5 Best places to see the Northern Lights

Swapping sun-drenched beaches for snow-covered landscapes and starlit skies might feel like the ultimate contrast, but that’s exactly what makes chasing the Northern Lights so magical. There’s something profoundly moving about watching green and violet ribbons of light dance across the Arctic sky, especially when it’s worlds away from anything back home.

For those who love to travel far and wide, witnessing the aurora borealis delivers a kind of wonder no photo can truly capture. From the stillness of Norway’s fjords to the wild beauty of northern Canada, seeing the lights is more than a travel goal. It’s a moment that stays with you.

We’ve rounded up six of the best places on Earth to catch the Northern Lights. They are all destinations that combine breathtaking night skies with unforgettable winter adventures.

1. Tromsø, Norway – Arctic adventure with urban comfort

If you want a front-row seat to the Northern Lights with a cosy, well-connected base to explore from, Tromsø ticks every box. Known as the Gateway to the Arctic, this lively city is surrounded by fjords and snow-covered peaks.  And it sits directly beneath the auroral oval, meaning you’re in prime territory for regular displays.

Here, you can chase the lights by night and fill your days with unforgettable Arctic experiences. Think dog sledding, fjord cruises, and meeting Sámi reindeer herders. Tromsø blends wild, wintry nature with modern Scandinavian comfort, perfect for first-time aurora chasers after a mix of adventure, culture, and a post-safari sauna.

Aurora season: September to April

Why it’s great for Aussies: Easy to get around, English-speaking guides, and top-tier food for refuelling after a long night under the stars.

2. Abisko, Sweden – Clear skies, deep stillness

Tucked away in Swedish Lapland, Abisko offers one of the most reliable Northern Lights experiences in the world. Thanks to the area’s famous “blue hole” – a patch of sky kept clear by surrounding mountains – you’ve got a better chance of spotting the lights here, even when neighbouring regions are clouded over.

This is a destination for nature lovers. The air is crisp, the silence is striking, and the Arctic wilderness stretches out endlessly. At the Aurora Sky Station, you can take a chairlift into the heart of it all for a bucket-list view under the stars.

Aurora season: November to March

Why it’s great for Aussies: It’s peaceful, pristine, and far from the crowds. Perfect for slow travellers and anyone craving a deep breath of pure Arctic air.

3. Reykjavik and rural Iceland – Volcanoes and the sky on fire

Iceland doesn’t just deliver on the Northern Lights, it offers black-sand beaches, glacier hikes, steaming hot springs, and the raw power of active volcanoes. Imagine watching the aurora ripple above a bubbling geothermal lagoon or reflect off the surface of a glacial lake. It’s dramatic, otherworldly, and completely unforgettable.

While Reykjavik provides a colourful, compact base with great food and culture, you’ll want to head beyond the city lights for the best viewing. Try Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon or Þingvellir National Park for wide, dark skies and breathtaking backdrops.

Aurora season: Late August to mid-April

Why it’s great for Aussies: It’s a photographer’s dream – wild, cinematic, and constantly changing.

4. Finnish Lapland – Cosy cabins and fairy-tale forests

Northern Finland offers a snow-covered wonderland of pine forests, frozen lakes, and fairy-tale cabins, including glass igloos where you can watch the Northern Lights dance overhead without leaving your bed.

Start in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and home of Santa Claus, where families and first-timers can enjoy reindeer rides, husky safaris, and snowmobile adventures under glowing skies. For those seeking something quieter, the surrounding wilderness offers stillness, deep snow, and a cosy cabin culture that makes winter feel magical.

Aurora season: September to March

Why it’s great for Aussies: Unique places to stay, unforgettable winter activities, and a calm, friendly atmosphere that feels worlds away, but warmly welcoming.

5. Yukon, Canada – Wilderness and wonder

If you’re craving true remoteness, Canada’s Yukon Territory offers some of the darkest skies and most untouched landscapes on Earth. The aurora here doesn’t just appear – it stretches across the horizon in a sweeping, panoramic display that’s hard to beat.

Base yourself in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s friendly capital, or venture deeper into the wilds for even clearer skies. Many Aussie travellers love pairing their aurora-hunting with classic northern activities. Think ice fishing, snowshoeing, fat biking, or soaking in natural hot springs.

Aurora season: Mid-August to April

Why it’s great for Aussies: Wild northern beauty, warm local hospitality, and a strong Indigenous cultural presence – a destination that feels both grounding and grand.

The journey is just as magical as the lights

Chasing the Northern Lights isn’t just about ticking off a travel bucket list – it’s about immersing yourself in a world completely different from home. It’s about stepping into snow-laced silence, breathing in crisp Arctic air, and waiting, just a little longer, for the sky to perform.

And while the aurora might be unpredictable, your peace of mind doesn’t have to be. With AllClear Travel Insurance¹, you can explore with confidence, knowing you’re covered no matter how far you go.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the sky glow green above a frozen lake or light up while you’re soaking in a thermal pool – maybe now’s the time. Pack your thermals. Bring your sense of wonder. And let the adventure begin.

Disclaimer

Before travelling, please check the latest government warnings, advisories, and entry requirements on the Smartraveller website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au 

Travel conditions can change at short notice, and it’s important to review the relevant official guidance before making any travel plans.

Important notice

¹ AllClear Insurance Services Pty Ltd – linked from references to “AllClear Travel Insurance” in this article.

Any advice provided is general in nature and does not take into account of your particular needs and circumstances. Before purchasing the insurance, decide whether this product is right for you by reading the combined Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide available here. A Target Market Determination for this product is available here. We also recommend consulting with relevant governmental and local authorities, including checking the Smart Traveller website, before making any travel decisions – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/disclaimer

This insurance is underwritten by the insurer Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI), ABN 49 000 525 637, AFSL 240816. Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd (EAA) ABN 71140219594, AFSL 552106 holds a binding authority from the insurer, MSI to issue contracts of insurance and to deal with or settle claims on MSI’s behalf and as MSI’s agent.

AllClear Insurance Services Pty Ltd, ACN 165 270 066, trading as AllClear Travel Insurance, is an Authorised Representative (AR number 1311154) appointed by EAA to distribute and administer this insurance product.