Catching sight of the magnificent Northern Lights, which are frequently referred to as “the greatest show on Earth,” is undoubtedly something to put on your bucket list. One of the most breathtaking views in the world is watching the sky change and dance in a vision of colours. Here is our guide to some of the best locations in Europe to observe the Northern Lights in light of this.
1. Tromsø, Norway
The city of Troms, which is 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, is jokingly referred to as Norway’s gateway to the Arctic. It is located on the eastern edge of Tromsya Island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The area is surrounded by frigid fjords and rocky peaks that are covered in snow for the majority of the year.
You have a decent possibility of catching the aurora borealis in Troms because of its northern location, especially if you go there between September and April. As a result, looking for the Lights is among the most well-liked activities in Troms.
The Northern Lights are best observed when you are far from the city’s light pollution. The most picturesque locations to search for the Northern Lights will be visited during this guided bus tour of the phenomenon.
A night out on a husky under the Northern Lights is also great. Along the way, you’ll encounter up to 300 huskies (and their puppies) and dine around a campfire on hearty fares like Norwegian stockfish or salted cod in tomato sauce.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
One of the easiest spots to see the Northern Lights in Europe is in the capital city of Iceland. The finest aurora viewing locations are away from city light pollution, either on the coast or inland.
A good vantage point is the Grótta lighthouse, which is located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula at Reykjavik’s farthest northwestern tip. Since there is less light pollution along this length, you have a better chance of spotting them on clear nights with favourable weather.
Why not try something a little different and go aurora hunting at sea? Your guide will tell you tales and debunk beliefs about the Lights as you wait for the ideal circumstances (if you’re lucky enough) during this two-hour Northern Lights boat excursion from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour out into the Atlantic Ocean.
The nicest part is that you’ll be taken on a private bus excursion to try to see the Northern Lights on land if the weather is good for seeing them, but it’s too windy to go out on the boat.
3. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
Rovaniemi, which lies close to the Arctic Circle, is surrounded by stunning scenery of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and large stretches of tundra. Additionally, Santa Claus’ “official” hometown is there. He resides in Santa Claus Village with his elves, huskies, and reindeer, and guests are welcome at any time of year.
Rovaniemi is a great pre-Christmas vacation spot for families, but it has much more to offer than grottos and candy canes. You can go skiing in the well-known ski resort of Ylläs, which is split between the villages of käslompolo and Yllasjarvi, take a stroll along the frozen Kemijoki River, or engage in ice fishing or ice karting.
Of course, the Northern Lights are the main attraction in Rovaniemi. The chances of catching sight of them in Finland, where they may be seen for about 200 nights a year, are good.
There are several other ways to look for the Lights, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. How about using a snowmobile to look for the aurora? You’ll be taken by snowmobile across a frozen lake and into a snowy woodland where you can gather around a bonfire for hors d’oeuvres and hot beverages while the sky is clear (and ideally aurora-filled).
4. Abisko, Sweden
In the northernmost region of Swedish Lapland, close to the Arctic Circle, sits the settlement of Abisko. It has some of the purest and most breathtaking aurora displays in all of Europe because of the mountains’ protection and the distance from man-made light pollution. If the sky is clear and you remain here for three nights between September and April, there is an 88% probability that you will see the Northern Lights.
Numerous winter activities, such as husky sledging and snowshoeing, are accessible while not searching for the aurora. Add Lapporten to your list of must-see movies as well: It’s a peculiar U-shaped valley between two mountains that has grown to be a well-liked tourist destination.
5. The Isle of Skye, Scotland
Given its increased closeness to the North Pole, Scotland continues to be the greatest spot in the UK to view the Northern Lights. The Scottish Highlands and Scottish Isles are the most likely locations to witness the phenomenon.
The Isle of Skye is one of the best destinations in Scotland for stargazing and looking for the “wee mirrie dancers” because it is home to no less than nine dark sky discovery sites.
Visit Glendale Beach between December and February for the greatest views. It can get quite chilly, so wrap yourself well and bring a hot flask of tea.
Visit the fossilized dinosaur footprints at Staffin’s An Corran beach while you’re on Skye. And don’t forget to visit Talisker, Skye’s oldest operating distillery, for a few fine Scotch whiskies.
6. Ilulissat, Greenland
The third-largest city in Greenland is Ilulissat, which is situated on the western coast. And because there are only about 5000 people living there, you can see the northern lights without having to fight the throng while still enjoying the city’s natural attractions.
Ilulissat is the ideal location to visit if you want to see the sky in Greenland’s dancing lights, even though there are many other possibilities.
Due to the enormous Ilulissat Icefjord, which was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2004, it is the most well-liked tourist attraction in the nation. Visit Ilulissat in the fall or winter to enjoy both of these wonderful beauties if the Ilulissat Icefjord has also been on your bucket list for so long.
