Imagine if there was one best place to see the Northern Lights! Overnight it would become the Costa del Aurora with high rise Northern Lights viewing hotels and people in the street handing out leaflets offering a free drink with every Aurora chase.
Mercifully, the unpredictable nature of the Aurora means that it retains its mystical allure and it’s fair to say that you stand as much chance of seeing them from a vantage point in Norway as you do from a frozen lake in Finland.
The lights appear in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and even on other planets but from an Aurora hunting point of view, only the Northern Lights are a genuinely viable option.
The Southern Lights or Aurora Australis occur most frequently over Antarctica which really only appeals to a few research scientists and penguins. When the Aurora Australis is very active then the lights may be visible from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa but these occasions are few and far between and certainly don’t justify travelling to such places purely in search of the Southern Lights.
The lights also appear near the magnetic poles of other planets and if you search the internet you can find images of Auroras above the likes of Jupiter and Saturn. Unfortunately, we’re not likely to be sending people into space on Aurora hunting missions any time soon so our focus remains firmly in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere and Northern Scandinavia especially.
In Europe the Aurora is most frequently visible in Northern Scandinavia in a band that stretches between 66°N and 69°N, which we call the Aurora Zone. The band can expand further south when geomagnetic activity is high which is why we can occasionally see the Aurora from northern parts of the UK. The displays we see in the UK are not only rare but also incredibly different to what our guests see in Northern Scandinavia. In the UK, displays of the aurora are often confined to the northern horizon which makes it difficult to see, especially in light polluted areas. In Northern Scandinavia, because you are situated within the aurora zone, the probability of seeing the Aurora Borealis increases dramatically and often it will appear overhead and start dancing – just like you see in the viral Instagram videos.
The solar activity of the Sun peaks and troughs every 11 years, now we’re heading into the period of maximum activity which means there is an increased chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Northern Scandinavia. Over the next 4 years, the number of times the aurora is spotted from our destinations will increase, as will the strength of the storms. There hasn’t been a better time to book your trip to and with The Aurora Zone.
The Auroral band stretches across Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. We feature holidays to all of these countries, and every holiday we offer has been expertly designed to maximise your opportunity to see the Northern Lights.If we could answer this question, we would be rich beyond our wildest dreams!
As a naturally occurring phenomenon, the appearance of the Northern Lights is notoriously difficult to predict any further in advance than about two days before it happens, if it does then happen. So much is dependent on solar activity, the position of the Earth’s geomagnetic field and the weather. What we can say is the aurora season begins in late August and runs all the way through until early April. During this time, if you have a clear sky and you’re underneath the auroral oval in one of our destinations, you have a fantastic chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland! With up to 200 nights of Aurora activity per year, Finland is a prime location to witness this natural wonder. Stay in cozy glass-roofed accommodations and embark on exciting adventures like dog sledding and snowmobiling.
Our expert guides will lead you on dedicated Aurora hunts, maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Explore diverse regions like Utsjoki in the north or Nellim in the east, each offering unique experiences.
Choose from leisurely to active itineraries, with activities like reindeer safaris and ice fishing to fill your daytime hours. Finnish Lapland awaits – an unforgettable adventure in Europe’s pristine wilderness.
Witness the dazzling Northern Lights in northern Sweden! With minimal light pollution and a sparse population, Swedish Lapland offers ideal conditions for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
Explore dramatic landscapes, from the frozen Luleå Archipelago to the majestic Torne River. Stay in unique accommodations like the famed Treehotel or the ICEHOTEL®.
Our curated Northern Lights adventures include thrilling activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling, alongside lesser-known experiences. We focus on prime Aurora viewing locations like Abisko and Luleå, where the frozen sea transforms into a viewing platform.
Embrace an unforgettable adventure in Sweden’s pristine wilderness, chasing the magical Aurora Borealis.
Image credit: Asaf Kliger and ICEHOTEL
Witness the captivating Northern Lights dance across the night sky in Norway! Escape city lights and venture into the majestic fjords, mountains, and islands where darkness reigns. Norway boasts some of the darkest skies in Europe, maximizing your chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis in its full glory.
Tromsø, a vibrant city nicknamed “The Gateway to the Arctic,” is a popular starting point. But for the most breathtaking views, we recommend venturing beyond. Head to hidden gems like Sommarøy or Senja, where light pollution is minimal, allowing the Aurora’s vibrant colors to come alive.
Norway isn’t just about the Northern Lights. This adventure-lover’s paradise offers a unique blend of experiences. Hike through dramatic landscapes, embark on thrilling whale-watching tours, or encounter majestic polar bears in the Arctic Svalbard. Savor delicious local cuisine, from fresh seafood to warming stews, after a day of chasing the Aurora.
Norway awaits with an unforgettable blend of natural wonders, cultural charm, and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.
Image credit: Olec Salomonsen
You might need another holiday after visiting Iceland. Adventures in geology and geography entertain by day and the Aurora is the focus once darkness falls. It’s rewardingly exhausting!
Iceland allows you to combine an incredible number of natural wonders in a short space of time. It is almost unfair that one country has volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and a great Aurora record!
The list of bucket list experiences available on this northerly island is staggering and we have tried to incorporate as many as we possibly can into our dedicated Aurora hunting holidays in Iceland.
We know that there are often adverts showcasing cheap deals to Reykjavik for Aurora hunting, but trust us, you get what you pay for. Reykjavik is a wonderful city and a must-see, but the light pollution of the capital is no place for Northern Lights viewing. So, whilst holidays such as our Reykjavik, Golden Circle and Northern Lights Inn, will show you the bright city lights, we will also take you well away from them in order to hunt the Aurora.
Together with our local team, we offer a range of dedicated Aurora holidays, each with their own style, so you can choose the trip that suits you and your bucket list best. You can search on land, on sea, from a super jeep or from a hot tub, the choice is entirely yours.
