There's nothing quite like it. Standing under an endless sky in the deepest dark, when suddenly - boom! Streaks of green, pink and purple dance above.
It's nature showing off and we're here for it.
Seeing the Northern Lights isn't a bucket list cliché. They're magic.
And often so elusive that catching a glimpse of them may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Take a Trip to the Northern Lights from the UK
Luckily for us in the UK, we don't need to trek to the Arctic for a front-row seat.
Although it's not the cheapest travel endeavour, trips to see the Northern lights can be kept relatively affordable and are within reach via. direct flights and onward journeys from UK airports.
So, don't worry about remortgaging your house or quitting your job to trek to a frozen remote enclave - here's where you can take a trip to the Northern Lights from the UK. Let's go!
Tromsø, Norway - The Big Shot
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If the Northern Lights were a West End show, Tromsø would be the Royal Opera House. It's the classic spot.
Every blog, expert and overly keen friend with a travel Instagram swears by it. And they're not wrong.
Why? Location, location, location. It's smack in the middle of the auroral zone.
Plus, you get fjords, Arctic landscapes and the storybook winter you were looking for.
The lights show up often from September to March, so you've got plenty of choice when it comes to timing.
Downsides?: It's pricey. Also, be prepared for Brits everywhere. If you wanted to escape the UK, this isn't the place to do it.
Abisko, Sweden - The Weather Winner
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Where can you see the Northern Lights in Europe without worrying about clouds ruining the show?
Abisko. This tiny village in Swedish Lapland is famous for its clear skies.
There’s even an Aurora Sky Station designed especially for aurora hunters.
It might sound like a James Bond lair, but it’s actually just a very cool lookout point.
Abisko's microclimate keeps the clouds away, so you've got a better chance of catching the lights.
Bonus: it's quieter than Tromsø. Fewer selfie sticks, with more space to stand, stare and pretend you're in a nature documentary.
Scotland - A Light Show Closer to Home
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If you assumed you’d have to leave the UK to see the Northern Lights, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all Scotland’s northernmost reaches have to offer.
Recognised as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, The Cairngorms National Park is a top spotting location.
Specifically, Tomintoul and Glenlivet have been awarded gold-tier ‘Dark Sky Park’ status by the International Dark Sky Association. Who knew?
Other Northern Lights hotspots in Scotland include The Shetland Islands, Galloway Forest Park, Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Cathness, the Orkney Isles and the Shetland Isles.
The bonus good news is, many of these are reachable by public transport.
You’ll need clear skies, a little luck and maybe some whisky to stay warm.
But when the aurora shows up, it’s worth it.
Best time to visit?: Between October and March.
Alta, Norway - The Quiet Giant
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If Tromsø feels too crowded, Alta is your answer.
Known as the 'Town of the Northern Lights', it’s a little less commercial, but just as spectacular.
You’ve got Arctic tundra, Sami culture and some incredible options for watching the Northern lights from bed.
I mean, does it really get any better, or lazier, than that? It gives a whole meaning to ‘Netflix and chill’.
Bonus: Alta is also home to the world’s first Northern Lights observatory.
Science and magic, all in one trip.
Kiruna, Sweden - The Hidden Gem
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Kiruna might not be as famous as Abisko, but it’s got the goods. It’s Sweden’s northernmost town, with easy access to the lights and some seriously cool extras.
Ever slept in an ice hotel? Here’s your chance.
You can also take a dog sled tour under the auroras.
Downsides?: It’s not so easy to get to from the UK. A typical trip is likely to involve two flight changes. But the effort required may make it all the more special.
Kittilä, Finland - Remote and Rewarding
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For those who want to dodge the tourist traps, Kittilä offers a quieter escape. It’s deep in Finnish Lapland, with wide-open skies perfect for aurora spotting.
You’ll find more locals than tourists here. And fewer distractions.
Just you, the sky and maybe a moose or two.
The good news?: Easyjet offers direct flights from London Gatwick Airport. And Kittilä Airport Airport is just 20 minutes away from Levi, Finland’s biggest ski resort, by shuttle bus.
Inari, Finland - Aurora with a Side of Silence
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Inari is one of Finland’s best-kept secrets. It’s deep in Sami territory and offers some of the quietest Northern Lights experiences in Europe.
The lack of light pollution here is next-level. Stay in a glass igloo or a lakeside cabin.
Just you, the auroras and the kind of silence that makes your ears sing.
Bonus: You can literally stay on Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, and see the Northern Lights from a floating aurora hut.
Rovaniemi, Finland - Santa and Spectacles
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Fancy a side of Christmas magic with your auroras? Rovaniemi is where Santa lives.
No, really. The official Santa Claus Village is here. So you can see the Northern Lights and meet the man himself. Double win.
The best time to visit for the lights is November to March. The lights are frequent, the snow is deep and the reindeer are real.
It’s also easier to get to than some other spots.
Plus, if you’ve got kids, they’ll think you’re the coolest parent ever.
Note: It’s touristy. If you prefer solitude, this might not be your vibe. But hey, Santa doesn’t mind - the more, the merrier.
Reykjavík, Iceland - City Convenience
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Not feeling the remote Arctic thing? Reykjavík lets you see the lights without leaving civilisation.
It’s the only capital city in Europe where you can catch the aurora without a long trek.
Although you can see the lights above the city, most people get out of town for the best views.
Jeep or coach trips to the Golden Circle or Thingvellir National Park are good bets. Both are within a couple of hours’ reach and are jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Bonus: Iceland’s geothermal spas. Watching the Northern Lights from a hot spring? Yes, please.
Lofoten Islands, Norway - Insta Gold
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If your trip is as much about the ‘gram as it is about the experience, head to the Lofoten Islands.
Think jagged peaks, icy fjords and fishing villages that look like they’ve been pulled from a fantasy novel.
The auroras here are spectacular. The scenery? Unreal. You’ll come back with stories and a camera roll you’ll be sneaking looks at all winter.
Bonus: The lights are visible here for eight months of the year and the islands also offer horse riding, climbing, fishing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing and photo safaris. Oh my!
Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights
- Check the Forecast: Apps like Aurora Alerts will tell you when your chances are best.
- Go Dark: Light pollution kills the vibe. Get as far away from major cities as you can.
- Burn the Midnight Oil: The best light shows often happen between 22:00 and 02:00. Coffee helps.
Don’t Get Caught Offline
No one wants to deal with dodgy Wi-Fi or expensive roaming charges on your trip to the Northern lights from the UK.
eSIMs from Airalo are the easy way to stay connected wherever you end up - whether it’s Norway, Iceland, or the remote Northern isles of Scotland.
Ready to chase the lights? Grab your eSIM and go.
