There are few experiences on Earth as surreal and spellbinding as standing under a dark winter sky, watching curtains of green, pink, and violet dance across the stars. The northern lights — or aurora borealis — are nature’s most magical light show, and chasing them is an adventure like no other.
At Traventica, we believe the northern lights are more than just a travel goal — they’re a reminder of how small we are, and how beautiful the universe can be when we slow down and simply look up.
If the aurora is calling your name, here are the best places in the world to see the northern lights — and feel that once-in-a-lifetime wonder.
Tromsø is often called the gateway to the Arctic — and for good reason. Located above the Arctic Circle, this cozy Norwegian city offers excellent aurora conditions from September to April. The best part? You can chase the lights by dog sled, snowmobile, or even from a warm outdoor jacuzzi.
Tip: Head just outside the city to escape light pollution. Areas like Ersfjordbotn or Lyngenfjord are perfect.
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes — lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls — make aurora hunting even more magical. From the black sand beaches of Vík to the geothermal lagoons near Mývatn, Iceland offers unique backdrops for your northern lights experience.
Best time: September to March, with clear skies and long nights.
Picture this: you’re lying in a glass igloo, surrounded by snow-covered trees, and the sky begins to glow green above you. Welcome to Finnish Lapland. From Rovaniemi to Saariselkä, the region is famous for its cozy aurora-viewing accommodations — and even better hot chocolate.
Don’t miss: A night in a glass dome or aurora cabin. It’s pure winter magic.
Abisko is considered one of the most reliable places in the world to see the northern lights, thanks to its “blue hole” microclimate — a patch of sky that stays clear even when surrounding areas are cloudy.
Located in a national park, Abisko offers a perfect mix of science and nature, with guided tours and aurora sky stations.
If you want space, silence, and some of the darkest skies in the world, head to Canada’s far north. Places like Whitehorse and Yellowknife offer incredible aurora activity during the long, crisp nights of winter.
Bonus: Combine it with winter adventures like snowshoeing, ice fishing, or visiting Indigenous cultural experiences.
Go in winter: The aurora is most active between September and March.
Avoid full moons: A dark sky gives better visibility.
Check the KP index: Higher = stronger activity.
Be patient: The lights can appear suddenly… or not at all. But waiting under a starlit sky? That’s part of the magic.
Dress warmly: Layers, thermals, and proper boots are essential — it gets cold.
The northern lights aren’t something you just see — they’re something you feel. A quiet moment of awe. A memory that stays with you forever. So pack your warmest coat, your sense of wonder, and head north.
Because when the sky comes alive, it reminds us that some of the best things in life are still unexplainable.
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Traventica – Where every journey begins with wonder.
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