Live the dream of witnessing the Aurora Borealis! Know all the cities where you can enjoy it from alongside knowing other things to do in these Cities. See this ultimate guide to witness the once-in-the-lifetime experience.
From the top of the world, to directly at the top of the list of experiences one wants to have. Northern Lights is one of the most enchanting dreams of many of us. The dazzling green, red, purple and occasionally pink hues all over the darkened evening or night sky feel like a call from heaven.
A phenomenon that occurs without any prediction possibility and can be witnessed only based on luck. Many people have spent the night out freezing in the cold just to watch this enchanting ray of glamour up in the sky. And there are many too who have witnessed it without any knowledge about what it is or while travelling from one city to another. This makes up a dilemma of how to do it right so that you can witness the Northern Lights at its most beautiful point.
Here, in this guide learn all about the cities where you can enjoy the Northern Lights and what else you can do in those cities.
Additionally, with the last year to see them glowing this beautiful before the Southern Lights glow brighter for the next 11 years. This place in your travel list gets to be the priority one.
Cities From Where Northern Lights Are Visible – Aurora Borealis Where To See
These are the 8 magical cities that can let you have a glimpse of Aurora Borealis. Dive into the list to learn about the timings, the best months to watch it, and what other activities you can do in these cities.
1. Tromso, Norway
Starting with the most famous city in the world with maximum chances to witness Borealis – Tromso, Norway!
This city has witnessed the longest and the best view of the Northern Lights. Here are some details about your travel to Norway:
| Best Months | September to April |
| Timings | 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM |
| Budget (approx. per day) | $150 – $300 (INR 11,000 – 22,000) |
| Colour of Lights Visible | Main – Green Occasional – Red and Purple |
| Total days to Visit all Prime Locations there | 5-7 Days Maximum |
Other Top 6 Prime Attractions in this City:
- Tromso Bridge: This bridge connects Tromsoya island with the mainland and provides the most astonishing view.
- Arctic Cathedral (The Church): This place has quite an interesting architecture with a surprising triangular shape and stunning stained glass windows. Best for attending a concert here.
- Polaria: The arctic-themed museum and aquarium exhibiting wildlife and climate change.
- Tromso Museum: Learn about the history, culture and geography of northern Norway.
- Fjelheisen Cable Car: Takes you to Mount Storsteinen for a panoramic view. Enjoy the side hike here and taste the amazing cafes around.
- Whale Watching: Enjoy a cruise while spotting whales and other mammals (seasonal only).
Reykjavik, Iceland
Next on the list of 8 cities to experience Aurora Boralies is the Reykjavik city of Iceland. With better possibilities than the other cities in this list. This place is preferable too.
Certainly, this one is the most expensive city.
| Best Months | September to April |
| Timings | 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM |
| Budget (approx. per day) | $200 – $400 (INR 15,000 – 30,000) |
| Colour of Lights Visible | Main – Green Occasional – Pink and Purple |
| Total days to Visit all Prime Locations there | 5-7 Days Maximum |
Other Top 6 Prime Attractions in this City:
- Hallgrimskirkja: This Church is as famous in Reykjavik as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Providing the best architectural view inspired by the history of Iceland, this place is the most visited by tourists.
- Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre: Located on the waterfront, this place offers the best concerts, conferences and exhibitions.
- Perlan: This is a revolving restaurant offering most of the panoramic views of the city.
- Tjornin: This scenic lake is popular among tourists for a leisure walk and activities like birdwatching, feeding ducks etc.
- Sun Voyager: The stunning steel sculpture is an Instagram-able place for perfect pictures.
- Old city: Find the colourful shops, quaint cafes and the city hall here.
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Alaska – the most beautiful snow-capped city! When it comes to Northern Lights, major visits after Norway is to Alaska. This place offers a pristine view with special lounges and a glass top to enjoy the view from your room itself (some hotels offer this).
| Best Months | September to April |
| Timings | 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM |
| Budget (approx. per day) | $100 – $250 (INR 7,500 – 18,500) |
| Colour of Lights Visible | Main – Green Occasional – Red, Pink and Purple |
| Total days to Visit all Prime Locations there | 3-5 Days Maximum |
Other Top 4 Prime Attractions in this City:
- Ski Land: Enjoy the snow to the fullest with skiing, snowboarding, tubing and much more.
- Pioneer Park: This park offers a museum, exhibitions and restored buildings showcasing the heritage of Fairbank.
- Riverboat: Ride a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers and discover the gold mining history along with wildlife.
- Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: The best place on this earth for birdwatching offering migratory bird views.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Canada is the least famous when it comes to experiencing the Aurora Borealis. This city as a few others tied well with the gold mining history.
| Best Months | September to April |
| Timings | 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM |
| Budget (approx. per day) | $100 – $250 (INR 7,500 – 18,500) |
| Colour of Lights Visible | Main – Green Occasional – Pink and Purple |
| Total days to Visit all Prime Locations there | 3-5 Days Maximum |
Other Top 4 Prime Attractions in this city:
- Ingraham Trail: Witness the enchanting lake, hiking trails, viewpoints and breathtaking landscapes.
- Cameron Falls: A scenic waterfall offering picnicking, photographic views and nature walks. One can hike up to the falls to witness these all.
- Great Slave Lake: Take a cruise to this amazing lake and enjoy activities like fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting in perfect hues of sunset. Also, from here you can witness the Northern Lights too.
- Bush Pilot’s Monuments: This iconic landmark played an important role in opening up the Canadian North. Enjoy the scenic beauty from the hilltop.
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Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is known for its clear skies and high probability of northern lights sighting as the clear sky is always a home to this great phenomenon.
This small village during winters is a haven to enjoy the winters at the most.
| Best Months | September to April |
| Timings | 09:00 PM to 02:00 AM |
| Budget (approx. per day) | $150 – $300 (INR 11,000 – 22,000) |
| Colour of Lights Visible | Main – Green Occasional – Pink and Purple |
| Total days to Visit all Prime Locations there | 5-7 Days Maximum |
Other Top 4 Prime Attractions in this City:
- Kungsleden Trail: One of the most famous hiking routes in Sweden providing the most stunning views of mountains, glaciers and valleys.
- Abisko Canyon: This place offers enchanting autumn views and the view of the Abiskojokk River.
- Ice Climbing: Explore the opportunities to climb on frozen waterfalls and enjoy the guided tours.
- Samuelsson’s Husky Tours: Interact with friendly huskies and experience traditional transport.
- Tornetrask Lake: This lake offers an opportunity for fishing, boat tours and kayaking in warmer months.
Rovaniemi, Finland
The official hometown of Santa Claus has an excellent view of Northern Lights. As magical as it seems this city is quite a dreamplace.
| Best Months | September to April |
| Timings | 09:00 PM to 02:00 AM |
| Budget (approx. per day) | $150 – $300 (INR 11,000 – 22,000) |
| Colour of Lights Visible | Main – Green Occasional – Pink and Purple |
| Total days to Visit all Prime Locations there | 5-7 Days Maximum |
Other Top 5 Prime Attractions in This City:
- Husky and Reindeer Safari: This place offers a thrill ride into the wildlife. Learn about the animals with a guided tour.
- Santa Claus Village: This village is a magical place where Christmas is celebrated the whole year around.
- Glass Igloos: Enjoy a luxurious stay in snow-made glass Igloos. Participate in activities like snowboarding and reindeer sleigh rides.
- Ounasvaara Fell: Witness the panoramic view and enjoy hiking, mountain biking and skiing here in Ounasvaara Fell.
- Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge: This iconic bridge over Kemijoki River is the most enchanting at night as the bride lights up.
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Kiruna, Sweden
This city is another amazing place to enjoy Aurora Borealis. Though this place doesn’t have a lot of other attractions it is quite famous for the view of lights.
| Best Months | September to April |
| Timings | 09:00 PM to 02:00 AM |
| Budget (per day) | $150 – $300 (INR 11,000 – 22,000) |
| Colour of Lights Visible | Main – Green Occasional – Pink and Purple |
| Total days to Visit all Prime Locations there | 2-3 Days Maximum |
Other Top 4 Attractions Places in this City:
- Kiruna Church: The iconic wooden church is the largest and most enchanting one. Full of Gothic culture it’s an impressive altarpiece.
- Kiruna Mine: This is the major economic hub letting the tourists visit the underground iron ore with a guide.
- Sami Cultural Centre: Witness the Sami culture, traditions and reindeer herding in this cultural centre in Jukkasjarvi.
- Aurora Sky Station: Here is one sky station to let the tourists enjoy the Northern Lights. Either one can use a cable car or hike up to the mountain to witness the enchanting lights.
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Another city in Canada has a lot of other tourist attractions along with a great view of the Northern Lights.
| Best Months | September to April |
| Timings | 09:00 PM to 02:00 AM |
| Budget (per day) | $150 – $250 (INR 11,000 – 18,500) |
| Colour of Lights Visible | Main – Green Occasional – Pink and Purple |
| Total days to Visit all Prime Locations there | 5-7 Days Maximum |
Other Top 6 Attractions in this City:
- Polar Bear Viewing: Churchill is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. Enjoy the majestic view of enhancing wildlife here.
- Prince of Whales Fort: It was built in the 18th century and is a national historical site. Visit the stone fort and enjoy the historic building.
- Eskimo Museum: Look out for the Inuit art, history and traditions in this museum.
- Cape Merry: enjoy the panoramic view of Hudson Bay and learn about the 18th-century trading post’s remnants and gun batteries.
- Tundra Buggy Adventure: Ride with the Tundra Buggy and explore the remote areas and wildlife. Search for the Arctic Foxes, Polar Bears and more.
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