The Northern Lights are one of nature’s greatest shows, turning Arctic skies into a canvas of glowing green, violet, and pink. Few natural experiences are as powerful and unforgettable as watching the aurora shimmer above snowy forests, volcanic valleys, or icy fjords.
If you are planning your own trip to the far north, this guide will show you where the aurora shines brightest. Keep reading to explore the best destinations in Europe to see the Northern Lights.
The Three Best Countries to See the Northern Lights
The aurora can be spotted across the Arctic Circle, but Iceland, Norway, and Finland stand out as the top three countries where travelers consistently enjoy magical sightings.
Each country combines natural beauty with accessible tours, making them ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned adventurers.
Iceland
Famous for dramatic landscapes, Iceland offers a unique mix of waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic terrain illuminated by the aurora. Evening tours from Reykjavik take you away from city lights to Thingvellir National Park or the South Coast.
Iceland is special because it perfectly combines adventure and serenity, where volcanic landscapes meet glacial beauty. Travelers can chase the Northern Lights while exploring natural wonders like the Blue Lagoon, waterfalls, and the Golden Circle, creating an unforgettable mix of relaxation and excitement.
Norway
Norway is one of the most reliable countries in the world to see the Northern Lights. Tromsø, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is one of the most reliable places on Earth for aurora hunting. Norway offers reliability. Tromsø sees frequent clear skies and has countless small-group minibus tours that chase the aurora to the best viewing spots.
Surrounded by fjords and mountains, Norway also offers husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and Arctic cruises alongside aurora tours.
Finland
Finland offers one of the highest chances in the world to see the Northern Lights, especially above the Arctic Circle in Lapland, where auroras can appear up to 200 nights a year. Its remote, unpolluted skies and stable weather patterns create ideal viewing conditions. Add glass igloos, reindeer sleigh rides, and cozy wilderness lodges, and Finland becomes a truly magical place to experience nature’s light show.
Rovaniemi and nearby resorts are among the most romantic and family-friendly destinations.
Not to forget: While Iceland, Norway, and Finland offer some of the most accessible and memorable aurora experiences in Europe, other destinations like Canada, Alaska, and Greenland also provide extraordinary opportunities to witness the Northern Lights under vast, untouched Arctic skies.
Top-Rated Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, Finland and Norway
Bestselling Aurora Tour in Reykjavik, Iceland
Join a 4-hour evening bus tour in Iceland and witness one of nature’s greatest wonders. Leave the bright lights of Reykjavik behind as you journey into the countryside in search of the magical Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Includes
- Transportation
- Professional guide
- Hot Chocolate
- Stops to take photos
- Free follow-up tour if you do not see lights on your first attempt
Most Popular Small Group Experience with Extras
Boost your chances of seeing the Aurora on this evening tour from Reykjavík. Guided by real-time forecasts, you’ll visit the best viewing spots, enjoy hot chocolate with Icelandic pastries, and receive souvenir photos of your Northern Lights experience.
Includes
- Hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries
- Live commentary on board
- Professional driver/guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Photos (if conditions allow)
Top-Value Combo with Blue Lagoon Admission
Enjoy Iceland’s perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with a soothing soak in the Blue Lagoon followed by an unforgettable Northern Lights hunt.
Includes
Blue Lagoon
- Admission to the Blue Lagoon
- Silica mud mask at the Blue Lagoon
- Use of a towel at the Blue Lagoon
- Drink of choice at the Blue Lagoon
Northern Lights hunt tour
- Professional English-speaking local guide during the aurora hunt
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (as per option selected)
Bestselling Combo with Golden Circle Highlights
Explore Iceland’s geological wonders on a guided bus tour, with an optional visit to Kerid Crater, before ending the day chasing the Northern Lights.
Includes
- Live guide
- Transfers (across the different places)
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off (as per option selected)
- Free Wi-Fi on board
Top Choice with Aurora Guarantee in Rovaniemi, Finland
Join Rovaniemi’s original Aurora hunters, tracing roots back 20 generations to the 1600s. Enjoy guaranteed Northern Lights, expert small-group guidance, brand-new 2025 4×4 vans, unlimited mileage, and professional photos of your experience.
Includes
- Unlimited mileage & time (typically 6–10 hours)
- Professional photography (DSLR photos included)
- Certified, first-aid trained Northern Lights guide
- Pickup & drop-off from your accommodation in Rovaniemi
- Thermal overalls for Arctic conditions
- Hot drinks & light snacks
Most Magical Aurora Experience with Reindeer Ride
Ride through the snowy Lappish forest on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, with convenient pick-up and drop-off from Rovaniemi city center.
Includes
- English-speaking guide
- Pick-up & drop-off from selected hotels in Rovaniemi city center
- Reindeer sleigh ride through Lappish forest
- Visit to a traditional reindeer farm
- Winter clothes
- Finnish snacks & hot blueberry juice
Authentic Aurora Experience with Arctic BBQ
Set out from Rovaniemi to hunt the Northern Lights. Relax by a lakeside camp, enjoy a traditional Lappish BBQ, and stay warm with hot tea as you await the aurora.
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off to selected hotels accommodations
- English-speaking guide
- Winter clothing
- BBQ: Lappish bread, pork sausages, salmon soup, and blueberry tea
Top Choice Small Group Aurora Hunt in Tromsø, Norway
Set out from Tromsø on an evening bus tour to chase the Northern Lights and enjoy a full Arctic experience.
Includes
- Roundtrip transportation from the meeting point
- Guide
- Tea and hot chocolate
- Marshmallows and snacks
- Campfire experience
- Includes 2 professional landscape photos
- Thermal suits
- Drop-off to your accommodation/hotel
Unique Arctic Adventure with Huskies
Witness the Northern Lights at a remote husky camp near Tromsø, guided by experts and complemented with a traditional Norwegian dinner.
Includes
- English-speaking expert
- Transfers from Tromso to the husky camp
- Interaction with Alaskan huskies
- Warm thermal overalls
- Traditional Norwegian dinner
- Northern lights viewing at a remote camp
Bestselling Classic Aurora Experience
Join an evening bus tour to witness one of nature’s greatest wonders. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll head to the best spots to chase the Northern Lights.
Includes
- Guide
- Transportation
- Thermal suit
- Hot drinks
- Photo workshop and portrait photo
- Hotel drop-off
Why Are These Countries the Best for Northern Lights
What makes Iceland, Norway, and Finland truly special is their position under the auroral oval, the zone where the Northern Lights are most frequently visible. Their long winter nights, low levels of light pollution, and developed tourism infrastructure make aurora hunting both accessible and comfortable.
Unlike other countries where the aurora is rare or unpredictable, here you can count on experienced guides, real-time Northern Lights forecasts, and tours tailored to every type of traveler. Whether you want a short evening bus ride, an adventurous husky safari, or a luxury igloo stay, these destinations offer it all.
Tips for Choosing Your Dream Destination
So, which country is right for you?
It depends on the kind of trip you imagine.
- For families: Iceland’s shorter evening tours and Finland’s cozy camps are ideal.
- For couples: Finland’s igloos and reindeer safaris create magical moments.
- For solo travelers: Norway’s small-group tours are social and perfect for photography lovers.
- For adventure seekers: Norway’s husky and snowmobile combos or Iceland’s rugged landscapes offer extra thrills.
- For bucket-list travelers: Finland’s guaranteed sighting tours and multi-night packages are hard to beat.
No matter which you choose, remember that patience, warm clothing, and flexible plans are key to seeing the Northern Lights. Each night is different, and part of the magic lies in the chase itself.
In short: Iceland, Norway, and Finland are the world’s best stages for the aurora borealis. Explore our detailed country guides to decide which destination matches your travel style and get ready for one of the most breathtaking sights on Earth.
FAQ - About Best Places to See Northern Lights
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?
The best place to see the Northern Lights is in the Arctic regions, especially Iceland, Norway, and Finland. Each offers excellent visibility and unique experiences.
Which country is the best for seeing the Northern Lights?
The best country for seeing the Northern Lights depends on what kind of trip you want. Norway is reliable for sightings, Finland is perfect for romantic igloo stays, and Iceland combines aurora tours with iconic landscapes.
Is Norway or Finland better to see the Northern Lights?
Norway is better for consistent weather and dramatic fjords, while Finland is better if you dream of watching the aurora from a glass igloo or during a reindeer sleigh ride. Finland vs Norway Northern Lights guide helps you decide which experience suits you best.
Is Norway or Iceland better for the Northern Lights?
Norway is better for guaranteed sightings in Tromsø, but Iceland is better if you want to combine the Northern Lights with natural wonders like glaciers, waterfalls, and the Blue Lagoon. Read more in our Norway vs Iceland comparison to see which fits your trip.
What is the cheapest country to see the Northern Lights in?
The cheapest country to see the Northern Lights is usually Iceland, thanks to affordable bus tours from Reykjavik. Norway and Finland can be more expensive, especially for igloo stays or husky combos.
Is Iceland more expensive than Norway?
Yes, in many cases Iceland is more expensive than Norway, especially for accommodation and food. However, Northern Lights tours in Iceland are often cheaper, starting from budget-friendly bus trips.
→Check our Iceland Northern Lights page for affordable options.
Which is more beautiful, Iceland or Norway?
Both are stunning. Iceland is more beautiful for its volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and waterfalls, while Norway is more beautiful for its fjords, mountains, and Arctic coastline.