Best Places to See the Northern Lights Wizfair Travels

Imagine shimmering curtains of green, purple, and red dancing across the night sky. Eager to witness the Northern Lights? This stunning natural display, known as the Aurora Borealis Let’s explore the best places to see the Northern Lights, from the enchanting landscapes of Iceland to the remote corners of Canada.

Whether you crave the serene wilderness of the North or the pristine beauty of remote landscapes, the Northern Lights offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If it’s been on your bucket list, now’s the perfect time to make your dream a reality and plan your adventure.

If witnessing the Northern Lights has always been on your bucket list, this is the perfect time to make it a reality. Let's explore why and where you should go to experience this stunning natural phenomenon.

What Are the Northern Lights?

Before we dive into where to see the Northern Lights, let's take a moment to understand what they are. The Northern Lights are natural displays of light. These are also known as Aurora Borealis, Merry Dancers, and polar lights.

The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating stunning light displays. These particles enter the atmosphere, creating a beautiful light show. Marvel at soft and vibrant glows, dancing waves of color across the night sky.

The best Northern Lights sightings occur in regions near the Arctic Circle, where the aurora is most active. However, these lights are not restricted to just one place; many destinations offer incredible views of the aurora.

Why is 2026 the Best Year to Chase the Northern Lights?

2026 promises to be an exceptional year to witness the Northern Lights due to a peak in solar activity. With the sun's 11-year cycle reaching its maximum, the auroras will be more vivid and frequent. This rare celestial event offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience nature's stunning light show.

What is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is during winter. It is because cold months witness the longest nights and the darkest skies. The peak season for Aurora Borealis sightings typically runs from late September to early April, with some of the best months being October, November, February, and March.

Which are the Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2026?

Let’s look at the best places to see the Northern Lights in 2026 that will help you choose your preferred destination.

1.Norway: The Northern Lights Capital

Norway’s Arctic regions are renowned for their aurora displays. The best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway is in Tromsø, often called the "Gateway to the Arctic. Other notable spots include:

Lofoten Islands
Alta

These locations offer unique experiences such as dog sledding under the Northern Lights or staying in cozy cabins with panoramic views of the sky.

Best time: September to April, especially October, for peak activity

2. Iceland: A Dream Destination for Aurora Seekers

If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes to accompany your Northern Lights experience, Iceland is a must-visit. Known for its volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, Iceland offers some of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis.

Popular Northern Lights hotspots in Iceland include -

Thingvellir National Park
Reykjavik
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Kirkjufell Mountain

You can even enjoy the aurora while soaking in a hot spring, such as the famous Blue Lagoon. A magical setting for aurora photography.

Best time: September, October, and March

3. Finland: The Land of the Midnight Sun

Finland is another top contender for the top spots to see the Northern Lights. Finnish Lapland is especially known for its magical winter landscapes. You can enjoy Northern Lights tours while staying in unique glass igloos or traditional log cabins here.

Popular spots for aurora viewing include -

Rovaniemi
Kakslauttanen

Best time: Between September and March

4. Alaska: The Last Frontier

Alaska is one of the best places to enjoy the Northern Lights. This Alaskan city offers some of the most reliable sightings of the aurora, with an impressive 240 nights of potential Aurora Borealis activity each year.

Best merry dancers’ places -

Fairbanks
Denali National Park

Delight in winter activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and dog sledding. Don’t miss out on the Aurora Oval - a prime location

Best time: From mid-September to April

5. Canada: A Vast Land of Aurora Viewing Opportunities

Canada’s vast wilderness provides perfect conditions for aurora viewing. Top spots include:

Yellowknife
Yukon
Whitehorse
Churchill

Best time: Winter 2026 for long nights and clear skies.

Please note

You can also take up Northern Lights cruises along Canada’s coast and enjoy the aurora from the comfort of a luxury ship.

6. Sweden: A Winter Wonderland for Aurora Seekers

Sweden is often overlooked when it comes to Northern Lights travel. But do you know? There are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Sweden for enthusiasts.

Most loved places include Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland. Additionally, Sweden offers winter activities such as ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and husky sledding.

Best time: Winter 2026 for optimal conditions

7. Greenland and Russia: Remote Northern Lights Viewing

For a truly remote experience, Greenland and Russia are two of the most unique Northern Lights experiences. In Greenland, Kangerlussuaq is a top location for aurora seekers, while Murmansk, Russia, offers a rare opportunity to see the aurora in an off-the-beaten-path destination.

These places are ideal for travelers looking for remote Northern Lights viewing locations far from the crowds, with pristine landscapes and minimal light pollution.

Best time: October

8. Scotland: A Hidden Gem for Aurora Viewing

While not as famous as some of the other locations, Scotland offers some hidden gems for lovers of the polar lights.

Excellent opportunities for viewing the aurora are in the -

Isle of Skye
North Coast 500
Cairngorms National Park

Best time: Winter months, especially October or November

Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in 2026

Here are some smart hacks to enhance your aurora viewing -

Check the Forecast

With the solar maximum in full swing, 2026 promises exceptional aurora displays. Keep an eye on NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center for Northern Lights forecasts and updates. You can also use apps like Aurora Forecast to track activity. Websites like the Aurora Service and Space Weather provide updated forecasts.

Avoid Light Pollution

Choose a dark, clear location as light pollution can hinder your view, so find a remote location with a clear sky for the best experience.

Dress Warmly

Northern Lights viewing often takes place in cold, wintry conditions. So make sure you're prepared with the right clothing for Arctic nights.

Photography Tips

Use a tripod and long exposure settings for stunning shots.

Be Patient

The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so it’s important to stay patient and plan for multiple nights.

How to Plan Your Northern Lights Trip in 2026?

To plan a Northern Lights trip, consider booking a Northern Lights vacation package. These tours often include transportation, accommodations, and expert guides who know the best places to see the Aurora Borealis.

The Northern Lights cruises also offer an incredible way to chase the aurora while exploring new places.

What Can I Do for Unique Northern Lights Experiences?

Glass Igloos in Finland: Sleep under the stars in a heated igloo.
Dog Sledding in Norway: Combine aurora viewing with Arctic adventures.
Polar Bear Tours in Canada: Witness wildlife under the aurora.

Affordable Aurora Borealis Viewing

If you’re on a budget, consider destinations like Yellowknife or Iceland, where affordable tours and accommodations are available. For luxury seekers, Norway and Finland offer high-end experiences.

Set Off on a Trip to Polar Lights

Discover the best places to see the magical Northern Lights with our curated guide. From the snow-capped landscapes of Norway to the remote beauty of Iceland, experience nature’s most spectacular light show.

Each destination offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time dreamer, the experience of standing beneath a glowing sky will stay with you forever. Moreover, book your flight tickets with Wizfair Travels to save on your expenses.

So, pack your warmest layers, charge your camera, and follow the light north, it's calling. And trust us, the best places to see the Northern Lights are more than destinations; they're gateways to wonder. Explore ideal destinations for the ultimate Northern Lights adventure and plan your trip today!

1. Which is the best place to see the Northern Lights?

The best places to see the Northern Lights include Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. Thanks to dark skies and minimal light pollution that offer the best viewing conditions.

2. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are most visible from late September to early April. Peak viewing months are from December to March.

3.Can you see the Northern Lights in the U.S.?

Yes, in Alaska, particularly in places like Fairbanks, you can witness the Northern Lights, especially from September to April.

4. How do I increase my chances of seeing the Northern Lights?

Visit high-latitude places, check aurora forecasts, and stay for some days to increase your chances of seeing these lights.

5. Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No, there’s no guarantee to see the aurora. But traveling to the right places during peak season increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Weather conditions also play a significant role.