For many travellers, witnessing the Northern Lights is the ultimate bucket list experience. The sky painted in shimmering greens, purples and pinks feels otherworldly, a reminder of the magic our planet holds. This season, there has never been a better time to plan a trip to the Nordic region to see this phenomenon. Thanks to the Solar Maximum, we are entering a period where Auroras will be stronger, brighter and more frequent than they have been in years.
The Science Behind the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions create the glowing ribbons and waves of light that dance across the Arctic night sky.
Every eleven years, the sun goes through a cycle of activity. During the Solar Maximum, the sun produces more sunspots and solar flares, sending increased streams of particles towards Earth. This heightened activity means more frequent and more dramatic Auroras. We are currently entering this peak period, making this winter one of the most promising in decades for Aurora chasers.
Already, the skies have come alive with vivid autumn Auroras. The stage is set for a breathtaking winter season, with conditions ripe for travellers to tick the Northern Lights off their bucket list.
Norway: Fjords and Fiery Skies
Norway is one of the most iconic destinations for Aurora viewing. In the far north, Tromsø offers long winter nights and excellent conditions, while the surrounding fjords create a stunning natural backdrop. Travellers can combine Northern Lights hunts with husky sledding, reindeer experiences and Sami culture. The Lofoten Islands, with their dramatic peaks and sheltered villages, provide another breathtaking setting for Aurora watching.
Sweden: Wilderness and Starry Nights
Swedish Lapland is a haven for Northern Lights seekers. Abisko National Park is world renowned for its clear skies, thanks to its location in the “blue hole”, an area with low cloud cover. The famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi gives guests the chance to combine Aurora chasing with a stay in one of the world’s most unique accommodations. Sweden’s vast, snowy wilderness also means wide horizons and minimal light pollution, perfect for watching the night sky ignite.
Denmark: A Rare Treat on the Islands
Denmark may not be the first destination that springs to mind for Auroras, but during periods of high solar activity, the Northern Lights can be seen from parts of Jutland and even from Bornholm. While rarer than in the far north, catching the Aurora here is a magical surprise. Guests can combine the experience with exploring charming cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, or Denmark’s windswept coastlines.
Greenland: Remote and Radiant
Greenland offers some of the clearest and most spectacular Aurora displays anywhere in the world. With virtually no light pollution and vast open skies, the colours of the Aurora feel even more intense. Towns such as Ilulissat, with its icebergs and fjords, give travellers the chance to watch the lights reflecting on icy waters. For those seeking a true wilderness adventure, Greenland delivers an unforgettable setting.
Iceland: Accessible and Awe Inspiring
Iceland’s accessibility makes it a favourite for those hoping to experience the Northern Lights. Only a few hours from many European cities, it combines ease of travel with stunning natural beauty. From the black sand beaches of Vík to the glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park, there are countless dramatic landscapes to frame the Aurora. The Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon can be enjoyed by day, leaving the nights free for the lights.
Faroe Islands: A Hidden Gem
Remote and rugged, the Faroe Islands provide an intimate and unusual setting for Aurora hunting. The weather can be unpredictable, but when the skies clear, the Northern Lights over these volcanic islands are mesmerising. The combination of steep cliffs, crashing waves and star filled skies creates a unique stage for the Aurora Borealis. For travellers seeking somewhere less trodden, the Faroes are a gem.
Finland: Cosy Cabins and Arctic Magic
Finnish Lapland is renowned for its Aurora experiences. Guests can watch the skies from glass roofed igloos, log cabins or luxury lodges. Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus, is a favourite spot, while further north in Inari, visitors enjoy incredible viewing opportunities in a tranquil wilderness setting. Add in activities like snowmobiling, cross country skiing and reindeer safaris, and the experience becomes a full winter wonderland.
Why Now is the Time
This year, the Aurora is already dazzling with early autumn displays, and the months ahead promise even greater shows. With the Solar Maximum in full swing, the Northern Lights will appear more often, glow more brightly and extend further south than usual. For travellers who have long dreamed of seeing the Aurora, this is the moment to make it happen.
A Winter to Remember
Across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Finland, opportunities abound to witness the Northern Lights. Each destination offers its own character, from Norway’s dramatic fjords to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and Finland’s cosy glass igloos. The Northern Lights are nature’s grandest show, and this season promises one of the best performances in years.
So, whether your clients are longing for remote wilderness or a blend of adventure and comfort, the Nordic region is ready to deliver. The Aurora Borealis awaits, and this winter is the perfect time to tick it off their bucket lists in spectacular style.
