11 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Autumn
If you’re looking to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights this autumn, several destinations offer the perfect conditions for an unforgettable experience. From remote Arctic locations to scenic landscapes, these spots boast dark skies, minimal light pollution, and optimal viewing opportunities. Whether you’re traveling to the icy expanse of Scandinavia or the rugged beauty of Iceland, these destinations provide an excellent chance to see the aurora borealis at its best.
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Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is widely regarded as one of the best locations in the world to witness the Northern Lights, especially during the autumn months. Located in Swedish Lapland, this small village sits within the Arctic Circle and benefits from a unique microclimate that frequently provides clear skies, even when other areas nearby are shrouded in clouds. The phenomenon is so prevalent here that Abisko has become a go-to destination for aurora hunters. The Aurora Sky Station, perched high on Mount Nuolja, offers visitors an incredible vantage point to witness the stunning lights from an elevated position. Autumn is the perfect time to visit, as the season brings clearer skies and fewer tourists compared to the winter months, which allows for a more tranquil and immersive experience.
With minimal light pollution and a wide, open landscape, Abisko offers a truly magical backdrop for the Northern Lights. The nearby Lake Torneträsk provides an additional treat, as its surface often reflects the aurora, creating a mesmerizing double show that is a sight to behold. The combination of clear skies, nights, and ideal viewing conditions makes Abisko a top destination for those seeking an unforgettable Northern Lights experience.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, known as the gateway to the Arctic, is another fantastic destination to witness the Northern Lights in autumn. Situated well above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø lies within the auroral oval, meaning it’s in the perfect location to catch the aurora borealis. The city’s relatively mild coastal climate makes it a comfortable destination even during colder months, and autumn, particularly in September and October, offers some of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Tromsø is a lively town with an array of services, including restaurants, accommodations, and even cultural events, making it a convenient base for Northern Lights enthusiasts.
While the city itself provides good aurora viewing, the best experience can be had by heading out of Tromsø to nearby locations like Kvaløya, the island to the west, or the Lyngen Alps to the east. These areas offer minimal light pollution, allowing for unobstructed views of the auroras in the pristine Arctic night sky. Whether by boat or by land, a guided excursion with an experienced tour operator can increase your chances of seeing the lights in their full glory. Tromsø is also known for its beautiful fjords and mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop to the aurora displays.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle, is an ideal spot for viewing the Northern Lights in autumn. Not only is it known as the “official” hometown of Santa Claus, but it also offers an excellent location for aurora enthusiasts. The town lies within the auroral oval, providing frequent displays of the Northern Lights, especially between September and November. The relatively flat terrain and wide-open spaces surrounding Rovaniemi make it perfect for unobstructed views of the night sky. Autumn, with its crisp nights and clear skies, offers a peaceful time to experience the aurora without the harsh cold of winter setting in.
While Rovaniemi itself offers aurora viewing, some of the best spots can be found outside the city, such as the nearby Ounasvaara Hill or areas around the picturesque Kemijoki River. For those who want to experience the Northern Lights in style, Rovaniemi offers unique accommodations like glass igloos, where visitors can relax in comfort while watching the aurora dance above. The town’s dark, serene environment, combined with its excellent viewing conditions, makes it a top choice for Northern Lights enthusiasts.
Iceland
Iceland, known for its dramatic landscapes, offers countless opportunities to witness the Northern Lights in autumn. The country’s combination of dark skies, minimal light pollution, and high auroral activity makes it one of the premier destinations for aurora viewing. While the auroras are visible across the country, places like Thingvellir National Park, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the remote Westfjords are especially favored for their isolation and optimal viewing conditions. Autumn months, especially October and November, are perfect as they offer cooler temperatures without the extreme cold of winter, and the sky is often clearer.
What sets Iceland apart is the stunning scenery that serves as a backdrop to the auroras. From the black sand beaches of Vik to the ice caves of Vatnajökull, the aurora display is often accompanied by the country’s natural wonders, creating an unforgettable visual experience. Whether you choose to view the lights from a secluded geothermal hot spring or from the top of a volcanic crater, Iceland promises one of the most extraordinary Northern Lights experiences.
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Fairbanks is one of the best places in the United States to view the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn when the nights are dark and the aurora activity is strong. Situated just below the auroral oval, Fairbanks experiences frequent aurora displays, and the autumn months of September and October are ideal for sightings. The city’s relatively remote location, combined with its low light pollution, allows for exceptional viewing opportunities. Fairbanks is also famous for its “Aurora Season,” which lasts from late August to April, offering a long window for Northern Lights sightings.
For the best experience, visitors can venture out of the city to nearby spots like the Chena Hot Springs Resort or Murphy Dome, both of which offer excellent, uninterrupted views of the aurora in a peaceful setting. The chance to watch the Northern Lights while soaking in natural hot springs is a unique experience that many visitors cherish. The combination of dark, clear skies and the scenic beauty of the Alaskan wilderness makes Fairbanks a top destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts.
Yellowknife, Canada
Located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is one of the most reliable places to see the Northern Lights in North America. Known for its crystal-clear skies and minimal light pollution, Yellowknife offers some of the best aurora viewing conditions in the world. The fall months, from late September to November, are particularly favorable as the temperatures are still relatively mild, and the dark skies provide excellent opportunities for aurora sightings. The city is situated directly beneath the auroral oval, so the Northern Lights are a frequent and stunning natural spectacle.
In addition to the spectacular light displays, Yellowknife offers guided tours that take visitors to prime aurora viewing locations, such as the nearby Blachford Lake Lodge. With its remote location, it provides some of the most pristine and uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights. The quiet nights and the breathtaking wilderness surrounding Yellowknife create an unforgettable setting for one of nature’s most incredible shows.
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Kangerlussuaq, located on Greenland’s west coast, is a hidden gem for Northern Lights seekers. Due to its geographical location and favorable weather conditions, this remote village offers one of the best spots in Greenland to see the aurora. The combination of minimal light pollution and clear skies during the autumn months makes Kangerlussuaq a prime destination for aurora viewing. September and October offer optimal viewing conditions, as the days grow shorter, and the night skies become darker and more vivid.
In addition to its stunning aurora displays, Kangerlussuaq’s dramatic landscapes, including glaciers and mountains, provide an extraordinary backdrop for the lights. Visitors can explore the surrounding natural beauty during the day and then marvel at the aurora in the night sky, making it a complete Arctic adventure. Whether you’re exploring on foot or from a cozy cabin, the Northern Lights in Kangerlussuaq are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is a top destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts, and autumn is an excellent time to visit. Located well above the Arctic Circle, this Finnish region experiences dark skies and minimal light pollution, which are essential for optimal aurora viewing. The months from September to November offer cooler temperatures and longer nights, making it an ideal time to witness the Northern Lights. The vast, open landscapes of Lapland, dotted with sparse villages, provide perfect conditions for seeing the auroras in all their glory.
Places like Saariselkä, Levi, and the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park are known for their excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Many of these locations offer special glass igloos and cabins that allow visitors to stay warm while enjoying the show. With snow beginning to blanket the landscape and the crisp autumn air, the Northern Lights in Lapland are a sight to behold in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye in Scotland is an increasingly popular destination for those looking to witness the Northern Lights in autumn. While not as well-known as other Arctic locations, Skye offers exceptional opportunities to see the aurora borealis, especially during the autumn months when the skies are darker and the chances of clear weather are higher. The island’s rugged terrain, with dramatic cliffs, sea lochs, and hills, provides a beautiful and wild backdrop for the Northern Lights. Skye is also far enough north to be within the auroral oval, increasing the likelihood of aurora sightings.
The best places to view the Northern Lights on Skye are typically in remote locations such as the Trotternish Peninsula or the Quiraing, where light pollution is minimal. The islands’ remote nature means that visitors can often enjoy the lights without the distractions of city lights or large crowds. In addition to the Northern Lights, Skye offers a wealth of natural beauty, including ancient castles, hiking trails, and coastal views, making it a perfect destination for both aurora viewing and exploring Scotland’s stunning landscapes.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, are a paradise for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Known for their rugged mountains, deep fjords, and picturesque villages, the Lofoten Islands offer some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. During the autumn months, the skies are often clear, and the nights are long, making it an excellent time to witness the auroras. The lack of light pollution and the surrounding wild nature provide perfect conditions for a memorable Northern Lights experience.
In addition to the aurora, the Lofoten Islands offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking, making it a great destination for nature lovers. The islands are also home to traditional rorbu cabins, where visitors can stay while enjoying the stunning displays of the Northern Lights in comfort. The combination of incredible landscapes and the awe-inspiring aurora makes the Lofoten Islands a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the ultimate Northern Lights experience.
Alta, Norway
Alta, known as the “City of the Northern Lights,” is an excellent destination to witness this natural phenomenon in autumn. Located in Norway’s far northern region, Alta benefits from its location within the auroral oval, ensuring frequent and vibrant Northern Lights displays. The dark skies and minimal light pollution, particularly in the autumn months, make it one of the best places to observe the aurora borealis between September and November. Alta’s location, far from city lights, provides the perfect environment for uninterrupted views of the lights.
The town is also known for its unique Northern Lights Cathedral and is home to the Northern Lights observatory at Haldde Mountain, which offers a great vantage point for aurora viewing. The surrounding landscape of fjords, forests, and hills adds a dramatic element to the experience, making it even more spectacular. Alta offers a peaceful and isolated setting, ideal for those who want to enjoy the Northern Lights in a serene and stunning environment.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.