A trip to see the Northern Lights must be on your life’s bucket list.

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
If you were to draft a personal bucket list of things you absolutely must do or see in your lifetime, what would be on it? Though everyone’s dreams vary, seeing the Northern Lights is definitely going to be on most people’s lists. Dancing across the sky like a fairy’s ribbon, the Northern Lights are dazzling and magical. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to chase the aurora — if you get the chance, you simply must visit these spots.
 
● Finland

Finland offers many great spots to view the Northern Lights, including Ivalo, Utqiagvik, and Luosto, all of which are famous destinations. Among them, Hotel Aurora in Luosto, northern Finland, is highly recommended. Whenever the aurora appears, the hotel kindly sends out an “Aurora Alert,” ensuring you’ll never miss the breathtaking light show.

● Sweden

The most famous place to see the Northern Lights in Sweden is Abisko. It’s known for having the clearest skies in the Scandinavian region of Northern Europe. Winter nights are the best time for aurora viewing, and the 43-kilometer-long Torneträsk Lake contributes to the renowned “blue hole of Abisko.” Here, no matter the weather conditions nearby, the sky often remains clear, making it a perfect spot to admire the lights.

● Iceland

Aside from Reykjavik, much of Iceland offers views of the Northern Lights. One of the best places to see them is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can also witness stunning rift valley landscapes.

● Denmark

All of the islands within Denmark’s Faroe Islands archipelago are great places to view the Northern Lights. The Faroe Islands are well-known for their seabirds and Viking legends, and when the weather changes, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse of the aurora.

● Russia

In northern Russia, there are many opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Popular viewing spots include Siberia, the Kola Peninsula, and Murmansk.