Where best to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

Have you seen the Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights?  Created by solar activity interacting with Earth's magnetic field, this awe-inspiring light show can be simply incredible. With increased sightings & even more impressive natural shows, there is no better time to plan a trip.

Many across the UK recently had the pleasure of viewing them from their homes however this is a rare occurence. For the full experience, you really need dark skies with little light pollution & if you can be inside the Arctic Circle, even better to maximise your chances. Here are our top recommendations:

Norway 

We like Tromsø, Norway's gateway to the Arctic offering a vibrant city break as well as a chance to see the lights. Its a great place for winter activities like dog sledding, or whale watching. Whale watching is another draw, its the best time to see orca here. An easy 3.5 hr flight from the UK, this is a great option if you only have a few days. 

For a more off the beaten track experience, we recommend you head to Svalbard. This northern region offers icy vistas, dark skies & you may even be able to spot polar bears in the wild.  

Iceland

Reykjavik is a fascinating city, offering a gateway to the Golden Circle & the famous Blue Lagoon. Its also popular for the Aurora Borealis with plenty of tours escaping the city in search of this elusive light show. Viewing the lights in this otherworldly environment adds extra magic to the experience. 

Lapland

Northern Sweden & Finland is commonly known as Lapland, often considered the home of Santa Claus. If seeing Santa is a priority too, we suggest Rovaniemi or Yllas. Alternatively, head to Abisko or Kiruna in Sweden with very little light pollution increasing your chances. 

Complete the enquiry form to plan your Northern Lights adventure.

Alaska, USA

If you are looking to travel further afield, Fairbanks in Alaska offers the chance to view the Aurora Borealis from August through to April.

Try dog sledding, or watch the iconic Iditarod - the annual long distance sled dog race if you happen to be visiting in March. Other activities include ice fishing, snowmobiling or soaking in hot springs at Chena Hot Springs resort.

If you love Christmas, don't miss North Pole!  This is reportedly also home to Santa (we'll let Lapland & Alaska fight that one out!) but we do know its Christmas all year round here. 

Canada

Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories is widely regarded to be the best place to see them in Canada. Here, there is very little light pollution due to the remote location. The Aurora Village is specially designed to view the lights in comfort & warmth! 

Try the Yukon for winter activities like dogsledding or snowmobiling. For the chance to see wild polar bears or beluga, choose Churchill in Manitoba. Speak to our experts who can recommend alternative options too. 

Did you know there is also the Southern Lights? The Aurora Australis as its name suggests can be seen in Australia but also in New Zealand, Antartica & even Patagonia. The colours can be even more vivid than the Northern ones, with pinks & purples as well as green. They tend to be harder to see but perhaps the extra effort makes it all worth while? 

Enquire to book your Northern (or Southern) Lights holiday.