoon Eco Experience (14:00-17:00- driving the sled)

    5.0 (17)

    3 hours From £242.48

    Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Snowdog The Arctic Adventure Co., ranked No.1 on TripAdvisor in Kiruna. Our dog sledding tours offer a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility as you glide through the pristine Arctic landscape. Guests rave about the professionalism of our guides, who not only ensure safety but also share fascinating insights about the region and its traditions. Interact with our team of well-cared-for, eager sled dogs—often described as the heart and soul of the experience. Reviewers frequently highlight the seamless logistics, personal touch, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or soaking in a polar sunrise, our tours provide once-in-a-lifetime memories for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Experience why so many travelers call their time with us “life-changing”!

  • Free cancellation

    From Kiruna: Narvik City and Fjord Day Trip

    5.0 (6)

    8 - 9 hours From £176.72

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Sami BBQ Dinner

    5.0 (6)

    4 - 5 hours From £143.84

    Enjoy a cozy evening under the Arctic sky with a Sami-inspired BBQ dinner that highlights traditional flavors, including smoked reindeer and moose meat, in a scenic setting. Begin your adventure in Poikkijärvi's BBQ hut, surrounded by nature, where a warm fire complements tales of Sámi culture and the history of Lapland. Following dinner, embark on an aurora chase in minibuses, guided by experts who select optimal viewing spots for the Northern Lights. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural wonder, ensuring a memorable experience in Swedish Lapland. - Duration: 4 hours, starting between 19:00 - 20:00 - Enjoy a traditional Sami dish, ‘souvas,’ prepared over an open fire - Includes warm drinks, dinner, and warm clothing for your comfort - Guided chase of the Northern Lights with tips for photography

Places to check out around Kiruna

Explore more nearby Kiruna

  • ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

    Credit: Tobias Fischer

    Jukkasjärvi

    67°50'59"N, 20°36'7"E

    Aurora probability in Jukkasjärvi: 0%

    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.

  • An old wooden shed on the road from Kiruna to Nikkaluokta in Lapland

    Credit: Stephan Widua

    Nikkaluokta

    67°51'3"N, 19°0'54"E

    Aurora probability in Nikkaluokta: 0%

    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.

  • The Northern Lights over the village of Kurravaara in Swedish Lapland

    Credit: yelr

    Kurravaara

    67°56'35"N, 20°21'31"E

    Aurora probability in Kurravaara: 0%

    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.

Other places in Sweden

Abisko•​Björkliden

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

Torneälven

Home / Sweden / Kiruna / Torneälven

Torneälven is a River in Jukkasjärvi, Sverige

Where to find Torneälven?

67°50'51"N, 20°35'31"E

Other places to try near Torneälven