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.

Longyearbyen

Home / Svalbard / Longyearbyen

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth? Longyearbyen, the most northerly settlement in the world with a population over 1,000 people, is a spectacular destination that offers an extraordinary chance to witness the awe-inspiring northern lights. Nestled in the heart of the Svalbard archipelago, this charming town is surrounded by stunning mountains and vast arctic landscapes, making it the perfect base for your northern lights expedition.

Positioned well above the Arctic Circle, The Northern Lights season in Svalbard runs from late September until mid-March and the best time to view the auroras is typically between 6pm and midnight, while there is also a good period between 4am and 8am. For optimal viewing conditions, consider visiting during the Polar Night (from late November to mid-February), when the region experiences 24 hours of darkness, enhancing the visibility of the lights. In December and January, it’s even possible to see the Northern Lights around the clock – even in the middle of the day.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Longyearbyen. 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 6% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Longyearbyen 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 Longyearbyen

Clouds

5°C Feels like 5°C

High: 5°C
Low: 4°C

Chance of precipitation 6%
Cloud cover 100%
Easterly winds 2 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Longyearbyen

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

Free cancellation Private tour

Explore the Legendary Town of Longyearbyen

5.0 (1)

3 hours From £215.36

You’ll be picked up at your hotel by a local, experienced guide that will show you not only this fascinating town, but some of their favorite photography motifs as well. On this relaxing walking tour you’ll get intimate knowledge of off-the-beaten-path vistas and wind up with an unparalleled experience offered by no other services - in that ours is not just a tour of the city, but a tour based on photography. From late October to mid-February, Longyearbyen is wrapped in the magic of the polar night. Though the sun doesn’t rise, the soft blue twilight and snow-covered landscape create an unforgettable setting—perfect for capturing the northern lights and the unique Arctic atmosphere. During this period of time expect crisp, cold weather, typically between -13°C and -25°C (9°F to -13°F). The chill is part of the adventure—and with the right warm layers and sturdy winter boots, you’ll be comfortable and fully able to enjoy the serene beauty of the Arctic
Free cancellation Private tour

Svalbard Discover the Mining Settlement of Pyramiden

5.0 (1)

8 hours From £835.07

What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
Free cancellation Private tour

From Longyearbyen photo tour: Mysterious Barentsburg

No reviews

10 hours From £835.07

What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
Private tour

Svalbard Summer Micro Cruise Private 8 Day Tour

No reviews

8 days From £13185.35

We are a micro cruising company. With only 12 guests on board our departures, we have the ability to go where other larger ships do not. This small presence is sustainable and limits disturbance to wildlife and the environment.
Private tour

Private Shore Tour: Northern Lights Chase by Snowcat

No reviews

2 hours From £695.31

Embark on a thrilling chase for the Northern Lights on this unforgettable snowcat adventure. Leaving the lights of Longyearbyen behind, your journey takes you into the vast, dark wilderness of Svalbard. As you travel over the frozen Adventdalen Valley, your guide will make several stops to hunt for the Northern Lights, offering you the best chance to witness this mesmerizing natural spectacle. While the experience of traveling through the pristine Arctic wilderness is awe-inspiring in itself, we advise dressing warmly so you can enjoy the stops and the stunning silence of Svalbard’s remote landscape.
Free cancellation

Svalbard Icebreaker Cruise and Arctic Floating Adventure

No reviews

7 hours From £351.61

Explore the magnificent fjords of Svalbard on a thrilling 6-hour cruise aboard the icebreaker M/S Arktis. Experience the unique Arctic floating program where you can safely float in the Arctic Ocean, equipped with a survival flotation suit. Enjoy a warm vegetarian soup for lunch while taking in breathtaking views of Isfjorden and the chance to spot seals, seabirds, and possibly even whales or polar bears. With expert guides onboard sharing insights about the Arctic environment, this trip offers an unforgettable connection to nature in one of the world's most exotic locations. - 6-hour cruise from Longyearbyen with hotel pick-up included - Optional Arctic floating experience with all necessary equipment provided - Warm vegetarian soup served during the journey - Opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife and stunning landscapes

Places to check out around Longyearbyen

Coal Miner's Bar & Grill

BBQ Joint
Fruene

Café
Funktionærmessen

Scandinavian Restaurant
Galleri Svalbard

Art Gallery
Gruvelageret

Modern European Restaurant
Huset

Scandinavian Restaurant
Karlsberger Pub

Pub
Kroa

Pub
Lars Hiertafjellet (783 m)

Mountain
Lindholmhøgda

Mountain
Longyearbyen Camping

Campground
Mary-Anns polarrigg

Restaurant
Nordenskiöldfjellet (1053 m)

Mountain
North Pole Expedition Museum AS

History Museum
Nuga

Sushi Restaurant
Platafjellet

Mountain
Polar Bear Sign

Monument
Pyramiden

Village
Rabalder Café & Bakery

Bakery
Restaurant Nansen

Scandinavian Restaurant
Restaurant Polfareren

Scandinavian Restaurant
Sarkofagen (500 m)

Mountain
Spitsbergen Airship Museum

Museum
Stationen

Scandinavian Restaurant
Svalbar

Bar
Svalbard Bryggeri

Brewery
Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Structure
Svalbard Museum

History Museum
Trollsteinen (850 m)

Mountain
Vinterhagen Restaurant

Seafood Restaurant

Explore more nearby Longyearbyen

Credit: Chris-Håvard Berge

Barentsburg

78°3'59"N, 14°12'59"E

Aurora probability in Barentsburg: 6%

The Russian mining village of Barentsburg offers a unique glimpse into Arctic life, with its Soviet-era architecture and rich history set against the spectacular backdrop of Isfjorden.
Credit: patano

Ny-Ålesund

78°54'59"N, 11°55'59"E

Aurora probability in Ny-Ålesund: 5%

Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost permanent settlement, is a research hub surrounded by stunning Arctic landscapes, attracting scientists and adventurers with its unique environment and historical significance.
Credit: Sebastian Bjune

Pyramiden

78°40'59"N, 16°23'59"E

Aurora probability in Pyramiden: 6%

Pyramiden one of the worlds most famous ghost towns, offers a haunting glimpse into the past with its abandoned Soviet-era buildings and striking surroundings, attracting adventurous travellers eager to explore its unique history.