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Are you keen on ticking off the “Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis” sightseeing bucket-list experience? With 2025’s solar maximum, this is the best time in a decade to plan your Northern Lights adventure! It is one of nature’s greatest shows, when dancing ribbons of green, purple, and red light up the Arctic sky. And if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to chase this bucket-list wonder, 2025 is the year. To help you plan, here’s a list of the top six countries to see the Northern Lights in 2025, with their best destinations and what makes each one special.
Where To See The Northern Lights In 2025: Top 5 Destinations
Norway: Fjords & Aurora Borealis Adventures
Norway is one of the most popular Northern Lights destinations in the world, combining breathtaking landscapes with aurora activity. Visit a snow hotel on the Norway-Finland border, board an aurora cruise, and explore picturesque villages on foot!
Top Places:
Tromsø: Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø combines a lively cultural scene with professional nightly “aurora chases,” where guides drive you to the clearest skies.
Lofoten Islands: View the dramatic Northern Lights amidst the backdrop of spectacular fjords and jagged peaks.
Alta and Senja: For a quieter and off-the-beaten-path option to view the great Aurora Borealis.
Top Things To Do: Aurora cruises (Havila Cruise) through the Norwegian fjords | Meet the Sami people, learn about their culture, and feed their reindeer | Dog sledding in Camp Breivikeidet | Snowmobile safaris in the Lyngen Alps | Visit the North Cape (Nordkapp) – Europe’s northernmost point | Try king crab fishing in the Barents Sea
Finland: Glass Igloos & Arctic Magic
Finland offers a truly unique aurora experience, with accommodations designed for sky-watching and a strong focus on cozy winter culture. Experience the beauty of the night sky as it dances with the Northern Lights during your stay in a glass igloo hotel.
Top Places:
Saariselkä & Kakslauttanen: They are famous for glass igloos and aurora cabins.
Rovaniemi: This family-friendly capital of Lapland beckons with reindeer sleigh rides and Santa’s Village.
Kilpisjärvi: Embrace the beauty of remote wilderness with clear, open skies
Top Things To Do: Watching auroras from the comfort of a glass igloo | Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Tour | Northern Lights Photography Tour | Santa Claus Village and Santa Park | Northern Lights Safari By Snowmobile
Iceland: Nature Meets The Northern Lights
Iceland is a top choice for travelers seeking a short trip with a significant impact. Easily accessible from Europe and North America, it combines aurora hunting with geysers, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
Top Places:
Thingvellir National Park: Situated near Reykjavík, with dark skies and easy access.
Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Where auroras reflect off icy waters.
Kirkjufell Mountain: A photography hotspot with iconic foregrounds.
Top Things To Do: Explore the Golden Circle for geysers, waterfalls, & Þingvellir National Park | Relax in the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters | Visit black sand beaches and icy glaciers in South Iceland | Go ice caving or glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park | Enjoy Reykjavík’s culture, food, and nightlife under the aurora glow | Northern Lights hunting
Russia: Off-the-Beaten-Path Aurora
For travelers seeking something different, Russia’s Arctic regions offer Northern Lights without the crowds. The Kola Peninsula and Murmansk region are gaining recognition as hidden gems.
Top Places:
Murmansk: The largest Arctic city, with good infrastructure.
Teriberka: A coastal village with raw, untouched landscapes.
Khibiny Mountains: Remote and ideal for snowmobile safaris.
Top Things To Do: Moscow & Murmansk City Tour | Radisson Cruise | Visit to Lenin Ice Breaker Museum | Hunting for Northern Lights Night Tour | Visit the iconic Dragon in the Arctic Ocean
Sweden: Clear Skies & Unique Stays
Sweden may not be as famous as Norway or Iceland, but it’s a hidden gem for aurora hunters, especially in Abisko National Park, often called the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights.
Top Places:
Abisko: Known for its “Blue Hole,” which creates clear skies.
Kiruna: Gateway to the wilderness and home to Sweden’s Icehotel.
Jukkasjärvi: Unique accommodations with Northern Lights views.
Top Things To Do: Witness the Northern Lights from ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi | Take a snowmobile or dog sled safari | Ride the Arctic Circle Train to Abisko | Experience Sámi culture with reindeer herding and storytelling | Stay in a glass-roofed cabin at the Aurora Sky Station.
FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
What are Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. They appear as glowing waves or ribbons of green, pink, purple, and even red light that dance across the Arctic night sky.
Why is 2025 the best year to see the Northern Lights?
2025 marks the solar maximum, the peak of the sun’s 11-year cycle. This means more frequent and brighter aurora displays worldwide, making it the best year in over a decade to plan your trip.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in 2025?
The best time is from September to March, when nights are longest and skies are darkest. The peak months are October, February, and March, as they offer a balance of clear skies and long nights.
How many days should I plan for a Northern Lights trip?
Experts recommend at least 3 to 5 nights in your chosen location. This increases your chances, as auroras depend on both solar activity and local weather conditions.
Which country is the most affordable?
Northern Finland and Swedish Lapland offer lower accommodation and tour costs with excellent visibility of the Aurora Borealis.
Is a guided aurora chase worthwhile?
Absolutely. Local guides monitor weather and solar activity and know remote vantage points, greatly improving your odds of a spectacular sighting.
What camera gear is recommended?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, a fast wide-angle lens, and a sturdy tripod will help you capture the lights’ vivid colours.
Can children join these tours?
Yes. Many family-friendly packages include gentle winter activities and accommodations suited for all ages.
