Chasing the Northern Lights

Your Guide to Experiencing the Aurora Borealis in Europe

Introduction: Witness the World's Most Magical Light Show

Imagine standing beneath a canopy of stars, wrapped in the silence of the Arctic wilderness, when suddenly, the sky bursts into a kaleidoscope of green, pink, and violet swirls. This is the Aurora Borealis, an otherworldly phenomenon that has inspired countless myths, legends, and travellers alike. For those yearning to witness this natural spectacle, Europe offers some of the most accessible and breathtaking locations to do so.

In this guide, we’ll explore the mesmerizing science behind the Northern Lights, reveal the top European hotspots to catch them, and share practical tips to make your experience unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a winter escape or seeking to add a bucket-list moment to your travels, this guide will help you chase the lights with confidence.

Hetta-Pallas Trail, Finland

Thórsmörk, Iceland

Unveiling the Mystery: What Are the Northern Lights?

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a stunning natural light display that occurs near the Earth’s polar regions. This phenomenon is created when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's magnetic field, funnelling them toward the poles where they interact with atmospheric gases. These collisions release energy in the form of light, painting the night sky with vibrant hues.

Colour Variations: The most common aurora colour, green, is produced by oxygen molecules around 100 km above the Earth. Rare purples, blues, and deep reds are seen when nitrogen and high-altitude oxygen are involved.

Best Viewing Times: The Northern Lights are most visible during the darkest months of the year, typically from late September to late March, when polar nights dominate the far north.

Top European Locations to See the Aurora Borealis

Tromsø, Norway

As the unofficial capital of the Arctic, Tromsø boasts a mix of vibrant city life and wild natural beauty. Its location, above the Arctic Circle and within the Northern Lights Oval, makes it one of the best places in Europe to see the lights. From whale-watching tours to snowmobile safaris, Tromsø offers endless ways to combine adventure with aurora chasing.

Tromso, Norway

Tromso, Norway

Abisko, Sweden

Abisko National Park is a hidden gem renowned for its clear skies and minimal light pollution. The park’s Aurora Sky Station provides a dedicated viewing platform, offering a panoramic view of the auroras against a backdrop of rugged mountains and frozen lakes. Abisko’s unique weather patterns, often free of clouds, make it one of the most reliable spots for aurora sightings.

Abisko National Park, Sweden

Abisko National Park, Sweden

Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland is a prime aurora viewing destination, with several hotspots that draw travellers from around the world. 

• Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, is a perfect base for Aurora hunters. The long winter nights and lack of urban light pollution create ideal viewing conditions. The surrounding wilderness is often bathed in ethereal light during the winter, and organised tours take visitors to remote areas where the lights are at their brightest.
• Jukkasjärvi lies just 17 km from Kiruna & is famous for its world-renowned Ice Hotel. Staying here offers a unique experience, combining ice sculpture art with the chance to witness the Northern Lights directly from your accommodation. The area’s proximity to vast, open spaces and frozen lakes makes it an excellent place to enjoy uninterrupted views of the aurora.

Kiruna, Swedish Lapland

Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland

Rovaniemi, Finland

Known as the home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is where fairy-tale landscapes meet cutting-edge aurora technology. Stay in a glass igloo or log cabin to witness the lights from the comfort of your bed, or join an expert-led excursion to hunt the auroras deep in the wilderness.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, Finland

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s dynamic landscape of geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic fields provides a dramatic backdrop for Northern Lights viewing. Take a guided tour out of Reykjavik to chase the lights, or visit remote areas like Thingvellir National Park, where the auroras can be seen dancing over ancient lava fields and glacial lakes. Read about my adventures chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland here.

Yours truly at Reykjavik, Iceland

Northern Lights - Reykjavik, Iceland

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard, an archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole, offers one of the most remote and thrilling locations to witness the Northern Lights. Its high latitude provides an extended season for aurora sightings, and the stark, icy landscapes create a dramatic backdrop. Beyond the lights, Svalbard is known for polar bear safaris, glacier hiking, and dog sledding, making it a dream destination for adventure seekers.

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard, Norway

When is the Best Time to See the Aurora Borealis?

The best time to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, largely depends on several key factors: darkness, clear skies, and heightened solar activity. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will see the Aurora Borealis, however to give yourself the best possible chance, here is a factual breakdown based on expert data and research.

1. Peak Season: September to April

The Northern Lights are visible throughout the year, but September to April is considered the peak viewing season in Europe. This is because the long winter nights in high-latitude regions provide the extended darkness necessary to witness the lights. During this period, the Arctic Circle experiences polar nights (where the sun doesn't rise for weeks), offering ideal viewing conditions for extended periods.

March and September Equinoxes: Statistically, the weeks around the equinoxes in March and September are particularly favourable times to observe the Aurora. This is due to geomagnetic disturbances, which are stronger during these months. Solar wind from the sun interacts more intensely with Earth's magnetic field, causing more frequent and vibrant auroral displays.

2. Night-time and Darkness

The Northern Lights are only visible when the skies are dark, making the night-time hours essential for aurora viewing. The best time is typically between 10 pm and 2 am, when geomagnetic activity tends to peak. However, auroras can be spotted as early as dusk or late into the night, depending on local conditions.

Polar Night: In regions above the Arctic Circle, such as parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, polar nights occur during winter, providing almost continuous darkness, which greatly increases the likelihood of seeing the auroras.

3. Clear Skies: Avoiding Clouds

While solar activity powers the Northern Lights, clear skies are essential for visibility. The auroras occur at very high altitudes, so cloud cover can completely obstruct the view. The best chances to see the Northern Lights are in areas known for having stable weather patterns and low humidity, such as Abisko, Sweden, where a natural microclimate often keeps skies clear even when nearby regions are cloudy.

Winter Conditions: Winter months in northern Europe often bring clearer skies due to colder temperatures. However, weather conditions can be unpredictable, so it's essential to track local forecasts.

4. Solar Activity: Solar Maximum and Minimum

The Aurora Borealis is directly tied to the solar cycle, a roughly 11-year cycle of increased and decreased solar activity. The most dramatic auroras occur during periods of high solar activity known as solar maximum. While the solar maximum happens every 11 years, the auroras can still be visible during the quieter years, although displays may be less frequent and intense.

Solar Maximum: The next predicted solar maximum is expected around 2025, which means auroral activity is currently increasing, making the coming years particularly good for aurora sightings.

5. Best Months by Region

Norway

Tromsø offers excellent chances of viewing from September to March, with February being particularly popular due to clearer skies.

Sweden

In Abisko and Swedish Lapland, the months of November to March offer optimal dark skies for aurora viewing.

Finland

Rovaniemi sees frequent auroras from September to April, with December to March being the prime months.

Iceland

October to March offers the best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, though clear skies can be more elusive due to the country’s unpredictable weather.

How to Make the Most of Your Aurora Viewing Experience

Utilise Aurora Forecasts: Real-time aurora forecasts are essential tools for any Northern Lights chaser. Apps like My Aurora Forecast can help you plan your nightly excursions, highlighting when and where the activity is strongest.

Stay for Several Nights: To improve your chances, plan for multiple nights of Aurora hunting. Even in the best locations, the lights can be unpredictable, so allowing extra days increases the odds of catching a good show.

Escape the City Lights: Dark skies are key. The further you venture from urban areas, the brighter and more vivid the auroras will appear.

Stay Warm and Ready: The Arctic cold can be intense, especially at night. Dress in layers, and make sure to have a thermos of hot drinks and snacks to keep your energy up during long hours of waiting.

Beyond the Aurora: Embrace Arctic Adventures

While the Northern Lights are the main attraction, don’t miss the other unique experiences the Arctic has to offer. From husky sledding in Lapland to soaking in Iceland’s geothermal hot springs, the northern regions of Europe are filled with activities that complement your aurora journey. You can also delve into local cultures, trying everything from Sami cuisine to Russian banya, adding depth and diversity to your winter adventure.

Lapland Reindeer, Finland

Puffin Bakkageroi, Iceland

Key Takeaways for Planning Your Aurora Adventure

Book Early: Popular viewing destinations fill up quickly during the Northern Lights season. Reserve your accommodations and tours well in advance to secure the best spots.

Bring the Right Gear: To capture the lights on camera, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release. A wide-angle lens and long exposure settings will help you photograph the auroras in their full glory. Camera batteries can tend to drain much faster in cold weather, so it's wise to carry several fully charged spares. To extend their lifespan, store the extra batteries in a warm spot, such as an inside your coat or jacket pocket.

Keep an Open Mind: Even if the lights don’t appear, the journey itself—through snowy landscapes, cozy lodges, and Arctic wildlife—offers plenty of magic along the way.