The Northern Lights are set to become more visible in the coming months, as the sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle.
You’re much more likely to see them between now and April, and while may be true both in the UK and abroad, there are some countries where you are much more likely to see these stunning lights.
While the Northern Lights have been visible from the UK on some nights over the last year, they’re still a rare occurence.
With this in mind, global travel booking platform Omio has listed five different destinations you can visit to catch a glimpse of this unforgettable display – and four of them are in Europe.
The experts opted against including Iceland in their listings, instead picking some more budget-friendly options, many of which are accessible via Eurostar or Flixbus.
Best destinations to see the Northern Lights
Norway
Norway is one of the best countries for seeing the Northern Lights. A large portion of the country, particularly northern Norway, lies directly under the “auroral oval,” where these lights are most frequently visible.
Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands are considered the best ‘sightseeing’ spots for the lights. A direct flight from London to Tromsø is available on Wizz Air and will take just three hours and 35 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take a high-speed Eurostar from London to the Norwegian capital of Oslo and then fly from there to Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands.
Finland
Finland is known for its magical winter landscapes – and just like in Norway, heading to the far north of the country will give you the best chance at catching sight of the Northern Lights. Lapland in particular is a popular choice for aurora-watchers as it is located within the auroral zone.
Liverpool Airport, Manchester Airport and London Gatwick Airport all offer direct flights to Lapland, with journeys taking around three hours. You can also take the Eurostar train to Stockholm and then a ferry to Helsinki for a more scenic journey into Finland.
Sweden
In the north of Sweden, you will find the world-renowned Abisko National Park– the place to be if you are looking to get the ultimate view of the Northern Lights. Thanks to the park’s low light pollution you’ll be able to get some truly stunning views.
A flight from the UK to Sweden will typically take between two and three hours; you can then transfer in Stockholm to Kiruna, the nearest city to the national park. For a low-cost option, the experts at Omio highlight that you can also take a Flixbus from London to Sweden.
Denmark
For those looking for an unforgettable viewing of the Northern Lights, then Denmark is a perfect choice, with the experts recommending The Faroe Islands, Grenen and Samsø in particular, as these areas are surrounded by enchanting landscapes that will make the viewing of the Northern Lights even more breathtaking.
You can fly to the Danish capital of Copenhagen from numerous British airports, with flights taking less than two hours, or you can take the Eurostar to Brussels, then a Deutsche Bahn train to Copenhagen. From Copenhagen you can then fly to the north of the country for prime Northern Lights viewing.
Canada
You don’t have to stay in Europe for the Northern Lights, and those looking for somewhere a bit further afield should consider jetting off to Canada – one of the best non-Europeans for seeing the lights in their full glory.
The best places for spotting the lights are Manitoulin Island, Cree Village Ecolodge, and Pukaskwa National Park. A flight to Canada from London will typically take around eight hours – much further than the European destinations, but worth the wait.
