7 places on the planet to see the Aurora Borealis

There are many places to see the Aurora Borealis - the colourful ballet that invades the skies on long autumn and winter nights. From Europe to North America, the natural phenomenon of the northern lights is an experience not to be missed.

You'll be amazed, even ecstatic, if you visit one of these places and are lucky enough to be accompanied by the colours and shades of blue, green and magenta that paint the starry skies.

Not only skies coloured by the Aurora Borealis, but also by the Aurora Australis. This only happens in the Southern Hemisphere, in places like Patagonia in Argentina, or Chile, New Zealand or Australia. However, because it's easier (and perhaps cheaper) to travel to the Northern Hemisphere, this list only includes places to see the Aurora Borealis in the northern regions of the planet.

Places in the Northern Hemisphere to see the Aurora Borealis

1 Norway

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. I've been wanting to visit this region of Norway for a long time, but for one reason or another I haven't managed it yet. The region is incredibly beautiful, even without the presence of the northern lights.

And when the magical nights come, Lofoten is transformed into a surreal setting involving traditional houses reflected in the calm waters, while the mountains add another extra touch.

Lofoten is not, however, the only place in Norway where you can witness the northern lights, since Tromso is also well known for the high percentage of sightings of the phenomenon. Other places in Norway include Lyngenfjord, Svalbard (and polar bears), North Cape, Vesteralen, Edge or Narvik.

Hotel recommendations in Tromso and Lofoten

1. Ersfjordbotn Brygge
2. Sondre Foroya Gard
3. Red Old House Tromso Apartment
4. Tromso City Apartments
5. Fish Factory
6. Thon Hotel Lofoten
7. Sydalen house

2 Sweden

If you want to see this natural phenomenon live (and I realise you do), Sweden is one of the best places on the planet to see the Aurora Borealis. In fact, it was the country I first thought of visiting when I planned my "hunt" for the northern lights, but I decided to opt for Finland instead, preferring the Finnish landscapes, and the prices are also more favourable than in Norway or Sweden.

Although there are no guarantees of visibility in any of the places on this list, one of the places where you may be rewarded in your "hunt" for the northern lights is in Abisko National Park.

Abisko is a Swedish region recognised for often having clear skies - a key factor. And nearby there's even the famous ice hotel where you can sleep (or try to). Other places include Jukkasjärvi and Tärendö.

Hotel recommendations in Abisko

1. Lovely house in Abisko
2. Abisko Hostel
3. Abisko Mountain Lodge
4. STF Abisko Turiststation

3 Iceland

Iceland is one of the places where you can see the Aurora Borealis and undoubtedly one of the most popular. Due to its geographical location, you can see the northern lights almost anywhere in Iceland, but there is one perfect spot: the Jokulsárlón glacier and lagoon, more than 250 kilometres from Reykjavik.

Jokulsárlón is known as "Iceland's Crown Jewel", with an iceberg as a backdrop and the waters of the lagoon serving as a mirror for the Aurora Borealis.

If you don't want to travel that far, you can even see the spectacle of light and colour on the outskirts of the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík, in particular at the Grótta lighthouse, in the Öskjuhlíð area or in one of the city's parks such as Laugardalur.

Hotel recommendations in Reykjavík

1. Island Apartments
2. Alfred's Studios
3. Ódinsvé Hotel Apartments
4. Midgardur by Centre Hotels
5. Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel

4 Finland

It was in Finland that I saw the Aurora Borealis for the first time. And luck protected me on several nights during my stay in Finnish Lapland. You can see the Aurora Borealis anywhere above the Arctic Circle, but some places are better than others.

In Inari, for example, is a place I personally recommend. Not only will you have few tourists for company, but you'll also be able to spend a few nights accompanied by the magical lights.

There are also places further south where you can see the phenomenon, but the percentage of this happening is much lower. On the website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute, there is even an alert service for the Northern Lights, which you can subscribe to.

Hotel recommendations in Inari

1. Lake Inari Mobile Cabins
2. Inari Juutua
3. Arctic Nature Lodge

5 Scotland

Of the seven places where you can see the Aurora Borealis, Scotland is the least associated with the northern lights. However, in recent years the intensity of the phenomenon has increased in Scotland. In fact, in the middle of August (in some years) there have been records in some regions of Scotland, so it's a place to consider.

And the truth is that the north of Scotland is on the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway or parts of Alaska.

Perhaps you shouldn't visit Scotland on purpose for this reason, but if you do travel to Scotland - one of my favourite countries - then keep an eye on the night sky because you could be in for a big surprise.

I recommend the Cairngorms National Park, set in a region of exceptional beauty, with few inhabitants and little light pollution.

However, there are other places in Scotland where you may be able to enjoy this natural spectacle, such as Galloway Forest Park, Perthshire or the islands of Shetland or Orkney or the northernmost point of the Isle of Skye.

Hotel recommendations in Scotland

1. Schoolhouse Ballater B&B
2. High Range Lodge Hotel
3. Creagan Cabin
4. Flora's Cliff View

6 Canada

The list of places where you can see the Aurora Borealis is not exclusive to the European continent, but if you cross the Atlantic, you can observe the northern lights in the Churchill region in the Canadian province of Manitoba. This is considered one of the best places in North America to witness the appearance of the Aurora Borealis. And before you go, learn how to photograph the Aurora Borealis and capture the perfect images.

What's more, in this area you'll also find polar bears and if the lights don't appear at night in this part of Canada, at least your trip wasn't entirely in vain. Another recommended location is the city of Yellowknife, where there's even a place called Aurora Village.

Hotel recommendations in Churchill

1. Churchill Hotel
2. IceBerg Inn
3. Sarah's dreamhouse B&B

7 United States of America

With millions of hectares of virgin forests, Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve, located about 400 kilometres from Anchorage, is a favourite destination because of its wide open spaces, mountainous landscapes and wildlife.

The park is also one of the best places in the USA to see the northern lights, thanks to the lack of light pollution.

Autumn is one of the best times to see the northern lights in the USA. Due to its geographical location, close to the North Pole, the area around the city of Fairbanks is a zone where there is a greater chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

Other places in the United States where the dance occurs frequently are the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in the state of Maine. See everything you need to know to spot the Aurora Borealis.

Hotel recommendations in Denali

1. Aurora Denali Lodge
2. Denali Lakeview Inn
3. Denali Studio Suite

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