Europe’s Best Northern Lights Spots

While Iceland and Norway dominate Aurora hype, savvy travelers can spot the lights in surprising places. Tromsø, Norway, is a classic base for dog-sledding by day and sky-gazing by night, but head to nearby Senja Island for fewer tourists. Sweden’s Abisko National Park boasts a microclimate that keeps skies clear—so much so that the local Aurora Sky Station offers a “lights guarantee” during stays of 3+ nights.

For a wildcard pick, Scotland’s Shetland Islands or Finland’s Rovaniemi (home to Santa’s Village!) occasionally deliver dazzling displays. Timing is key: aim for January-February, when nights are longest, and check Aurora forecast apps for real-time updates.