4 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia and Finland

If you’re interested in booking a dedicated Northern Lights Safari Tour, discover our Arctic Dreams multi-day tour, which includes an unforgettable Aurora experience. Alternatively, contact us today to order a bespoke tour tailored to your preferences.

In this article, we will explore four specific destinations ideal for an Aurora safari: Norway’s Lofoten Islands, Northern Norway, Swedish Lapland, and Finnish Lapland. While the cost of holidays in these destinations is typically comparable, we will delve into what makes each place unique. We will consider the following key aspects for each region:

• Accessibility: how easy is it to reach the destination?
• Comfort & facilities: information on hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and other on-site amenities to enhance your stay.
• Activities: special activities and tours available in the selected region, complementing your Northern Lights chase.

We trust this guide will prove invaluable in helping you plan your unforgettable trip to Europe’s North in search of the elusive Aurora!

Before you set out on your Aurora Borealis safari, there are a few crucial tips to keep in mind to maximise your chances of a spectacular sighting. Here’s what you should know:

• The best time to observe the Northern Lights: despite common misconceptions, the ideal time for an Aurora safari is typically during February-March and September-October. This is because the weather tends to be cloudier in the depths of winter, making it much more challenging to secure that perfect view. Generally, March is considered the prime month for Northern Lights tours.
• Use the Aurora Forecast: increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights by consulting an Aurora Forecast tool.
• Dress warmly in layers: regardless of your travel dates, remember that temperatures will drop significantly at night. Ensure you wear appropriate clothing, including multiple layers for your upper body, a warm coat or jacket, thick winter boots, a hat, and gloves.

Lofoten, a picturesque archipelago in Northern Norway, is generally one of Norway’s most popular destinations. In autumn, it attracts increasing numbers of travellers interested in Aurora Borealis safaris.

Due to its remote location relative to larger cities, the variety of top-notch facilities and winter activities may feel somewhat limited compared to other destinations you might consider. However, the archipelago’s famous white-sand beaches and charming fishing villages offer compelling reasons to visit this captivating destination, while the experience of staying in an authentic fishermen’s rorbu is truly unforgettable. Overall, Lofoten promises you an unforgettable Aurora experience.

Getting to Lofoten

Reaching the Lofoten Islands might be somewhat slightly more complicated than other major destinations in Norway. Bodø, a town with a population of around 55,000, is often regarded as the gateway to the Lofoten archipelago. You can fly from major Norwegian towns or European cities to Bodø, followed by another flight either to Leknes or Svolvær to reach the archipelago itself (or rent a car and drive from the airport all the way to the islands).

Alternatively, travel to Lofoten on a Hurtigruten or Havila cruise from any departure point along their routes, including major cities like Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim, and Tromsø. Learn more about planning your visit in our dedicated guide to the Lofoten Islands in summer.

Getting around the islands can be challenging, particularly if you wish to explore them thoroughly. The best way to navigate the archipelago is by car, so Lofoten may not be the ideal choice if you do not have a driving licence.

Comfort & facilities in Lofoten

While being located quite far from major Norwegian cities, Lofoten features quite limited facilities. However, its largest fishing towns — such as Svolvær, Reine, and Henningsvær — provide accommodation options catering to every taste, from budget-friendly hostels and more affordable rorbuer to luxury hotels. If you wish to stay in a traditional rorbu, consider booking accommodation at the premium Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy (near Reine) or Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær; both offer excellent options for an unforgettable viewing of the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands.

For the best dining experience in the islands, consider staying in the larger destinations or head to the town of Ballstad, often regarded as the archipelago’s dining capital. Fish and seafood are, naturally, the culinary staples of Lofoten. While the choice of eateries may feel limited compared to Tromsø or Finnish Lapland, there are enough top-notch places to satisfy your palate.

Activities in Lofoten

A fishing vessel in the harbour of a town in the Lofoten Islands.

The Lofoten Islands are typically not considered ideal for traditional inland Arctic activities, and for good reason. The archipelago’s rugged, mountainous terrain is generally not suitable for quintessential winter pursuits such as dog sledding, reindeer sledding, and snowmobiling.

However, several unique experiences more than compensate for this. A Trollfjord cruise from Svolvær is an absolute must. Alternatively, embark on a RIB boat eagle safari to Trollfjord. Opportunities for fishing and kayaking are also plentiful. Snowshoeing and hiking are available as well, but the undisputed highlight is year-round Arctic surfing at Unstad Beach.

If you’re willing to embrace unique coastal activities over traditional inland Arctic pursuits, then a winter trip to Lofoten is undoubtedly for you.

To sum up, this is why you should consider hunting for the Northern Lights in Lofoten Islands:

• A great variety of water activities, including the unique surfing experience at Unstad and the memorable Trollfjord cruise.
• Rocky landscapes with towering peaks in the background and white-sand beaches create a stunning backdrop.
• Charming fishing villages are fascinating places to explore year-round.
• Visitors can stay in the unique accommodation — traditional fishermen’s cabins (rorbuer).

The extraordinary Alta Cathedral in Alta, Northern Norway.

Northern Norway is another popular destination for an Aurora Borealis safari. Here, you can combine your Northern Lights tour with a variety of other exciting activities, without compromising on comfort.

Northern Lights in Tromsø

Tromsø, often regarded as the capital of northern Norway, is a major cultural hub and one of the largest Norwegian cities. Countless tourists visit this Arctic city every winter to embark on an Aurora Borealis safari. Indeed, Tromsø, a vibrant northern city, is an ideal choice for observing the Northern Lights. In winter, locals often commute to work and school while it is still dark, regularly witnessing the Aurora Borealis. While this may be routine for them, tourists eagerly flock to Tromsø to experience this awe-inspiring phenomenon.

Northern Lights in Alta

In contrast, Alta is a small Norwegian town located within a 6-hour drive from Tromsø. Consider travelling to Alta if you prefer to avoid larger crowds of tourists. Observing the Northern Lights in Alta is a remarkable experience, although you must be aware that its selection of hotels, restaurants, facilities, and tours is far more limited compared to Tromsø.

Getting to Norway’s North

Northern Norway stands as one of the most accessible Arctic regions. If you plan to stay in Alta, you can easily reach it from Tromsø in three ways: by car, bus, or plane. Several daily flights connect Tromsø to Alta.

Furthermore, SAS and Norwegian, two Scandinavian airlines, offer numerous daily direct flights from Oslo to Tromsø in winter. You can also fly to Tromsø from other Norwegian cities (daily flights are available from Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim) and other European capitals (daily flights are available from Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, and London).

Alternatively, you may embark on a Hurtigruten cruise and reach Tromsø this way. Considering that Hurtigruten operates 365 days a year and often offers discounts during the winter season, this may well turn out to be a worthwhile option.

Comfort & facilities in Norway’s North

In Tromsø, you will find a greater level of comfort compared to Alta or other alternative destinations. Firstly, Tromsø boasts an overwhelming number of hotels, offering the widest selection you can find in the north. Secondly, you’ll discover dozens of bars, pubs, and restaurants in Tromsø, adding to your convenience.

Moreover, a range of other tourist facilities is available to enhance your stay. For instance, consider visiting Tromsø’s unique Vulkana Spa, which seamlessly combines sauna, bathing, Arctic nature, and exquisite dining. Avid fishermen might enjoy staying in one of the charming fishing villages near Tromsø. Additionally, don’t miss attractions like Tromsø’s Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral.

In contrast, Alta offers a more limited selection, with only 4-5 hotels and about a dozen restaurants. However, you can transform your stay in Alta into a truly exotic experience: consider the Igloo Hotel, meticulously rebuilt from ice each December and featuring impressive ice sculptures. Other points of interest include the extraordinary Northern Lights Cathedral and the fascinating Alta Museum.

Activities in Norway’s North

Whale watching is one of the travellers’ favourite activities in winterly Tromsø.

While Alta offers engaging activities, Tromsø provides a far greater variety and diversity, particularly for winter pursuits. Tromsø undoubtedly excels in winter activities, including fishing and whale-watching tours. For a comprehensive guide, explore our article on the best things to do in Tromsø in winter. In Northern Norway, you can typically try the following winter activities:

• Dog sledding
• Reindeer sledding
• Snowmobiling
• Cross-country skiing (levels: 2 km easy, 5 km intermediate, 8 km advanced)
• Snowshoeing (very easy)
• Ice fishing
• Whale watching
• Fjord cruises
• Aurora camping
• Fat-tire biking.

A unique offering not found in Finnish or Swedish Lapland is the whale-watching safari. Travellers can witness whales near the shore as they feed — December is often the best month for whale safari tours from Tromsø. If you seek an an exceptional experience, this tour truly stands out.

Tromsø is also a hotspot for European fishermen, particularly for winter ice fishing. The Gulf Stream ensures Northern Norway’s winters are significantly milder than in Sweden and Finland, making them ideal for a relaxed, enjoyable holiday. Look out for combined Aurora Borealis and ice fishing tours.

Therefore, while the sheer variety of activities might be less extensive than in Finnish Lapland, Northern Norway remains a perfect destination for fishing and whale-watching enthusiasts.

To sum up, this is why you should consider hunting for the Northern Lights in Tromsø or Alta:

• Milder winter weather in comparison to the Lapland.
• Almost every type of winter activities available.
• The location is easy to reach from all over Europe.
• The variety of hotels, restaurants, and facilities is much wider than in Lofoten, Finland’s Lapland, and Sweden’s Lapland.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland.

When it comes to observing the Northern Lights in Finland, your primary destination should be Finnish Lapland. Within this captivating region, two popular hubs for Aurora safaris stand out: the regional capital Rovaniemi and the charming village of Ivalo. Let’s discover more about witnessing the Northern Lights in these two locations.

Northern Lights in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is widely known as the official residence of Santa Claus. This unique appeal, among many other aspects, makes an Aurora Borealis safari here particularly special. Consequently, expect generally higher prices for hotels and plane tickets, which we strongly recommend you book well in advance.

However, Rovaniemi’s popularity among travellers in Europe comes as no surprise. We have even ranked Rovaniemi as the top destination for Christmas holidays in Northern Europe. Regardless of whether you wish to embark on a dedicated Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour or try a wide array of outdoor winter activities, this lively Finnish town offers a perfect experience for you — unless, of course, you prefer to avoid crowds.

Northern Lights in Ivalo

Ivalo, in contrast, is a Finnish village that serves as a gateway to southern Lapland. While the selection of organised tours and activities may be more limited here, you can always rent cosy cabins for prime Aurora viewing. A particular speciality of the region is its glass igloos, which allow you to observe the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed, although they tend to be fairly expensive.

Getting to Finnish Lapland

Accessibility to Finnish Lapland can be more challenging than to Norway’s Finnmark. Direct flights to Rovaniemi are primarily available from Helsinki, London, and several other Finnish cities. Despite this, expect at least 6-7 daily direct flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, operated by Finnair and Norwegian. You can also book train tickets from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, though the journey takes around 9 hours.

Accessing Ivalo proves a bit more challenging. Finnair and Norwegian also operate daily direct flights from Helsinki to Ivalo, averaging three per day. Alternatively, you may choose to drive there by car.

Comfort & facilities in Finnish Lapland

Glass igloos at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

Finnish Lapland can be praised for its unparalleled tourism infrastructure. Let’s begin with Rovaniemi. The city offers over 15 hotels to accommodate visitors. For a truly exceptional experience, however, consider renting a traditional wooden cottage or a glass igloo — an ideal way to observe the Northern Lights from comfort. While standard hotels might cost around 100 Euro per night, be prepared for prices to rise significantly for wooden cottages and glass igloos, potentially exceeding 800 Euro per night.

You’ll also find dozens of restaurants in the city, most of which serve traditional Finnish cuisine. However, a major draw for families on winter holidays is Santa Claus Village — the “official” residence of Santa Claus — making Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours highly sought-after.

Ivalo, in contrast, is a smaller Finnish village with a limited number of hotels and around a dozen restaurants. Visitors are drawn here by remote cottage houses and glass igloos, offering precious moments of serenity and tranquillity far from civilisation. While various activities are available in Ivalo, there are few traditional sights within the village itself (aside from the Wild Spirit Park).

Activities in Finland’s Lapland

Icebreaker cruise in the Gulf of Bothnia, Finland.

Finland’s Lapland is a region that offers the widest variety of activities. While it does not provide whale-watching safari tours (which you can book in Tromsø), you’ll find plenty of other exciting tours and activities available. Additionally, classic winter pursuits such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are also on offer.

A unique advantage here is that you can pre-book activity packages, which typically include one or several activities and three meals per day. This ensures a seamless and more enjoyable experience for you.

Beyond these, you’ll discover an impressive array of activities:

• Icebreaker tours
• Ice climbing
• Snow golf
• Horseback riding
• Photography tours
• Biking
• Zoo visits
• Floating
• Finnish sauna.

Let’s look at some unique experiences experience this fascinating region offers:

Icebreaker Tours: board an icebreaker ship and venture into Arctic waters, witnessing how the powerful vessel carves its way through the ice. During the tour, explore the ship’s engine rooms and step onto the captain’s bridge for a unique perspective.

Ice Climbing: experience the thrill typically reserved for alpinists as you overcome the challenge of fragile yet magnificent ice formations. Learn the basics of ice climbing with an experienced local guide.

Floating: Don a floating suit and relish the experience of floating in frozen waters. Rest assured, the suit will keep you warm and your clothes dry.

And, of course, remember to consider the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi. You can combine Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours with other activities, ensuring a day filled with fun and excitement!

To sum up, this is why you should consider hunting for the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland:

• Availability of glass-roof cabins for Aurora Borealis safaris.
• Santa Claus Village is a major attraction for children and families.
• A wider variety of activities and tours for visitors.
• Option to pre-book activity packages with meals.

Northern Lights near Kiruna, Sweden.

Swedish Lapland is an excellent destination for an Aurora Borealis experience. In this region, you can choose to observe the Northern Lights in Kiruna, a relatively large Swedish town, or Abisko, a remote train station. While Kiruna offers more facilities and amenities, Abisko is often the preferred choice for a winter trip for travellers seeking solitude and a connection with nature.

While Swedish Lapland offers a compelling Aurora Borealis experience, it may not suit every type of traveller. If you expect to combine your Aurora Borealis experience with a wide range of other winter tours, the other destinations we listed in this article might be more suitable. However, if you are prepared for minor logistical challenges (as Swedish Lapland is the most difficult to reach) and a somewhat limited range of activities, this region may well surprise you!

Northern Lights in Kiruna

Kiruna, once Sweden’s coal capital, now attracts a growing number of tourists. Today, it stands as an excellent location for observing the Northern Lights in Sweden. The city is sizable and offers a good selection of accommodation. Be aware, however, that reaching it can be more challenging than getting to Tromsø or Finnish Lapland.

Conversely, prices in Kiruna are noticeably lower than in Finnish Lapland and Tromsø. Once you arrive, if you seek a hassle-free Aurora Borealis experience, consider joining a guided Kiruna Northern Lights tour.

Northern Lights in Abisko

In contrast, Abisko is a train station situated approximately 95 kilometres from Kiruna. If you prefer to avoid crowds or are travelling on a tighter budget, Abisko provides an excellent setting for witnessing the Northern Lights spectacle. Be aware, however, that accommodation options in Abisko are limited.

Abisko’s proximity to wild nature is a prime speciality, offering another compelling reason to choose this destination over other places.

Getting to Swedish Lapland

Accessing Swedish Lapland for an Aurora Borealis experience can be more challenging than other options. The most straightforward way to reach Kiruna is by train from Stockholm. You can also take a train from either Oslo or Stockholm to Abisko. Additionally, around four daily direct flights operate from Stockholm to Kiruna.

If you are in Kiruna and wish to visit Abisko, you can travel by train, taxi, or car. Always check train schedules if flying into Kiruna, as connections to Abisko might be tight.

Comfort & facilities in Swedish Lapland

ICEHOTEL in Kiruna, built entirely of snow and ice.

In Kiruna, you’ll find a greater level of comfort compared to Abisko. You can expect to find dozens of hotels and a comparable number of restaurants. For a truly unique experience, consider staying at the Kiruna Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi (approximately 17 kilometres from Kiruna), which features 55 rooms. Book well in advance to secure your stay. Room prices typically start at 150 Euro per night.

Abisko, in contrast, offers very few accommodation options and no traditional hotels, as expected given its remote location. Similarly, dining options are limited, and the settlement itself has no major tourist attractions. Therefore, if comfort is a priority, you may find witnessing the Northern Lights in Kiruna a more suitable option.

Activities in Sweden’s Lapland

While the range of activities may be more limited compared to Finnish Lapland and Norway, Sweden’s North still offers several engaging pursuits. Here, you can try dog sledding, reindeer sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing tours. Notably, you can also try ice climbing in Abisko, a more unusual offering.

Additionally, this region offers you the following unique activities:

• Northern Lights Photo Tour
• Moose safari
• Cave adventure

While unique tours and activities might be less numerous, the region still offers engaging combinations. If you embark on a Kiruna Northern Lights tour here, consider combining it with other activities.

Northern Lights Phototour: an experienced local guide and photographer will take you to the best spot for capturing Aurora Borealis photographs in Kiruna. During this tour, you will learn the fundamentals of night photography, specifically for the Northern Lights, but do ensure you bring warm clothing and gloves.

Moose Safari: imagine yourself on an Icelandic horse, seeking out moose for stunning photographs in the woods. This unique tour is unparalleled in Norway’s North or Finnish Lapland. Conclude the tour with a warm lunch at a local farm.

Cave Adventure: embark on a cave adventure through Kåppasjåkka, one of Sweden’s longest cave systems, exploring its fascinating underground world.

To sum up, this is why you should consider hunting for the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland:

• Excellent railway connections.
• Kiruna Ice Hotel is an unusual and memorable accommodation experience.
• Exclusive moose safari tours, not available in Norway’s North or Finnish Lapland.

Thinking of other inspirational ideas to spend a winter vacation in Norway? Check out our thoughts on the best ways to spend winter holidays in Norway.

No matter which destination you choose for your Aurora Borealis adventure, rest assured that these are all prime locations for observing the Northern Lights in Scandinavia and Finland. This guide has detailed the accessibility, facilities, and activities of each. Ultimately, an Aurora Borealis safari promises a memorable and utterly exhilarating experience, regardless of the area you pick for your next winter trip.