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.

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

Qaqortoq

Home / Greenland / Qaqortoq

Qaqortoq, nestled on the southern coast of Greenland, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking the magic of the northern lights. This charming town, with its colourful houses scattered along the hillsides and stunning views over the icy fjords, offers a unique blend of Greenlandic culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Far from the crowds and light pollution of larger cities, Qaqortoq provides an ideal setting for witnessing the aurora borealis in all its glory. The best time to visit is during the long, dark nights from September to April, when the sky often comes alive with vibrant ribbons of green and purple dancing overhead.

Beyond the northern lights, Qaqortoq invites visitors to immerse themselves in local life. Wander through the town’s historic streets, explore open-air art installations and sample traditional Greenlandic cuisine in cozy cafés. The surrounding wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, dog sledding and boat trips among icebergs. As you watch the aurora shimmer above the quiet landscape, you’ll discover that Qaqortoq is not just a destination for aurora hunters, it’s a place to experience the warmth of Greenlandic hospitality and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Arctic.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Qaqortoq. 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

6%

There is a 6% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Qaqortoq 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 20%

Sunrise 4:33am

Sunset 11:34pm

Moonrise 2:34am

Moonset 8:56pm

Weather Forecast for Qaqortoq

Clouds

3°C Feels like 0°C

High
4°C
Low
2°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • South-Easterly winds 5 km/h gusts of 6 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Qaqortoq

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

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Qaqortoq Cultural Treasures Smartphone Guided GPS Walking Tour

    3.4 (10)

    1 - 1 hour 30 minutes From £7.42

    Tucked along the icy fjords of southern Greenland, Qaqortoq is renowned for its open-air stone carvings, rich Inuit and Norse heritage, and a warm, close-knit community. You'll see the cultural treasures, from bold sculptures and old legends to cozy cafés and stories passed down for generations. Our tour begins right here at the Tenders Pier, your first step into the town. Go at your own pace, anytime, the tour never expires.

Places to check out around Qaqortoq

Other places in Greenland

Ilulissat•​Kangerlussuaq•​Nuuk

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

Great Greenland

Home / Greenland / Qaqortoq / Great Greenland

Great Greenland is a Gift Store in Kalaallit Nunaat

Where to find Great Greenland?

60°42'59"N, 46°2'0"W

Other places to try near Great Greenland