Seven captivating locations to witness auroras

The upcoming solar maximum in 2025 promises stronger and more frequent aurora activity, making it an ideal time to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights. Here are the top recommended regions for accessible locations with low light pollution and magnetic latitudes above 55°:

Northern Norway

Tromsø and Alta, located at latitudes of approximately 69–70°N, are prime spots for aurora viewing. These towns offer dark skies away from city lights, increasing the visibility of the Northern Lights. Tromsø, the largest urban area north of the Arctic Circle, boasts beautiful scenery, including magnificent fjords and the Lyngen Alps. It also has surprisingly moderate temperatures due to the Gulf Stream [1][3].

Finnish and Swedish Lapland

The Lapland region in Finland and Sweden, with latitudes of around 66–69°N, is another excellent choice for aurora enthusiasts. This area offers dark skies, proximity to the auroral oval, and well-developed transport and accommodation with aurora tour services [1][3].

Iceland

Iceland, with a latitude of approximately 64–66°N, is an otherworldly place to visit, with glaciers, geysers, massive waterfalls, and volcanoes. The best auroras can be seen from Kirkjufell mountain on the west coast of Iceland [1].

Northern Canada and Alaska

The northern parts of Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories) and interior and northern Alaska, all above 60°N, are also excellent choices for aurora viewing. These regions offer dark skies, low light pollution, and a magnetic latitude well above 55° [1][3].

Additional Considerations

Weather is a critical factor for aurora viewing. Locations with clear, stable skies and low cloud cover optimize viewing chances. Coastal fjords (Norway) and inland Arctic plateaus (Finland, Sweden, Canadian territories) provide good options with local microclimates that experienced guides often exploit to find clearer skies [3].
Accessibility depends on infrastructure. Places like Tromsø, Rovaniemi, and Fairbanks offer well-developed transport and accommodation with aurora tour services, enhancing their accessibility without compromising dark-sky conditions [1][3].

Aarhus, Denmark, while geographically accessible, is just below the threshold for reliable aurora viewing and generally experiences higher light pollution, making it less suitable despite its geographic location [2].

Popular Aurora Viewing Locations

Tromsø and Alta, Norway
Lapland region in Finland and Sweden
Iceland
Northern parts of Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories)
Interior and northern Alaska

Other popular aurora viewing locations in Norway include the Lofoten Islands, Alta, Nordkapp, and Kirkenes [1].

In Canada, Rovaniemi in Finland's Lapland region serves as a gateway town to nearby national parks for aurora viewing [1].

Across Iceland, sky watchers can take in the dancing lights from outdoor hot tubs, inside Buubble lodges, and from hot spring lagoons. Mid-September to late March is the recommended time to go to Tromsø for viewing the northern lights, with the village of Ersfjordbotn, 12 miles from Tromsø, being a popular location for viewing auroras [1].

[1] NOAA

[2] Sky & Telescope

[3] National Geographic

The upcoming solar maximum in 2025 will make Antarctica, unfortunately, less ideal for witnessing the Northern Lights due to its low magnetic latitudes and extreme weather conditions.
Aside from the Northern Lights, Earth's largest island, Iceland, is renowned for its unique landscapes, featuring glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in environmental-science, lifestyle, and space-and-astronomy.
For those seeking to blend their fascination with science and the environment, a travel expedition to the Lapland region in Finland and Sweden offers not only prime locations for aurora viewing but also boasts dark skies, proximity to the auroral oval, and well-developed transport and accommodation with aurora tour services.
Following the aurora viewing trend, more travelers are venturing to remote regions like the northern parts of Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories) and interior and northern Alaska, where the low light pollution, dark skies, and magnetic latitude above 55° create optimal conditions for experiencing the Northern Lights.
For those who prefer a more urban experience, Tromsø, located at latitudes of approximately 69–70°N in Norway, offers beautiful scenery, including magnificent fjords and the Lyngen Alps, making it an interesting location for blending lifestyle and science interests with aurora viewing.
In addition to aurora viewing, Norway's popular destinations like the Lofoten Islands, Alta, Nordkapp, and Kirkenes provide opportunities for photography, outdoor activities, and unique experiences that cater to various travel preferences.