The world's best Northern Lights destinations, including one in the UK
Seeing the celestial phenomenon that is the Northern Lights – also known as the Aurora Borealis – is, unsurprisingly, top of many a travel bucket list. The spectacular natural light display takes place when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in bright curtains of coloured light swirling in the night sky. Of course, a mere description could never do the reality justice, as those who have seen them up close will know all too well.
CL'S EXCLUSIVE NORTHERN LIGHTS TRIP WITH AN EXPERT
The difficulty of seeing the Northern Lights serves only to add further to their quasi-mystical appeal. Being a natural phenomenon, it's hard to predict – and impossible to guarantee – a sighting, though travelling to certain locations will help increase your chances.
While the UK has been fortunate enough to enjoy a few displays of its own in recent months, you're far more likely to experience the Aurora Borealis by travelling to certain parts of Iceland, Finland and Norway, such as Tromsø and Rovaniemi. Indeed, there are entire hotels in these places that are specially designed to provide a luxurious front-row seat to the otherworldly show, as well as offering icy adventures aplenty. It's little wonder, then, that heading off on an 'astro adventure' is proving to be one of the biggest travel trends of 2025.
Whether you've found yourself inspired by the recent night sky glow-ups in the UK, have always dreamed of seeing the Aurora Borealis, are looking for the ultimate winter getaway, or all of the above, with the help of Booking.com, we've compiled a list of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, below.
And if you're looking to tick off a few top Northern Lights destinations in one, you should check out our exclusive cruise around Norway with aurora expert Tom Kerss, who will give you tips on capturing the phenomenon on camera and teach you all about them.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is one of the biggest Northern Lights hotspots in the world, thanks to its unique position just below the Arctic Circle, long, dark nights during winter, and low levels of light pollution. These combine to create the perfect conditions for spotting the Aurora Borealis at its most clear and vivid – even in the middle of the country's capital, Reykjavik.
To experience the best of both worlds, book a stay at Tower Suites, that's located in city's tallest building, and right in the centre of town. Each modern suite comes complete with a telescope, huge windows and epic views of the coastline, mountains and glaciers around Reykjavik.
Lapland, Finland
In Finnish Lapland, the Northern Lights are visible roughly 200 nights a year, making it one of the foremost destinations for aurora-spotters, particularly between September and April. While there, set aside the time to explore the area's vast Arctic wilderness in all its untouched, snowy beauty. This is a great holiday spot for outdoor adventure lovers, too.
Wondering where to stay? We recommend booking in to one of the igloos at the aptly named Wilderness Hotel Inari for a serene, full-scale immersion in the magical surroundings.
Tromsø, Norway
Norway's Arctic harbour city, located 350km into the Arctic Circle, is a must-visit – particularly since British Airways recently launched new direct flights to the hotspot. In Tromsø, you can combine your Northern Lights adventure with the likes of skiing, husky sledding, fjords cruises, reindeer sledging, whale safaris and a whole host of outdoor pursuits.
For a seriously special holiday, secure one of the glass-fronted cabins at Aera, that's located a mere half-hour drive from the city yet feels delightfully remote. You can't get much more memorable than watching the Northern Lights sparkle over the icy fjord from the comfort of your own bed.
Alternatively, experience the Northern Lights in Tromso and other parts of Northern Norway with expert aurora chaser Tom Kerss during a Northern Lights cruise.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
There's a reason that the Northern Lights are at their most vivid in the world's more isolated locations. Denmark's Faroe Islands offer dark skies, low levels of light pollution and tonnes of secluded spots for taking in the light show year-round, though conditions are at their most favourable from November to February. Even better, the archipelago is known for its peaceful atmosphere, super-friendly locals and considered one of the most stunning, off-the-beaten-track destinations in the world.
Hotel Føroyar provides the perfect accommodation from which to take it all in, perched on a hillside overlooking the capital city of Tórshavn and offering glorious views of the surrounding nature.
Ilulissat, Greenland
Auroral activity is vibrant and frequent in the coastal town of Ilulissat, that's located in the west of Greenland and above the Arctic Circle. Even better, this unique location provides dramatic views from every angle: the striking frozen scenery includes icebergs, fjords and snowy hills, forming the perfect backdrop for the most spectacular natural light show on earth.
Of course, you'll want to spend most of your time in the great outdoors, but for when it's time for a well-earned rest, you can't do much better than Hotel Icefiord, with its smart, modern rooms and views of Disko Bay.
Shetland, Scotland
Home to much more than just pretty ponies, Shetland's remote, high-latitude situation in the northernmost part of the UK makes it the best place in the country to see the Northern Lights. Here, they're affectionately referred to as the 'Mirrie Dancers' and most frequently spotted during the longest, darkest winter months.
For an authentic experience, book a stay at the 16th-century Busta House, that overlooks the shores of Busta Voe and acts as a homely base for exploration.
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