Northern Lights on your family wish list? We’ve found Europe’s best (and easiest) places to see them this winter. The spectacle’s already happening in some locations right now. So take a look at where’s good to go.
Northern Lights over Stockholm city centre in Sweden
Cairngorms National Park: easiest place to see Northern Lights this winter
Some say you can see the Northern Lights from Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Truth is, you have to go much further north in Scotland for sightings. Out on the Shetland Islands there’s so much Aurora Borealis action they nicknamed the phenomenon, ‘Mirrie Dancers’, centuries ago.
Easiest with kids, is Cairngorms National Park. Just over 40 minutes drive south east of Inverness, it’s the UK’s largest national park. The dark skies here are vast. There’s virtually no sodium glare. And the mountains are high as high. Only perfect Northern Light conditions.
See our recommended hotels in Cairngorms National Park
The world’s best place to see Northern Lights is Abisko National Park in Sweden
Abisko National Park, Sweden: world’s top spot for Northern Lights
Enormous Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is famous for its Northern Lights. It’s also a vast, freezing wilderness with few permanent residents. If you need a hint of how cold it is here in winter, the world’s first Ice Hotel was opened at nearby Kiruna. Fortunately, Aurora Sky Station knows how to handle extremes. It’s one of the best places on earth to see Northern Lights and designed for comfort. Cosy, weather-proof overalls are provided for outside viewing. The open air terrace overlooks Abisko National Park. And, if there isn’t going to be a light show, the cable car to the Sky Station doesn’t run.
See our recommended hotels in Abisko National Park
Northern Lights over Erstfjord in Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø: Norway’s northern capital and land of Aurora Borealis
Tromsø is sub-zero with almost no winter daylight yet families still flock here on holiday. What’s the secret? This is Norway’s northern capital. It’s a whale watching kingdom and home to the amazing Arctic Cathedral. Old Tromsø sits on a snowy, fairy tale for about five months of the year. And city skies put up an immense Northern Lights display almost every night from November to March. Several local companies also organise tours to Aurora Sky Station. And while you’re waiting nightfall (just a little bit darker than midday here) you can try whale cruises, Nordic skiing, reindeer races and dog sled rides.
See our recommended hotels in Tromsø
Sun Voyager sculpture and Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik: Spot Northern Lights at the heart of Iceland’s capital
Northern Lights have been seen in Iceland as early as August. And you can regularly spot them in Reykjavik from September onwards. If you want to go adventuring a bit further, several city companies specialise in Northern Light tours along the stunning south coast. Take a break from sky watching and go float in the famous thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. More rugged outdoor extremes like glacier walking, hiking and climbing are winter staples in Iceland. Or try exploring volcanoes and frozen waterfalls. Go see geysers and get to know dozens of enchanting coastal towns. Or just stay in Reykjavik. The city might look like a scaled-up fishing village, but it doesn’t act like one.
See our recommended hotels in Reykjavik
The capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is right on the edge of the Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi: capital of Finnish Lapland and home of Santa Claus
Rovaniemi might be known for Santa Claus Village, but it’s also a Northern Lights hotspot. The sky around the city rages with colour for over 200 nights a year. You can see the lights on husky sleds or snowmobiles. And there are even reindeer sleighrides and snowshoe treks for the keenest spotters.
All sorts of other winter excitement goes on in Rovaniemi too, but the biggest draw of all is Santa Claus Village. Close to the city and on the edge of the Arctic Circle, it’s the one all other ‘winter wonderlands’, want to be. The snow’s real and the houses are cute. Santa has his own post office. Fun runs from ice-safaris to the Arctic Animal Wildlife Park. And naturally, there’s plenty Northern Light activity.
See our recommended hotels in Rovaniemi
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