Chasing the Northern Lights: The Best Places in the World to See Nature’s Greatest Show

There are few travel experiences as magical as standing under a sky that suddenly shimmers with ribbons of green, pink, and purple. The Northern Lights - or aurora borealis, are nature’s very own light show, and they’ve been enchanting travellers for centuries.

While you can’t guarantee a sighting (the lights are famously elusive), there are a handful of destinations around the world that give you the very best chance of catching them. Pack your thermals and a sense of wonder - here’s where to go.

1. Tromsø, Norway

Often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is one of the most popular spots to see the aurora. The city sits right in the middle of the Northern Lights zone, so you don’t even have to stray far from town to catch them. Add in husky sledding, fjords, and cozy Nordic cabins, and you’ve got yourself a winter dream.

2. Abisko, Sweden

This tiny Swedish village is home to the famous Aurora Sky Station, located in Abisko National Park. Thanks to its clear skies and unique microclimate, it’s one of the most reliable places on earth to see the lights. Bonus: the chairlift ride up to the station feels like stepping into another world.

3. Reykjavik & Beyond, Iceland

Iceland has become a bucket-list destination for aurora hunters - and for good reason. Just a short drive from Reykjavik, you can find yourself in wide-open landscapes with zero light pollution. Combine your trip with hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic scenery, and you’ll wonder if the entire country is a movie set.

4. Finnish Lapland

Imagine watching the lights while tucked into a glass igloo under the Arctic sky. In Finland, that’s exactly what you can do. Lapland offers some of the most magical aurora experiences, complete with reindeer rides and snow-covered forests that feel straight out of a fairytale.

5. Yukon, Canada

If you don’t mind the cold, Canada’s Yukon is one of the most spectacular places to see the aurora. Wide skies, rugged landscapes, and almost no crowds mean you can experience the lights in serene solitude. Whitehorse, the capital, is a great base.

6. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Fairbanks is known as one of the best places in North America for aurora sightings. The season is long (August to April), and you can easily combine your trip with hot springs, snowmobiling, or even an Arctic Circle adventure.

7. Scotland, UK

Yes, you read that right! The Northern Lights - known locally as the Mirrie Dancers, sometimes make an appearance in northern Scotland. Head to the Shetland Islands or Caithness in the Highlands for your best chance. It’s not as guaranteed as the Arctic, but it’s a lot closer if you’re based in Europe.

A few tips for aurora chasing

• Timing matters: The best time is usually between September and March, during the darkest months.

• Stay up late: The aurora often shows itself between 10pm and 2am.

• Get away from city lights: The darker the sky, the better.

• Be patient: Nature works on her own schedule. Waiting it out with a hot chocolate is part of the adventure.

The Northern Lights aren’t just a sight, they’re an experience. Whether you catch them dancing above Iceland’s lava fields, shimmering over snowy forests in Finland, or glowing in the stillness of the Canadian wilderness, they remind us of just how extraordinary our world really is.