Where to See the Northern Lights: My Top 3 Nordic Picks for an Unforgettable Experience

There’s something unforgettable about witnessing the Northern Lights ripple across a cold, dark sky. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing compares to standing there in stillness, watching the sky come alive. I’ll never forget my first time—back in 2008 in Northern Norway—when the aurora danced overhead in shades of green and white. It’s a feeling that has stayed with me since that time. Now, it’s your turn to experience the lights!

While the Northern Lights can be seen across much of the Arctic, certain destinations—like Tromsø—have grown in popularity thanks to their strong infrastructure and consistent aurora activity. And for good reason! But even in well-known spots, it’s still possible to have a genuine, awe-inspiring experience, especially when you plan ahead.

My goal is to help travelers experience the aurora in ways that feel intentional, immersive, and connected to the landscape—whether that’s in a quiet fjord outside Tromsø, a reindeer sleigh in Lapland, or under the volcanic skies of Iceland. Below are three of my favorite Nordic regions to witness the Northern Lights—and if you’re looking to extend your adventure, I can help you combine multiple destinations into one seamless, personalized journey.

1. Tromsø & the Lyngen Alps, Norway – Fjords, Mountains, and the Aurora Glow

Tromsø has earned its title as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” and for good reason—it’s one of the most accessible and aurora-rich areas in all of Scandinavia. But for a truly unforgettable experience, I suggest venturing beyond the city lights to the Lyngen Alps, where jagged peaks meet the sea and the skies open up in spectacular fashion.

You’ll find fewer people, deeper snow, and darker skies—all ideal conditions for aurora watching.

✨ Book a guided Northern Lights tour with Northern Shots Tours to maximize your chances of seeing the lights. Their small-group tours are ethical, expert-led, and rooted in local knowledge.

🏨 Looking for a place to stay in Tromsø? Browse top-rated hotels and cozy accommodation stays here—perfect for relaxing after a day of Arctic adventures and Northern Lights chasing.

Want to turn it into an extended adventure?

Start in Southern Norway and sail north along the coast on the legendary Hurtigruten voyage, watching the scenery shift from fjords to Arctic wilderness—an unforgettable journey in itself.

🚢 Book your Hurtigruten cruise here : 5-day Bergen to Tromsø

2. Reykjavík, Iceland & Beyond – Easy Access to the Aurora

While Reykjavík itself is a vibrant city full of charm, culture, and cozy cafés, the real magic for Northern Lights seekers lies just beyond its glow. With a quick drive out of the city, you’re surrounded by lava fields, rugged coastlines, and sweeping views of Iceland’s winter skies—all perfect conditions for aurora viewing.

The key is getting away from the city lights, and the best way to do that is with a trusted local guide who knows exactly where to go based on real-time weather and solar activity.

✨ Explore a range of Northern Lights tours departing from Reykjavík right here. These guided experiences take you off the beaten path and into Iceland’s darker, quieter corners—maximizing your chances of seeing the aurora in all its glory.

And if you’re planning to stay in the capital, you’ll find a variety of well-located accommodations that make it easy to relax by day and chase the lights by night.

🏨 Find accommodations in Reykjavik that offer easy access to tours and dark skies

3. Inari, Finland – Northern Lights & Sámi Culture in the True North

Forget Rovaniemi (yes, it’s charming—but also very over-traveled). For a more authentic and tranquil experience, head farther north to Inari. This small village is a gateway to Sámi culture and surrounded by vast wilderness and frozen lakes, making it a prime spot for aurora viewing.

Fly into Ivalo Airport, just 30–40 minutes from Inari, and you’ll find yourself in one of the darkest and clearest regions of Finland. There are a number of guided Northern Lights tours in Inari that take you deep into the snow-covered fells, far from light pollution, for an unforgettable night beneath the stars.

🌌 Discover unforgettable Northern Lights experiences in the Ivalo–Inari region:

❄️ Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari from Ivalo – Ride through snowy Arctic landscapes on a guided snowmobile tour under the aurora.

🦌 Aurora Reindeer Safari from Inari – Glide through the forest in a traditional reindeer sleigh while chasing the northern lights.

🔥 Northern Lights Evening in a Traditional Aurora Camp – Cozy up by a campfire, enjoy warm drinks, and watch the lights in peaceful comfort.

🏡 Looking to stay nearby? There are cozy, well-located accommodations in Ivalo—perfect for relaxing between adventures and staying close to the action.

Why these destinations:

I design travel itineraries for those who want to experience the Nordics in a way that feels personal, intentional, and deeply rewarding—not rushed, crowded, or cookie-cutter. While destinations like Tromsø have gained popularity for good reason, I believe the most meaningful aurora moments often happen when you step just beyond the usual route, into places that feel a bit more yours.

That’s why I guide travelers toward Northern Lights experiences that blend natural beauty, cultural depth, and a sense of stillness. Whether you’re watching the sky ignite above a fjord in the Lyngen Alps, glowing above a reindeer sleigh in Inari, or dancing just beyond the lights of Reykjavík’s rugged volcanic coastlines—these are the moments that stay with you long after your trip ends.

Are you feeling inspired by the aurora but not quite sure how to bring it all together? I get it—there are so many amazing options out there! While I’ve highlighted just three of my favorite destinations above, I work with many more. If you’re dreaming of an extended trip, I can also help you connect multiple Nordic locations so you can experience the Northern Lights in a variety of stunning settings—all in one seamless itinerary.

With over 25 years of Nordic travel planning experience, I help travelers design custom, stress-free itineraries that match their style, pace, and dream destinations—while keeping logistics realistic and smooth.

If you’re hoping to chase the aurora in late 2025 or early 2026, RIGHT NOW is the perfect time to start planning. The best accommodations, tours, and local guides often book out months—sometimes a year—in advance, especially in the smaller, more special places I love to recommend.

📋 You can get started by filling out my Travel Planning Request Form.

🧭 My travel design services start at $150 USD, and include a fully personalized itinerary with suggested booking links—so you can stay in control of your trip, while benefiting from expert recommendations and insider knowledge.

Let’s make your Northern Lights dream not only possible—but seamless, meaningful, and entirely yours.