The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena. And the year 2024 is considered to be a time when you can witness this magical phenomenon at its peak. But here’s a catch! Since the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, mostly appear near the poles, not everyone has this special chance to see them. So, come along on a journey with us where we will take you to some of the world’s best places to see northern lights this year.
These dancing ribbons of light in the sky captivate and mesmerize all who are lucky enough to witness them. Some places are situated too remote to reach, while some places don’t have many direct flights. But don’t worry we are here to provide you amazing deals on international flights and direct flights so that your journey can be more adventurous and you can focus more on the things that you’re about to see. Vist us on CheapairticketUSA and book your direct flights to Norway, direct flights to Iceland, and many more places. With us, you can not only book cheap flight tickets but you can search for budget hotels and luxury accommodations too. If you’re eager to experience the magic of the Northern Lights, here are the top 10 places around the world where you can see them.
Top 10 Places To See The Northern Lights in 2024
1. Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
If you are looking for places to see northern lights in USA, then Alaska is one of the best places to visit. Alaska has not just one, but numerous locations where you can see these dancing lights, with Fairbanks being the most popular one. With minimal light pollution, this place is an ideal spot to see northern lights. Fairbanks offers you a wide range of luxury lodges and hotels to spend a perfect date night under the stars and the dancing lights. You can also visit the Fairbanks Aurora Ice Museum and the Chena Hot Springs, where visitors can relax in natural hot springs while gazing at the auroras dancing overhead. This hot water spring is surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, which just feel like a fairy world. If you want to keep your eyes out of auroras for some time, then experience dog sledding, ice fishing, and other winter activities. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Alaska.
Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska –
- Visit Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center for exhibitions and travel advice.
- Visit Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum to see post-Gold rush exhibits along with 70 historic cars.
- Visit Museum of the North to see Alaska’s history, art and science.
- Visit the year-round museum, the Aurora Ice Museum for ice sculptures and a bar.
- Pioneer Park is a happening 44-acre historical theme park.
- Go for a hiking in Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is one of the best places to see northern lights in Norway, as it is situated in the Arctic Circle. The sun doesn’t rise in the northern part of this country from September to early April; hence, it is the best time to see northern lights here anytime during the day. The very famous heated glass igloos also offer you a comfortable place to see these colorful dancing lights. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the top of Mount Nuolja. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Norway.
Things to do in Tromsø, Norway –
- Enjoy live concerts at the Arctic Cathedral.
- Go on a reindeer sledding tour and enjoy the husky adventures.
- Go on a kayaking tour to explore the Tromsø coastline
- Go on a Fjellheisen cable car ride up to the Storsteinen mountain ledge
- Catch some unique Arctic species at Tromsø’s botanical gardens
- Explore the ice sculptures at Tromsø Ice Domes
- Meet the seals at Polaria Aquarium
- A day trip to stunning Sommarøy beaches
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
As we all know, Iceland is one of the world’s most visited winter wonderlands, with snow everywhere. Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is among the most happening places to see northern lights in Iceland. You can head to Öskjuhlið to see the most optimum aurora borealis, away from city light and pollution. You can experience an unusual view of the northern lights from this unique hilly and wooded landscape. You can also visit the country’s only planetarium in Perlan, and the world’s first indoor ice cave and glacier exploratorium is not at all a place to miss. Witness the breathtaking view of Snæfellsjökull glacier; Keilir (a volcanic mountain) and Esja (the mountain of Reykjavik) from the building’s fourth-floor observation deck. While you’re in Reykjavik for this wonderful natural phenomenon, do not leave this country without spending a night in a transparent bubble. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Reykjavik.
Things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland –
- Visit the tallest church building, Hallgrimskirkja for its unusual architecture
- Visit Perlan for a museum and the city’s clear view.
- Visit a 100-meter long ice cave and a planetarium in Perlan
- Visit an eye-catching concert hall and convention center, Harpa
- Head up to the Sun Voyager, which will remind you of Iceland’s Viking history.
- Visit Laugavegur, a colorful street for shopping lovers.
4.Lapland, Finland
Lapland is among the most famous winter wonderlands in the world and the best place to see northern lights in Finland. The best time to visit Finland is at the end of August and April, when you can spot these colorful dancing lights frequently. Lapland is also considered the hometown of everyone’s favorite, Santa Claus. You can easily visit Santa Claus Village from here, which is one of the most popular travel destinations in Finland. Also, do visit the town of Rovaniemi, the region’s largest city, to see the resort town of Luosto and Pyhä-Luosto National Park for their picturesque hilly landscapes. Enjoy the reindeer sleigh ride among the snow-covered forests. Visit Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos in Luosto, which provides visitors with a cozy glass igloo to enjoy the impressive lights. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Lapland.
Things to do in Lapland, Finland –
- Visit the world-famous Santa Claus Village
- Go on an authentic husky safari
- Go for a snowmobile ride.
- Go on a world-famous rail route of Flamsbana
- Visit Arktikum if you’re a science geek
5. Yukon, Canada
With minimal light pollution and vast wilderness, Yukon is the best place to see northern lights in Canada. You can see frequent and the brightest auroras due to the clear skies. The luxury lodges and comfy accommodations offer visitors an ideal place to spend a night with their partner under the colorful night sky. Due to its unique location, you can see auroras with the midnight sun even during the summer. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Canada.
Things to do in Yukon, Canada –
- Visit Miles Canyon to see the colorful cliffs
- Visit Emerald Lake for its pristine blue water, also known as the most photographed lake in Yukon
- Visit Kluane National Park and Reserve, Canada’s highest peak and the largest non-polar ice field
- If you’re aware of gold rush history, then must visit Caribou Crossing Trade Post
- Spend some quality time in Takhini Hot Springs
6. Abisko, Sweden
Also known as the Swedish Lapland, the Abisko National Park is among the best places to see northern lights in Sweden, as well as in the Northern Hemisphere due to its chilling Arctic location. You can catch beautiful auroras even in the days from the months of September to March, December being the best time of the year to see the brilliant colors of these dancing lights. Enjoy the dramatic terrain of this national park with mountains and clear night skies creating a perfect backdrop to experiment with your photography skills. And if you’re a science enthusiast, then you should must visit the Aurora Sky Station to understand the science behind this phenomenon. You can even go on ice climbing and snowmobile tours in the daytime. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Sweden.
Things to do in Abisko, Sweden –
- Visit Riksgränsen, a ski resort for all kinds of winter sports activities
- Visit Björkliden, a ski resort near Abisko National Park
- Experience ice fishing at Lake Torneträsk Arctic
7. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Greenland is one of the most underrated places to see northern lights in the entire globe due to very less direct flights, but you will be thrilled after visiting here. If you want to see the best Northern lights in early April, then Kangerlussuaq is the place. The top of the Greenland ice cap gives you a view that is worth remembering. Due to the clear skies for almost 300 days a year, you can watch auroras anytime here. You can also book a multi-night dog-sledding package as the brilliant auroras completely light up the sky to enjoy every bit of a place even at night. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Greenland.
Things to do in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland –
- Visit the Kangerlussuaq Museum to see the exhibits from World War II.
- Go on a sea kayaking trip.
- Explore the Arctic Circle trail
- Visit the highly-rated Roklubben restaurant to try local cuisines.
- Explore the Russell Glacier, a 60m high ice wall.
- Take a Tundra Safari
8. Yellowknife, Canada
Also known as the “Aurora Capital of the World” due to its most favored position in the center of the aurora oval, it has the world’s most awe-inspiring light shows. Due to this preferred location, you can catch auroras on about 240 days a year best time is to visit from mid-November to early-April or from late-summer to early-fall season. But auroras are not the only thing to enjoy here. Since this place is located near Great Slave Lake, you can experience several winter sports activities here. Snowkings Winter Festival in March also offers you a variety of activities to do like ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, snow-carving contests, live music, snow castle, and many more. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Yellowknife.
Things to do in Yellowknife, Canada –
- Visit Bush Pilots Monument
- Visit Gallery of the Midnight Sun to see Arctic art and crafts
- Visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
- Visit the Cameron Falls Trail, one of the best places to visit during hot summer days.
- Visit the Frame Lake Trail for a mesmerizing view.
9. Reynisfjara, Southern Iceland
We all that Iceland is a great spot to view auroras, but only a few of us actually know that it is also famous for its mesmerizing black sand beaches. With a unique backdrop of unusual beaches, Reynisfjara is yet among the best places to see northern lights in Iceland. You can even go to Jökulsárlón, famous for its clear glacier lagoons, to get completely immersed in auroras as the reflection falls on clear water. It is always best to go with a travel guide to such places where you are not sure about the icy paths and depth of the waters. Head to the Hotel Rangá for a cozy, warm stay to enjoy auroras from an observation deck, ideal for adjusting your photography instruments and creating some magical time-lapse moments. Visit CheapairticketUSA to book your cheap flight tickets on direct flights to Southern Iceland.
Things to do in Reynisfjara, Southern Iceland –
- Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the world’s most popular black sand beach.
- Visit Diamond Beach for its large and glistening iceberg fragments
- Explore Dyrhólaey, a large arch of volcanic rock open for visitors for sight-seeing
- Visit the world’s famous black sand beach with large basalt columns and puffins, Hálsanefshellir Cave
- Explore the beautiful Skógafoss waterfall
- Visit Fjaðrárgljúfur, a 200 million-year-old winding river canyon
- Visit Jökulsárlón to see floating icebergs, seals, and skuas.
10. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
Underrated, but one of the best place to see northern lights in US is Dark Sky Park in Michigan. Due to its Southern location, auroras appear here very less frequently but what amazes the visitors here is its colored sky itself. It is one of the best places to visit for star-gazing also, people who love to spend their hours watching clear skies should definitely come here as they are going to experience a totally unusual phenomenon. This place just doesn’t stop itself from pleasing your eyes, you can see the Milky Way with an abundance of stars during the summer months and meteor showers during the late-summers.
