{"id":870904,"date":"2022-09-21T13:54:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T12:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=870904"},"modified":"2025-10-07T03:34:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T02:34:26","slug":"best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"Here are the 14 best places to see the northern lights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ribbons of colour dash across the night\u2019s sky. Rising, falling and flickering in an evermoving tapestry. Stillness engulfs you. Time evaporates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Catching sight of the aurora borealis (often called \u2018the northern lights\u2019) \u2013 and time in the places they appear \u2013 is a spellbinding travel experience. So to savour every second, these are 14 best places to see the northern lights (plus the best season to travel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the northern lights?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/09\/chris-havard-berge-x5KGzpzML-M-unsplash-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"the northern lights\" class=\"wp-image-870908\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chris-havard-berge-x5KGzpzML-M-unsplash-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chris-havard-berge-x5KGzpzML-M-unsplash-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chris-havard-berge-x5KGzpzML-M-unsplash.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/sun\/what-is-the-solar-wind\/\">solar wind<\/a> from the sun collides with the earth\u2019s magnetic field, it\u2019s pulled towards the earth\u2019s poles and released into the atmosphere. This reaction causes curtains of colour to appear in the dark sky \u2013 green, red, pink, violet, white, blue, or\/and yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Galileo Galilei coined the term \u2018aurora borealis\u2019 to describe this wonder by the north pole: combining words for the Roman goddess of dawn (Aurora) and the Greek god of the north wind (Boreas).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, adventurers venture to places of 60 to 75 degrees \u00b0N latitude and stay up till dawn on a clear night in anticipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-is-the-best-time-to-see-the-northern-lights\">When is the best time to see the northern lights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>September is a great month to see the Northern Lights. The earth\u2019s axis tilts more towards the sun\u2019s solar wind around the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rmg.co.uk\/stories\/time\/what-when-autumnal-equinox\"> autumn equinox<\/a> (22 September), meaning there\u2019s a higher chance of this geomagnetic reaction in the atmosphere. Plus September\u2019s cooler (rather than freezing) winter air and ice-free lakes and mountains make the following 10 places blissful retreats for northern lights watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the Northern Lights happen throughout the year and sightings are most prevalent between September and April. The winter obviously has the longest period of darkness, but remember that winter precipitation can cloud a normally bright Northern Lights sky. If you\u2019re searching for a sighting during these months, try to gaze out between 9 P.M. and 3 A.M. on a clear night with as little light pollution as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-14-best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\">14 best places to see the Northern Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Look closely, there are some surprises along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Finland (Lapland)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/09\/aurora-g81f82c8e0_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Rovaniemi \" class=\"wp-image-870918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g81f82c8e0_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g81f82c8e0_1280-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g81f82c8e0_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Head north to Finland\u2019s enchanting Lapland for the highest chance of seeing the northern lights. Its 65-72\u00b0N latitude puts it in the \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nordicvisitor.com\/blog\/a-little-something-about-the-northern-lights\/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20there%20is%20a,regions%20of%20Sweden%20and%20Finland.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">northern lights belt<\/a>\u2019 and causes these magical lights to appear around 200 nights per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Touching the arctic circle, Rovaniemi (Lapland\u2019s capital and official home of Santa Claus) presents a snowy paradise and otherworldly viewing spots in the form of glass roof cabins staring up at night. Likewise, a 3-hour drive north takes you to remote, forest-filled Saariselk\u00e4 \u2013 where sightings are common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>GET INSPIRED BY: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/tours\/scandinavian-northern-lights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scandinavian Northern Lights tour<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Iceland<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/09\/aurora-g05a818af5_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Iceland\" class=\"wp-image-870907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g05a818af5_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g05a818af5_1280-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g05a818af5_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u2018Land of Fire and Ice\u2019 is also home to spectacular lights. Drift away from the artificial lights of its cool capital Reykjavik \u2013 30 minutes by boat \u2013 to a blissful spot surrounded by mountains on Trafalgar&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/tours\/iceland-highlights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iceland tour<\/a>. One of the world&#8217;s best places to see the northern lights. Elsewhere, Akureyri park (in the far north) and V\u00edk (187km southeast of Reykjavik) are also spellbinding spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/northern-lights-iceland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What to pack for a Northern Lights tour to Iceland<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Norway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/09\/northern-light-ge83161661_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"northern lights Troms\u00f8\" class=\"wp-image-870917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/northern-light-ge83161661_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/northern-light-ge83161661_1280-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/northern-light-ge83161661_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s only right that a country adorned in natural beauty is home to magical northern lights displays. We recommend heading to charming Troms\u00f8 (nicknamed the \u2018capital of the Arctic\u2019) to keep an eye out. As well as the lookout points at remote Alta in northern Norway \u2013 famed as \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitnorway.com\/things-to-do\/nature-attractions\/northern-lights\/\">The Town of the Northern Lights<\/a>\u2019 among locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sweden (Lapland)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/09\/maria-vojtovicova-SPvJPDXEmqA-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Sweden northern lights\" class=\"wp-image-870912\" style=\"width:1007px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/maria-vojtovicova-SPvJPDXEmqA-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/maria-vojtovicova-SPvJPDXEmqA-unsplash-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/maria-vojtovicova-SPvJPDXEmqA-unsplash.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Swedish Lapland offers a mystical northern lights experience. Head to Abisko National Park \u2013 located in the \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aeronomie.be\/en\/encyclopedia\/auroral-ovals-two-geomagnetic-poles\">auroral oval<\/a>\u2019 (a highly active region centred on the earth&#8217;s magnetic pole where auroral emissions happen). What\u2019s more, Abisko\u2019s wonderfully low rainfall means the nights are clear and aurora borealis appearances for two weeks in a row aren\u2019t uncommon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further afield, Kiruna (in the far north) feels like another world \u2013 especially while you eat dinner outside in eager anticipation of the lights on Trafalgar\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/tours\/scandinavian-northern-lights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scandinavia Northern Lights tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The United Kingdom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dancing waves of colour have appeared in Scotland (the Isle of Skye), Ireland (Malin Head in Donegal\u2019s Inishowen Peninsula) and England (Cornwall, the Lake District, Kent and Norfolk) \u2013 as recently as September 2025 due to the rare chance of strong solar wind and perfect clear conditions. It\u2019s a clear example that aurora borealis is all about being in the right place, at the right time. So always keep your eyes peeled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Luck may light up the night sky during our <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/tours\/best-of-devon-and-cornwall?optionId=2222\"><em>Best of Devon and Cornwall<\/em><\/a><em> tour.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Estonia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A country of clean air and gorgeous islands, Estonia\u2019s stock is rising as a northern lights retreat. Venture to Lahemaa National Park on the north coast, as the peninsula\u2019s here jut out into the Gulf of Finland and its clear skies. Plus Viimsi and Paljassaare, near Estonia\u2019s capital Tallinn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The United States<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/09\/vincent-ledvina-vhiJsZGpm1w-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"North Dakota\" class=\"wp-image-870922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/vincent-ledvina-vhiJsZGpm1w-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/vincent-ledvina-vhiJsZGpm1w-unsplash-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/vincent-ledvina-vhiJsZGpm1w-unsplash.jpg 1439w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">North Dakota, USA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You read that right. Many of the world\u2019s most colourful northern lights have been spotted in the United States. Top tip: head to Idaho Panhandle National Forest (80km south of the Canadian border) for stunning reflections off Priest Lake. Other options include Acadia National Park (Maine), Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota), Cherry Springs National Park (Pennsylvania) and North Dakota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>GET INSPIRED BY: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/tours\/national-park-wonders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US National Park Wonders tour<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Alaska<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/09\/aurora-g84c551bd6_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Alaska\" class=\"wp-image-870919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g84c551bd6_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g84c551bd6_1280-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/aurora-g84c551bd6_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Take an enchanting trip to the US\u2019 far northwest tip for ultra-clear sightings. Welcome to Alaska: where Fairbanks and Denali National Park offer two of the best places to see the northern lights. They are visible approximately 4 out of 5 nights in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>GET INSPIRED BY: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/tours\/majestic-alaska\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Majestic Alaska tour<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-canada\"><strong>Canada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/09\/Yellowknife-Canada-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"The Northern Lights cutting across the sky in Yellowknife, Canada.\" class=\"wp-image-870915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Yellowknife-Canada-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Yellowknife-Canada-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Yellowknife-Canada.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada is easily one of the best places to see the northern lights thanks to its northern latitude \u2013 with the highest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eoportal.org\/other-space-activities\/solar-activity#references\">solar activity<\/a> found in September and October. We suggest picking a spot by Great Slave Lake in Yellowknife (northwest Canada), Jasper National Park (in Alberta), Wood Buffalo, Churchill and Yukon to soak it in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Chance viewing the solar storm during our <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/tours\/spectacular-canadian-rockies?optionId=1434\"><em>Spectacular Canadian Rockies<\/em><\/a><em> tour.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-greenland\">Greenland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a place so remote that most towns are only accessible via sailing or dog sledding, <a href=\"https:\/\/visitgreenland.com\/activities\/northern-lights\/\">Greenland<\/a> knows how to put on a Northern Lights show. With virtually no light pollution once you get far away from the city lights of Nuuk, you can enjoy the aurora activity while peacefully ice fishing or cuddling up in a cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-saint-pierre-amp-miquelon\">Saint Pierre &amp; Miquelon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in France&#8230;though you&#8217;ll have to go quite far from Paris. Saint Pierre and Miquelon are an archipelago of eight French self-governing islands. They&#8217;re located near Canada&#8217;s Newfoundland, so while rare, there is a chance you could see the solar storm on French soil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-denmark\">Denmark<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Denmark may be the southernmost country in Scandinavia, but don&#8217;t count it out completely when it comes to Northern Lights viewing. Those willing to brave the cold in remote places like the islands off of Jutland may find a light show in the sky with hardly anyone to share it with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-southern-hemisphere\">The Southern Hemisphere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Aurora activity is the present across the globe, and while it&#8217;s not exactly the same as the Northern Lights, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swpc.noaa.gov\/content\/aurora-tutorial\">Southern Lights<\/a> are well-worth seeking out. Known as Aurora australis, the Southern Lights are visible in the Antarctic Circle in countries like Argentina, Chile, New Zeland, Australia, and the continent of Antarctica. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-i-track-the-northern-lights\">How do I track the Northern Lights?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t assume\u00a0 you need a thorough understanding of the Kp-index to track the Northern Lights \u2014 scientists will do it for you. You can access multiple websites from organizations like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swpc.noaa.gov\/products\/aurora-viewline-tonight-and-tomorrow-night-experimental\">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gi.alaska.edu\/monitors\/aurora-forecast\">University of Alaska<\/a> up-to-date information regarding the aurora forecast for the present day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-time-can-i-see-the-northern-lights\">What time can I see the Northern Lights?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you frequent the best places to see the Northern Lights, your chances of spotting the solar storm depend on the right timing. The ideal time to see the Northern Lights is usually between 9 P.M and 3 A.M, although it is possible to see the aurora just after sunset or before sunrise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-you-see-the-northern-lights-with-a-full-moon\">Can you see the Northern Lights with a full moon?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can see the Northern Lights during a full moon. It&#8217;s a misconception that the aurora is not visible during a full moon, though there is a little factual standing in the claim. A bright moon, especially in areas where there&#8217;s light pollution, can combine with a weak aurora presentation to effectively diminish the clarity of the Northern Lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/natural-wonders-trafalgar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">9 incredible natural wonders to witness with Trafalgar<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>We hope you enjoyed reading about the best places to see the northern lights. Where are you visiting first?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Author Ollie Poole is a travel writer who is passionate about lifestyle, culture, and creativity.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ribbons of colour dash across the night\u2019s sky. Rising, falling and flickering in an evermoving tapestry. Stillness engulfs you. Time evaporates. Catching sight of the aurora borealis (often called \u2018the northern lights\u2019) \u2013 and time in the places they appear \u2013 is a spellbinding travel experience. So to savour every second, these are 14 best [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":870909,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1652,181,21097,1179],"class_list":["post-870904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-natural-wonders","tag-northern-lights","tag-northern-lights-iceland","tag-where-to-see-the-northern-lights"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>14 best places to see the Northern Lights - THE REAL WORD<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From snow-covered Scandinavian wilderness to United States&#039; National Parks \u2013 find out the best places to see the northern lights.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Here are the 14 best places to see the northern lights\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From snow-covered Scandinavian wilderness to United States&#039; National Parks \u2013 find out the best places to see the northern lights.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Real Word\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-09-21T12:54:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-07T02:34:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"954\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ollie Poole\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"From snow-covered Scandinavian wilderness to United States&#039; National Parks \u2013 find out the best places to see the northern lights.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ollie Poole\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ollie Poole\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/dd2a26cfad7c65130e902e8183b6b1fe\"},\"headline\":\"Here are the 14 best places to see the northern lights\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-09-21T12:54:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-07T02:34:26+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1460,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"natural wonders\",\"Northern Lights\",\"Northern Lights Iceland\",\"Where to see the Northern Lights\"],\"articleSection\":[\"_\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/\",\"name\":\"14 best places to see the Northern Lights - THE REAL WORD\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-09-21T12:54:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-07T02:34:26+00:00\",\"description\":\"From snow-covered Scandinavian wilderness to United States' National Parks \u2013 find out the best places to see the northern lights.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg\",\"width\":1440,\"height\":954,\"caption\":\"northern lights\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Here are the 14 best places to see the northern lights\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\",\"name\":\"Real Word\",\"description\":\"Travel articles, insights and stories from Trafalgar\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Real Word\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg\",\"width\":643,\"height\":83,\"caption\":\"Real Word\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/dd2a26cfad7c65130e902e8183b6b1fe\",\"name\":\"Ollie Poole\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"caption\":\"Ollie Poole\"},\"description\":\"Ollie is a freelance copywriter, passionate about all things travel and lifestyle, culture and creativity.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/author\\\/olliepoole\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"14 best places to see the Northern Lights - THE REAL WORD","description":"From snow-covered Scandinavian wilderness to United States' National Parks \u2013 find out the best places to see the northern lights.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Here are the 14 best places to see the northern lights","og_description":"From snow-covered Scandinavian wilderness to United States' National Parks \u2013 find out the best places to see the northern lights.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/","og_site_name":"Real Word","article_published_time":"2022-09-21T12:54:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-10-07T02:34:26+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1440,"height":954,"url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Ollie Poole","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_description":"From snow-covered Scandinavian wilderness to United States' National Parks \u2013 find out the best places to see the northern lights.","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ollie Poole","Estimated reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/"},"author":{"name":"Ollie Poole","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/person\/dd2a26cfad7c65130e902e8183b6b1fe"},"headline":"Here are the 14 best places to see the northern lights","datePublished":"2022-09-21T12:54:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-07T02:34:26+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/"},"wordCount":1460,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg","keywords":["natural wonders","Northern Lights","Northern Lights Iceland","Where to see the Northern Lights"],"articleSection":["_"],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/","name":"14 best places to see the Northern Lights - THE REAL WORD","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg","datePublished":"2022-09-21T12:54:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-07T02:34:26+00:00","description":"From snow-covered Scandinavian wilderness to United States' National Parks \u2013 find out the best places to see the northern lights.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/david-becker-58X3XfxxevU-unsplash.jpg","width":1440,"height":954,"caption":"northern lights"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-see-the-northern-lights\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Here are the 14 best places to see the northern lights"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/","name":"Real Word","description":"Travel articles, insights and stories from Trafalgar","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization","name":"Real Word","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg","width":643,"height":83,"caption":"Real Word"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/person\/dd2a26cfad7c65130e902e8183b6b1fe","name":"Ollie Poole","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","caption":"Ollie Poole"},"description":"Ollie is a freelance copywriter, passionate about all things travel and lifestyle, culture and creativity.","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/author\/olliepoole\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/870904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=870904"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/870904\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/870909"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=870904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=870904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=870904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}