Vishwa PrasadThe northern lights are one thing you will never forget. It’s a stunning natural phenomenon caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The phenomenon is most visible within the “auroral oval” near the geomagnetic North Pole, making regions between 60° and 75° latitude the best spots to see it. Clear, dark skies away from city lights offer the greatest chance of viewing, and the destinations on our list provide exactly that, along with unforgettable Arctic landscapes to match the magic above.
Fairbanks, Alaska – Aurora with a Hot Spring Twist
Chasing the Northern Lights often means braving freezing Arctic nights, but in Fairbanks, you can watch the aurora while soaking in a natural hot spring. At Chena Hot Springs Resort, guests relax in a steaming, boulder-ringed lake as the sky comes alive with green, yellow, and purple waves of light. Fairbanks sits directly under a prime auroral zone, giving visitors a high chance of sightings between late August and April. Displays are most common from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., and for those who prefer an early bedtime, the resort even offers wake-up calls when the lights appear.
Norway – Svalbard and Tromsø, Arctic Gateways to the Aurora
Norway is a dream destination for Northern Lights chasers, with two standout locations offering unforgettable views.
Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, delivers a one-of-a-kind experience. From mid-November to February, polar nights submerge the islands, offering visitors rare opportunities to see the aurora at almost any hour, even during the day. Adventurers can head out on a snowcat safari or hop on a snowmobile tour, complete with warm drinks and snacks to break the chill.
Further south, Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway and sits right in the heart of the auroral oval, making it one of the most reliable spots to catch the lights between September and mid-April. You can ride the cable car up Mount Storsteinen for sweeping views of the sky, or enjoy a cozy atmosphere with a glass of Akvavit at the Skybar in Clarion Hotel “The Edge”, where the lights often put on a show above the city skyline.
Finnish Lapland – Aurora Under Glass Igloos and Arctic Skies
In the heart of Finnish Lapland, just north of the Arctic Circle, the Northern Lights feel almost magical against a backdrop of snow-laden pines. One of the most enchanting places to stay is the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where glass igloos allow you to drift off to sleep beneath the shimmering aurora. Guests can also choose cozy log houses or even huts sculpted from snow and ice for a more traditional Arctic experience.
For the adventurous, the resort organizes unique aurora-hunting expeditions, from snowmobile rides to skiing tours or even gliding through the forest on a reindeer-drawn sleigh.
Finland, beyond Kakslauttanen, offers a variety of dreamy accommodations designed for aurora viewing, from seaside glass villas and lakeside domes to cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass roofs. With the lights appearing overhead around 200 nights each year, Finland stands out as one of the best destinations on earth for a true auroral vacation.
Finland – Lapland’s Glass Igloos and Arctic Adventures
Deep in Finnish Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle, the Northern Lights shine over forests of towering pines, creating a truly surreal setting. One of the most iconic methods for experiencing them is at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where romantic glass igloos allow you to watch the aurora dance across the night sky without ever leaving your bed. The resort also offers cozy log cabins and even snow-and-ice huts for a more traditional Arctic stay. For those who prefer a bit of adventure, guided aurora-hunting tours include skiing, snowmobiling, or gliding through the wilderness on a reindeer-drawn sleigh.
Across Finland, aurora-friendly stays are plentiful, from seaside glass villas to lakeside domes and cabins with panoramic windows and glass roofs. With the Northern Lights visible on nearly 200 nights each year, Finland may be one of the most reliable and magical destinations for an auroral escape.
Greenland – Aurora Over Icebergs and Arctic Wilderness
With minimal light pollution and some of the clearest skies on Earth, Greenland offers incredible conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. From late September to early April, a three or four night stay greatly increases your chances of witnessing the glowing green ribbons dance across the Arctic sky. One of the most scenic spots is the Hotel Arctic, perched on the edge of the Ilulissat Icefjord, where many rooms overlook massive icebergs and breathtaking fjord views, a picture-perfect backdrop for the aurora.
For those seeking a wilder adventure, Kangerlussuaq is the place to be. Known for its remarkable 300 clear nights a year, it provides prime visibility for the lights. The tour company Albatros Arctic Circle offers guided excursions, including a rare opportunity to camp on the Greenland Ice Sheet, an experience usually reserved for researchers and explorers, but unforgettable for aurora hunters.
