Northern Lights vacation packages are becoming more and more popular on the tourist agenda, and this is totally understandable, seeing as it is one of the most fascinating natural phenomena in the world! Nothing quite beats the various shades of color illuminating the night sky and the uniqueness of the whole experience.
However, while there are numerous great places to see the Auroras, we suggest you pick one of these top 5! After some thorough research, we have narrowed it down and can present you with the top 5 cities to see the Northern Lights!
1. Tromso, Norway
Naturally, Scandinavia is the first one to end up on the list. Not only that, but the city of Tromso is one of the most-visited locations for the Northern Lights, and here is why!
Mainly, the city is perfect for Aurora-watching simply by being exactly where it is. Located at the center of the Norwegian Arctic, right below the Aurora zone, Tromso is known to light up with the lights more than any other city in the area.
We suggest you do some light touring before the main event and find a quiet corner for accommodations. One must observe the Northern Lights in silence and serenity, both of which you will find in Tromso from September through April!
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
Famous for being one of the most aesthetically pleasing and impressive corners in Europe, Reykjavik is the perfect holiday destination if you are a nature lover with an affinity for the Northern Lights!
Reykjavik is the only capital city on our list, which still surprises people, as most of the Northern Light-watching happens in remote areas, villages, or small towns. People tend to avoid big cities due to high air pollution, traffic, and noise; however, Reykjavik is not your usual capital city and is perfect for Auroras to appear!
Just like in Tromso, the lights are best seen from September to April, but even if that does not line up with your plans, you still have a chance to catch a glimpse at it any other time!
3. Yukon, Canada
Let’s leave Europe for the time being and visit yet another gem of the most beautiful natural grounds and occurrences. Let’s see what Yukon has to offer!
Starting earlier than usual, the Northern Lights light up Yukon in August and usually stay for the duration of autumn, winter, and even a month or two into spring. Which is, while unusual, great for you! This way, you have way more chance of seeing it than anywhere else, and Yukon is the perfect place to do that.
The city is quite remote, quiet, clean, and small. These qualities are why Yukon is one of the top destinations on our list and is loved by the Auroras. Apart from the lights, you can spend your days exploring the surroundings and getting that authentic Canadian vibe!
4. Ilulissat, Greenland
While we are staying firmly in the North, let’s travel to beautiful Greenland to enjoy one of the most marvelous natural expressions in the world!
Ilulissat, formerly Jakobshavn, is a small yet charming town located approximately 300 kilometers from the Arctic Circle. While we could get into specific geography, just know that the closer the city is to the Arctic, the bigger your chances of seeing the Auroras!
Not only is the geographical location perfect – everything seems to be put into place to make Ilulissat the ideal location for your Northern Lights travels. It seldom rains there, the winds are calm, there are only about five thousand residents here, and to top it all off – Ilulissat sits right beneath Greenland’s Aurora belt!
5. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
Finishing off the way we started in Scandinavia, we have one more suggestion for you. Make your way to Finnish Lapland for the most gorgeous wintery sites, fun traditions, and, of course, the stunning Northern Lights.
The city is everything you could wish for while looking for a Winter Wonderland. Before camping out for the lights, you can spend your day skiing, dog-sledding, playing winter sports, or even building snowmen!
Rovaniemi is right next to the Arctic Circle from the North, so your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are more prominent than ever. Make sure to pack appropriately, though. Finnish Lapland is known for its low temperatures and even, sometimes, snowstorms!
Enjoy these winter towns and the most beautiful skies ever! Keep in mind, though, that Northern Lights do not make appointments and appear every time we wish them to. Even with a close inspection of science, the phenomenon can still surprise us and not necessarily show up. So, go Aurora-hunting, but travel for the whole experience and make the most of it!
