The northern lights are one of those phenomena you have to see live. The key is choosing the place and time of year, plus a little patience. Here is where to see the northern lights and how to boost your chances.
Northern Norway
Tromsø and the Lofoten are among the best places to watch the aurora, with plenty of hunting tours on offer.
Iceland
Outside the city, away from lights, the aurora can light up the whole sky. Easy to combine with an island road trip.
Lapland (Finland and Sweden)
Rovaniemi, Abisko and their surroundings are famous for clear, dark skies and a high chance of aurora in winter.
Scotland and the islands
During strong solar activity, the aurora is visible even in the north of Scotland — closer than you might think.
How to boost your chances
Go between September and March, pick a cloudless night away from city lights and check aurora activity forecasts. Patience can be as important as the place.
Plan an aurora trip
The aurora is part of a bigger winter adventure — see our places in Europe to see once in your life, and plan the trip with our guide to planning a trip. Save the aurora you catch on TRAMFI.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to look for the northern lights?
From September to March, on long, dark nights. Clear skies and distance from city lights are key.
Am I guaranteed to see the aurora?
There is no guarantee — it is a natural phenomenon. A stay of several days and flexibility greatly improve your chances.