Witnessing the dancing aurora in the skies is a truly magical experience. If you want to know where to see the northern lights in Canada and Europe, check this list before you plan your next vacation.
Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience for travellers worldwide.
If you’re yearning to witness the aurora borealis in its full glory, you’ll want to head to the best places to see the Northern Lights, where the spectacle lights up the winter skies.
From the icy beauty of Northern Norway to the remote landscapes of Northern Canada, these stunning locations are prime spots for Winter Northern Lights.
Each offers a unique backdrop for Northern Lights photography, where you can capture the mesmerizing glow of the aurora reflecting off snow, water, and jagged mountains.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the top destinations to see the Northern Lights and share tips for getting the perfect shot. So, grab your camera and get ready to capture this natural wonder!
Northern lights in Canada and Europe
How to take photos
Use a Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens (around 14-24mm) is perfect for capturing the expansive beauty of the Northern Lights against vast landscapes. This lens will allow you to include both the aurora and the stunning surroundings in one shot.
Play with Long Exposure: To capture the movement of the aurora set your camera to a long exposure (10-20 seconds) with a low ISO (around 800). This technique will let the aurora’s colours blend beautifully across the sky.
Find Elevated Spots for Panoramic Views: Look for elevated locations like hilltops or mountain ridges, especially in places like Abisko, Sweden, or Tromsø, Norway. Panoramic views give you a wide, unobstructed view of the sky and can include interesting foregrounds like frozen lakes or snow-covered trees.
Shoot in RAW: Always shoot in RAW format to ensure maximum flexibility during post-processing. RAW files allow you to adjust exposure, contrast, and colour without losing quality, which is especially important when capturing the delicate lights of the aurora.
Experiment with Angles: While straight-on shots are great, don’t be afraid to experiment with angles. Capture the aurora reflected on the surface of a frozen lake, like in Fairbanks, Alaska, or through the branches of trees to add depth to your shots.
Frame the Lights with Unique Foregrounds: Use the natural elements around you—mountains, ice formations, or local architecture—like the traditional cabins in Lofoten Islands, Norway, to frame the aurora. This adds context and helps convey the vastness and magic of the location.
Avoid Light Pollution: Always seek out dark spots far from city lights to ensure the aurora stands out vividly. Locations like Svalbard, Norway, and Yellowknife, Canada, are perfect for this. The less light pollution, the more brilliant your aurora shots will be.
Incorporate Human Elements: Add a traveller to your photos for scale. A silhouette against the vibrant colours of the Northern Lights can emphasize the magnitude and beauty of the scene. Try a pose like looking up at the sky or standing in the snow with the lights above.
Utilize the Golden Hour: If you’re capturing landscapes before the aurora appears, take advantage of the golden hour (the hour before sunset or after sunrise). The soft lighting can add warmth to your photos, making the transition to the colder night sky more striking.
Adjust Your White Balance: The auroras can sometimes look a little too green in photos if your white balance is off. Set your white balance to “Daylight” or manually adjust it to get a more accurate representation of the colours in the sky.
Capture the Moment with Motion: To show movement, lower your shutter speed slightly and capture the aurora as it stretches across the sky. Experiment with different settings to create dynamic images that highlight the ever-changing nature of the lights.
Post-Processing Tips: Once you’ve captured your shots, enhance them by adjusting the contrast and clarity to make the Northern Lights pop. Be mindful not to over-edit; sometimes, the most powerful shots are those that capture the natural beauty without too much enhancement.
Find Unique Locations: Specific spots like Murmansk, Russia, or Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, offer unique views of the aurora reflected over water or against mountainous backdrops. These locations provide excellent opportunities to capture different moods and compositions.
Use Light Trails: Add a creative touch to your photos by including light trails, such as car headlights or moving people, in the foreground. This adds a sense of action and excitement to the stillness of the aurora and creates dynamic contrast.
Bring a Tripod and Remote Shutter: A tripod is essential for stable long-exposure shots, while a remote shutter release helps avoid camera shake. This will allow you to shoot at slower shutter speeds and maintain sharp, clear images.
Where to see the northern lights in Canada and Europe
1. Tromsø, Norway
Nestled in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is often dubbed the “Gateway to the Arctic.” The picture captures a magical view of the town against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and swirling auroras.
For an unforgettable Northern Lights experience, visit between late September and early April, when the skies are dark and clear. Tromsø’s charming atmosphere is enhanced by its coastal beauty and vibrant cultural scene.
The quiet tranquillity of this stunning location offers the perfect setting for aurora photography, with the lights reflecting off the fjords.
2. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands are a photographer’s dream, offering jagged mountain peaks and dramatic coastal landscapes. The Northern Lights dance above traditional red fishing cabins, creating a surreal contrast against the snow-covered terrain.
To capture the best aurora views, head here during the winter months, ideally from December to March.
The islands’ remote and rugged vibe makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The auroras here are especially stunning against the dark fjords and pristine waters, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
3. Lapland, Finland
Imagine a winter wonderland of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes—this is Lapland, Finland. The stillness of the landscape is the perfect canvas for the Northern Lights, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Winter months from late November to March are ideal for witnessing the auroras, with clear skies and long nights. Lapland’s remote location means minimal light pollution, making for vivid and vibrant displays.
Whether you’re staying in an ice hotel or a cosy cabin, the magic of the lights over the snow is unparalleled.
Image credit: @travelinsightpedia
Image credit: @norwayraw
Image credit: @visitingfinland
4. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Fairbanks offers some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the world, thanks to its clear, dark skies.
The picture shows a breathtaking moment where the auroras illuminate the Alaskan wilderness, creating a mesmerizing contrast with the surrounding icy landscape. The best time to visit is from late August to April, especially when temperatures drop, making the lights even more vibrant.
Fairbanks is a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity, with activities like dog sledging and hot springs to enjoy between aurora sightings. The combination of stunning nature and peaceful solitude sets the stage for incredible photos.
5. Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is located in Sweden’s far north, where the Northern Lights are often visible with remarkable frequency. The image showcases the perfect Northern Lights scene, with the aurora lighting up the clear skies above a snow-covered valley.
The optimal time to witness the lights is from late autumn to early spring when the area’s dry, clear air enhances visibility. Abisko’s remote location offers dark skies, ensuring minimal interference from artificial lighting.
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, this destination offers unique opportunities for striking aurora photography.
6. Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife, located in the Northwest Territories, is renowned for its pristine conditions to view the Northern Lights.
The photo captures the aurora’s vibrant colours dancing over the frozen Great Slave Lake, creating a magical, almost otherworldly experience. The best months to see the aurora are from late August to April when the skies are clear and the nights are long.
Yellowknife’s lack of light pollution allows for optimal viewing conditions, making it one of the top places for aurora hunters. The peaceful surroundings and wide open spaces make it perfect for capturing awe-inspiring photos.
Image credit: @borealisbasecamp
Image credit: @guidetoeurope
Image credit: @explorecanada
7. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, offers a remote Arctic experience where the Northern Lights shine brightly across the vast, icy wilderness. The landscape in the image reveals a frozen tundra illuminated by vibrant auroras above.
The best time to visit is from September to April when the region experiences long, dark nights and clear skies. The quiet, stark beauty of Kangerlussuaq provides an excellent setting for photography, with minimal light pollution to interfere with the display.
The combination of snow-covered hills and the dancing lights creates an unforgettable scene.
8. Murmansk, Russia
Situated in Russia’s far north, Murmansk offers a unique vantage point for witnessing the Northern Lights. The photo shows the aurora’s spectacular light show over the icy waters of the Barents Sea, creating an incredible contrast against the cold, stark landscape.
The Northern Lights are visible from September to March, with the best displays occurring in the darkest months of winter. Murmansk’s Arctic charm and isolation make it a peaceful location to capture the aurora in all its splendour.
The surrounding snowfields and frozen lakes add to the magic of this location.
9. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a wild, isolated archipelago far above the Arctic Circle, where the Northern Lights seem to glow even brighter.
The picture captures the stunning aurora over rugged terrain, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of this remote destination. Winter months from November to February are perfect for aurora sightings, as the polar night lasts for weeks, giving you more chances to catch the show.
The absence of light pollution in Svalbard ensures unparalleled views, making it a dream location for photographers. The surreal landscape of glaciers and mountains adds to the otherworldly experience.
Image credit: @visitgreenland
Image credit: @rai_naomi
Image credit: @the.honeymoon.boutique
10. Northern Scotland, UK
Northern Scotland offers an unexpected and beautiful location to witness the Northern Lights, particularly along the coast of the Scottish Highlands. The picture showcases the aurora swirling over the rugged hills and lochs, creating a dreamy, ethereal glow.
The best time to catch the lights is from October to March when the nights are dark enough to reveal the aurora in all its glory.
Scotland’s mix of ancient castles, remote villages, and wild nature offers a unique backdrop for aurora photography. The quiet serenity of this location makes it an ideal spot for enjoying the lights in peace.
11. Nova Scotia, Canada
Nova Scotia may not be the first place that comes to mind for aurora viewing, but its remote beauty makes it a hidden gem. The image captures the Northern Lights in all their glory over the Atlantic Ocean, with the rugged coastline adding a dramatic flair.
The best months to see the auroras are from late September to March when the nights are long and dark. Nova Scotia’s low light pollution and scenic beauty offer a stunning backdrop for capturing the auroras.
Whether you’re near the lighthouse or on a quiet beach, the views here are unforgettable.
Image credit: @welivetoexplore
Image credit: @visitnovascotia
In this guide, we’ve explored the top 11 places to see the Northern Lights, each offering its own stunning view of this natural wonder.
Whether you’re dreaming of Northern Lights Norway’s breathtaking fjords or the untouched wilderness of Northern Lights Canada, there’s a spot for every traveller seeking to capture this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
As someone who has experienced the magic of the aurora borealis firsthand, I can confidently say that witnessing the Northern Lights in person is an experience like no other.
Keep these photography tips in mind, and you’ll come home with the most Instagram-worthy shots. Ready to see the Northern Lights for yourself? Don’t wait—plan your trip and let the aurora light up your journey!
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