Where to see the auroras

The auroras are a phenomenon of great beauty which are not always easy to observe. Discover the best places where aurora borealis and australis are with these trails in Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand and other countries.

With this guide, you will also learn about what auroras are, where they occur, and what the best time of year is to see these manifestations of space weather (the only kind visible from Earth).

What are aurora borealis and australis, and how are they made?

Without a doubt, the auroras are one of the most spectacular phenomena. The polar lights occur when particles from the Sun come into contact with the Earth’s magnetic field and they slide across the lines of magnetic forces towards the poles. In this process, the oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the upper atmosphere are excited and release their energy in the form of light. 

The result is a spectacle of colors which tends to last half an hour and which we call aurora borealis when they happen in the northern hemisphere and aurora australis when they are recorded in the southern hemisphere. They are also known as northern lights or southern lights.

When to see the auroras?

The best time of year to see aurora borealis is from autumn to spring, when there is less light (especially between December and April). As for seeing the aurora australis, it is ideal to go to see them during the austral winter or spring (which is from May to August). The hours nearing midnight tend to be best. 

It is important to choose those days which forecast clear skies, so the clouds do not get in the way of viewing. Yet, in addition to the meteorological conditions, it is also good to consult the aurora forecast, like that offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the USA.   

Another factor to bear in mind is the moon:  consult the lunar calendar and avoid nights with a full moon. If possible, try to coincide with the phase of the new moon.

Where to see aurora borealis and australis?

Even though they are seen on both ends of the planet, the best regions are those close to the Arctic Polar Circle, such as in Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Canada or Alaska (USA). On the opposite end of the world, the more meridional regions stand out such as New Zealand and Australia, or even in Patagonia.

Get up close with these trails to one of the top 10 places to see auroras and enjoy some dreamy skies.

1. See the aurora borealis in Tromsø (Norway)

Tromsø is considered by many as the best place in the world to see aurora borealis. This northern city in Norway is located in the heart of a fjord and its surroundings are ideal for enjoying the auroras. It is also one of the best places for stargazing (if starry skies fascinate you, check out our article on The best places for stargazing).

One possible trail is heading to the fishing village of Oldervik by bus and starting your way back to Tromsø. The trail, around 3 days and 50 kilometers long, takes place among snowy slopes and magical sunsets, as well as a couple of mountain refuges along the path. The aurora borealis as the backdrop is the best reward. 

Another noteworthy point in Norway for seeing the auroras are the Lofoten Islands, south of Tromsø.

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2. Auroras in the Finnish Lapland (Finland)

The Finnish Lapland is much more than the land of the Samis and Santa Clause:  it is one of the best places to see aurora borealis. The Urho Kekkonen National Park is a good stage to go on a ski tour and see the auroras. You can take off from the Kiilopää mountain center and end each leg at a cabin or refuge, where you can then relax as you wait for nightfall, the moment when the aurora colors take over the sky. 

The ski touring we suggest in Finland is a multi-day trail that connects wilderness huts such as Lankojärvi, Sarvioja or Muorravaarakka, the ideal place for discovering the enchantment of the tundra, its forests and reindeer, along the Russian border.  

Even further up north, the village of Utsjoki is another highlight where you can see aurora borealis in Finland.

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3. Aurora borealis in Reykjavik (Iceland)

Reykjiavik is Iceland’s capital, one of the best places to see an aurora borealis. The curtains of colors tinge its skies with magic from September to April. To assure prime visibility, it is advisable to start a route towards the other end of the island, especially in the north, such as an all-terrain route that can take us near to Akranes and the Skardsheidi Mountain, about 50 kilometers from Iceland’s capital. 

Check out both the meteorological and aurora forecasts in advance to help you know when you should be ready for this unique spectacle so as not to follow this trail in vain.

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4. Auroras in the skies of Greenland

Greenland, with two thirds of its territory in the Arctic Polar Circle, is one of the purest and most underexplored corners of the world and a great place to delight in the game of lights and colors from the auroras. The auroras can be seen from Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, but exploring further towards the south in this spectacular landscape on the planet’s largest island also has many rewards. 

Keep in mind that it is essential to plan the trip and transport ahead of time - we could even call it an expedition - and choose a time of year when the nights are dark and the weather is accommodating. The end of September could be a good moment, since many organized excursions are not available in winter. 

Flower Valley, Narsarsuaq or the Qaleragdlit Glacier are just some of the places that are worth visiting.

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5. Yellowknife and the Jasper National Park (Canada)

Canada (in particular, the Northwestern Territories) features an ideal location and weather for observing the aurora borealis. There are different places where you can enjoy this spectacle, such as the Yukon or Yellowknife territories. Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwestern Territories. Another region for watching the auroras in Canada is the Jasper National Park, in the province of Alberta.  

If you go to Yellowknife, on the shores of the Great Slave Lake, you can do a trail in this region and visit Latham Island, the old quarter or discover arts and crafts at the Midnight Sun and Down to Earth galleries. Additionally, if you go in March, you will be able to enjoy the amenities of the Snowking’s Winter Festival, which is hosted in a castle made of ice and snow. 

On the other hand, if you go to Jasper National Park, you can follow a 45-km trail known as Skyline Trail from Maligne Lake (1,670 m). Normally, it is recommended to do it in two or three days.

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6. See aurora borealis in Sweden

Sweden is one of the best countries in the world for observing aurora borealis, particularly in the Norrbotten region, in the north, since a large part of its territory lies in the Arctic Polar Circle. In this region, the Abisko Touriststation, in the Abisko National Park, is the starting points for various trails, such as the Kungsleden trail (King’s Path). The section between Abisko and Nikkaluokta being one of the most popular trails in Sweden. 

This Sami culture territory, in the Swedish Lapland, offers snowy mountains, glaciers and the pleasure of sitting with a hot soup at night waiting for the lights to appear.

Also inside the park is the Aurora Sky Station, which has a website that pronounces itself as “the best place on earth to experience northern lights”.

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7. Aurora australis in New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island is possibly, alongside Tazmania, the best place in the southern hemisphere where aurora australis can be seen. In this region, you can do a trail around Lake Tekapo, located inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which makes it an ideal site for observing the aurora australis. So, if you do not get lucky with the southern lights, you will probably be able to enjoy one of the most impressive starriest skies on the planet.   

The trail, about 10 km long, goes up Mt John (1,031 m), which is the location of the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory. It is a facility of the university’s Physics and Astronomy Department faculty, which has different telescopes for studying the firmament.

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8. Auroras on the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are an archipelago located between the United Kingdom, Norway and Iceland. Although these islands are mostly self-governing, they are under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is a land of mermaids, lighthouses and towns engulfed by the sea, ideal for short walks full of impressive landscapes, like those that surround the village of Gjogv, on Eysturoy Island. There are also hiking trails to do while you wait for the sun to set to see auroras.

For example, from the capital, Tórshavn, you can do a circular trail that goes to Kirkjubour, where there is an ancient settlement in front of the sea. This corner of the island is, among others, one of the best places to see aurora borealis.

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9. Aurora borealis in Alaska (the United States)

Alaska, part of the United States, is a good place for observing aurora borealis. Fairbanks or the Denali National Park are recommended sites for enjoying the northern lights, as well as the surrounding area of Anchorage. Here, you can get away from the light pollution of the city and enter the Chugach State Park. One of the suggested options for viewing the auroras is going to Lake Eklutna, barely an hour’s drive north of the city.  

If you get there before nightfall, you can explore along the path that runs parallel along Lake Eklutna’s waters, on foot or by gravel bike. On your way back, you can enjoy the night sky dyed in colors. If it is winter, be sure the road conditions are good and bring all necessary gear.

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10. The Island of Skye’s skies (the United Kingdom)

The Isle of Skye (the largest and most northern of the Inner Hebrides) is a destination that has inspired writers worldwide like Virginia Woolf. This region in the North Atlantic, is part of Scotland (the United Kingdom), and it is also one of the best places for viewing the aurora borealis, clouds permitting. We propose going to the northern peninsula of Trotternish and following a trail to the Old Man of Storr Rock, which, according to legend, was a giant that was petrified.   

This entails a 5-km path which takes off from the Storr Hill car park, on the road that goes from Portree to Staffin. This is the best plan before enjoying one of the most magical shows: the aurora borealis phenomenon!

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