Seeing the northern lights in the sky is on many people’s wish list.
Under the right circumstances, and if you’re in a prime scenic location, you can cross that item off your list.
there are Many international destinations These are popular locations for viewing the Northern Lights, but there are also plenty of other places around the country that offer incredible views.
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Wherever you go, don’t forget to bring your camera so you can take pictures of the beautiful view in front of you.
Below are information on locations in the U.S. and abroad where you can see the northern lights, along with general viewing tips.
You don’t have to travel outside the US to see the northern lights. There are many places across the country that will offer incredible views under the right conditions. (Patrick Plull/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
Northern Lights in America
1. Priest Lake, Idaho
In Far Northern Idaho, You can find Priest Lake, which is a prime spot for aurora hunters.
“Priest Lake, located in far northern Idaho, has been my most reliable and profitable location to see the Northern Lights,” Visit Idaho said.
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The marina will also join in the fun by turning off the lights so enthusiasts can get a good view of the night sky.
2. Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska, It’s not only one of the best places in the country to see a vivid light display—it’s one of the best places in the country to World.
“With its location between the elliptical polar region and dark skies, Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, and luckily for American travelers, you don’t even need a passport to get there,” Travel & Leisure reported.
According to Travelalaska.com, the aurora oval is “a ring-shaped region hovering over the far north, where Northern Lights activity is concentrated.”
Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the best places in the world to see incredible views of the Aurora Borealis. (Getty Images)
The lights can be seen from almost any location in Fairbanks, meaning you can enjoy this magical spectacle even if you’re driving around late at night.
3. Lake Superior, Michigan
michigan is a great place Where to see the Northern Lights in the US, especially near Lake Superior and the Upper Peninsula.
The state has two important factors that make it a great place to enjoy sightseeing: latitude and low light pollution.
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“The Upper Peninsula is blessed with hundreds of miles of shoreline along the southern shore of Lake Superior, which provides some of the best views of the Northern Lights in the lower 48 due to very dark night skies,” Pure Michigan shared online.
“When looking north over Lake Superior, one can see all the way to the horizon and have an uninterrupted 180-degree view of the night sky.”
4. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
If you’re lucky, you might get to see the northern lights. Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
If the sky is clear and dark, you can see them lighting up the sky.
You’ll also need to find a spot that faces north. Areas including the Ash River Visitor Center Grounds, the Meadwood Road Day Use Area, and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center Upper Parking Area are all recommended locations by the National Park Service to consider.
With the proper research, you can capture a view of the Northern Lights in Minnesota. (Alex Korman/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Northern Lights in Europe
If you don’t mind planning a vacation this winter, take a quick trip across the pond to see the Aurora Borealis from these incredible locations:
1. Swedish Lapland
Sweden has become the top spot to see the dancing lights in the Northern Hemisphere. The Lapland region, in particular, is the most popular.
“Not only is Swedish Lapland’s Abisko within the aurora oval, but the surrounding mountains also keep the skies clear and there’s virtually no light pollution,” Swedish Lapland shared online.
In Abisko, you can find the Aurora Sky Station. The space tourism guide explained that it has an observation tower, where experts are available to answer any questions about the display.
2. Jokulsarlon, Iceland
One of the most unique places to catch a spectacular glimpse of the Northern Lights is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in Iceland.
“Jökulsárlón’s secluded location ensures minimal light pollution, providing the perfect location for viewing the stunning colours of the Aurora Borealis,” Arctic Adventures said.
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The website also states, “The best time to see the northern lights at Jökulsárlón is during the late evening and early night hours, when their visibility increases due to darkness.”
Enjoy views of the northern lights at the magical glacier lagoon in Jökulsárlón, Iceland. (Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)
The time of year and the time of day are two very important factors when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland.
3. Tromso, Norway
When imagining the landscape surrounding the Northern Lights, you probably imagine something similar to Tromsø in Norway, which is why it is considered one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Tromsø is the third largest city north of the Arctic Circle.
According to Space.com, it is “located right within the Northern Lights Oval, the region above Earth’s geomagnetic North Pole where auroras are most likely to appear.”
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This amazing spectacle can be seen from September to April.
In Tromsø you will not miss the chance to admire the beauty of the sky, as there are many travel sites and guides that offer the opportunity to enjoy the aurora.
Tromso, Norway, is probably the best place to see the Aurora Borealis, as it is located north of the Arctic Circle. (Zhang Cheng/Xinhua via Getty)
4. Orkney, Scotland
Orkney is another location where you can frequently see the northern lights, with low levels of light pollution and unobstructed views all around, according to Orkney.com.
If you want to see the northern lights here, you’ll need the right conditions to view them, including dark, clear skies.
Make sure that Check the weather This will give you an idea of whether the “Merry Dancers” (as the Northern Lights are called in Orkney) will be visible.
Tips for viewing the Northern Lights
When it comes to watching the magical dancing lights in the sky, there are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind to maximize your viewing pleasure:
1. Location
There are plenty of places to see live performances all over the world, but you’ll want to make sure you find a location that isn’t obstructed.
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Aim to find a location with a minimal number of trees or hills so that the northern horizon can be fully viewed.
Finding the right location may take a bit of effort, so be sure to take some time to look for it.
2. Time
The northern lights are usually fully visible from September to March or April, but the best time to see them is in the late evening or early morning.
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), “The best aurora typically occurs within an hour or two of midnight (between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time).”
“There may be auroras in the evenings and mornings, but they’re usually not as active and therefore not as spectacular to look at.”
It may take a late night to see the Northern Lights, as usually late night to early morning is the best time to see it. (Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
3. Geomagnetic activity
According to the SWPC, when the geomagnetic field is active, the aurora will be brighter, stronger and occur further away from the magnetic poles.
The weather service site also said the best time to see the northern lights is when the planets’ K index is at eight or nine, and the aurora borealis moves toward the equator.
On the Space Weather Prediction Center’s website, users can see short-term forecasts of the location and intensity of auroras, which can help determine whether they will be visible in your area.
4. Darkness
To see the northern lights, find as dark a location as possible.
To capture the best view of the Aurora Borealis, go at night, away from city lights.
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“The apparent brightness (not the actual brightness) of the aurora will also be reduced due to the full moon,” SWPC added.
You will also want to make sure the night is clear and there are no clouds in the sky.
