Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2025

There’s something wildly magical about the northern lights. One second, the sky’s a calm, dark canvas—then boom, it's glowing in streaks of green, purple, and pink like nature's own rave. And if you’ve been dreaming of seeing them in real life (not just on your FYP), 2025 is looking very promising.

Experts say we’re in for a particularly active aurora season this year, thanks to increased solar activity. Translation? Brighter, more frequent light shows. So if you’ve been waiting for the right time to go, this is it. Let's break down the best spots to catch the lights—and make your aurora adventure one for the books.

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Alta, Norway – clear skies and next-level vibes

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Located way up north, Alta sits at the sweet spot for aurora activity: 70°N. That’s already impressive, but what really gives this place an edge is its geography. Unlike other Arctic spots that get clouded over, Alta stays relatively clear—making it a top pick if you want to actually see the lights, not just read about them later.

Bonus? It’s got its own Northern Lights Cathedral that lights up just as beautifully at night. Plus, if you’re visiting in March, don’t miss the Finnmarksløpet—the world’s longest dog sled race. It's like Norway's version of Mario Kart... but colder.

Ukkohalla, Finland – low-key and stunning

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Not a fan of crowds? Ukkohalla is calling. This underrated destination in Arctic Lakeland is chill (literally and vibe-wise). Picture thick forests, snowy trails, and icy lakes—straight out of a movie. It's peaceful, it's remote, and between September and April, the northern lights love to show off here.

What makes it even cooler? Many accommodations here are lodge-style, so you might not even need to leave your bed to see the show. Imagine sipping hot chocolate in your pyjamas while the sky lights up above you. 10/10 would recommend.

Tromsø, Norway – city buzz meets sky magic

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Tromsø is one of the most popular northern lights destinations in the world—and not without reason. This Arctic city is practically built for aurora chasers. It's right in the middle of the auroral oval, which means it gets some of the strongest aurora activity around.

But Tromsø isn’t all just nature. The city itself is buzzing with museums, art galleries, cafés, and even a cable car that’ll take you up to epic viewpoints. It’s the perfect blend of urban cool and natural beauty. You can catch the lights, then head straight to a bar for a celebratory drink. Iconic.

Swedish Lapland – icy, dreamy, and oh-so-quiet

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If you want the full northern fantasy, Swedish Lapland is your vibe. Think tiny villages, thick blankets of snow, and crisp air that practically smells like adventure. Kiruna is the main hub, but head out to Jukkasjärvi and you’ll find the original ICEHOTEL—yes, the one that’s made of ice and rebuilt every winter.

This region is way less commercialised than others, and the skies here are wide, dark, and super clear. It’s also packed with activities like husky sledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Basically, it’s a playground for anyone who loves winter and wants to unplug.

Iceland – auroras with a side of volcanoes

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Iceland is an all-in-one package. Want waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and northern lights? Done. You can base yourself in Reykjavik and take day trips, or go full explorer and road trip down the south coast to places like Vik or Hofn.

The auroras in Iceland can be unpredictable, but when they do appear, they’re epic. Add that to the fact that you can watch them from a hot spring or a lava field, and you’ve got a seriously unforgettable experience. Plus, you can squeeze in some sightseeing while you wait for the lights to show up.

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When to go and how to prep

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Your aurora window is from September to April, with October to March being the prime time. Aim for dates with new moons (less light = better viewing), and go away from cities to escape light pollution. Apps like Aurora Forecast or My Aurora Forecast are super helpful for live updates.

• What to pack (aka how not to freeze)

• Thermal layers (Uniqlo Heattech or fleece-lined everything)

• Windproof and waterproof outerwear

• Beanie, gloves, and wool socks

• Hand warmers (thank us later)

• A tripod for your phone or camera (you’ll want those pics)

Seeing the northern lights in person is one of those “I can’t believe this is real” moments. It’s emotional, it’s breathtaking, and yeah—it’s a bit chilly. But with the right planning, 2025 could be the year you finally tick it off your list.

So go ahead, book the flight. The auroras are waiting.