The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a mesmerizing natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. With 2025 forecasted to be a peak year for solar activity, it promises exceptional opportunities for viewing these vibrant phenomena. Below, we delve deeper into the top 20 destinations to witness the northern lights in 2025, offering insights into each location’s unique appeal.
1. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle, is renowned for its consistent and brilliant northern lights displays. The city’s accessible wilderness areas and aurora-focused amenities, such as guided tours and observatories, make it an ideal destination. Activities like dog sledding and visiting the Polar Museum enhance the Arctic adventure. The best time to visit Tromsø is between September and April when the nights are the longest.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik offers a blend of urban amenities and quick access to natural settings, making it a favorite for aurora watchers. Visitors can experience the lights from the city itself or venture out to nearby spots like Thingvellir National Park. The geothermal Blue Lagoon provides a unique opportunity to watch the aurora while soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters. Optimal viewing months are from October to March.
3. Finnish Lapland
In Finnish Lapland, visitors can stay in glass igloos or cozy log cabins, designed to maximize aurora viewing comfort. The region’s clear skies and low light pollution create ideal conditions. Activities like snowshoeing, reindeer sleigh rides, and ice fishing add to the allure. The season extends from late August to April, with peak viewing during the darker winter months.
4. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Fairbanks is one of the best places in the U.S. for northern lights viewing due to its interior location and relatively clear skies. The Aurora Borealis can be seen on average 243 days a year. The Chena Hot Springs Resort offers an exceptional experience combining aurora viewing with relaxation in natural hot springs. The best viewing times are between late August and April.
5. Churchill, Canada
Churchill, located on the shores of Hudson Bay, is often associated with polar bears but is equally famed for its northern lights. The remote location ensures minimal light pollution, enhancing the vibrancy of the aurora. The town offers specialized aurora-viewing domes and guided tours. The ideal time to visit for aurora watching is from January to March.
6. Abisko, Sweden
Abisko National Park, situated in Swedish Lapland, boasts one of the most reliable viewing spots due to its unique microclimate. The Aurora Sky Station provides a prime viewing location, complete with guided tours and a chance to learn about the science behind the aurora. Visitors can enjoy the aurora from November through March, with December and January being particularly favorable.
7. Greenland
Greenland’s vast and untouched landscapes offer some of the most secluded spots for aurora viewing. Towns like Kangerlussuaq provide optimal conditions due to their clear skies and remote settings. Additionally, Greenland’s cultural heritage and Inuit traditions add a rich dimension to the aurora-viewing experience. The best months are from September to April.
8. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard, located far north in the Arctic Ocean, offers a unique opportunity to see the aurora during the polar night when the sun doesn’t rise for months. This remote archipelago’s stark and rugged landscapes create a dramatic backdrop for the aurora. Peak viewing occurs from late October to mid-February.
9. Murmansk, Russia
Murmansk, the world’s largest city north of the Arctic Circle, offers excellent opportunities for aurora viewing from October to March. Its proximity to the Kola Peninsula, an area with low light pollution and clear skies, enhances the experience. The region is less touristy, providing a more secluded and authentic adventure.
10. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, provides a magical setting for northern lights viewing. The city is equipped with numerous aurora tours, and the nearby Ounasvaara hill offers a great vantage point. Visitors can also enjoy winter activities like husky safaris and visits to Santa Claus Village. The best time to visit is from late August to early April.
11. Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife, located on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, is renowned for its frequent and vivid aurora displays. The area experiences clear skies for the majority of the aurora season, which runs from mid-November to early April. The Aurora Village offers teepees with heating, perfect for a cozy viewing experience.
12. Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna, in Swedish Lapland, provides another excellent base for aurora viewing. The city is known for its Icehotel, a unique accommodation built entirely of ice and snow each winter. Visitors can embark on aurora tours, often combined with activities like snowmobiling and ice sculpting. The prime viewing period is from November to March.
13. Tasiilaq, Greenland
Tasiilaq, located in East Greenland, offers a remote and breathtaking setting for northern lights viewing. Its relatively mild winters compared to other parts of Greenland, combined with long dark nights, provide ideal conditions. The town is accessible by air from Reykjavik, Iceland, and offers a serene, less crowded aurora experience.
14. Alta, Norway
Alta, known as the “City of the Northern Lights,” is home to the Northern Lights Cathedral and offers a range of aurora-focused tours. The city’s history with the aurora, including early scientific studies, adds depth to your visit. Winter is the best time to experience the lights, with clear skies and cold temperatures enhancing visibility.
15. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
While Reykjavik is a popular spot, venturing to Thingvellir National Park provides a more secluded experience. The park’s vast landscapes and historical significance as the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament add to the allure. The park is a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, making it easily accessible for an aurora night trip.
16. Inari, Finland
Inari, in the heart of Finnish Lapland, offers a quiet, intimate setting for aurora enthusiasts. The town is known for its cultural connections to the indigenous Sámi people, and visitors can combine aurora hunting with learning about local traditions. The best time to visit is between August and April.
17. Nuuk, Greenland
Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, blends urban culture with stunning natural beauty. While it offers fewer amenities than other major cities, the surrounding wilderness provides a perfect setting for northern lights. Visit from September to April for the best chances of seeing the aurora.
18. Lake Mývatn, Iceland
Lake Myvatn is a lesser-known gem in northern Iceland. The area’s geothermal activity not only shapes the landscape but also offers warm hot springs, providing a unique setting for aurora viewing. The aurora season here runs from late September to early April, with the darkest winter months offering the most vivid displays.
19. Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Anchorage is a convenient base for exploring Alaska’s natural wonders, including the northern lights. While not as remote as Fairbanks, Anchorage offers the advantage of easy access to wilderness areas like the Chugach Mountains and Denali National Park. The best times to see the lights are from late August through April.
20. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
As Europe’s largest national park, Vatnajökull offers a stunning backdrop for aurora viewing, featuring glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and ice caves. The park’s remote locations ensure minimal light pollution, enhancing the aurora experience. The best months for viewing are from October to March.
Final Thoughts
2025 promises to be a spectacular year for northern lights enthusiasts. Each destination offers unique experiences and optimal conditions for aurora viewing, from the Arctic tundra to remote Icelandic landscapes. Planning and choosing the right time and place will ensure an unforgettable encounter with this celestial wonder.
