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10 Greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe in 2024


Questioning the perfect locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you possibly can open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every evening? We’ve acquired you covered- listed below are essentially the most stunning locations in Europe to go to to extend your possibilities of seeing the Northern lights!

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Greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe

For those who’ve ever been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern lights, both in Europe or elsewhere, you’ll know that they’re BREATHTAKING.

Severely, critically spectacular.

Which I’m guessing you already know, or wish to know, if you happen to’re looking for the perfect locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.

On this put up, we’re going to share the perfect locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that can assist you see them, by sharing the 4 major guidelines that the consultants say to observe if you wish to see the Northern Lights in Europe (extra on these under)

Prepared? Let’s dive in!

The green hues of the northern lights in Europe.
The Northern Lights in Europe.

The place is the perfect place to see Northern Lights in Europe?

I hate to start out this put up off with some irritating information, however if you happen to’re questioning the place in Europe are you able to see the Northern Lights, you have to know one factor first: there’s NO one finest place to see the Northern Lights.

They’re a transferring pure phenomenon and solely happen within the excessive latitudes in each hemispheres. Their look relies on many components of the Earth’s environment (most of which I don’t fake to know!) however the essential factor to know is that they’re NOT there on a regular basis and the place they seem can change every evening, and even all through the evening.

Subsequently, the ‘finest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe’ is not possible to pinpoint. That is precisely the identical because the Aurora Australis within the Southern Hemisphere for the southern lights in New Zealand and Australia.

That stated, there are some locations the place your possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe improve dramatically and they’re persistently the perfect locations to go to. These are principally contained in the Arctic circle (though not typically instantly above the poles.)

After all, you can even see the Northern Lights in different places within the excessive latitudes of the Northern hemisphere, like Alaska, Greenland or Fairbanks in Canada, however we’re focussing on Europe for this put up.


Professional Tricks to improve your possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe

There are 4 major guidelines that the consultants observe if you wish to improve the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe:

  1. Get North of the Arctic Circle (between October and March)
  2. Get inland, away from the ocean. Nationwide Parks and mountains are good as a result of they assist hold the sky clear
  3. Be versatile. I do know this isn’t simple, if you’re reserving a vacation, however if you happen to do have the choice to be versatile and journey the place the forecast has the perfect prediction or the place the skies can be clearer, you’ll improve your possibilities of success rather a lot!
  4. Be PATIENT– and settle for that it’s of venture. There’s NEVER any assure of seeing the Aurora in anywhere, regardless of how arduous you attempt. Endurance is vital.

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The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?

Having stated all of the above, don’t persist with the foundations too rigidly.

We’ve been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern Lights on 7 separate nights. In actual fact, out of the 8 nights we’ve spent Aurora searching, just one was unsuccessful. We’ve been very lucky- and we’ve damaged rule quantity 2 just about on a regular basis.

Our first journey was a Hurtigruten cruise from Tromsø up the Norwegian coast, previous Nordkapp and to the Russian border. It was a improbable journey and ticked so many issues off my bucket listing!

It was an ideal journey since that is simply one of many finest European cities to go to in winter and we spent each evening sitting on deck in FREEZING temperatures, watching the Aurora swirl overhead and replicate on the ocean. It was totally magical.

The second time was in Iceland. We flew in to Reykjavik and stayed in a small lodge on the South Coast, and noticed the Aurora 3 out of 4 nights whereas we explored a number of the finest waterfalls in Europe.

We rented a automotive in Iceland, so drove miles into the wilderness to benefit from the present with none mild air pollution in any respect! It was fairly superior.

Each instances, we selected our journey primarily based on a risk of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different sights which allowed us to have vacation regardless. Personally, I believe that’s the finest plan.

Going to any of those locations is expensive- and also you don’t wish to go away dissatisfied. So choose someplace the place there’s something else superior to do (like motorhome snowboarding within the Alps!) as you chase the Northern Lights in Europe.

RELATED: Weird Customs and traditions in Europe that you just’ve by no means heard of!


What’s the perfect month to see the Northern Lights in Europe?

One of the best time to see the Northern Lights in Europe and the perfect Northern Lights months are October- March, when north of the Arctic Circle. The solar units very early up right here, which permits loads of darkness to offer the lights an opportunity to indicate up.

Many individuals say Autumn or Spring are the perfect instances– winter is sort of TOO chilly.

Each instances we’ve been has been March, however we all know many individuals who’ve seen them in different months- it truly is luck of the draw and why the perfect month for the Northern Lights can typically fluctuate.

The pink and green hues of the Northern Lights above pine trees in Northern Europe.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?

Sensible suggestions for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe

  • Verify the climate forecast- you’re searching for clear skies. There are additionally some web sites which share stories of photo voltaic exercise and the chance of you seeing the Aurora every evening.
  • Get distant from cities and different mild air pollution, together with roads
  • Permit about half-hour of darkness to your eye to regulate to the evening – making it simpler to do some private aurora images.
  • Attempt to discover a location with an open view in direction of the North- the Aurora tends to indicate over the North Pole
  • Mountains and/ or lakes are good backdrops for AMAZING images when photographing Aurora
  • After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are frequent instances for the Aurora to indicate up and are normally the perfect time of day to see Northern Lights
  • Wrap up warmly- you’re going to be exterior for some time
  • Discover ways to use your digital camera and analysis settings beforehand so you possibly can set it up rapidly for Aurora images
  • Take a tripod for regular images

The place to see the Northern Lights in Europe

The locations under are the perfect locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe and are available extremely beneficial by lots of of travellers. After all, there are different locations the place you possibly can see the Northern Lights in Europe- that’s a part of the enjoyable!

I’ve heard tales about them being seen as far south as Manchester, England on some (uncommon!) events!

The green Northern Lights in the skies of Northern Finland.
Northern Lights Finland- finest place to remain

Northern Lights Finland

Finland has not too long ago turn out to be one of the crucial standard Northern Lights locations in Europe. It’s additionally one of many first locations in Europe that the Aurora tends to be visible- typically as early as mid-August!

Rovaniemi, Finland is the house of Santa (no, critically) and can be one of the crucial standard locations for Northern Mild hunters.

Whereas searching for the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you possibly can even keep in log or glass igloos/ cabins specifically inbuilt areas away from mild air pollution to permit you a greater likelihood of seeing them out of your doorstep!

Finland has a low inhabitants ratio, so has stunning darkish skies free from mild air pollution, loads of beautiful surroundings together with lakes to replicate the Aurora and a hotter temperature till November.

(These lakes are additionally the right spot to check out ice fishing in Finland– you would possibly even be capable of do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)

Usually, the prospect of seeing the Rovaniemi Northern Lights on clear nights as round 40%, which can not sound like a lot however is definitely superb!

Greatest time to go to Finland and see the Finland Northern Lights

September- November (earlier than the massive snowfalls arrive. Snow= cloud= not a lot likelihood to see the sky! Spring (March/ April) might be good too- however the skies get lighter faster so there’s much less time.

Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – The right way to get there

There are direct flights to Rovaniemi airport (Santa’s airport!) from UK and Europe through the winter.


Northern Lights Sweden

Kiruna, Sweden

Sweden is the least populated nation in Northern Europe. Which implies much less mild air pollution. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.

Sweden additionally enjoys a reasonably delicate temperature till mid-November, which implies clearer skies. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.

Kiruna is legendary for the superb Ice Resort which is constructed annually. You’ll be able to keep in one of many rooms, or simply go to for a tour. It’s additionally one of many finest European cities to go to in Europe in winter.

The green hues of the Kiruna Northern Lights in Sweden.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Sweden is spectacular

Abisko, Sweden

However if you happen to REALLY wish to improve your possibilities of seeing the Sweden Northern Lights, then head north from Kiruna to the little city of Abisko and the Abisko Nationwide Park.

This gorgeous place is VERY distant, however is within the mountains, whose winds assist to maintain the skies clear but in addition to control the temperatures. And the entire lack of sunshine air pollution means even weak Aurora shows might be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is definitely top-of-the-line locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.

Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair raise taking you as much as an commentary lounge and restaurant on a mountaintop, the place you possibly can watch the Aurora while having fun with a 4-course meal. Wrap up warmly, however the views of the Abisko Northern Lights are SPECTACULAR!

Greatest time to Go to Sweden and See the Sweden Northern Lights?

September to finish of March

Different actions to take pleasure in

Husky sledding, excursions photographing Aurora within the lengthy polar evening, Swedish Lapland tour, snowshoeing, skimobiles or enjoyable in stunning log chalets, distant from the world!

Getting there

There are every day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you may get a flight to Kiruna. It’s also possible to get a practice from Stockholm, together with the evening practice which simply appears like enjoyable! Or, you can at all times highway journey there use this put up for some superior highway journey concepts in Europe.

To get to Abisko, you have to to make use of the practice or bus from Kiruna.


Northern Lights Iceland- one of many most cost-effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe

A view of the purple and green hues of the Northern Lights 
 in front of a plane crash in Iceland- one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in Europe
Northern Lights Iceland- top-of-the-line locations to see the Aurora Borealis in Europe

Iceland is a cool vacation spot in its personal right- the truth that you would possibly see the Iceland Northern Lights as nicely is simply an added bonus! It’s additionally one of many most cost-effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.

Don’t count on large snowdrifts- however the lack of snow clouds is among the causes you get such excessive viewing stats in Iceland – making it top-of-the-line locations to see Northern Lights in Europe.

Once more, the Gulf Stream works its magical magic (technical time period) and in some way the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist hold the temperatures hotter too!

Don’t get me incorrect, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve acquired an ideal likelihood of seeing the Iceland Northern Lights.

Greatest time to go to Iceland and See the Iceland Northern Lights?

October to finish of March. Autumn and Spring are thought-about the perfect instances.

Different actions to take pleasure in

Hire a automotive and do your individual tour- a 4×4 is a superb concept! In any other case, e-book onto a number of excursions to go to Geysers, Volcanoes, Glaciers, Waterfalls, boat cruises and the Blue Lagoon (which we DIDN’T do after we went and we remorse it. So now now we have to return!)

Attending to Iceland

There are frequent flights to Rekyjavik from the UK and Europe.


Northern Lights Norway

The snow covered mountains and green hues of the northern lights in Norway.
Norway is certainly one of our favorite locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard is a bunch of islands north of the Northern coast of Norway. It’s the northernmost inhabited place in Europe and it’s well-known for its polar bears.

Svalbard lies within the Arctic Ocean midway between Norway and the North Pole. It’s distant, desolate and an ideal place to see Norway Northern Lights!

It’s coated in untouched glaciers, HUGE mountains and a variety of wildlife (though in winter a lot of it will likely be hibernating or hiding!

Through the summer season, the solar by no means units in Svalbard, and through the winter (November to February), there’s NO daylight. None.

That is why you stand such an ideal likelihood of seeing the Svalbard Northern Lights – it may actually seem at any time of the day or evening.

In October and February, you’ll expertise a twilight and ‘daybreak’ with blue mild, which can be superb to see. (Listed here are another concepts for nice locations to see in Europe in October)

Different issues to do in Svalbard apart from see the Svalbard Northern Lights

Canine sledding; Snowmobiling; Glacial Ice caving; Snow-shoeing; photographing Aurora excursions and common Aurora searching excursions

Attending to Svalbard

Svalbard has the world’s most northern airport accepting scheduled flights. The most typical route is from Oslo which takes 3 hours- not many locations in UK or Europe have scheduled flights to Longyearbyen.

NOTE: You WILL want a passport or different Authorities-issued ID to get to Svalbard.


Tromso, Norway

The pink, purple and green Norway Northern Lights over Tromso.
Northern Lights Norway- over Tromso

Tromso is the biggest metropolis in Northern Norway. It’s north of the Arctic circle and, though it’s on the ocean, it’s surrounded by fjords and mountains which assist hold the sky clear AND give an incredible backdrop for the Tromso Norway Northern Lights to indicate off on.

For finest views, attempt to get out of the town for the evening- there are LOADS of Tromso Northern Lights tour choices which let you do that! Alternatively, if you happen to’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, you’ll want to keep nicely away from built-up areas on clear nights.

Greatest time to go to Norway and see the Norway Northern Lights?

September- April

Different actions to take pleasure in in Tromso

Canine sledding; Snowmobile excursions; Polar bear museum and in January there’s the Northern Lights Pageant– a music competition showcasing native and worldwide artists starting from classical to jazz!

Attending to Tromso

Loads of direct flights to Tromso from UK and Europe. There’s additionally a practice from Oslo, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a few of these breathtaking locations to see in southern Norway and you can prolong your keep to go to the well-known Lofoten Islands.

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Northern Lights Scotland

The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Shetland, Scotland

Are you able to see the Northern Lights in Scotland?

Completely! And the perfect place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is within the Shetlands.

The Shetlands are top-of-the-line locations to see the Northern Lights in Scotland. The Arctic Circle is simply 650 miles north and winter is DARK.

The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of greater than 100 islands, sitting between Norway and Scotland. They’re technically nearer to Norway than Scotland, in order that they’re not precisely subsequent to the Scotland Mainland, which you’ll be exploring as a part of this unmissable Scotland itinerary!

15 of the Shetland Isles are inhabited and, though they’re very distant, they’ve a singular tradition and heritage, with a lot of Viking museums and memorabilia to discover while you’re ready for the Aurora to indicate up and doing a little scenic drives in Scotland.

Greatest Place to See Northern Lights in Scotland and The right way to get to Shetland

There’s a ferry, however I actually don’t fancy these stormy winter seas! One of the best ways is by aircraft from both Bergen in Norway or a number of airports in Scotland.

Green hues from the Northen Lights above the Shetland Islands in Scotland.
Gree Northern Lights Scotland- the Shetland Isles

Are you able to see the Northern Lights in Switzerland

The brief (and considerably stunning reply!) is that sure, you possibly can see Switzerland Northern Lights. However not typically.

Often the Aurora Borealis is so sturdy that it’s going to attain all the way in which south and you’ll see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there isn’t any solution to predict when it will occur and it occurs very VERY hardly ever (each few years or so.)

So don’t e-book your journey to Switzerland primarily based on that. (However do nonetheless go- Switzerland is AMAZING!)

READ MORE: All the things you have to learn about highway journeys & campervanning in Switzerland


So, the place is the perfect place to see the Northern Lights in Europe?

Wherever you’re and they’re on the identical time! Seeing them is breathtaking and unforgettable. I sincerely hope you get that likelihood!

Secure travels as you journey to the perfect locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me understand how you get on!

Need to save this put up for later? Pin it to your Winter in Europe board

Want to see the Northern Lights in 2019? Try one of these incredible places in Europe. All of them are PERFECT winter destinations to see the Aurora Borealis | Northern Lights Iceland | Northern Lights Norway | Northern Lights Finland | Northern Lights Europe | Northern Lights Hotel | Book Northern Lights | Places to see Northern Lights Europe | Northern Lights Sweden #northernlights #europetravel #aurora

Want to see the Northern Lights in 2019? Here are the BEST places in Europe to go and WHEN! All of them are PERFECT winter destinations to see the Aurora Borealis | Northern Lights Iceland | Northern Lights Norway | Northern Lights Finland | Northern Lights Europe | Northern Lights Hotel | Book Northern Lights | Places to see Northern Lights Europe | Northern Lights Sweden

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