Experiences
Best places to see the northern lights in the Nordics
From Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands to Abisko, Finnish Lapland and Iceland: where your chances of seeing the aurora are highest, and the hotels where you can step straight out into the dark.
It starts as a pale streak above the mountains, almost like a cloud that has lost its way. Then it ignites. Green turns to violet, the band ripples across the whole sky, and everyone around you falls silent. The northern lights are the greatest free show in the Nordics, but you need to be in the right place at the right time.
This guide gathers the places where your chances are best, from Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands to Abisko, Finnish Lapland and Iceland. For each one you will find a hotel where you can step straight out into the dark when the sky lights up, and the tours that take you away from the city lights.
The links to the hotels and experiences are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to improve your chances of seeing the northern lights
The aurora is there all year round, but you can only see it when it is dark. In northern Norway, Sweden and Finland that means from late August to early April. Three things decide whether you see it: darkness, clear skies and activity from the sun.
Get away from the city lights. Even in Tromsø you will see far more half an hour out of town.
Stay several nights. Three or four nights give you a much better chance of one clear sky.
Check the clouds before the forecast. A clear sky with weak activity often beats a strong storm behind clouds.
Dress to stand still. Wool base layers, a down jacket and warm boots. You will often be outside for hours.
Book the experience: See northern lights tours from Tromsø
The best places to see the northern lights in the Nordics
All the places below lie within the auroral oval, the belt around the polar region where the aurora is seen most often. The difference lies in the weather, the darkness and how easily you can get out into nature.
Tromsø
The aurora over the harbour, right outside the hotel.
Tromsø: Clarion Hotel The Edge
Tromsø is the northern lights capital for most travellers, and for good reason. The city sits right under the auroral oval, with direct flights, good restaurants and countless tours on the doorstep. On a good night you can watch the aurora over the Tromsø Bridge without leaving the centre.
The Edge sits on the quayside, with the Arctic Cathedral across the strait. It suits travellers who want city life in the evening and an aurora chase at night, with tour pick-ups almost at the door.
Book your stay: See rooms at Clarion Hotel The Edge
Lofoten
The cabins on Svinøya, a short walk from Svolvær centre.
Lofoten: Svinøya Rorbuer
In the Lofoten Islands the aurora is reflected in the fjords, and the mountains rise straight out of the sea. It makes Lofoten one of the most beautiful places to photograph the northern lights, especially around Svolvær, Henningsvær and Reine.
Svinøya Rorbuer are old fishermen cabins on a small islet linked to Svolvær by a bridge. You sleep with the sea beneath the floor, and it takes a minute to reach the jetty when the lights appear.
Book your stay: See rooms at Svinøya Rorbuer
Abisko
Abisko Turiststation by Lake Torneträsk.
Abisko: Abisko Turiststation
Abisko in Swedish Lapland is known for its many clear nights. The surrounding mountains often keep the clouds away, and there is almost no light pollution. Abisko National Park starts right here, with trails from the door.
The mountain station is a classic run by the Swedish Tourist Association, with simple rooms, a restaurant and the national park as its nearest neighbour. Trains from Narvik and Kiruna stop close by.
Book your stay: See rooms at Abisko Turiststation
Finnish Lapland
The glass igloos at Kakslauttanen near Saariselkä.
Finnish Lapland: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Finnish Lapland is flatter, with forest as far as the eye can see and cold, clear winter nights. Here you can watch the aurora from your bed.
Kakslauttanen near Saariselkä is famous for its glass igloos, where the roof is glass and the sky is the view. Husky and reindeer safaris start close by, so the days fill up as easily as the nights.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Iceland
ION Adventure Hotel stands alone in the lava landscape.
Iceland: ION Adventure Hotel
Iceland lies right under the auroral oval, and outside Reykjavík it gets properly dark very quickly. The weather changes fast, so it pays to stay somewhere you can watch the sky all evening.
ION Adventure Hotel sits at Nesjavellir, a little over an hour from Reykjavík, surrounded by lava fields and mountains. It has a spa, and the building stands on stilts above the landscape, so the views run far in every direction.
Book your stay: See rooms at ION Adventure Hotel
Andøya and Vesterålen
The aurora over Vesterålen.
Andøya: Thon Hotel Andrikken
Andøya faces the open sea, where the aurora can fill the entire sky without a single mountain in the way. The island is also known for whale watching and its space centre, so you can combine northern lights and whales on the same trip.
Thon Hotel Andrikken is in Andenes, a short walk from the Polar Museum and the harbour where the whale boats leave.
Book your stay: See rooms at Thon Hotel Andrikken
When is the best time to see the northern lights?
The darkest months give you the most hours of night, but many people prefer autumn and late winter. Around the equinoxes in September and March the sky is often active, and the temperatures are milder than in midwinter.
September and October: dark evenings, autumn colours and open water that reflects the light.
November to January: the longest darkness, but more cloud along the coast. Snow makes everything brighter.
February and March: longer days, colder and often clearer weather. Perfect for combining with husky sledding and skiing.
The aurora is often most active between 9pm and 1am, but it can appear as soon as it gets dark.
Northern lights FAQ
Where is the best place to see the northern lights?
In the Nordics, Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, Abisko in Swedish Lapland, Finnish Lapland and Iceland are the best known places. Tromsø is the easiest to reach, while Abisko is known for clear skies and Lofoten for the most dramatic scenery.
When can you see the northern lights?
In northern Scandinavia you can see the aurora from late August to early April, whenever it is dark enough. In summer the midnight sun makes it impossible to see.
What time of night is best for the northern lights?
The most active window is often between 9pm and 1am. Still, head out as soon as it is dark and the sky is clear, and be patient.
How many nights do I need to see the northern lights?
Plan for at least three or four nights. The aurora depends on clear skies, and more nights give you more chances.
Where should I stay to see the northern lights?
Stay somewhere you can walk straight out into the dark, ideally outside town. Svinøya Rorbuer in Lofoten, Kakslauttanen in Finnish Lapland and Abisko Turiststation are good choices. In Tromsø, stay central and join a tour out of the city.