Questioning the very best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you’ll be able to open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every night time? Listed below are 7 of probably the most stunning locations in Europe to go to to extend your possibilities of seeing the Northern lights!
*We work exhausting to make this the very best motorhome weblog and highway journey web site potential, filled with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so when you purchase by means of hyperlinks on this web site we could earn a commission- at no additional price to you. All opinions stay our personal.
If you happen to discover this put up helpful, you too can deal with us to a espresso on the backside of this page- we promise to get pleasure from it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we’d even take pleasure in a biscuit (or two!)
Lovely 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.
Significantly, critically spectacular.
Which I’m guessing you already know, or wish to know, when you’re looking for the very best locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this put up, 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 most important guidelines that the consultants 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 start out this put up off with some irritating information, however when 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 finest place to see the Northern Lights.
They’re a shifting phenomenon and the ‘finest 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 shifting!
That stated, there are some locations the place your possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe improve dramatically and they’re persistently the very best locations to go to.
Professional Tricks to improve your possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
There are 4 most important guidelines that the consultants comply with if you wish to improve the chances 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 straightforward, if you’re reserving a vacation, however when you do have the choice to be versatile and journey the place the forecast has the very best prediction or the place the skies shall be clearer, you’ll improve your possibilities of success rather a lot!
- Be PATIENT– and settle for that it’s a raffle. There may be NEVER any assure of seeing the Aurora in anywhere, regardless of how exhausting you attempt. Endurance is essential.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Having stated all of the above, don’t keep on with the principles too rigidly.
We’ve been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern Lights on 7 separate nights. The truth is, 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 an incredible journey since that is simply one of many finest 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 lodge on the South Coast, and noticed the Aurora 3 out of 4 nights whereas we explored a few of the finest waterfalls in Europe.
We rented a automobile in Iceland, so drove miles into the wilderness to benefit from the present with none gentle air pollution in any respect! It was fairly superior.
Each occasions, we selected our journey based mostly on a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different sights which allowed us to have a superb vacation regardless. Personally, I feel that’s the finest plan.
Going to any of those locations is expensive- and also you don’t wish to depart disenchanted. 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 simply’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 present the lights an opportunity to indicate up.
Many individuals say Autumn or Spring are the very best occasions– winter is sort of TOO chilly.
Each occasions 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 typically range.
(Travelling in Autumn? Listed below are some wonderful concepts for locations to see in Autumn in Europe)
Sensible suggestions for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
- Get distant from cities and different gentle air pollution, together with roads
- Enable about half-hour of darkness to your eye to regulate to the night time – making it simpler to do some private aurora images.
- Try to discover a location with an open view in the direction of the North- the Aurora tends to indicate over the North Pole
- Mountains and/ or lakes are good backdrops for AMAZING photographs when photographing Aurora
- After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are frequent occasions for the Aurora to indicate up and are often the very best time of day to see Northern Lights
- Wrap up warmly- you’re going to be outdoors for some time!
- Discover ways to use your digicam and analysis settings beforehand so you’ll be able to set it up rapidly and do some private Aurora images
- 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 lots of of travellers. In fact, there are different locations the place you’ll be able to 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 out to be one of the crucial in style Northern Lights locations in Europe. It’s additionally one of many first locations in Europe that the Aurora tends to be visible- typically as early as mid-August!
Rovaniemi, Finland is the house of Santa (no, critically) and can be one of the crucial in style locations for Northern Gentle hunters.
Whereas in search of the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you’ll be able to even keep in log or glass cabins specifically inbuilt areas away from gentle 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 gentle air pollution, loads of gorgeous surroundings together with lakes to mirror the Aurora and a hotter temperature till November.
(These lakes are additionally the proper spot to check out ice fishing in Finland– you may even be capable to do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)
Typically, the possibility of seeing the Rovaniemi Northern Lights on clear nights as round 40%, which can not sound like a lot however is definitely superb!
Finest 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 – How one can get there
There are direct flights to Rovaniemi airport (Santa’s airport!) from UK and Europe through the winter.
Northern Lights Sweden
Kiruna, Sweden
Sweden is the least populated nation in Northern Europe. Which implies much less gentle air pollution. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Sweden additionally enjoys a reasonably gentle temperature till mid-November, which implies clearer skies. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Kiruna is legendary for the wonderful Ice Lodge which is constructed every year. You may keep in one of many rooms, or simply go to for a tour. It’s additionally one of many finest European cities to go to in Europe in winter.
Abisko, Sweden
However when you REALLY wish to improve your possibilities 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 additionally to manage the temperatures. And the overall lack of sunshine air pollution means even weak Aurora shows may be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is well the most effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair carry taking you as much as an commentary lounge and restaurant on a mountaintop, the place you’ll be able to watch the Aurora while having fun with a 4-course meal. Wrap up warmly, however the views of the Abisko Northern Lights are SPECTACULAR!
Finest time to Go to Sweden and See the Sweden Northern Lights?
September to finish of March
Different actions to get pleasure from
Husky sledding, excursions photographing Aurora, Lapland tour, skimobiles or stress-free in a fantastic log cabin, distant from the world!
Getting there
There are every day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you will get a flight to Kiruna. You may also get a prepare from Stockholm, together with the night time prepare which simply appears like enjoyable! Or, you might all the time highway journey there use this put up for some superior highway journey concepts in Europe.
To get to Abisko, you’ll need to make use of the prepare or bus from Kiruna.
Northern Lights Iceland- one of many least expensive locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe
Iceland is a cool vacation spot in its personal right- the truth that you may see the Iceland Northern Lights as nicely is simply an added bonus! It’s additionally one of many least expensive locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Don’t anticipate large snowdrifts- however the lack of snow clouds is without doubt one of the causes you get such excessive viewing stats in Iceland – making it the most effective locations to see Northern Lights in Europe.
Once more, the Gulf Stream works its magical magic (technical time period) and one way or the other the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist preserve the temperatures hotter too!
Don’t get me incorrect, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve obtained an incredible likelihood of seeing the Iceland Northern Lights.
Finest time to go to Iceland and See the Iceland Northern Lights?
October to finish of March. Autumn and Spring are thought-about the very best occasions.
Different actions to get pleasure from
Lease a automobile and do your personal tour- a 4×4 is a good concept! 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’ve got 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!
Throughout the summer season, the solar by no means units in Svalbard, and through the winter (November to February), there’s NO daylight. None.
That is why you stand such an incredible 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 gentle, which can be wonderful to see. (Listed below are some concepts for different nice locations to see in Europe in October)
Different issues to do in Svalbard apart from see the Svalbard Northern Lights
Canine sledding; Snowmobiling; Glacial Ice caving; Snow-shoeing; photographing Aurora excursions and basic Aurora searching excursions
Attending to Svalbard
Svalbard has the world’s most northern airport accepting scheduled flights. The commonest 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 indicate off on.
For finest views, attempt to get out of the town for the evening- there are LOADS of Tromso Northern Lights tour choices which let you do that! Alternatively, when you’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, remember to keep nicely away from built-up areas on clear nights.
Finest time to go to Norway and see the Norway Northern Lights?
September- April
Different actions to get pleasure from in Tromso
Canine sledding; Snowmobile excursions; Polar bear museum and in January there’s the Northern Lights Pageant– 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’ll be able to get pleasure from 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 the most effective 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, so that they’re not precisely subsequent to the Scotland Mainland, which you will 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 a number of Viking museums and memorabilia to discover while you’re ready for the Aurora to indicate up and doing a little scenic drives in Scotland.
Finest Place to See Northern Lights in Scotland and How one can get to Shetland
There’s a ferry, however I actually don’t fancy these stormy winter seas! One of the simplest 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 brief (and considerably stunning reply!) is that sure, you’ll be able to see Switzerland Northern Lights. However not usually.
Sometimes the Aurora Borealis is so sturdy that it’s going to attain all the way in which south and you’ll see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there isn’t a solution 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 cherished the GelmerBahn Funicular)!
READ MORE: All the things you want to learn about highway journeys & campervanning in Switzerland
So, the place is the very best place to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Wherever you’re and they’re on the similar 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 know the way you get on!
Wish to save this put up for later? Pin it to your Winter in Europe board
