Experience the Northern Lights in Northern Europe: A magical story between the sky and snow

Watching the Northern Lights has long been one of the most magical and desirable travel experiences in the world. Among the regions where this magical natural phenomenon can be observed, Northern Europe is the most ideal destination for those who are passionate about the night sky and the pristine beauty of the polar region. With shimmering bands of light dancing across the night sky, the experience of watching the Northern Lights in Northern Europe is not only a journey of discovery, but also a miracle that awakens deep emotions in each person. Let's explore three countries considered paradises for watching the Northern Lights: Norway, Iceland and Finland.

Việt Nam•11/08/2025

1. Norway – Experience the Northern Lights in Northern Europe amidst pristine nature

Norway is always ranked among the top destinations thanks to its favorable geographical location and spectacular natural landscape (Photo source: Collected)

Norway is always on the top of the list of destinations for Northern European aurora viewing experiences thanks to its favorable geographical location and breathtaking natural landscapes. Located close to the Arctic Circle, Norway not only offers a high chance of observing the aurora but is also a place where visitors can combine adventure and relaxation.

Tromsø: Tromsø, the largest city in northern Norway, is one of the easiest places to see the aurora borealis. Located right in the “aurora belt,” Tromsø has relatively mild weather compared to other Arctic regions thanks to the Gulf Stream. It is an ideal place to hunt for the aurora borealis from September to March each year.

Visitors can choose from aurora tours by bus, snowmobile or boat, or simply head out of town and find a dark spot in the wilderness. Tromsø’s speciality is that you can combine your Northern Lights experience with fun winter activities like ice fishing, dog sledding or snow camping.

Lofoten Islands: If you’re looking for a picturesque Northern Lights experience, the Lofoten Islands are a great choice. The rugged mountain landscape, peaceful fishing villages, and snow-capped beaches create a picturesque setting.

As night falls, the aurora appears as undulating streaks of color reflecting on the calm sea. The feeling of standing in the vastness of nature, quietly watching the lights dance above your head is truly an unforgettable moment in life.

2. Iceland – Experience the Northern Lights in Northern Europe in the land of ice and fire

Iceland is also an attractive destination for those who want to experience watching the aurora borealis in Northern Europe (Photo source: Collected)

Not only famous for its waterfalls, hot springs and volcanoes, Iceland is also an attractive destination for those who want to experience the Northern Lights in full. Low population density, little light pollution and cold, dry climate make Iceland's night sky ideal for hunting the Northern Lights.

Reykjavik: Despite being a capital city, Reykjavik is still a great place to see the Northern Lights when the weather is good. However, to fully enjoy the Northern Lights experience in Northern Europe, visitors should move away from the city center to the surrounding wilderness areas such as Grótta Lighthouse or Thingvellir National Park.

Aurora tours departing from Reykjavik are plentiful, ranging from off-road jeeps, minivans to ocean cruises. With the unpredictable weather, tour companies often provide apps that update the time and location of the aurora, making it easy for visitors to catch this rare moment.

Jokulsarlon Lake: One of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lake in the southeast. The icebergs glisten under the turquoise light of the Northern Lights, creating a surreal scene that will leave anyone speechless.

Experience the Northern Lights in Northern Europe at Jokulsarlon Lake and you will feel like you are entering a mythical world . There are no words to describe the beauty of the moment when the sky lights up at the same time as the giant ice blocks glow in the dark.

3. Finland – Experience the Northern Lights in a Warm Glass Tent

Lapland in northern Finland is where you can see the aurora borealis in absolute warmth (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to Northern European aurora viewing experiences, Finland always makes a distinct mark thanks to the combination of modern conveniences and unspoiled nature. In particular, the Lapland region in northern Finland is where you can watch the aurora in absolute warmth without leaving your warm blankets and soft mattresses.

Rovaniemi: Not only is Rovaniemi the hometown of Santa Claus, it's also one of the best places in Europe to hunt for the northern lights. In winter, you can catch the northern lights almost every night if the weather is good.

Northern Lights viewing experiences in Rovaniemi range from reindeer sledding, night skiing, or professional photo tours. Resorts here also build igloos or glass tents with transparent roofs, allowing guests to watch the aurora from their beds.

Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a world-famous resort with modern glass tents set amidst snow-capped pine forests. When the aurora appears, you can just lie still in bed and look up at the glass roof to admire the dancing lights in the sky.

Saariselkä is also a less crowded destination but still offers a great Northern Lights experience. Combining glass igloos, traditional Finnish saunas and winter sports such as skiing and ice fishing will make the trip memorable.

The Northern Lights experience is not just a tourist trip, but also a journey towards nature, where people feel their smallness in the vast universe. If you are looking for a trip to reconnect with yourself, to breathe the pure air of the North Pole and let your eyes witness a cosmic wonder, then let the Northern Lights experience be your guide.