The Nordics & Northern Scotland offer some of the best vantage points for witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. From remote wilderness cabins to cosy lodges with panoramic views, here’s where to go, how to get around, and what to bring for a memorable Northern Lights experience.
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most captivating displays, casting vibrant greens, pinks, and purples across the sky. While sightings of this cosmic phenomenon can be unpredictable, the Nordic countries offer some of the best locations for experiencing this magical spectacle. From Norway’s dramatic fjords and Iceland’s volcanic landscapes to the remote reaches of Greenland and the Scottish Highlands, each destination provides a unique backdrop to witness the auroras. I
In this guide, discover the top places to view the Northern Lights, where to stay and dine, what to pack, and expert tips on capturing the perfect shot, so you can make the most of your winter adventure chasing the lights across the Nordics.
Overview
Tromsø, in Northern Norway, is the go-to for Northern Lights chasers. Surrounded by fjords, islands, and mountains, it’s a top destination for those seeking spectacular auroras.
Getting Around
Fly into Tromsø Airport (TOS), then rent a car or join a guided tour to find the best spots.
Places to Stay
For authentic experiences, try Lyngen Lodge or Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, both offering comfort with easy access to top viewing sites.
Where to Eat
Mathallen and Emma’s Dream Kitchen for local Norwegian cuisine.
Getting Cosy
Check out Tromsø Ice Domes for a drink in a cosy, frosty environment or head to Huken PUB for a warm, relaxed vibe.
Overview
Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland with regular Northern Lights displays. Rovaniemi is definitely more of a winter place to visit, but to view the Northern Lights, it is recommended. But be aware that many of the activities available are only offered in the wintertime or for larger groups. Getting around North of Rovaniemi often requires a car or a booked tourist bus tour. Santa Claus Village is the place where you can step over into the Arctic Circle and if you like dogs, you can spend time with Huskies in the Husky park next to Santa Claus Village. It’s easy to get the bus to the village from Rovaniemi and takes about twenty minutes, driving time.
Getting Around
Fly directly into Rovaniemi and get around with car rentals, or book guided excursions to Northern Lights hotspots. You can take the overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, and it’s well worth it.
Places to Stay
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers luxury pods in nature with skylights for aurora viewing, and Santa Claus Holiday Village is a family-friendly option. The Village is also where you can step over into the Arctic Circle and spend time with huskies in the Husky Park.
Where to Eat
Sample Nordic flavours at Ravintola Nili and Restaurant Roka Street Bistro.
Getting Cosy
Enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine at Cafe Kauppayhtiö, a rustic spot in the heart of Rovaniemi.
Overview
Nestled in Sweden’s Lapland, Abisko is famous for its clear skies and reliable auroras. The Abisko National Park even has what’s called a blue hole, which is an area often clear of clouds, perfect for Northern Lights sightings.
Getting Around
Fly to Kiruna, then take a train or drive to Abisko. The Aurora Sky Station offers guided night trips for enhanced viewing. You can also take the overnight train from Stockholm up to Kiruna, but book ahead as this train journey is quite popular.
Places to Stay
The Abisko Mountain Lodge and Aurora Village provide cosy cabins close to the best views.
Where to Eat
Try Restaurant Lapporten for local reindeer dishes and Swedish specialities.
Getting Cozy
STF Abisko Turiststation offers comfortable lounges where you can relax after a day out in the cold.
Overview
Scotland’s rugged northern coastline and remote islands make for excellent Northern Lights sightings, known locally as the Mirrie Dancers. Cairngorms National Park, Isle of Skye, and the Orkney Islands are among the best places to view them.
Getting Around
Fly into Inverness Airport or Edinburgh Airport and rent a car to reach rural locations or join Northern Lights tours for expert-led experiences. The Scottish Highlands can be snowy, so winter-ready vehicles are recommended. You can take the overnight train from London to Inverness and other locations in Scotland.
Cairngorms National Park
Offers vast, clear skies in winter; try spots near Aviemore for convenient access to cozy accommodations and facilities.
Isle of Skye
Known for its dramatic landscapes and coastal views, spots like The Quiraing and Neist Point are popular for viewing auroras.
Orkney Islands
A Northern Lights hotspot due to minimal light pollution, Mainland Orkney near Kirkwall offers easy access and scenic backdrops.
Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore for cozy, Highland charm with quick access to Cairngorms National Park.
Skeabost House Hotel on Isle of Skye, a historic mansion offering panoramic views.
Lynnfield Hotel in Orkney, a short drive from ideal Northern Lights vantage points.
The Foveran in Orkney for local Scottish flavours like Orkney beef and seafood.
The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore for hearty, Scottish pub fare.
The Three Chimneys on Skye, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Scottish cuisine.
Getting Cosy
Warm up after a night out at The Highland Bothies in Skye or visit The Green Lady bar in Aviemore for locally crafted gin and cozy fires.
Overview
Iceland’s diverse landscape, from volcanoes and glaciers to waterfalls and black sand beaches—makes it a stunning backdrop for the Northern Lights. Thingvellir National Park offers clear skies near Reykjavik, while Vik, with its black sand beaches, is another fantastic viewing spot.
Getting Around
Fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and either rent a car or join a guided Northern Lights tour. Self-driving is popular but requires careful planning for winter conditions.
Places to Stay
Hotel Rangá in Hella, a countryside resort with outdoor hot tubs for stargazing, and Foss Hotel Glacier Lagoon near Vik, known for its modern design and scenic surroundings.
Where to Eat
Dill in Reykjavik for fine dining with a Nordic twist, and The Soup Company in Vik for hearty meals perfect after a chilly night.
Getting Cosy
Blue Lagoon Spa for geothermal relaxation under the stars, and Lava Show in Vik for an indoor experience showcasing Iceland’s volcanic side. Not far from Reykjavik is Laugarvatn Fontana, located next to a beautiful lake and comes highly recommended.
Special Tips
Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for beautiful iceberg-filled views and, if lucky, aurora reflections on the water.
Overview
Greenland, with its expansive Arctic landscapes, offers some of the clearest skies for aurora viewing. Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq are both excellent locations, with the added allure of Greenland’s massive ice fjords and icy wilderness.
Getting Around
Fly into Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) for easier access to viewing spots. From there, local tour companies offer guided trips for Northern Lights viewing.
Places to Stay
Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat is known for its scenic views and cosy igloo pods, and Old Camp in Kangerlussuaq offers comfortable lodging and excellent aurora sightings.
Where to Eat
Cafe Iluliaq for local Greenlandic dishes, and Restaurant Roklubben in Kangerlussuaq for cosy, Nordic-inspired meals.
Getting Cosy
Nanoq Museum in Sisimiut for an indoor cultural experience, and Kaffemik experiences for authentic Greenlandic hospitality in locals’ homes.
Special Tips
Book a dog sledding or glacier walk tour for daytime adventure and unique photo ops.
Base Layers
Moisture-wicking thermals to keep you warm. Or woollen undergarments.
Insulating Layers
Fleece or down jackets.
Outer Layers
Waterproof and windproof coats and trousers.
Accessories
Insulated gloves, thick woollen socks, a warm hat, and sturdy, waterproof boots. Scotland’s terrain can be uneven and icy, so microspikes for boots are a good idea.
Bring a high-quality camera, tripod, extra batteries, a wide-angle lens, and a flashlight with red light mode (to avoid disturbing night vision). A thermos of warm tea or coffee can keep you cosy on long nights. You might be waiting a while, or have to move to different locations to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Capturing the Northern Lights on film is not as easy as it seems. To prepare to stun yourself and your loved ones with your pictures of the Northern Lights, we have a few tips. There might be apps for phones to record the Aurora’s, but we haven’t found one yet that captures them like a good old fashion digital camera does. Best to prep your camera the night before if you can, so you don’t miss out enjoying the Northern Lights while you’re too busy adjusting your camera settings.
Manual Mode
Set your camera to manual to control exposure and focus.
Shutter Speed
Aim for 5-25 seconds, depending on the aurora’s brightness.
ISO
Start around 800 and adjust based on the light.
Aperture
Use a wide aperture, ideally f/2.8 or lower.
Focusing
Focus on a distant light source before setting the camera to manual focus.
Weather Apps
Download Aurora apps (like Aurora Forecast) and cloud cover apps to avoid cloudy areas.
Cloud cover is the biggest challenge in seeing the Northern Lights. Abisko, thanks to its ‘blue hole,’ is a reliable spot to avoid cloud issues. For other locations, keep an eye on the aurora forecast and consider being flexible with your location to avoid clouds when possible.
A Curated Lifestyle Magazine Focused on Art, Creativity, Fashion, Books, Interiors, Mindfulness, Travel & Sustainability.
