If you can see the Northern Lights, then you’re in one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. It’s a sight to behold, and anyone given the opportunity should take advantage of it. But some destinations are better than others, and most of the best places to see the Northern Lights are nestled away in Scandinavia. In fact, that’s where we begin our little journey.
As much as we’d like to include more North American destinations, the Europeans really have the advantage when it comes to visiting the best places to see the Northern Lights. We did manage to sneak in one North American spot, and the Aurora Borealis will be there waiting for you—if you can get there.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights: Svalbard, Norway
If you’re looking at a standard map of Europe, you probably don’t even see Svalbard. It’s an island way up in the Arctic Ocean, east of Northern Greenland and just south of the North Pole.
To get to the area, you’ll have to first fly to Oslo, then grab transport to the main city on Svalbard, Longyearbyen. There are hotels and resorts there catering specifically to those who come in to see the Aurora Borealis, so you’ll be very comfortable and well taken care of.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights: Kakslauttanen, Finland
Kakslauttanen has shown up on Travel Tune several times (Like here, here, and here), or more specifically, the famed Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort has. The resort has several room and board options, from traditional log cabins to the intimate igloos that made this place famous (pictured). If you’d like to visit Kakslauttanen, try to find flights into Ivalo, Finland. You won’t be able to catch a direct flight from the U.S., but several European cities offer connections.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights: Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Jukkasjärvi is almost as far north in Sweden as you can get, and it too has been featured on Travel Tune, mostly because of its famous Ice Hotel (again, pictured). In fact, Jukkasjärvi is so far north that you can’t even fly there. Instead, grab a flight into Stockholm and then drive or train to your final destination. The roads will be icy, so you might feel more comfortable hopping on a train.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights: Northwest Territories, Canada
The Northwest Territories are an ideal place for catching the Northern Lights in North America, and you’ll definitely appreciate the rural nature of your experience to northern Canada. You’ll need to fly into Yellowknife, Thunder Bay, or some of the other regional airports.
Image: Image Editor
There you have them, the best places to see the Northern Lights. Hopefully you’re planning your trip there already.
