Seeing the northern lights is at the top of many bucket lists, and Europe has some of the best places on Earth to see them. From the Arctic cities of Norway and Finland to Iceland's lava fields and the wild Faroe Islands, here is where you can see the northern lights in Europe, when to go, and how to give yourself the best chance.
When Can You See the Northern Lights in Europe?
The aurora season runs from roughly September to late March, when the nights are dark enough. The aurora is often active around the equinoxes in September and March, and the long nights from December to February give you the most hours of darkness. You need three things: darkness, clear skies, and solar activity.
The sun is near the peak of its 11-year cycle in the mid-2020s, which has brought some exceptionally strong displays.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Europe
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø sits right under the "auroral oval", the band where the lights are most frequent. It is a lively city with an airport, so you can join a northern lights chase by bus or boat, go dog sledding, and visit the Arctic Cathedral. Tours drive inland to find clear skies, sometimes as far as Finland.
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Lofoten Islands, Norway
Dramatic peaks rising from the sea, fishing villages, and red cabins make Lofoten one of the most photogenic places to see the aurora. The coastal climate means milder temperatures but more cloud, so allow several nights.
Svalbard, Norway
Far north of the mainland, Svalbard has polar night from November to January, when the sun never rises and you can see the aurora even in the middle of the day.
Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland
Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, combines the northern lights with Santa Claus Village, husky safaris, and glass igloos. Further north, Saariselkä, Levi, and Inari have darker skies and less light pollution.
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Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is famous for its "blue hole", a patch of sky that often stays clear thanks to the surrounding mountains. Ride the chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station for a view above the clouds.
Iceland
You can sometimes see the northern lights from Reykjavik itself, but the best displays are away from the city lights, at places such as Þingvellir National Park, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and along the south coast. Combine aurora hunting with hot springs and glacier hikes. See our guide to the best Iceland eSIM.
The Faroe Islands
Between Iceland and Norway, the Faroes have dramatic cliffs, tiny villages, and very few people, which means very little light pollution.
Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights
- Stay at least three nights. Clouds are the biggest obstacle, and more nights mean more chances.
- Check the forecasts. Use aurora apps for the KP index and solar wind, and weather apps for cloud cover. Clear skies matter more than a high KP.
- Get away from city lights, or join a guided chase that drives to clearer skies.
- Be patient. The best displays are often between 9 PM and 2 AM, and they can appear and fade quickly.
- Dress very warmly. Thermal layers, insulated boots, a hat, and gloves are essential when standing still in the Arctic night.
- Use your phone's night mode, or a camera on a tripod with a long exposure. The camera often sees more color than your eyes.
- Keep your phone charged and online. Cold drains batteries fast, so carry a power bank. The egoViet Europe eSIM covers Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland, so you can check aurora alerts wherever you are.
Planning a winter trip? See the best places to travel in Europe in January and our guide to family winter holidays in Europe.
FAQs: The Northern Lights in Europe
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Europe?
Tromsø in Norway, Abisko in Sweden, Finnish Lapland, and Iceland are the most reliable and accessible places.
What is the best month to see the northern lights?
Anytime from September to March. December to February have the longest nights, while September and March often have strong activity and milder weather.
Can you see the northern lights from Reykjavik?
Sometimes, during strong displays, but you will see them better outside the city, away from light pollution.
Do I need a tour to see the northern lights?
No, but a guided chase helps you find clear skies and gives local knowledge and photography tips, especially if you don't have a car.