5 Places Where You Can Chase the Northern Lights in Europe

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are one of the most beautiful phenomena in the world. The lights appear when electrically charged particles from the sun race towards Earth, and then collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.

One of the reasons you can only see the Aurora Borealis in the far north (or the Aurora Australis in the far south) is because the Earth’s magnetic field pushes those particles towards the poles. This means catching the lights usually involves quite the journey, however, it’s worth it to witness this natural wonder.

If you’re looking for a place to see the elusive Northern Lights in Europe, we have a few destinations where you are very likely to catch the lights painting the night sky.

Top Destinations In Europe To View The Northern Lights Travel Guide

Abisko, Sweden

If you want to see the Northern Lights in Sweden, your best chance is to head to Swedish Lapland between September and March. Again, the rule of thumb when chasing lights is that the further north you travel, the higher the likelihood of seeing the lights.

One particularly popular spot in Sweden is Abisko National Park, which is home to the Aurora Sky Station. The station is situated on Mount Nuolja, about 900 meters above sea level, in an area that has very little light pollution to distract from the night sky.

Where to stay in Abisko:

Abisko Mountain Lodge

Abisko Guesthouse

Abisko Turiststation STF

Inari, Finland

A trip to Finland is amazing no matter what time of year you visit, but winter in Lapland is especially magical. Did you know that in Finish Lapland it’s possible to see the Northern Lights up to 200 nights a year? You can begin to see the Aurora Borealis here as early as late August, and your chances increase the further north you go.

One of the best places to see the lights, as well as experience a unique culture, is Inari. Set on a lake some 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Inari is the Finnish capital of the indigenous reindeer herding Sámi people and it is steeped in a rich heritage. You can even stay in a glass igloo!

With more reindeer than people calling this place home, there is practically no light pollution, meaning you can just wander out to the lake and watch the magic unfold.

Where to stay in Inari:

Lake Inari Mobile Cabins

Hotel Inari

Inarin Kalakenttä

Alta, Norway

There are several excellent places to see the Northern Lights in Norway, but Alta continually comes out on top of every list. This particular destination is home to the world’s first Northern Light Observatory and it has even earned the nickname “The Town of the Northern Lights. Another cool reason to visit is to see the famed rock carvings of Alta; this is Norway’s only prehistoric World Heritage Site and it’s made up of some 6000 carvings.

When it comes to spotting the auroras, the best time to do so in northern Norway is between late September and early April. Of course, you could get lucky and see them outside that window, but you do have less hours of darkness on your side.

Where to stay in Alta:

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel

Gargia Lodge

Scandic Alta

Akureyri, Iceland

Iceland has quickly become another popular destination for a European holiday chasing the lights. Not only is the scenery in this country jaw-droppingly beautiful, but from September to mid-April you also have the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. The one thing to note is that while November through February are the darkest months of the year, they are also the cloudiest, so it really all comes down to luck.

Northern Iceland is home to some of the most dramatic scenery including thundering waterfalls and geothermal hot spots, so this can make for some great photography. Akureyri in particular is considered the unofficial capital of the north, plus its small population and low light pollution make it a good spot to chase the auroras. Just be sure to bundle up warm, because it can get pretty cold out there!

It’s possible to see the lights from Reykjavik, but of course, the further North you can get, the better your chances.

Where to stay in Akureyri:

TOWN SQUARE Apartments

Ice Apartments Akureyri

Viking Cottages & Apartments

Shetland, Scotland

Scotland is often overlooked as a place to see the Northern Lights in Europe, but during those cold and dark winter months, the skies in northern Scotland can really light up.

While it’s a bit of a journey to get there, the Shetland Isles are an ideal destination. This archipelago is made up of more than 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited. The isles also happen to be closer to Norway than mainland Scotland, so we’re talking pretty far north!

Also, this is a beautifully rugged and secluded destination, where you can explore a unique cultural heritage and learn more about the Vikings who left their mark on Shetland, which sounds like a pretty cool way to pass time while you wait for the lights.

Where to stay in Shetland:

Corbie Self Catering Shetland

Aald Harbour Bed & Breakfast

Decca – Self Catering Shetland

Aurora Trip Planner: How to Choose Dates, Gear, Routes & Photos (Itineraries, Checklists + FAQ)

How to Plan a Northern Lights Trip in Europe (Step-by-Step)

1) Pick your season first, destination second

The Northern Lights can appear any dark, clear night, but your odds spike from late September to late March. Shoulder months (Sep/Oct and Mar) bring milder temps and reflective autumn/spring landscapes; mid-winter (Nov–Feb) offers the longest nights, but also more frequent clouds. Decide which trade-off you prefer, then choose the spot (Abisko, Inari, Alta, Akureyri, Shetland) that fits your dates.

2) Aim for multiple nights in one place

Even the “reliable” spots get socked in. Three to five nights in one base dramatically increases your chances of a clear window. Bonus: you get to actually enjoy daylight activities instead of bouncing between towns.

3) Read (and demystify) the forecast

• KP index (0–9): A rough indicator of geomagnetic activity. Higher KP can mean farther-south visibility, but low KP with clear skies often beats high KP under clouds.
• Bz (southward is good): If you peek at space weather, a negative Bz (southward interplanetary magnetic field) lets particles couple with Earth’s field more efficiently—often a better near-term signal than KP alone.
• Cloud cover: Your #1 forecast. Local weather sites + meteograms + satellite loops are your friends. Drive 30–60 minutes to escape cloud bands if you can.

4) Build a flexible nightly routine

Nap after dinner, check the sky every 30–45 minutes, and be ready for a late night. Auroras can pop at 8 p.m. or 2 a.m.—we’ve seen both. Set alarms, keep your warm gear by the door, and never talk yourself out of “just a quick look”.

5) Choose dark, open view spots

You want low horizons (to the north), minimal light pollution, and safe footing. Frozen lakes, quiet fjords, hilltops, beaches, and open moorland are ideal. In towns, walk 10–20 minutes out, or drive to an official viewpoint.

6) Book the right bed for your style

• Cabins/igloos with big windows if you like to watch in slippers.
• Simple lodges/guesthouses if you plan to be out in the car most nights.
• Guided aurora tours if you prefer an expert to do the cloud-dodging.

7) Manage expectations (and plan daytime joy!)

Memorable trips aren’t built on one night sky. Layer in sauna and snowshoeing in Inari, dog sledding near Alta, waterfall loops around Akureyri, frozen lake hikes at Abisko, or Viking sites in Shetland—then the lights are the glitter on top.

When to Go: Month-by-Month Aurora Calendar

Late September–October

• Pros: Equinox boosts geomagnetic activity; tolerable temps; autumn colors; fewer crowds.
• Cons: Transitional weather can be windy/rainy in coastal Norway/Scotland.
• Best bets: Abisko (rain shadow effect), Inari (golden birch), Alta (long nights begin).

November–December

• Pros: Long nights, Christmas markets, snow arrives inland.
• Cons: Cloudier stretches, storms on coasts, very short days above the Arctic Circle.
• Best bets: Abisko (microclimate), Inari (glass-igloo coziness).

January–February

• Pros: Deep winter ambience; frozen lakes for reflections; excellent ice activities.
• Cons: Coldest temps; driving requires winter skills; coastal winds.
• Best bets: Inari (stable cold, clear spells), Alta (dry inland valleys), Akureyri (north Iceland often clearer than the south).

March–early April

• Pros: Equinox bump, longer twilights (nice for composing shots), milder days, great snowpack.
• Cons: Solar angle rises (later starts for true darkness).
• Best bets: Honestly all five—this is the sleeper sweet spot.

Europe’s Aurora Hotspots Compared

Budget Feel is relative: $ (budget) to $$$ (splurge).

Suggested 3–5 Day Itineraries

Abisko, Sweden (3 nights)

Day 1: Arrive by train via Kiruna/Narvik—one of Europe’s most scenic rides. Afternoon walk in Abisko National Park. Evening: Aurora Sky Station chairlift (if running) or lakeshore watch.
Day 2: Snowshoe/cross-country ski; fika at the lodge. Evening: Guided minibus chase (they’ll know where the blue hole is).
Day 3: Day trip to Narvik fjords (Norway) if weather is socked in; back for a late-night lake session.

Pro tip: The lake ice makes mirror shots magical. Bring microspikes for traction.

Inari, Finland (4 nights)

Day 1: Check in to a glass igloo or lakeside cabin. Evening: Sauna + sky watch from bed (no shame).
Day 2: Siida Museum (Sámi culture) + reindeer farm visit. Evening: Aurora camp with open fire and grill (makkara time!).
Day 3: Daytime snowmobile or husky tour onto Lake Inari; nap; Evening: DIY stargazing on the ice (follow marked trails only).
Day 4: Slow morning; souvenir stop for duodji (Sámi handicrafts); final northern lights vigil.

Pro tip: Ask your host to set a “wake-up knock” if lights appear while you sleep.

Alta, Norway (3 nights)

Day 1: Check into Alta town (or Igloo Hotel if splurging). Evening: Guided aurora minibus to chase clearer inland skies.
Day 2: Dogsled or snowshoe morning; rock carvings museum (daylight). Evening: Coastal viewpoint watch with a thermos of cocoa.
Day 3: Day trip to Sautso Canyon (if open) or a fjord village. Evening: Last chase.

Pro tip: Inland valleys often clear faster than the fjord—your guide will zig where the clouds zag.

Akureyri, Iceland (4 nights self-drive)

Day 1: Drive or fly from Reykjavík. Soak at Forest Lagoon. Evening: Eyjafjörður turnout for auroras (north-facing).
Day 2: Goðafoss + Mývatn geothermal loop (Hverir, Mývatn Nature Baths). Evening: Hunt on the highlands edge (watch road conditions).
Day 3: Whale-watching in Húsavík (seasonal) or snowshoeing. Evening: Backroads north of town for dark skies.
Day 4: Weather buffer day; bakery crawl; final aurora dash if the forecast pings.

Pro tip: Iceland weather changes in minutes. Check road.is before any winter drive and carry snacks, blankets, and a full tank.

Shetland, Scotland (3 nights)

Day 1: Settle in Lerwick. Evening: Head to Clickimin Loch or Ness of Sound for a quick test look.
Day 2: Explore Jarlshof (Viking/Norse site) and Sumburgh Head (daylight); hearty pub dinner. Evening: Drive 15–30 minutes from town for dark beaches/moorland.
Day 3: Scalloway & west-side beaches. Evening: Keep watch for the “Merry Dancers”—Shetlanders’ nickname for the lights.

Northern Lights Photography Cheat Sheet

Camera Setup (Manual Mode)

• Lens: Fast wide-angle (14–24mm on full-frame; f/1.4–f/2.8).
• Focus: Manual; pre-focus on a distant light or bright star; use tape to lock it.
• Aperture: f/1.4–f/2.8.
• ISO: 800–3200 (start at 1600; adjust to taste).
• Shutter: 2–10 seconds (fast, dancing curtains = 2–4s; slow arcs = 6–10s).
• White balance: Auto or 3500–4000K for natural greens.
• Stability: Solid tripod + remote/2-second timer.

Composition Tips

• Include foreground: snow-covered trees, cabins, fjords, footprints, a friend in silhouette.
• Rule of thirds still matters—even when the sky is stealing the show.
• Turn off nearby lights; shield headlamps with your hand when moving to avoid light spill on snow.

Phone Photography (Yes, you can!)

• Use Night mode with a tripod or beanbag; set 3–10 second exposures.
• Lower the ISO if your phone allows to reduce noise.
• RAW capture (on newer phones) gives you editing wiggle room.
• Apps like NightCap (iOS) or ProCam can help with manual control.

Cold-Proofing Your Gear

• Keep spare batteries warm in an inner pocket; swap frequently.
• Avoid lens fog: cap lenses before going indoors; let gear warm gradually.
• Bring a microfiber cloth—snowflakes on glass are part of the game.

Safety, Ethics & Respect

• Dress smarter than you think: Base (merino), mid (fleece), outer (wind/waterproof), insulated boots, warm hat, liner + insulated gloves, and chemical hand warmers.
• Drive slow, lights low: On icy roads, smooth inputs win. If you pull over, park fully off the lane and use hazards sparingly.
• Leave no trace: Pack out everything, tread lightly on tundra and dunes, and give wildlife space.
• Honor communities: Ask before photographing people or private property, support local guides, and learn a few words (kiitos, takk, tack, tapadh leat!).

Budgeting & Booking Tips

• Bundle experiences: Many lodges offer aurora packages (gear + wake-up calls + hot drinks) that can be cheaper than booking all à la carte.
• Car rental: Reserve early for winter tires (often standard in Nordic countries). In Iceland, consider full insurance—gravel, wind and ice happen.
• Tours vs. DIY: One guided chase can teach you micro-locations; then DIY the rest.
• Food: Self-cater breakfasts/lunches, save dinners for a couple of splurges.
• Sample nightly ranges (very rough):
  • Budget guesthouse: €70–€120
  • Midrange hotel/cabin: €120–€220
  • Specialty stays (igloos/ice hotels): €300+ (book far ahead)

Printable Checklists

Aurora-Night Pack List

• ☐ Headlamp (red mode) & spare batteries
• ☐ Hot drink in a thermos
• ☐ Hand/foot warmers
• ☐ Power bank + cable
• ☐ Tripod + remote
• ☐ Microspikes (for ice)
• ☐ Map with marked dark spots
• ☐ Snacks (nuts, chocolate, fruit)

Camera Quick-Start (Write on a sticky!)

• Focus: manual, infinity (taped)
• Aperture: f/1.8
• ISO: 1600
• Shutter: 4 sec (adjust to speed of aurora)
• WB: 3800K
• Timer: 2 sec / Remote on

FAQ: Northern Lights in Europe

Do I need a super high KP to see the Northern Lights in these places?

No. Because these destinations sit so far north, even a low KP (1–3) can produce beautiful displays when skies are clear. High KP helps push visibility farther south, but your cloud forecast and location matter more than the number.

What time of night should I be outside?

There’s no strict “prime time,” but many displays occur between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. We’ve also seen bursts earlier and later. Set periodic alarms and peek often—auroras can ramp up fast and fade in minutes.

Is a full moon bad for aurora viewing?

Not necessarily. A bright moon will light your landscape (great for photos) and can still share the sky with strong auroras. Under a full moon, avoid low-contrast faint arcs; look for faster, brighter curtains and adjust camera exposure down.

Can I see the Northern Lights if it’s snowing?

If it’s actively snowing where you are, you won’t see them there—but weather is local. In many regions, a 30–60 minute drive can take you to a gap in the clouds. That’s the essence of a “chase”.

What’s the best budget-friendly destination of the five?

Shetland can be gentler on the wallet (UK domestic travel, guesthouses, self-catering), though weather is variable. Abisko has solid hostel/lodge options and great odds. Akureyri offers good value outside peak holidays, especially if you self-cater.

Should I book a glass igloo or is it just hype?

They’re undeniably romantic, and great if you want to watch from bed, but they’re not required to see auroras. If budget is tight, choose a simple cabin in a dark area and put savings toward a guided chase night.

Is winter driving safe for visitors?

It can be if you take it slow and rent a car with proper winter tires. Avoid driving in storms, keep your lights clean, leave extra space, and check local road advisories. If you’re uncomfortable, base in town and join nightly tours.

Will my phone camera capture the lights?

Newer phones can, particularly with Night mode on a tripod or stable surface. Results won’t match a dedicated camera, but you’ll still snag keepsakes—especially when the aurora is bright and fast.

What if I don’t see them—did I pick the wrong week?

Maybe not! Even during strong solar cycles, there are cloudy runs. That’s why we suggest a 3–5 night window, flexible plans, and daytime adventures you’ll love regardless. Many travelers go back—aurora fever is real.

Are aurora tours worth it if I have a car?

Often, yes. Local guides monitor forecasts and know micro-climates and safe pullouts. Consider booking one tour early in your trip; you’ll learn where and how to hunt, then replicate on your own.

What colors will I actually see with my eyes?

Most commonly green, sometimes with pink or purple fringes. Very intense displays can show reds and multi-hued curtains. Cameras can record more saturated colors, but your eyes will adapt—give them 15–20 minutes of dark to fully adjust.

Is it ethical to visit fragile Arctic areas in winter?

It can be—if you travel lightly and locally. Choose small, locally owned stays and guides, pack out everything, stay on durable surfaces, respect wildlife, and support cultural experiences run by the community (e.g., Sámi-led tours in Inari).

Where do you like to chase the Northern Lights?