I think it’s time that I finally make a plan to see the Northern Lights, I’m just not sure the best way to go about it. My indecision often gets the best of me, and causes me to just put off ideas like this. Fortunately OMAAT readers collectively know just about everything, so I’d love some feedback on this.
In this post:
I’ve never seen the Northern Lights
I’ve traveled millions of miles and have visited many countries, but I’ve never really seen the Northern Lights in my 17+ years of heavy travel. I did sort of kind of once see them on a northerly transatlantic flight in winter, but I wouldn’t even really count that. I also did almost see them in Whitehorse, but couldn’t quite get it together.
Now, in fairness, I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised I haven’t seen them. I have a tendency to travel to warmer climates and am solar powered, which probably partly explains why I haven’t had much luck with this. Still, I’m absolutely fascinated by the Northern Lights, and I think I need to come up with a plan to see them in the coming weeks and months.
Keep in mind that we’re currently at the peak of a solar cycle, so last fall, this winter, and this spring, are the best time in over a decade to see the Northern Lights.
The challenge with planning a Northern Lights trip
There are obviously lots of places you can travel to that give you the opportunity to potentially see the Northern Lights. But there are also some challenges with that:
- The best time to predict when you’ll see the Northern Lights is last minute, but the issue is that most of the best viewing spots are pretty remote, especially for someone in Florida
- No matter how well you plan your trip, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights, so it can be tough to decide how long of a trip to plan — the longer you stay, the better your odds, but at the same time, if you don’t see the Northern Lights you’ll probably be pretty bummed
- I suppose the best hybrid approach would be to travel to a city that’s far north that you’ve been wanting to visit anyway, and hope that conditions are good and that you can get out of the city; but at the same time, that also doesn’t give you the best odds for seeing the Northern Lights
What’s the best place to see the Northern Lights?
I’m hoping to plan a Northern Lights trip for the coming months (any time between now and March), give or take. The sooner I travel, the better the odds. At the same time, the closer to spring we get, the generally more pleasant conditions will be in many places.
I know there are plenty of places you can go to see the Northern Lights, from Alaska, to Arctic Canada, to Iceland, to the Faroe Islands, to Finland, to Norway. I’d love to hear some more specific recommendations from OMAAT readers about where to go, though:
- If you’ve done a Northern Lights trip, where did you go, how long did you go far, and how often did you see the Northern Lights?
- What’s the best place for seeing the Northern Lights that has other things to offer as well, ranging from outdoor activities, to a really cool hotel?
A few initial thoughts:
- I’ve been wanting to return to Iceland, so perhaps this is a good opportunity to do so; I imagine I’d want to go somewhere far north in Iceland to maximize odds of seeing the Northern Lights, though, so does anyone have a place there they recommend? Or is it realistic to see the Northern Lights in places not too far from Reykjavik?
- I’ve been wanting to travel to the Canadian Arctic (the airline situation up there is fascinating), though is there anywhere up there that’s best for seeing the Northern Lights?
- I’m totally open to Finland and Norway, and know there are even several hotels there catering specifically to Northern Lights, many with rooms that have glass domes
- While the whole concept of ice hotels does fascinate me, I struggle with the cold, so go easy on me please with those kinds of recommendations 😉
- I generally prefer places where you can stay in an accommodation from which you can directly see the Northern Lights (in an area with limited light pollution), rather than having to hop on a bus for hours every night, to drive a long distance, in hopes of seeing them (though I’ll do it if it’s the best option!)
So yeah, long story short, I’m very receptive to ideas here. If you’ve taken a trip to see the Northern Lights, I’d love to learn — would you do it again, or what would you do differently?
Bottom line
I know many people are fascinated by the Northern Lights, yet somehow in all of my travels, I’ve never been able to see them. I think it’s time to change that, so I’d love some tips. I potentially have time in the coming weeks and months for a quick trip like this, I just need to figure out what gives me the best odds, and what destination offers the best experience otherwise in terms of activities, accommodation, etc.
Have you ever planned a trip to see the Northern Lights, and if so, what was your experience like?
I went to Fairbanks on a Northern Lights trip about 10 years ago. It ended up being a fascinating (if decidedly un-luxe) trip, and we did see a spectacular display of the lights one night. But I wouldn’t recommend it. The problem is weather. Apparently there are auroras up there in the sky almost every night of winter, but most of the time, they’re obscured by clouds. Plus, there are almost no good restaurants or hotels in the entire Fairbanks area.
We went to a hotel called Harriniva in Finland (flew to Rovaniemi) a few years ago in April and saw the northern lights every evening. The great thing about it was that a short walk from the hotel you're on the banks of a frozen river with beautiful scenery. Having seem the northern lights several times since then from the UK, nothing can beat the shapes and movement that we saw in such intense patterns...
We went to a hotel called Harriniva in Finland (flew to Rovaniemi) a few years ago in April and saw the northern lights every evening. The great thing about it was that a short walk from the hotel you're on the banks of a frozen river with beautiful scenery. Having seem the northern lights several times since then from the UK, nothing can beat the shapes and movement that we saw in such intense patterns in Finland. Also, if you want to actually take nice pictures of it you want something picturesque in the foreground so I would say there is a huge advantage to bring on the ground somewhere secluded rather than on a ship or at our house in London. Chimneys and roofs don't look as amazing as snow covered trees or log cabins!
Oh and, for the record they also have loads of activities to choose from: dog sledding, cross country skiing, skidooing etc. And the food in the hotel was memorably simple but delicious.
You must do this! well worth the experience. But book for at least two nights for the chase, maybe three. Here is a post on 2PAXfly which sets out our experience, and the tour provider we used - Chasing Lights, who were very good. I wouldn't bother with a viewing hotel, because then you are sort of tied to one spot, instead of being able to travel to where the lights are appearing that night.
You must do this! well worth the experience. But book for at least two nights for the chase, maybe three. Here is a post on 2PAXfly which sets out our experience, and the tour provider we used - Chasing Lights, who were very good. I wouldn't bother with a viewing hotel, because then you are sort of tied to one spot, instead of being able to travel to where the lights are appearing that night.
https://www.2paxfly.com/2016/07/10/the-chase-to-see-the-northern-lights-aurora-borealis-from-tromso-norway/
Seeing the Northern Lights is a magical experience, but it requires a bit of planning and luck, much like chasing a rainbow. As someone from Sweden, here’s my ideal itinerary:
Start in Stockholm for 1–2 nights (great hotels include the Bank Hotel or Ett Hem), then fly with SAS or Norwegian to Luleå, a charming spot near the Arctic Circle with Northern Light tours. For an unforgettable experience, take Jon Air (flying Cessna, Piper and...
Seeing the Northern Lights is a magical experience, but it requires a bit of planning and luck, much like chasing a rainbow. As someone from Sweden, here’s my ideal itinerary:
Start in Stockholm for 1–2 nights (great hotels include the Bank Hotel or Ett Hem), then fly with SAS or Norwegian to Luleå, a charming spot near the Arctic Circle with Northern Light tours. For an unforgettable experience, take Jon Air (flying Cessna, Piper and Beechcraft) to Pajala, a border town with cozy cabins along the Torne River, perfect for stargazing from a sauna before walking on the frozen river to see the aurora.
No fancy camera needed—your smartphone can capture the lights beautifully with the right settings. If time allows, explore nearby Kiruna or cross into Finland.
And if you’re in Stockholm, I’d be happy to show you some hidden gems in my hometown. Let me know!
As someone not from Sweden, we don't have the luxury of spending the whole year waiting for the lights.
Nice itinerary suggestions, but doesn't make the lights more visible by doing so.
Sweden- Arctic Bath Hotel, IceHotel or head to Abisko (chairlift up to observatory when they are visible).
The obvious choice is taking easyJet to Tromsø, NO.
Tromsø, Norway provides an amazing viewing of the lights of you get lucky. Winter to early spring seems to work out well - April did it for us.
We stayed in the Aera lodges just at the edge of town (15 minute drive), which was really scenic, away from the lights of the town, and had its own charm and a few fun things to do (strongly suggest the crab dinner experience, if you're a seafood person). Highly recommended trip!
Dec 30 & 31, 2024 in Fairbank
We spent a full week in Iceland in February 2023, and we were told in advance they are visible on average 1 in 3 nights. Of our 7 nights, 5 were snowing/raining/cloudy, but both of the 2 clear nights saw the Northern Lights and they were spectacular. One night was in Djupivogur, a tiny town in the fjords in the east, and the next was in Myvatn, in the Arctic northern part of the country....
We spent a full week in Iceland in February 2023, and we were told in advance they are visible on average 1 in 3 nights. Of our 7 nights, 5 were snowing/raining/cloudy, but both of the 2 clear nights saw the Northern Lights and they were spectacular. One night was in Djupivogur, a tiny town in the fjords in the east, and the next was in Myvatn, in the Arctic northern part of the country.
As many have said, it all comes down to odds. But Iceland was great anyway, and we would have been glad to make the trip even if we hadn't lucked out (and yes, we did stay at the Reykjavik EDITION one of our nights - worth a trip for that alone).
Most people don't understand the solar cycle. Neither do travel writers. A solar maximum means that the northern lights are visible at far lower latitudes - it doesn't mean you will see more of them or have a greater chance. That's why people saw them all over their NJ and CT backyards and even NYC this past fall. If you are going to Tromso or Iceland, you could go now or in 5 years -...
Most people don't understand the solar cycle. Neither do travel writers. A solar maximum means that the northern lights are visible at far lower latitudes - it doesn't mean you will see more of them or have a greater chance. That's why people saw them all over their NJ and CT backyards and even NYC this past fall. If you are going to Tromso or Iceland, you could go now or in 5 years - there won't be any appreciable difference. Those northern latitudes have more consistent visibility.
That being said, the lights are more active in the spring and fall equinoxes - the fall being the one where you have about 12 hours of darkness. But you need a clear night - no clouds or moon. And then you need them to be active. It's a crapshoot. Plan a trip to the northern latitudes where you have other plans so if you don't see them you still have a great trip.
Like the wildebeest crossing the Mara, it doesn't just happen because the brochures have pictures of it. In all likelihood you won't see them. I know folks that have gone multiple times to Iceland and not seen them. I know someone who saw the wildebeests cross on his ninth safari.
Going back to Svalbard is your best bet..awesome pictures and videos this week right over Longyearbyen. Dress warm :), it'll b worth it.
In the past 3 years, I have been to Rovaniemi, Finland; outside of Kiruna Sweden, and Tromso, Norway (this past December). Spent 3 days in each place. I only saw the NL through the lens of a camera in Sweden and then only for a few minutes. It was raining or snowing the rest of the time in all these places.
You hit the nail on the head when you say that there is...
In the past 3 years, I have been to Rovaniemi, Finland; outside of Kiruna Sweden, and Tromso, Norway (this past December). Spent 3 days in each place. I only saw the NL through the lens of a camera in Sweden and then only for a few minutes. It was raining or snowing the rest of the time in all these places.
You hit the nail on the head when you say that there is no guarantee that you will see the lights at all. All you can do is to increase your chances by doing a few practical things.
First, you need to prepare to spend a least 1 week at a certain location. This is due to weather and northern light activities. If it's cloudy or raining (yes it rains these days in the winter inside the artic circle) or snowing, you won't see anything. If solar activity is weak, you also won't see much.
If you really want to increase your chances, you need to use the NOAA website for a northern lights forecast and be prepared to fly on a moments notice. NOAA can only accurately forecast a 24-48 hour window.
Even then you are still not 100% guaranteed that you will see them but at least you will greatly increase your chances.
You may also want to go to an area where there are other things to do in case nature does not cooperate.
Hey Lucky,
I went to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in 2021, much research, and it was worth it. You can take a flight to Fairbanks Alaska, I was on a Delta flash sale for 12k round trip, I spent 10 days and observed all the neat stuff to do in Fairbanks and the Denali National Park. But, back to the subject, you need to log onto Ronn & Marketa's website (https://www.theaurorachasers.com/) they...
Hey Lucky,
I went to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in 2021, much research, and it was worth it. You can take a flight to Fairbanks Alaska, I was on a Delta flash sale for 12k round trip, I spent 10 days and observed all the neat stuff to do in Fairbanks and the Denali National Park. But, back to the subject, you need to log onto Ronn & Marketa's website (https://www.theaurorachasers.com/) they will almost guarantee that you see the Aurora Borealis. I spent from 10pm one night until 4am with them and it was the most fascinating 6 hours chasing the Aurora, the technology they use and their passion for ensuring you get to see it are unmatched. You need to act on this if you want to see it this year because they are currently booking in February and March. Their website is quite extensive and detailed so read through it completely. Good luck and safe travels.
Went to Tromso and somewhere nearby and basically saw nothing over 4 days. Few hours of sunlight a day. Nothing to do. Was borderline depressing. If I did it again I'd do it somewhere where there's a bunch to do (icehotel or the like)
Tromsø - have seen them there twice (once even from within the city in September, the other time more conventionally in December). Great hotel and restaurant options, easy connection to OSL and beyond, and wonderful harbor views of the fjord.
We went two years ago to Whitehorse Canada. The four nights we spent there the best we got was a green glow. Unlucky with persistent thin cloud layers. But we did travel on Air North. Also did dogsled rides with a lady who has finished seven Iditarod races!
The best northern lights we’ve seen was ORD to HKG. When I looked at our flights track log on Flight Aware we were less than 200...
We went two years ago to Whitehorse Canada. The four nights we spent there the best we got was a green glow. Unlucky with persistent thin cloud layers. But we did travel on Air North. Also did dogsled rides with a lady who has finished seven Iditarod races!
The best northern lights we’ve seen was ORD to HKG. When I looked at our flights track log on Flight Aware we were less than 200 miles from the North Pole. The entire horizon was a band of green. The wonderful Cathay Pacific F flight attendants gently awakened us to ask if we wanted to see them.
Step 1. Pick the next New Moon and plan to arrive at your destination a day or two before.
Step 2. Find award inventory and or interesting airlines/routings/fares that align with the lunar calendar.
Tips.
* Do it in the dead f winter - I went to Fairbanks Jan 30.
* Rent warm weather gear at your destination
* Plan to go searching each night.
* Be ready to cut bait after seeing the lights for a night or two
I'm actually researching this now for next December. Part of it being I nabbed a air France 50k business class seat to Amsterdam next dec. Here is what I have researched. I Hate cold weather which is why I have put off such a trip for so long. And in actuality I wanted to spend some time in France next December so I decided I'll try seeing the aurora. Part of my interest is that...
I'm actually researching this now for next December. Part of it being I nabbed a air France 50k business class seat to Amsterdam next dec. Here is what I have researched. I Hate cold weather which is why I have put off such a trip for so long. And in actuality I wanted to spend some time in France next December so I decided I'll try seeing the aurora. Part of my interest is that I'm an avid photographer so I do want the challenge of photographing this event if it happens. At first I thought of a cruise ship so that I can stay warm. But I quickly found that to be not worthwhile. Schedules are finicky. They are generally 10-20 days. I hate cruises so that's too long. Worse part is that it's not a cruise like you picture. You dock mostly in evenings. The sea can get very rough. I'm going to fly to tromso. Book several excursions on viator. If I don't see it I don't see it. But I will never regret trying. No such thing to me as wasting money when traveling is so worthwhile. I'll be staying in lygen north. It's one of those cool dome rooms that is so hideously expensive. But if I don't see the lights that's an event on its own. And tromso looks worth a few days. There are other activities. But if you do photography you need to research up on protecting your gear. I'm buying winter clothing now since it's cheap. Need to research staying warm but not getting in the way of my photography. I also considered fairbanks alaska but tromso seems more interesting.
I planned a trip to Iceland in March a few years ago, specifically hoping to see the northern lights. We lucked out and saw them 2 of the 4 nights we stayed in Reykjavik, but had to get out of town a bit to do so. One night we did a boat tour and another night a bus tour. I really enjoyed all the other stuff Iceland had to offer during the day, so it...
I planned a trip to Iceland in March a few years ago, specifically hoping to see the northern lights. We lucked out and saw them 2 of the 4 nights we stayed in Reykjavik, but had to get out of town a bit to do so. One night we did a boat tour and another night a bus tour. I really enjoyed all the other stuff Iceland had to offer during the day, so it would have been a great trip even if the lights hadn't appeared. We stayed at the Edition and really enjoyed the hotel's design, food, and location.
We saw them in Iceland in November on the north side near Akureyri. The north side is spectacular. We were in a cabin on a fjord for 3 days, I think. Just amazing. We also saw them in Tromso, Norway in November, also. We stayed at a wonderful Airbnb that had glass ceilings. We saw them every night in Norway. I believe we were in Tromso for 5 days. I'm not sure what others saw,...
We saw them in Iceland in November on the north side near Akureyri. The north side is spectacular. We were in a cabin on a fjord for 3 days, I think. Just amazing. We also saw them in Tromso, Norway in November, also. We stayed at a wonderful Airbnb that had glass ceilings. We saw them every night in Norway. I believe we were in Tromso for 5 days. I'm not sure what others saw, but the ones we saw were all colors and undulating throughout the sky. It is very difficult to capture on camera what you see.
Another vote for Tromsø here. It’s a cool little city (no pun intended), and as reliable a place to spot the aurora as anywhere else. We visited in the first week of March, when the winter storms were done and the nights were still quite long, but there was soft sun during the day that made daytime activities more pleasant. If you’re feeling really adventurous, head up to Svalbard! Just remember that the sun doesn’t...
Another vote for Tromsø here. It’s a cool little city (no pun intended), and as reliable a place to spot the aurora as anywhere else. We visited in the first week of March, when the winter storms were done and the nights were still quite long, but there was soft sun during the day that made daytime activities more pleasant. If you’re feeling really adventurous, head up to Svalbard! Just remember that the sun doesn’t run to schedule, so wherever you go it’s always a bit of a craps-shoot. Staying for more than a night or two will give you a fighting chance of a show. It really is most extraordinary to see in real life.
I've only noticed a couple of comments about US locations, and only one about Minnesota. I'd suggest Voyageurs National Park, easily accessible from International Falls. While Iceland, Finland and Norway have been mentioned, I haven't seen the Faroe Islands in the thread, so I'll add that here.
Prepare to be severely DISAPPOINTED even if you see northern lights. They look like wispy grey clouds, with a slight hint of color. Nothing like in the photos.
Not always. They can be spectacular.
Not always.
Sometimes they barely appear; other nights it looks like the sky is dancing with green light and is beautiful!
Plenty of options in northern Canada, from Churchill, MB (added benefit of polar bear and beluga whale tourism) to Yellowknife (including suite accommodation options to view from your room or a deck hot tub). Guides abound: https://www.canadianaffair.com/blog/northern-lights-in-canada ; https://travel.destinationcanada.com/en-ca/things-to-do/where-see-spectacular-northern-lights-canada ; https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/5-spectacular-ways-see-northern-lights-canada ; https://www.travelandleisure.com/how-to-see-northern-lights-in-canada-6823832
Plenty of options in northern Canada, from Churchill, MB (added benefit of polar bear and beluga whale tourism) to Yellowknife (including suite accommodation options to view from your room or a deck hot tub). Guides abound: https://www.canadianaffair.com/blog/northern-lights-in-canada ; https://travel.destinationcanada.com/en-ca/things-to-do/where-see-spectacular-northern-lights-canada ; https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/5-spectacular-ways-see-northern-lights-canada ; https://www.travelandleisure.com/how-to-see-northern-lights-in-canada-6823832
Just to clarify, if you want to -see- the Northern Lights that's a big difference between -taking a picture- of the Northern Lights, which requires some half decent equipment and knowledge of photography. I know it's sacrilege in this day and age, and a totally crazy idea for all of us glued to our phones all the time, but the experience is so much better when you use your eyes to see the lights instead...
Just to clarify, if you want to -see- the Northern Lights that's a big difference between -taking a picture- of the Northern Lights, which requires some half decent equipment and knowledge of photography. I know it's sacrilege in this day and age, and a totally crazy idea for all of us glued to our phones all the time, but the experience is so much better when you use your eyes to see the lights instead of fretting over trying to take a picture of them before they disappear.
As others have noted, you can't plan this successfully. I have booked three trips to see the Northern Lights...and all failed.
Then I was on a business trip, randomly took a train north, and saw them.
That happened in Rovaniemi, Finland. The great news is that Hyatt has a property there that looks *awesome*. Worst case scenario, we get a review of the Arctic Treehouse Hotel.
Walked onto a boat in Reykjavik harbour that brought us out away from the city lights, marveled at the northern lights, back at our city center hotel afterwards and enjoyed all of the Reykjavik amenities and sights without any issues. If we didn't see them, the company allowed you to go again on successive nights.
Hi Ben,
The longer you stay the better the chances are. I have read most of the comments and can tell you, as an absolute aurora fans about some of the places: Fairbanks is easy to get to but you won't see anything in the city, you'll have to take tours and usually in Alaska, they appear very late (between 11p-1a is the best time).
Been in Fairbanks 6 times 4 to 5 days,...
Hi Ben,
The longer you stay the better the chances are. I have read most of the comments and can tell you, as an absolute aurora fans about some of the places: Fairbanks is easy to get to but you won't see anything in the city, you'll have to take tours and usually in Alaska, they appear very late (between 11p-1a is the best time).
Been in Fairbanks 6 times 4 to 5 days, only on two trips I saw the lights, and only for one night. (December, January and February)
Been to Barrow, 3 nights in december, saw nothing. Too cloudy. (December)
Been in Iceland, 5 nights, clear sky, no activity, saw nothing (December)
Been in Tromso, Norway twice (actually just coming back from it) and once in late Feb. Twice 4 nights, saw them 1 night in both occasion.
Been in Kiruna, Sweden, twice, once in January once in February. 4 nights each time, saw them 3 nights on 4 on the two trips.
My experience so far is Fairbanks has far too much light and the excursions out of the city are very expensive. Barrow, there is absolutely nothing to do there.
Iceland is ways to expensive
Tromso is great, but you have to stay out of town, Tromso Lodge and Camping is great, but also Tromso gets lots of unpredictable weather and often cloudy skies due to the sea proximity.
Bringing me to Kiruna which is for me the best. Less expensive than Tromso, Camp Ripan is out of town, has lovely lodges and provides a dark spot in the middle of the camp to stay out to watch for the lights. Last but not least, the northern lights in Europe appear much earlier than in Alaska, in the polar night they can start as early as 5P. Usually in Norway or Sweden the best displays are between 6 and 9. No need to stay up late.
Hope this helps, happy to give more advice if needed. Just one more thing: seeing the lights is just luck. You need darkness, no or few clouds and then .... activity.
Best of luck!
Northern lights are way better on photo vs in real life. Its actually fairly underwhelming unless you bring a good camera and capture it over long exposure. It is actually better to have tour groups that does it for you.
Honestly, I don't recommend a trip just to see the "northern lights"... you'll be disappointed even if you do happen to see it. (most likely you won't). Just take more trips in the winter to...
Northern lights are way better on photo vs in real life. Its actually fairly underwhelming unless you bring a good camera and capture it over long exposure. It is actually better to have tour groups that does it for you.
Honestly, I don't recommend a trip just to see the "northern lights"... you'll be disappointed even if you do happen to see it. (most likely you won't). Just take more trips in the winter to places you'd like to visit in general and perhaps see the northern lights a long the way. Good luck.
Sorry not really true, while I would say yes to it when I was in Alaska, it's a clear no for Sweden or Norway where you see them mostly as they are on the camera when they are active. I am not of course speaking of a low intensity display.
Ben I would highly recommend the Tree hotel in Boden, Sweden. They have very cool rooms and excellent service. Plus, living in a tree is a very unique experience in of itself.
Honestly, just keep an eye on the forecasts and then fly to Calgary. Head west to Banff. They were spectacular in early October. Worst case scenario you get a nice vacation in Banff.
Bunch of good intention but useless comments. There isn't a typical good location. It's either north enough or not.
Seeing northern lights is to witness a natural phenomenon, not a predetermined light show by the harbor at 10pm.
This is just managing odds.
Then it becomes betting your time and money against the odds.
You can spend nothing extra and catch it while on transit at KEF and see a very active and bright lights.
Bunch of good intention but useless comments. There isn't a typical good location. It's either north enough or not.
Seeing northern lights is to witness a natural phenomenon, not a predetermined light show by the harbor at 10pm.
This is just managing odds.
Then it becomes betting your time and money against the odds.
You can spend nothing extra and catch it while on transit at KEF and see a very active and bright lights.
You can spend a fortune in a remote cabin for a month and see nothing but clouds.
Ben, your ignorance and naivete is on full display in this post. Half of what you're saying is just wrong - I don't even know where to begin as two out of every three paragraphs in your post contain disinformation. A few items:
- You've never seen them for many of the reasons you state, but also for many important unstated reasons that you either ignore or simply don't understand, eg: foremost among them is...
Ben, your ignorance and naivete is on full display in this post. Half of what you're saying is just wrong - I don't even know where to begin as two out of every three paragraphs in your post contain disinformation. A few items:
- You've never seen them for many of the reasons you state, but also for many important unstated reasons that you either ignore or simply don't understand, eg: foremost among them is that you just fly places and rarely spend any time in any of them. This is not "travel" it's just flying around from place to place without actually being there (just sleeping overnight in a hotel or going out to eat in a city does not count). Seeing the aurora requires either luck or a lot of patience (usually more than a little of both). You really want to see the aurora? Try being "there" for many weeks, that'll greatly increase your chances.
- Calibrate your expectations. Like most photos you see online, the overwhelming majority of "aurora photos" you see online are heavily manipulated, for all practical purposes they are essentially fake. Online photos (of anything) are generally not realistic, or at least not representative of what one actually sees (same as almost all other "travel photos" you post and we all see - it's super easy to "tweak" them, virtually every photo you see online has been heavily edited). You can point a camera at the sky on most nights and it's easy enough to bring out colors and intensity - when you were looking at that same sky it doesn't look anything like the vivid colors and shimmering curtains of aurora seen in the photos. Sure, the aurora is real, but the photos you see pretty much always greatly exaggerate its appearance. If you really expect to see something like you see in all the photos, you may need to be there for months, and "there" is (what you would call) boring, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and expensive - all things that most people just aren't willing to put up with. It's a lot easier to just fake the photos or steal one from somebody else who has already faked it for you.
- There is no "best place" to see the northern lights, despite millions of dollars spent trying to make ignorant tourists believe otherwise. No matter where you go, seeing the aurora mostly depends on luck (solar activity and weather, neither of which are highly predictable in advance), coupled with being in a good-enough place to see them - but luck matters more than the place. The best aurora that I've seen - one that actually DID look like the marketing photos - I saw from Detroit, Michigan, right in the city itself, surrounded by bright lights. It was spectacular. It was also a very, very rare display (visible as far south as Mexico City). Conversely, I've spent months at a time in Alaska, in locations that were far north, pretty remote and far from any significant lights on the ground. Despite frequently laying outside and looking at the sky for hours, I never saw anything more than a slight flicker of auroral light, no colors, no shimmering curtains, pretty uninspiring stuff (and easily missed if I hadn't been staring at the dark sky for hours). The stars were beautiful and it was an interesting experience living there, but it was bloody cold and most people today would just call it boring beyond belief.
- You need multiple things that can not be guaranteed to all show up on the same night. Most aurora tourists go away disappointed. It's Mother Nature, not a movie, and Mother Nature often does not cooperate. Your best bet is to go someplace that meets all/most of the required criteria (which is about 20% of the entire planet, so take you pick) and then go live there for a while (months). Don't expect the sky to put on a show, be content with just going there and being there. If the sky show appears, lucky you are, enjoy it but don't be crushed if the show doesn't materialize for you, because for most people (short-time visitors) it doesn't. Be content with just having been there, that's how nature works.
All these could be summarized in your last 2 sentences without resorting to the insult which was uncalled for
Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Why do you have to be so mean? What's the point in writing this? Does it make you feel better about yourself? Keep it simple and polite and move along.
I live in an area where the Aurora does make an appearance from time to time. Sometimes it is very pale to the naked eye but sometimes it is spectacular, with green, pink and yellow colors visible. That was the case where I live last October. Several successive nights with amazing colors. You really need to be away from city lights though and you need patience (which means staying in a place for a few...
I live in an area where the Aurora does make an appearance from time to time. Sometimes it is very pale to the naked eye but sometimes it is spectacular, with green, pink and yellow colors visible. That was the case where I live last October. Several successive nights with amazing colors. You really need to be away from city lights though and you need patience (which means staying in a place for a few days or a week. Northern Canada in fall is usually very good. Fly to Whitehorse or Yellowknife in September/October and I’d almost guarantee you’d see them provided the weather cooperates.
Lots of good suggestions here but if you are limited on time and want to maximize your odds, Arctic Canada has by far the most clear sky days. The catch is where to stay...
A year ago for NYE, we stayed at an AirBNB on the property of Hvammsvik Hot Springs, in Iceland. It was about a 50-60 minute drive from Reykjavik, depending on road conditions. Hvammsvik is, in my humble view, the best thermal springs experience in Iceland. There are 7 or 8 separate springs, all cascading down to the ocean, and each spring is a different temperature. There's a little restaurant there with great fish bisque and...
A year ago for NYE, we stayed at an AirBNB on the property of Hvammsvik Hot Springs, in Iceland. It was about a 50-60 minute drive from Reykjavik, depending on road conditions. Hvammsvik is, in my humble view, the best thermal springs experience in Iceland. There are 7 or 8 separate springs, all cascading down to the ocean, and each spring is a different temperature. There's a little restaurant there with great fish bisque and local beer. On three nights of our week there, we were able to see the northern lights while sitting in a geothermal spring; they were spectacular over the water. The roads were challenging on some days; I would be hesitant to book a place in winter that's more than an hour or 2 from Reykjavik. Link for Hvammsvik is here - https://hvammsvik.com. Last grocery store is 30 minutes away from Hvammsvik, so load up there.
Ben, the picture you uploaded for this article where is that? Looks so cosy.
I'd say Tromsø, Norway. I heard it's a lot easier to see there and less tourists so less overcrowded.
Without a doubt, Svalbard! Been there several times and never missed them. Albeit, as you know because you've been there I remember, don't expect tropical temperatures. :-) Also as you know, you will be at the most Northern hotel in the world.
Dear Ben,
I can in general recommend Finnland. I spent once Christmas in above the Polar Circle in a hotel which was an amazing experience. The hotel had als around a 100 Husky Dogs and we did excurion with Husky Sleds for 1 and 2 days in the countryside. Also Cross Country Skiiing or Snow-Shoe Trips. Even had my son in a sled covered in rendeer fur. Quite some hotels offer the kind of...
Dear Ben,
I can in general recommend Finnland. I spent once Christmas in above the Polar Circle in a hotel which was an amazing experience. The hotel had als around a 100 Husky Dogs and we did excurion with Husky Sleds for 1 and 2 days in the countryside. Also Cross Country Skiiing or Snow-Shoe Trips. Even had my son in a sled covered in rendeer fur. Quite some hotels offer the kind of star gazing rooms you have pictured in your article. The hotel I stayed was on a frozen lake and you had quite open horizon. We learned also there seems to be a season for aurora borealis. There are higher chances in October or later but not so much in December. There are also some internet sights with status and forecast.
And the hotel you stayed at is . . ??
I saw them in Luleå, Sweden a couple years ago. It’s easy to hop up there from ARN on SAS. Luleå isn’t too big of a city so it’s pretty easy to get away from any light pollution if you drive out just a bit. There are several outdoor type lodging outfitters (not talking about the stupid ice hotels) that make for a neat arctic experience.
Already been mentioned a couple times, but when doing my own research I found Hurtigruten and Havila, two companies that run hybrid cruise/ferry ships up and down the Norwegian coast. I'm booked with family on a cruise to Kirkenes and back with Havila next winter.
We did Havila a couple years ago and were very pleased. It is not like any other cruise line.
Trømso in Norway. Then you’ll also be able to give Miles the experience of his life as you ride dog-hauled sleds!
Surrey, England
Have some family who went to Churchill, Manitoba (way up on the shore of Hudson bay) specifically to see the northern lights. I'm not sure who they flew, but they connected in Winnipeg. I think it must be similar to Yellowknife, in that it gives a better-than-average chance of clear weather during winter. They had one night where they went out with a tour guide and got spectacular photos of the lights, but at least...
Have some family who went to Churchill, Manitoba (way up on the shore of Hudson bay) specifically to see the northern lights. I'm not sure who they flew, but they connected in Winnipeg. I think it must be similar to Yellowknife, in that it gives a better-than-average chance of clear weather during winter. They had one night where they went out with a tour guide and got spectacular photos of the lights, but at least one cloudy night too, so I guess nothing is a guarantee.
They probably flew Calm Air which actually has a partnership with Aeroplan for redemptions.
do a hurtigruten northern light cruise(there are also short cruises available like 2 or 3-4 days). And its not too late to book one, they operate more like ferry services in Norway.
Yellowknife is the best in Canada. Also great for Indigenous tourism and a fascinating territorial government. Tours of the legislative building are a must.
Ben, the Lofoten Islands in Norway is drop-dead gorgeous any time of year, and one can easily see the northern lights there. I would also recommend both Tromso and Bodo in Norway. Finally, if you want to kill a week you can take the Hurtigruten coastal cruise between Bergen and Kirkenes. It follows the coast so you're always within internet range, and stops at 30+ ports along the way. Beautiful ships, great food and cabins,...
Ben, the Lofoten Islands in Norway is drop-dead gorgeous any time of year, and one can easily see the northern lights there. I would also recommend both Tromso and Bodo in Norway. Finally, if you want to kill a week you can take the Hurtigruten coastal cruise between Bergen and Kirkenes. It follows the coast so you're always within internet range, and stops at 30+ ports along the way. Beautiful ships, great food and cabins, and the scenery along the way is outstanding. You will definitely see the northern lights at some point along the journey. I've done all of these, and highly recommend them.
They're overrated IMO. The naked eye doesn't see close to what comes out in camera photos.
THIS!!!!
Depends on the intensity. Sometime they are faint, other times they are bright and awesome
Sometime but not always. They can be spectacular!
Maybe Lofotes?
I stayed at this one but I am sure there are some more. The scenery was breathtaking.
https://www.airbnb.com/l/8F1yglFA
I have been to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada to see the Northern Lights on four different occasions, and I've seen the Northern Lights every night except for three snowy evenings. It's essential to go to the Aurora Village - it is a bus ride from town but it's very, very comfortable out at the lake where the Village is (heated teepees and a full service restaurant) and it's by far the best...
I have been to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada to see the Northern Lights on four different occasions, and I've seen the Northern Lights every night except for three snowy evenings. It's essential to go to the Aurora Village - it is a bus ride from town but it's very, very comfortable out at the lake where the Village is (heated teepees and a full service restaurant) and it's by far the best site for viewing the lights. If you go during the month of March there's also the Snowking Festival so that can help keep you occupied during the day. I think it's the best place in the world to see the lights (it's an Arctic desert, so very unlikely to be cloudy at night). The Explorer Hotel is probably the best place to stay (nice bar and restaurant, too).
I have been researching this for quite a while. Iceland in September-August or March is your best bet weather-wise. To mitigate your “losses” staying in the capitol will allow for things to see and do if the Lights fail you. There is a tour out of the capitol that you can check in with and if the outlook for that night is poor, they will take you out the next night or the next, etc....
I have been researching this for quite a while. Iceland in September-August or March is your best bet weather-wise. To mitigate your “losses” staying in the capitol will allow for things to see and do if the Lights fail you. There is a tour out of the capitol that you can check in with and if the outlook for that night is poor, they will take you out the next night or the next, etc. (but only trip per paid tour), you just keep checking in with them. They will drive you to the best destination when the forecast is promising.
Greenland is great for northern lights, and I know you've been eager to get there. Very easy to avoid light pollution and I've seen them there every time I've gone (the most consistent of any place in the far north I've been). The skies tend to be more consistently clear in Greenland as you get closer to the ice sheet and away from the coast – so Kangerlussuaq, where the A330 used to fly, is...
Greenland is great for northern lights, and I know you've been eager to get there. Very easy to avoid light pollution and I've seen them there every time I've gone (the most consistent of any place in the far north I've been). The skies tend to be more consistently clear in Greenland as you get closer to the ice sheet and away from the coast – so Kangerlussuaq, where the A330 used to fly, is actually a great place for it. But I've seen them on the coast every time too.
Getting to a place without constantly cloudy weather is pretty key. As another commenter mentioned, Tromsø is great but only if it's clear and it can easily stay cloudy there for a long time. It's also a really nice city though. Northern Sweden is also good, don't forget them! Again you have to time it for good weather. But check out Niehku lodge. Up there you see a lot. Oh and yeah, stay away from ice hotels – I am fine with the cold and I hated sleeping in an ice room at the Ice Hotel in northern Sweden. Totally terrible experience . But the standard (warm) rooms at Ice Hotel are perfectly nice and that area, around Jukkasjärvi, is well situated for seeing the lights. They'll even take you on a hike into the forest to see them best.
I too have had this on my bucket list for year. And just can't seem to figure out where and when to visit to see the lights.
As you said, it's hard to plan a short trip that will have a high degree of success. Weather is probably the bigger determinant as with no clear skies you won't see them no matter what. Someone mentioned a new moon, too, and while a darker sky helps see weaker displays, for stronger displays it won't matter as much.
Around the equinoxes I've heard are actually better for viewing, too, in case you don't want...
As you said, it's hard to plan a short trip that will have a high degree of success. Weather is probably the bigger determinant as with no clear skies you won't see them no matter what. Someone mentioned a new moon, too, and while a darker sky helps see weaker displays, for stronger displays it won't matter as much.
Around the equinoxes I've heard are actually better for viewing, too, in case you don't want to go in the heart of winter. The only benefit of January may be more hours of darkness, but even in early March you have 12+ hours. It has something to do with the way the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetosphere at those times of the year.
My biggest recommendations are to maximize the number of days in a region and to stay mobile. Planning only one night is really rolling the dice. When I've traveled in Iceland and Norway, I've seen them once per week on average. Also, due to cloud cover, if you can drive a bit in an evening to find clear skies you'll also increase your odds.
To your Iceland question, you don't need to go further north to see them. Unless there was something else up north you wanted to see, I probably wouldn't bother given your tight travel schedule. I've seen them in the Westfjords and along the Ring Road in the south, for example.
Not to do your trip planning for you but ... Since you want to go to Iceland, I'd probably lean that direction and then hire a guide to get you out of Reykjavik (city lights also reduce visibility of the lights and really only Reykjavik in Iceland is big enough to do that). That way you can try Icelandair again and the new Edition, I think it is, downtown. They are night boat tours, too, that you can do where they sail away from the lights and hunt for clear skies. Some, I think, even have "guarantees" where if you don't see them one night you get a discount or offer to go again the next night. There are also bus tours that go to the spot with the best chances of seeing them.
I saw the Northern Lights in Iceland (end of Nov) and Lofoten Islands, Norway (beginning of Oct). Lofoten's landscapes are beautiful as backdrop. Few things in mind:
1. Align with a new moon phase because full moon days are too bright to see with your naked eyes unless the solar activity is strong.
2. Oct to Nov or Feb to Mar are the best months. Oct is horrible for Lofoten though because of...
I saw the Northern Lights in Iceland (end of Nov) and Lofoten Islands, Norway (beginning of Oct). Lofoten's landscapes are beautiful as backdrop. Few things in mind:
1. Align with a new moon phase because full moon days are too bright to see with your naked eyes unless the solar activity is strong.
2. Oct to Nov or Feb to Mar are the best months. Oct is horrible for Lofoten though because of rainy and cloudy. I was lucky to see it on the last night of my 5 nights stay.
3. If you are flexible with last minute travel then yes check the aurora forecast website and book a flight when there's a solar storm upcoming to max your chance!
We went to Deplar Farm in February and it was fantastic. The remote location provides great northern light viewings and seeing the northern lights from the heated pool that has built in loungers is spectacular. During the day there are plenty of activities you can do in and around the valley.
The food is a bit hit and miss but the location is fantastic and the intimate scale is charming.
Iceland. However, make sure you pick the best time of year. I understand from fall and early winter are your best chances.
Go to Lapland region of Finland in September. Prime northern lights time of year, plus nice weather and less chance of clouds. Saw them two nights in a row this year.
If you want to go somewhere “exotic”, go to Ilulissat. Stay in the Aurora Cabins at the Hotel Arctic.
Another option is Fairbanks. Stay in the city and go on Aurora Viewing (few hours) trip or Arctic Circle trip (full day) with Northern Alaska Tour Company. They pick you up from your hotel in their nice comfy bus. Irrespective of the tour, they take you to their nice big cabin in woods. It is kept...
If you want to go somewhere “exotic”, go to Ilulissat. Stay in the Aurora Cabins at the Hotel Arctic.
Another option is Fairbanks. Stay in the city and go on Aurora Viewing (few hours) trip or Arctic Circle trip (full day) with Northern Alaska Tour Company. They pick you up from your hotel in their nice comfy bus. Irrespective of the tour, they take you to their nice big cabin in woods. It is kept warm 24/7. You have couches, blankets, throws, hot chocolate, hot ramen etc and a big fireplace to keep you warm. Their guide waits outside looking for Auroras. You go out see them, come back in warm up, then go out again.
I haven’t been to anywhere else, so don’t know what else can you do. But there are few things to do in Fairbanks - the university museum, North Pole, Chena Hot Springs.
Forgot to mention, no matter where you go, go for minimum of 3 nights. You need the storm to be strong enough and clear sky to see them. Another thing is, this year is supposed to have strong Auroras in years.
In February 2023 I stayed at Star Arctic Hotel in northern Finland. No issue seeing the northern lights. Reasonably priced place too.
I second the Hurtigruten recommendation from an earlier post, assuming you are open to a cruise. I also tried to see the northern light a few times, and the only time I saw it was on Hurtigruten, right outside of Tromso, in February. The end-to-end Norwegian Coast cruise takes about a week, but if you are time-sensitive, you can easily book a partial itinerary covering 3-4 nights. I assume for best chances you should try...
I second the Hurtigruten recommendation from an earlier post, assuming you are open to a cruise. I also tried to see the northern light a few times, and the only time I saw it was on Hurtigruten, right outside of Tromso, in February. The end-to-end Norwegian Coast cruise takes about a week, but if you are time-sensitive, you can easily book a partial itinerary covering 3-4 nights. I assume for best chances you should try the northern portion, ending in Kirkenes. If I remember correctly, Hurtigruten even has a special sailing named for Northern Light chasing. If you sign up for the cabin call, they will wake you up if there is a showing so no need to worry about missing it. As for light pollution, the only light is from the ship itself, so minimum. The only other thing to consider is to book a trip that avoids the full moon.
Saw the northern lights for the first time this fall in Iceland. It was incredible. Allegedly September, when we went, is the best month to see them.
Last year I just sat on my backyard in MN and saw it a few times. It was very intense a couple times during the year. My brother traveled all the way to Tromso, Norway and had a guide take him to the woods and it was also amazing.
On board of Hurtigruten or Havila between Bodø and Kirkenens between November and March. Apart from Svalbard, this is the furthest North you can possibly get in the World and beats all other options.
Being on board of a moving ship also increases your likelihood and reduces light pollution. This is much more comfortable and convenient than chasing the Northern Lights on a bus or standing in the cold at night.
Hurtigruten announces...
On board of Hurtigruten or Havila between Bodø and Kirkenens between November and March. Apart from Svalbard, this is the furthest North you can possibly get in the World and beats all other options.
Being on board of a moving ship also increases your likelihood and reduces light pollution. This is much more comfortable and convenient than chasing the Northern Lights on a bus or standing in the cold at night.
Hurtigruten announces them on the pa and even phones you at night in your cabin if you sign up for this to announce them, when they are present.
A couple of months ago I saw the northern lights in my backyard in London, so if you just wanted to have an idea about it, you can travel to anywhere north of London where skies are more frequently clear of clouds. The benefit of travelling to Tromso, Yellowknife or Iceland is you would get a chance to see the truly vivid and colourful lights, so you shall plan a long enough stay for that....
A couple of months ago I saw the northern lights in my backyard in London, so if you just wanted to have an idea about it, you can travel to anywhere north of London where skies are more frequently clear of clouds. The benefit of travelling to Tromso, Yellowknife or Iceland is you would get a chance to see the truly vivid and colourful lights, so you shall plan a long enough stay for that. The advantage of Iceland is there are a lot more to do than just waiting for the lights, but actually it’s too south and too cloudy for the best chance to see the best lights.
New moon nights in February/March, in Fairbanks Alaska. You can time it with their ice show happening late Feb
Fairly easy to plan it a day or two in advance (lots of flights, hotels, American amenities)
Oh also, in Fairbanks you can see the northern lights from any random strip mall in the city or your Quality Inn etc hotel window.
Or you can book Chena Lodge etc also.
There's dog sledding etc to do too
I just came back from Fairbanks. 2 weeks trip: for first couple of nights clear sky and average aurora show. 1 day of clear sky and nothing, followed by 3 nights of clouds and light snow. Then again clear sky and average aurora show. And then just when I left, spectacular aurora show on 31st of December.
I've been to Fairbanks couple of times before and seen better aurora shows in 2016 and 2018,...
I just came back from Fairbanks. 2 weeks trip: for first couple of nights clear sky and average aurora show. 1 day of clear sky and nothing, followed by 3 nights of clouds and light snow. Then again clear sky and average aurora show. And then just when I left, spectacular aurora show on 31st of December.
I've been to Fairbanks couple of times before and seen better aurora shows in 2016 and 2018, regardless of solar cycle.
I used to drive to Cleary Summit, but on last trip stayed in Airbnb just outside of Fairbanks and you could walk or drive half a mile to good viewing spot (Fabian Drive).
I also been to Abisko (2012, 2019) and Kiruna (2012, 2013, 2019) Sweden, Tromso (many times: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2020) Norway and Ivalo Finland (2013). Abisko and Tromso area were the best, but you need car to travel outside of Tromso. Skibotn is good location too. But I really enjoyed stay in resort in Meistervik. Cabins on water front offer great views during the day and night.
Ivalo wasn't so good, clouds for a whole week and then no great aurora on other days (2013). Iceland similar, haven't seen aurora during one week stay.
I'm surprised at how far I had to scroll to find Fairbanks... on a 5 day trip in January we saw them each night in a different location all around the Fairbanks interior area. Much more vibrant than I remember in Iceland or Norway, but maybe I lucked out. The only downside was that is was -30F outside...
I’ve taken 5 trips to see the Northern Lights (Finland, Iceland, Alaska x2, Canada) and have only seen them once.
We saw the northern lights in Finland in Feb 2023 from the Aurora bubble room. We flew business class JFK-HEL and on to IVL which is above the arctic circle. From there it was a 45 min van ride in a nice Mercedes sprinter van to the Wildnerness Hotel Nellim.
https://wildernesshotels.fi/wilderness-hotel-nellim
What I...
I’ve taken 5 trips to see the Northern Lights (Finland, Iceland, Alaska x2, Canada) and have only seen them once.
We saw the northern lights in Finland in Feb 2023 from the Aurora bubble room. We flew business class JFK-HEL and on to IVL which is above the arctic circle. From there it was a 45 min van ride in a nice Mercedes sprinter van to the Wildnerness Hotel Nellim.
https://wildernesshotels.fi/wilderness-hotel-nellim
What I liked:
1. All-inclusive food was tasty and hearty
2. Look for Aurora from the room/bed without having to stand out in the cold
3. Other fun activities to do: snowmobiling, snowshoeing, Aurora campfire, reindeer sleigh rides, etc
4. Sauna on property
5. Finland culture/infrastructure was very good
6. This app will send you wake up alerts to your phone. You buy a subscription and they have AI cameras dispersed around northern Finland that can detect Aurora activity. https://www.nlalert.fi/
7. One of be tours took us to within 2km of the Russian border.
What I didn’t like:
1. Got a little slow after 3 days. You’re in the middle of nowhere. (Little light pollution)
2. Lapland was nice but not spectacularly scenic compared to Alaska, Iceland, and the Canadian Rockies. It had more of a UP of Michigan landscape vibe. The snowmobiling was much better in the other destinations.
3. Had to pay cash. Couldn’t find a bubble that took points.
Iceland certainly has better scenery, more to do, and is easier to get on from the US. We stayed at this SLH property on Hyatt points years ago. Now you could use Hilton. They don’t have bubble rooms, but they have a wake up service where the staff calls your room if Aurora activity is spotted. There are several interesting day drives from the property.
https://hotelranga.is/
General advice:
1. Pick your dates with a new moon. Never go during full or 3/4 moon.
2. If you get a wake up from the app/hotel, throw on a warm jacket and GO. Others in my group missed the aurora in Finland due to waiting 2-3 min.
3. It requires a bit of luck, and there are no guarantees, even above the arctic circle.
4. Study up on Aurora photography before you leave. I took an iPhone photo but wish I would have had a tripod, proper camera, etc.
I saw them in Iceland 2 years ago while staying at Hotel Ranga. It's a fantastic place that's part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, we redeemed Hyatt points at the time for our stay there. It's on the south western coast of Iceland.
Check out Simon Wilson's YouTube page. His recent videos include Tromso and Svalbard. There's always Greenland and Iceland if you fancy.
https://www.youtube.com/@SimonWilson12
I’m headed to Svalbard in February to see them. Fingers crossed!
Tromso.
Next question.
Hey Ben, I've just returned from a 4 day trip to Tromsö and... didn't see the Northern Lights. That was partly because it was continuously cloudy for 4 "days" and nights, and because even if there hadn't been any clouds, the solar activity was very low over the days prior to and during my visit, so even fellow travellers who went out of their way with expensive 12 hour tours did not have any luck....
Hey Ben, I've just returned from a 4 day trip to Tromsö and... didn't see the Northern Lights. That was partly because it was continuously cloudy for 4 "days" and nights, and because even if there hadn't been any clouds, the solar activity was very low over the days prior to and during my visit, so even fellow travellers who went out of their way with expensive 12 hour tours did not have any luck. Whether it's Canada, Alaska or Scandinavia, there are some things to keep in mind:
- You'll want to make sure you're going for at least a week to maximize your odds of clear skies along with strong solar activity. A friend went to Tromsö the after me and got to enjoy a fabulous display.
- A rental car or bus tour gives you the flexibility of location to go to places with less cloud cover. If renting a car, get a 4WD car though as landscapes will be very snowy.
- If you like planning last minute travel, you could even wait to book your trip until solar activity picks up (there are multiple websites to track this) and then check out weather forecasts for different locations.
Well,
I will be in ANC for the start of the Iditarod on March 1. There is a new Hyatt/Joie de Vivre Category 4 hotel there.
Obviously, there are no guarantees, but I do hope for some northern lights.
Unless there's strong display, ANC is not that great for aurora. But with strong display it will be visible over the city. Saw decent display during Sept 2015 stay.
Just got back from Skibotn, Norway. Stayed in a cabin via Airbnb (Strandbu Camping) in a fully furnished cabin. Near Tromsø, Norway but away from all the light pollution. It was amazing. Saw the Northern lights at 3:30 - 6:30 PM.
Well, Ben — to answer your question directly, I recently had incredible luck here: https://thegatewithbriancohen.com/northern-lights-in-finland-aurora-borealis/