When is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Scandinavia?

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Gazing at the Northern Lights in Scandinavia is an unforgettable experience, whether in Norway, Sweden or Finland. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of seeing these incredible natural light shows dancing in the polar sky.

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Norway: Tromsø, Lofoten and Nordkapp

Norway is often considered one of the best destinations for watching the Northern Lights, especially in the north of the country which lies above the Arctic Circle. To find the aurora, it is best to plan your trip some time between October and March. Once there, keep as far away as possible from the cities and their lights. It's best to go with a guide, to benefit from their knowledge and experience - and with warm clothes, as the temperature can be reach as low as -10°C at this time of year.

Tromsø is an ideal starting point for an excursion to see the Northern Lights. The town enjoys clear skies during the winter, and many agencies offer night-time trips to go out looking for the lights in the sky. The climate here is milder than in other Nordic regions thanks to the Gulf Stream, but beware: temperatures are still bone-chillingly low.

The Lofoten Islands, with their steep mountains jutting out into the sea, are a spectacular setting for observing these luminous phenomena. The white sandy beaches, such as those at Unstad and Haukland, create a striking contrast with the illuminated sky.

Nordkapp, Europe's most northerly point, offers unobstructed views of the Arctic Ocean, far from light pollution. It's an excellent location for photography enthusiasts who want to capture the Northern Lights’ reflection on the sea.

Sweden: Kiruna and Abisko

Sweden is another prime destination for watching the Northern Lights, especially in the Swedish Lapland region between November and March. The towns of Kiruna and Abisko are renowned for their often clear skies and easy access from Stockholm. You should opt for isolated accommodation such as chalets or wooden cabins, and make sure to pack what you need to deal with temperatures that can reach as low as -15°C.

The town of Kiruna is a great spot from which to reach spectacular sites such as the Abisko Nature Reserve and the famous Icehotel. The region is well served by transport and offers a wide range of activities, including visits to iron mines, snowshoe hikes and snowmobile safaris.

Abisko National Park is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Thanks to its unique microclimate, the skies are often clear and clean. The Aurora Sky Station, an observatory dedicated to the aurora, is a must for photography and astronomy enthusiasts.

Finland: Finnish Lapland and Rovaniemi

Finnish Lapland is a magical destination for watching the Northern Lights, with its snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and charming cottages. To increase your chances of spotting these celestial displays, plan to travel between September and March, with special priority to December and January. Avoid nights with a full moon, which could reduce the visibility of the aurora, download forecasting apps and make sure to prepare adequately for the cold before visiting the region.

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a somewhat brightly-lit city, but all you need to do is drive a few kilometres to find dark places where the Northern Lights show up quite often.

The areas around Inari and Saariselkä are particularly popular for their clear skies and low atmospheric light pollution. There, the Northern Lights are visible almost 200 nights a year on average. There are unique accommodation, such as glass igloos, to let you gaze up at the aurora directly from the comfort of your bed.