Where in the World to Photograph the Northern Lights

The best locations for viewing the northern lights are within the Aurora Zone, a band around the Arctic Circle. Here are some of the top places and ideal times to visit:

1. Tromsø, Norway

  • Best Time: September to April (optimal in winter months)

  • Tromsø, located in the heart of the aurora zone, offers a perfect combination of clear skies and northern lights visibility. The surrounding mountains and fjords provide a stunning backdrop.

2. Abisko National Park, Sweden

  • Best Time: December to March

  • Abisko is renowned for its "blue hole"—a weather phenomenon where the skies remain clear even when surrounding areas are cloudy. The Aurora Sky Station here is a famous viewing spot.

3. Finnish Lapland (Rovaniemi, Kakslauttanen)

  • Best Time: August to April

  • Finland's northern region is a popular aurora destination. The winter months offer long nights, and places like Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offer glass igloos for a cozy aurora viewing experience.

4. Reykjavik and Vik, Iceland

  • Best Time: September to April

  • Iceland offers spectacular northern lights views due to its high latitude. While auroras can be seen from the capital Reykjavik, venturing to less light-polluted areas like Vik or Thingvellir National Park increases your chances.

5. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

  • Best Time: August to April

  • Fairbanks is one of the best places in North America for northern lights viewing. The Aurora Borealis Lodge and Chena Hot Springs Resort provide great opportunities for aurora spotting.

6. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

  • Best Time: Mid-August to late April

  • Known as the "Aurora Capital of North America," Yellowknife offers some of the most intense aurora displays due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. It’s also easily accessible.

7. Svalbard, Norway

  • Best Time: Late November to January (Polar Night)

  • Svalbard offers a unique opportunity to view the northern lights during the day due to the Polar Night (when the sun doesn’t rise for months). It’s one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth.

8. Greenland (Kangerlussuaq)

  • Best Time: September to April

  • Greenland’s remote, clear skies provide excellent aurora viewing. Kangerlussuaq and the surrounding areas are some of the best spots for watching the lights.

9. Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom

  • Best Time: Late September to March

  • Although rarer, you can occasionally see the northern lights, known locally as the "Mirrie Dancers," in the northern parts of Scotland. Locations like Cairngorms National Park or Shetland Islands offer higher chances.

10. Murmansk, Russia

  • Best Time: November to February

  • Situated within the Arctic Circle, Murmansk provides a unique Russian experience with excellent aurora views, particularly during the colder months.

Optimal Viewing Time

  • Best Months: September to March/April when nights are longest.

  • Time of Night: Between 10 PM and 2 AM is usually the peak time for aurora activity.

Planning your trip during these times and to these locations will maximize your chances of witnessing this incredible natural phenomenon!

Please view some of Rich and Jingru’s northern lights images by clicking here.