TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Northern Lights, also commonly referred to as the Aurora Borealis, are an elusive phenomenon that occurs when particles energized by the Sun hit the Earth’s magnetic atmosphere and glow. This creates a light show of vibrant colors such as blues, greens, purples, pinks, yellows, and reds. 

While the light show has historically been known to take place in the northern hemisphere, people can catch the breathtaking display of this celestial spectacle as far south as the Baltic States and southeast England. 

8 Best Places to See Northern Lights in Europe 

Let’s take a look at the best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe, as highlighted by Nordic Visitor and National Geographic.

1. Tromsø, Norway 

Tromsø in Norway is a popular destination for aurora enthusiasts due to its location in an active region of the sun, providing an impressive backdrop for the Northern Lights. Its picturesque mountains and fjords make a fantastic addition to the dancing lights once the cloud cover has cleared between September and mid-April. 

2. Svalbard, Norway 

Part of the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is a popular destination for avid astronomy enthusiasts, especially for the Northern Lights. With a handful of international aurora borealis research stations, Svalbard is the only place on earth where the “daytime aurora borealis” makes its magnificent appearance during the darkest time of the year between December and January. 

3. Abisko, Swedish Lapland 

Home to the Aurora Sky Station, Abisko deserves a spot as the world’s best destination for Northern Lights viewing. Aurora viewers can immerse themselves in the best experience and fully enjoy the awe-inspiring sight, with very few distracting sources of light or sound. 

4. Ilulissat, Greenland 

Offering one of the most incredible views of the Northern Lights, the Ilulissat Icefjord was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The elusive phenomenon is celebrated by locals during the New Year’s festivities twice a day, once at 8 p.m. and later at midnight. However, those who prefer a quieter atmosphere should consider arriving in September to avoid the crowds. 

5. Faroe Islands, Denmark 

Spread across a wondrous collection of coastlines, the Faroe Islands are not your average tropical paradise. The weather conditions on famous islands like Suðuroy and Sandoy during the harsh winter nights from November to February turn these places into valuable Aurora Borealis vacation spots, offering better availability at hotels.

6. Shetland, Scotland 

Located in the northern part of the United Kingdom, Shetland boasts the best aurora viewing experiences with the help of minimal light pollution around its remote location. The dazzling display of mirrie dancers, the local nickname for the Northern Lights, occurs a few times a year sometime between October and March. 

7. Rovaniemi, Lapland 

Visible for about 150 nights a year, between September and October, the Northern Lights show is an annual source of entertainment for visitors to Rovaniemi. Take a 10-minute walk from the city center to the Arctic Garden to track the astral phenomenon at one of the best viewing points, the Arktikum Museum. 

8. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

The idyllic combination of towering icebergs and minimal light pollution provides a stunning backdrop for any auroral photograph ever taken. Widely referred to as “The Crown Jewel of Iceland”, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon offers tranquility in unspoiled nature.