Questioning the very best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you possibly can open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every night time? Listed here are 7 of essentially the most stunning locations in Europe to go to to extend your probabilities of seeing the Northern lights!
*We work laborious to make this the very best motorhome journey weblog and highway journey web site doable, filled with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so in the event you purchase by way of hyperlinks on this website we might earn a commission- at no further price to you. All opinions stay our personal.
If you happen to discover this submit helpful, you possibly can additionally deal with us to a espresso – we promise to take pleasure in it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we would even bask in a biscuit (or two!)
Stunning locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe
If you happen to’ve ever been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern lights, both in Europe or elsewhere, you’ll know that they’re BREATHTAKING.
Severely, severely spectacular.
Which I’m guessing you already know, or need to know, in the event you’re looking for the very best locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this submit, we’re going to share the very best locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that can assist you see them, by sharing the 4 essential guidelines that the specialists say to comply with if you wish to see the Northern Lights in Europe (extra on these beneath)
Prepared? Let’s dive in!
The place is the very best place to see Northern Lights in Europe?
I hate to begin this submit off with some irritating information, however in the event you’re questioning the place in Europe are you able to see the Northern Lights, you want to know one factor first: there’s NO one greatest place to see the Northern Lights.
They’re a transferring phenomenon and the ‘greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe’ change from month to month (even week to week or night time to nighttime!). That is precisely the identical within the Southern Hemisphere for the southern lights in New Zealand or elsewhere- the factor retains transferring!
That mentioned, there are some locations the place your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe enhance dramatically and they’re constantly the very best locations to go to.
Professional Tricks to enhance your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
There are 4 essential guidelines that the specialists comply with if you wish to enhance the probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe:
- Get North of the Arctic Circle (between October and March)
- Get inland, away from the ocean. Mountains are good as a result of they assist preserve the sky clear
- Be versatile. I do know this isn’t simple, in case you are reserving a vacation, however in the event you do have the choice to be versatile and journey the place the forecast has the very best prediction or the place the skies will likely be clearer, you’ll enhance your probabilities of success lots!
- Be PATIENT– and settle for that it’s a raffle. There’s NEVER any assure of seeing the Aurora in anyplace, regardless of how laborious you attempt. Endurance is essential.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Having mentioned all of the above, don’t follow the foundations too rigidly.
We’ve been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern Lights on 7 separate nights. Actually, out of the 8 nights we’ve spent Aurora searching, just one was unsuccessful. We’ve been very lucky- and we’ve damaged rule quantity 2 just about on a regular basis.
Our first journey was a Hurtigruten cruise from Tromso up the Norwegian coast. It was a fantastic journey since that is simply one of many greatest European cities to go to in winter and we spent each night time sitting on deck in FREEZING temperatures, watching the Aurora swirl overhead and mirror on the ocean. It was totally magical.
The second time was in Iceland. We stayed in a small resort on the South Coast, and noticed the Aurora 3 out of 4 nights whereas we explored a few of the greatest waterfalls in Europe.
We rented a automobile in Iceland, so drove miles into the wilderness to benefit from the present with none mild air pollution in any respect! It was fairly superior.
Each instances, we selected our journey based mostly on a risk of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different sights which allowed us to have a very good vacation regardless. Personally, I feel that’s the greatest plan.
Going to any of those locations is expensive- and also you don’t need to depart dissatisfied. So decide someplace the place there’s something else superior to do (like motorhome snowboarding within the Alps!) as you chase the Northern Lights in Europe.
RELATED: Weird Customs and traditions in Europe that you just’ve by no means heard of!
What’s the very best month to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
The most effective time to see the Northern Lights in Europe and the very best Northern Lights months are October- March, when north of the Arctic Circle. The solar units very early up right here, which permits loads of darkness to offer the lights an opportunity to point out up.
Many individuals say Autumn or Spring are the very best instances– winter is nearly TOO chilly.
Each instances we’ve been has been March, however we all know many individuals who’ve seen them in different months- it truly is luck of the draw and why the very best month for the Northern Lights can generally fluctuate.
(Travelling in Autumn? Listed here are some superb concepts for locations to see in Autumn in Europe)
Sensible ideas for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
- Get far-off from cities and different mild air pollution, together with roads
- Enable about half-hour of darkness in your eye to regulate to the night time – making it simpler to do some private aurora pictures.
- Try to discover a location with an open view in the direction of the North- the Aurora tends to point out over the North Pole
- Mountains and/ or lakes are excellent backdrops for AMAZING photographs when photographing Aurora
- After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are widespread instances for the Aurora to point out up and are normally the very best time of day to see Northern Lights
- Wrap up warmly- you’re going to be exterior for some time!
- Discover ways to use your digicam and analysis settings beforehand so you possibly can set it up shortly and do some private Aurora pictures
- Take a tripod for photographing Aurora!
The place to see northern lights in Europe
The locations beneath are the very best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe and are available extremely advisable by tons of of travellers. After all, there are different locations the place you possibly can see the Northern Lights in Europe- that’s a part of the enjoyable!
I’ve heard tales about them being seen as far south as Manchester, England on some (uncommon!) events!
Northern Lights Finland
Finland has not too long ago turn into one of the vital fashionable Northern Lights locations in Europe. It’s additionally one of many first locations in Europe that the Aurora tends to be visible- generally as early as mid-August!
Rovaniemi, Finland is the house of Santa (no, severely) and can also be one of the vital fashionable locations for Northern Gentle hunters.
Whereas in search of the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you possibly can even keep in log or glass cabins specifically inbuilt areas away from mild air pollution to permit you a greater likelihood of seeing them out of your doorstep!
Finland has a low inhabitants ratio, so has stunning darkish skies free from mild air pollution, loads of gorgeous surroundings together with lakes to mirror the Aurora and a hotter temperature till November.
(These lakes are additionally the right spot to check out ice fishing in Finland– you would possibly even be capable to do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)
Generally, the prospect of seeing the Rovaniemi Northern Lights on clear nights as round 40%, which can not sound like a lot however is definitely excellent!
Greatest time to go to Finland and see the Finland Northern Lights
September- November (earlier than the large snowfalls arrive. Snow= cloud= not a lot likelihood to see the sky! Spring (March/ April) may be good too- however the skies get lighter faster so there’s much less time.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – The way to get there
There are direct flights to Rovaniemi airport (Santa’s airport!) from UK and Europe throughout the winter.
Northern Lights Sweden
Kiruna, Sweden
Sweden is the least populated nation in Northern Europe. Which suggests much less mild air pollution. Which suggests extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Sweden additionally enjoys a reasonably delicate temperature till mid-November, which implies clearer skies. Which suggests extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Kiruna is legendary for the superb Ice Lodge which is constructed annually. You may keep in one of many rooms, or simply go to for a tour. It’s additionally one of many greatest European cities to go to in Europe in winter.
Abisko, Sweden
However in the event you REALLY need to enhance your probabilities of seeing the Sweden Northern Lights, then head north from Kiruna to the little city of Abisko.
This gorgeous place is VERY distant, however is within the mountains, whose winds assist to maintain the skies clear but in addition to control the temperatures. And the full lack of sunshine air pollution means even weak Aurora shows may be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is well top-of-the-line locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair raise taking you as much as an remark lounge and restaurant on a mountaintop, the place you possibly can watch the Aurora while having fun with a 4-course meal. Wrap up warmly, however the views of the Abisko Northern Lights are SPECTACULAR!
Greatest time to Go to Sweden and See the Sweden Northern Lights?
September to finish of March
Different actions to take pleasure in
Husky sledding, excursions photographing Aurora, Lapland tour, skimobiles or stress-free in an exquisite log cabin, far-off from the world!
Getting there
There are each day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you will get a flight to Kiruna. You can even get a prepare from Stockholm, together with the night time prepare which simply feels like enjoyable! Or, you would at all times highway journey there use this submit for some superior highway journey concepts in Europe.
To get to Abisko, you will want to make use of the prepare or bus from Kiruna.
Northern Lights Iceland- one of many most cost-effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe
Iceland is a cool vacation spot in its personal right- the truth that you would possibly see the Iceland Northern Lights as nicely is simply an added bonus! It’s additionally one of many most cost-effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Don’t count on big snowdrifts- however the lack of snow clouds is among the causes you get such excessive viewing stats in Iceland – making it top-of-the-line locations to see Northern Lights in Europe.
Once more, the Gulf Stream works its magical magic (technical time period) and in some way the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist preserve the temperatures hotter too!
Don’t get me improper, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve bought a fantastic likelihood of seeing the Iceland Northern Lights.
Greatest time to go to Iceland and See the Iceland Northern Lights?
October to finish of March. Autumn and Spring are thought of the very best instances.
Different actions to take pleasure in
Hire a automobile and do your personal tour- a 4×4 is a superb thought! In any other case, guide onto a number of excursions to go to Geysers, Volcanoes, Glaciers, Waterfalls, boat cruises and the Blue Lagoon (which we DIDN’T do once we went and we remorse it. So now we now have to return!)
Attending to Iceland
There are frequent flights to Rekyjavik from the UK and Europe.
Northern Lights Norway
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a bunch of islands north of the Northern coast of Norway. It’s the northernmost inhabited place in Europe and it’s well-known for its polar bears.
Svalbard lies within the Arctic Ocean midway between Norway and the North Pole. It’s distant, desolate and an ideal place to see Norway Northern Lights!
It’s coated in untouched glaciers, HUGE mountains and a variety of wildlife (though in winter a lot of will probably be hibernating or hiding!
In the course of the summer time, the solar by no means units in Svalbard, and throughout the winter (November to February), there’s NO daylight. None.
Because of this you stand such a fantastic likelihood of seeing the Svalbard Northern Lights – it may actually seem at any time of the day or night time.
In October and February, you’ll expertise a twilight and ‘daybreak’ with blue mild, which can also be superb to see. (Listed here are some concepts for different nice locations to see in Europe in October)
Different issues to do in Svalbard moreover see the Svalbard Northern Lights
Canine sledding; Snowmobiling; Glacial Ice caving; Snow-shoeing; photographing Aurora excursions and common Aurora searching excursions
Attending to Svalbard
Svalbard has the world’s most northern airport accepting scheduled flights. The most typical route is from Oslo which takes 3 hours- not many locations in UK or Europe have scheduled flights to Longyearbyen.
NOTE: You WILL want a passport or different Authorities-issued ID to get to Svalbard.
Tromso, Norway
Tromso is the biggest metropolis in Northern Norway. It’s north of the Arctic circle and, though it’s on the ocean, it’s surrounded by fjords and mountains which assist preserve the sky clear AND give a tremendous backdrop for the Tromso Norway Northern Lights to point out off on.
For greatest views, attempt to get out of town for the evening- there are LOADS of Tromso Northern Lights tour choices which let you do that! Alternatively, in the event you’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, be sure you keep nicely away from built-up areas on clear nights.
Greatest time to go to Norway and see the Norway Northern Lights?
September- April
Different actions to take pleasure in in Tromso
Canine sledding; Snowmobile excursions; Polar bear museum and in January there’s the Northern Lights Competition– a music pageant showcasing native and worldwide artists starting from classical to jazz!
Attending to Tromso
Loads of direct flights to Tromso from UK and Europe. There’s additionally a prepare from Oslo, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a few of these breathtaking locations to see in southern Norway
Northern Lights Scotland
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Shetland, Scotland
Are you able to see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
Completely! And the very best place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is within the Shetlands.
The Shetlands are top-of-the-line locations to see the Northern Lights in Scotland. The Arctic Circle is simply 650 miles north and winter is DARK.
The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of greater than 100 islands, sitting between Norway and Scotland. They’re technically nearer to Norway than Scotland, in order that they’re not precisely subsequent to the Scotland Mainland, which you’ll be exploring as a part of this unmissable Scotland itinerary!
15 of the Shetland Isles are inhabited and, though they’re very distant, they’ve a novel tradition and heritage, with plenty of Viking museums and memorabilia to discover while you’re ready for the Aurora to point out up and doing a little scenic drives in Scotland.
Greatest Place to See Northern Lights in Scotland and The way to get to Shetland
There’s a ferry, however I actually don’t fancy these stormy winter seas! One of the best ways is by aircraft from both Bergen in Norway or a number of airports in Scotland.
Are you able to see the Northern Lights in Switzerland
The quick (and considerably shocking reply!) is that sure, you possibly can see Switzerland Northern Lights. However not usually.
Often the Aurora Borealis is so robust that it’s going to attain all the best way south and you’ll see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there isn’t a technique to predict when it will occur and it occurs very VERY not often (each few years or so.)
So don’t guide your journey to Switzerland based mostly on that! (However do nonetheless go- Switzerland is AMAZING and we liked the GelmerBahn Funicular)!
READ MORE: Every thing you want to find out about highway journeys & campervanning in Switzerland
So, the place is the very best place to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Wherever you might be and they’re on the identical time! Seeing them is breathtaking and unforgettable. I sincerely hope you get that likelihood!
Secure travels as you journey to the very best locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me understand how you get on!
Need to save this submit for later? Pin it to your Winter in Europe board
