Seeing the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a dream for many. If you’re unsure where to catch them, don’t worry. There are actually plenty of places around the world where you can witness this stunning natural display.
Read on as we guide you through some top locations to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights. Get ready to take plenty of Aurora Borealis photos and make your dream trip a reality!
What is the Aurora Borealis?
The Aurora Borealis is caused by solar winds colliding with Earth's magnetic field. When these charged particles from the sun enter the atmosphere, they create stunning light displays in the night sky, particularly near the Earth’s poles. This natural phenomenon is most commonly seen in high-latitude regions like Iceland, Greenland, and northern Scandinavia.
Best Time to See the Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Lights are best viewed during the winter months. Those months are typically from September to March. The longer, darker winter nights provide the ideal conditions to see this natural phenomenon.
The time of day also matters – between 10 PM and 2 AM is the best time to see the Northern Lights. However, it's essential to check the local weather forecast, as clear skies are necessary for the best visibility.
If you’re looking to see the Aurora Borealis in 2025, Access Travel already has slots available. You can also reach out to our Access Experts for personalized assistance. Get customized luxury travel that suits your schedule and preferences.
Things to Remember for Your Northern Lights Trip
Chasing the Aurora Borealis is exciting, but keep these key tips in mind to make the most of your trip.
- Pack for the cold
Northern Lights destinations tend to be frigid during viewing months, so layers and thermal gear are essential. - Be patient
The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so you might have to wait or try multiple nights to catch them. - Check aurora forecasts
Use apps or local guides to track solar activity and improve your chances of seeing the lights. - Choose remote locations
Areas away from city lights give you the best viewing experience.
Now that you know the Aurora Borealis and when to see it, let’s explore some of the best destinations for viewing these spectacular lights.
1. Iceland
Iceland is a fantastic destination for spotting the Northern Lights. If you want to experience the magic of this natural wonder, you can’t go wrong with spots like Thingvellir National Park and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. These locations have vast open spaces and minimal light pollution, which gives the best opportunities to witness the Aurora in all its glory.
With Access Travel, you have two incredible ways to experience customized luxury travel in Iceland.
- Iceland Expedition: This option is perfect for travelers seeking a curated, 10-day adventure. You’ll explore Iceland’s most iconic landscapes, from glaciers to the aurora, with 4-star accommodations, an Access Expert, and a small group size. This journey offers a seamless experience with every detail taken care of.
- Meet Iceland: Take this option for a more relaxed and luxurious trip. Get 4- to 5-star accommodations, private guides, and tailored excursions. Each day of this 10-day trip, and can be customized based on your preferences.
2. Finland
The Lapland region in Finland is also famous for its Aurora sightings. Known for its glass igloos and luxury lodges, you can watch the northern lights shimmer above you—all from the comfort of your accommodation. Finland's wilderness is one of the most magical places to see the Northern lights, especially if you want a more intimate experience.
Access Travel offers four customized luxury travel options for exploring Finland:
- Finland Expedition: This 9-day journey has a well-curated itinerary with activities like snowmobile safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and visits to Santa Claus Village. Experience the beauty of Finland’s winter landscapes while staying in luxurious 4- to 5-star accommodations. It also includes Northern Lights safaris.
- -30°C Finland Expedition: This thrilling 10-day expedition features reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding, and nightly hunts for the Northern Lights. You'll stay in luxurious glass-domed igloos for a cozy yet unforgettable Arctic experience.
- Meet Finland: For a more relaxed pace, this 9-day option highlights Finland’s iconic sights. Enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, explore the Arctic Circle, and chase the Aurora Borealis. You can also customize each day as you please.
- -30°C Meet Finland: This 10-day expedition is designed for those looking to brave Finland's intense winter landscapes. Stay in premium igloos and enjoy a blend of adventure and relaxation. This includes Northern Lights hunts, sauna experiences, and reindeer safaris. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Finland's coldest and most stunning conditions in style.
3. Greenland
Third on our list is the world's largest island – Greenland . Located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, Greenland is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. You'll find plenty of chances in beautiful western towns like Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat. In fact, with around 300 clear nights each year, Greenland offers an excellent opportunity to watch the lights dance across the sky.
Access Travel’s Greenland experiences are coming soon. In the meantime, you can consult our Access Experts for a customized luxury travel plan.
4. Canada
Coming in at number four is Greenland’s neighbor – Canada. As the second-largest country in the world, Canada has no shortage of incredible experiences to offer. If you're chasing the Northern Lights during autumn or winter, the Northwest Territories is where you want to be. With around 240 nights of visibility a year, your chances are pretty high! For a more off-the-beaten-path experience in the summer, head to Newfoundland and Labrador.
While Access Travel has tours to Canada, they may not specifically involve Northern Lights viewing. No worries—you can always customize your trip to include viewing the Aurora Borealis. Reach out to our Access Experts for personalized assistance.
5. Norway
Last on our list is Norway, another beautiful Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The Aurora season here runs from late September to late March. During those times, the days are short. Darkness set in from the afternoon until late morning. Cities like Tromsø, located right in the heart of the northern lights' oval, offer a front-row seat to the Aurora, even when activity is low. So, your chances of seeing this magical display are pretty high!
Although Access Travel doesn’t currently offer tours to Norway, it remains a fantastic choice for aurora seekers. In fact, some of our clients have experienced Norway’s stunning auroras during their customized expeditions:
"We have been traveling with Access for almost a year now, we usually always do private tours for our family but this time we tried to join an Access Expedition since it was just with 5 more people in the group. We must say that this was one of the best trips we have done, we did and saw everything we could in Finland. It is so easy and flexible to travel when the travel company gives you the option to explore on your own and have space to move around like booking your own flights, arriving a day before and leaving a few days after the Expedition. Our favorite part during the trip was we drove 5 hrs one way to Norway just to see the Aurora. We can call the Access Experts Aurora Experts. The best!" – Steph and Angelie Tan
Start Your Aurora Borealis Journey
From Iceland’s vast open spaces to Finland’s cozy igloos, there are many incredible destinations to witness the Aurora Borealis, each with a unique experience.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in 2025 is between September and March. Access Travel has you covered if you're ready to check this natural wonder off your bucket list while indulging in customized luxury travel experience. And if you can’t wait that long, we also have slots available as early as this year:
-30°C Finland Expedition
- Dec 23, 2024 -Jan 1, 2025
- Dec 23, 2025 -Jan 1, 2026
- Dec 23, 2026- Jan 1, 2027
Finland Expedition
- Feb 22 - March 2, 2025
- Feb 21 - March 1, 2026
Access Travel is one of the first luxury travel companies to bring Filipinos to some of the world's best Northern Lights destinations. For over a decade, we have ensured that every trip is unforgettable. Our expertise and attention to detail make this one of our signature experiences. Join us at Access Travel and discover the magic of the Aurora Borealis.
If you prefer a customized trip, reach out to our Access Experts. You can message us at WhatsApp/Viber at +63917 679 5338, or email inquiry@travelwithaccess.com.
