The 9 Best Places to See the Northern Lights

After eight hours of witnessing an awe-inspiring display of the northern lights, exhaustion finally set in. What started as a peaceful evening—just me and the Ilungujuuk Hostel’s sheepdogs admiring the final sunset of my solo journey through South Greenland—evolved into a marathon of aurora borealis watching that kept me captivated until the early morning.

I darted across the hostel grounds, managing two tripods in an attempt to capture every shifting phase of the vibrant sky. The reflections of violet, lime, and cobalt danced on the fjord’s surface, an eruption of green tie-dye lit up the neighboring farm, and an eerie red glow shrouded the mountains I had trekked earlier. When I finally glanced at my phone, it was 4:30 A.M.—I was utterly drained, yet every moment had been worth it.

Having spent years chasing auroras across the globe—from Norway to Michigan—I had accumulated over 50 successful nights of sky-watching, including an unbroken streak of seven dazzling displays in Greenland before arriving at Ilungujuuk. But that September 2023 night was unlike any other. The radiant columns pulsed and flickered overhead like flashes of lightning, illuminating the heavens in a surreal spectacle that lasted from dusk until dawn.

Experts believe, however, that 2024 will bring even more astonishing northern lights.

Prepare for an Increase in Auroral Activity

Scientists anticipate that this year will see even more frequent and intense auroral displays like those in Greenland. Auroras occur when solar storms propel charged particles through space. While Earth's magnetic field blocks most of these solar winds, some particles break through, colliding with our atmosphere and generating the vivid colors seen in the sky. Each shade is the result of interactions with different gases: oxygen produces green (the most common), nitrogen creates blues and purples, and rarer red hues come from oxygen at higher altitudes. During particularly strong solar activity, these colors can mix, forming pink, yellow, and orange streaks.

The colors seen last year were merely a preview of what’s ahead. In the coming months, solar storms are expected to reach their peak—a phenomenon that occurs roughly every 11 years, known as the solar maximum. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Solar Cycle 25 (which began in 2019 and will continue until 2030) could result in some of the most breathtaking aurora displays in decades, particularly between now and October.

Now is the ideal time to turn your dream aurora-chasing trip into reality. I’ve put together a list of prime locations—spanning both hemispheres—where you can experience these celestial wonders. Each destination lies within or near the auroral oval, the ring above the geomagnetic poles where auroral activity is most intense. Here are some of the best places to witness the magic.

Top Locations to Experience the Northern Lights

South Greenland

Situated within the auroral oval, South Greenland offers minimal light pollution, making it an excellent location for viewing the northern lights against dramatic backdrops of jagged peaks and iceberg-dotted fjords. The best time to catch the phenomenon here is from late August to April. Travelers can fly into Narsarsuaq Airport from Reykjavík or Copenhagen and then head to Qaqortoq, the region’s largest town. For a guided adventure, Pink Peak Tours, run by two Inuit sisters, offers aurora-chasing excursions. Before the night’s display, I recommend trekking the marked trails through the mountains, where sheep roam freely, before settling in at a farm stay like Illunnguujuk (from $53) to enjoy the spectacle.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Norway’s Lofoten Islands, known for their rugged peaks and stunning fjords, sit directly beneath the auroral oval. While summer brings crowds for hiking and fishing, the prime aurora season falls in the quieter months. Unique ways to experience the lights include horseback riding along sandy or snow-covered beaches with Hov Gård, sailing beneath the spectacle with Pukka Travels, or booking a night in the historic Eliassen Rorbuer fishing cottages (from $154), where the auroras dance above the sea on more than 180 nights a year.

Northwest Territories, Canada

With up to 240 nights of aurora activity per year, the Northwest Territories offer incredible viewing opportunities. The tundra, forests, and Canada’s largest reindeer herd provide a stunning natural setting. Travelers can embark on a dogsled aurora chase with North of 60 Aurora Adventures, an Indigenous-run operation in Yellowknife. Alternatively, Aurora Village offers evening tours featuring cultural storytelling and cozy lakeside tepees (hotel packages start at $527 for two nights). For a more adventurous trip, Finisterra Travel’s four-day Inuvik expedition ($4,395) combines reindeer-watching, snowmobiling, and aurora hunting above the Arctic Circle.

Iceland

For first-time aurora seekers, Iceland is a top recommendation. Easily accessible and filled with daytime adventures, the country boasts minimal light pollution, allowing for frequent sightings—even in Reykjavík. One of the best viewing spots is a hot spring, such as the Miðhraun Lava Resort (from $283) on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Another favorite is Heydalur guesthouse (from $110) in the Westfjords, where visitors can soak in geothermal pools while watching the celestial display.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is one of the best places in the U.S. to see the northern lights, with an impressive 90 percent chance of sightings over a three-night stay from August to April. Local tours include a dogsled experience with First Alaska Tours or a Denali dogsledding adventure. For a more relaxing option, Chena Hot Springs Resort (from $180) allows guests to soak in geothermal pools while watching the auroras above.

Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland

A unique weather pattern, known as the “blue hole,” keeps the skies above Abisko National Park clear, increasing the chances of seeing the auroras. The best place to experience this is the Aurora Sky Station, a 3,000-foot-high observation center accessed by a chairlift. Visitors can enjoy a multi-course Swedish meal beneath glass ceilings while watching the sky light up. The ideal viewing season runs from mid-November to mid-March.

Northern Minnesota

While not within the auroral oval, Minnesota’s northern regions occasionally experience breathtaking auroral displays during strong solar storms. The best viewing spots include Voyageurs National Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness—both recognized for their dark skies. To track aurora activity, join the Great Lakes Aurora Hunters Facebook group for real-time updates.

Best Destinations for the Southern Lights

Stewart Island, New Zealand

The southern hemisphere’s counterpart to the northern lights, the aurora australis, is best seen from Stewart Island, a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary. More than 85 percent of the island is national parkland, offering scenic hiking trails like the Rakiura Track. As Stewart Island lies outside the auroral oval, strong solar storms are needed for optimal viewing.

Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania is among the best places in the Southern Hemisphere to see the aurora australis, second only to Antarctica. The island’s wild landscapes enhance the experience. Popular spots include Goat Bluff Lookout and Carlton Beach, while Pedder Wilderness Lodge (from $93) offers a comfortable stay. For a rare double feature, Taroona Beach provides views of both the auroras and bioluminescent waves.

With solar activity reaching its peak, now is the time to embark on an aurora-chasing adventure unlike any before.