ICELAND

There are several popular spots in Iceland to catch the Northern Lights, but two stand out. Located only a few kilometres from downtown, Grótta is a Nordic nature reserve perfect for both star-gazing and sea lovers. It's also Iceland's favourite place to watch the Aurora Borealis. After a long day of watching the cosmic scene, you can head back to Reykjavik and check out the city's nightlife at night. However, most aurora-spotters in Iceland stay in Reykjavik and watch the natural phenomenon from the comfort of their rented cars. So although the city can provide a glimpse of the aurora, you can still catch a better view if you leave the bright lights behind.

A beautiful green and red aurora dancing over the Jokulsarlon lagoon, Iceland

by Krissanapong Wongsawarng; Shutterstock.

Reykjavik, Iceland.

By Jesper2cv; Flickr;

CC BY NC ND 2.0

“Another

by Timo Newton-Syms Flickr; CC BY-SA 2.0

The Northern Lights can be spotted in Finland's Lapland region for 200 nights during the winter season, giving you a good chance to catch it. This area is ideal for those looking for a unique experience and enjoying watching natural phenomena from a remote location. Some of the most popular places where aurora spotters can gather are Utsjoki, Levi, and Kilpisjarvi.

Unfortunately, the visibility in Rovaniemi is often limited due to the pollution from the city. So instead, you can head to the nearby resort town of Kakslauttanen, situated deep within Finland's boreal forest. This area is perfect for those looking natural phenomena from a remote location. While staying at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, you can enjoy a glass igloo and stay in a heated electric sauna.

SAARISELKÄ, Lapland, Finland - 2004: Glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in northern Finland. The cosy heated igloos are perfect for watching the aurora borealis from September to March.

By Paul Harding (shutterstock)

In Greenland, light pollution is minimal, making it ideal for viewing the Nothern Lights. If you plan to visit this region during the winter, you can spot the Nothern Lights from Nuuk. Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq are excellent base camps. This area, which used to be a US military base, is known for its high activity rate of aurora spotting. It hosts various aurora tours that allow visitors to see the natural phenomenon up close. If you're feeling brave, you can visit Ilulissat, northern Greenland, which is only 250 km from the arctic circle. During the winter season, staying in this region for three or four nights can help you catch a glimpse of the natural phenomenon.

“Aurora panorama storm from Qassiarsuq village.”

By Starry Earth; Flickr; CC BY NC 2.0

Although the Northern Lights can be spotted in Canada's various regions, the Aurora Zone is the best place to try and catch a glimpse of the natural phenomenon. Some areas ideal for this purpose inside the zone include the Northwest Territories, Churchill, and Manitoba. In Alberta, the lights can be spotted in Banff National Park and Jasper.

“Northern Light @ Aurora Village, Yellowknife”

By GoToVan; Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Canada

Aurora Village is located in Canada's Northwest Territories and is a short drive from Yellowknife. This area is known for its beautiful views of the Northern Lights. After watching the skies with a fire in a teepee, you can head to a hotel in Yellowknife for a nap.

Churchill, Manitoba, is a popular tourist destination due to the presence of polar bears. Although it's easy to reach, this area is also a great spot to watch the Northern Lights due to its high activity rate of the aurora phenomenon.. In addition, the Northern Studies Centre in this area is a great place to study northern light photography and astronomy.

If you're planning on visiting this area and want to experience the wonders of nature, consider staying at the Tundra Lodge. This facility is right next to the polar bear habitat, allowing you to see the animals up close. In addition, a unique opportunity in Canada is that you can book a special flight service that allows guests to see the Northern Lights from above the clouds. This experience, known as the Aurora 360 Experience, is the only flight that can take off within the Aurora Oval, which makes it unmatched by any other place.

National

Northern Lights in Arctic Sweden by Dan Carreno.

“Mountain under Aurora Borealis,” Flakstad island, Lofoten archipelago

By Stein Egil Liland