Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of seeing the aurora borealis, picturing the brilliant colors dancing across the night sky. This winter is the perfect time to witness them, as the sun’s 11-year solar cycle reaches its peak, making the auroras more vivid than ever. Whether you choose Tromsø or Fairbanks, don’t miss nature’s most spectacular light show. Embark on your own winter journey north and experience that childlike wonder, while standing beneath those magical lights in the sky!
Where to see the Aurora Borealis
Every 11 years, the sun has what’s essentially a personality change known as solar maximum, going from chill and quiet to dramatic and stormy. We’re currently at the peak of that cycle, which means more sunspots, stronger solar flares, and the kind of solar activity that creates those jaw-dropping aurora displays you’ve been dreaming about. This is your chance for Northern Lights travel, when nature’s most spectacular light show is performing at maximum intensity.
Here’s our breakdown of the best destinations to see the Northern Lights.
Best places to see the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are visible from many destinations, so choose a destination you will enjoy aside from the lights in the sky.
The Nordics: Norway, Sweden, and Iceland are well known for their prime viewing. Plus, they offer dog sledding, ice fishing, and other arctic experiences.
Faroe Islands: Located between Iceland and Norway, these islands are a great fit for travelers looking to get off the beaten path. Book a room at Hotel Føroyar for the best Northern Lights viewing.
Fairbanks, Alaska: Fairbanks sits directly under the “Aurora Oval” and is famous for its excellent aurora borealis viewing.
Northern Canada: You can see the Northern Lights in most of Canada, but to avoid coastal fog, head to the Northwest Territories.
Spotlight: Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø delivers Northern Lights magic with a side of local culture. This Arctic city is known as the ‘Paris of the North’ and sits in the sweet spot above the Arctic Circle where coastal weather patterns create clearer skies than you’ll find inland. Enlist an indigenous Sami guide to add historic and cultural perspective with their centuries-old atmospheric storytelling.
Spotlight: Eleven Deplar Farm
This award-winning lodge is set on the remote Troll Peninsula of Northern Iceland. You’ll find stylish rooms, upscale dining, and even a spa, but the best part is soaking in the geothermal pool while the Northern Lights glow overhead.
Did you know some cruises actually promise Northern Lights viewing!
Three cruise lines offer a Northern Lights Promise: Hurtigruten, Havila Voyages, and HX all sail ships directly through the aurora zone. And if the aurora doesn’t show, you are compensated with either a free cruise (Hurtigruten and Havila) or travel credit (HX) for another sailing. It’s a rare travel guarantee that takes the risk out of chasing one of nature’s most unpredictable shows!
The Overseas Club tips:
Many tour partners offer guarantees, taking you out night after night until you see the auroras. However, the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon and can never be fully guaranteed. Here is how you can maximize your chances:
Timing: Travel between September and early April, and plan around new moons and equinoxes. Plus, the best aurora usually appears within an hour or two of midnight. Days are very short in the far north during the peak winter months, which is great for your chances of seeing the lights, but be prepared for short dark days.
Location: Choose destinations to minimize light pollution. The farther from city glare, the better.
Chase smarter: Use the Space Weather Prediction Center’s Aurora Forecast tool to be in the right place at the right time!