With the Northern Lights being up there on our travellers' bucket lists, one of the most common questions we get at Wild Earth Travel is, "Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?"
We've collated our own and our travellers' experiences to list the top places (in no particular order) to see the Northern Lights via small ship:
- Norwegian Coast (Tromsø to Kirkenes)
Cruising along Norway's rugged coastline offers stunning views of the auroras, especially during the winter months. The remote fjords and minimal light pollution provide ideal conditions. - Iceland (Reykjavík to Akureyri)
Iceland’s coastal waters, particularly in the northern regions, offer excellent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. The combination of dramatic landscapes and clear skies makes it a prime location. - Greenland (Scoresby Sound)
Exploring Greenland's eastern fjords, particularly around Scoresby Sound, provides a pristine and isolated setting for aurora viewing, far from any artificial lights. - Svalbard Archipelago
Located well within the Arctic Circle, Svalbard offers long periods of darkness during the polar night, creating perfect conditions for Northern Lights sightings. - Canadian Arctic (Nunavut and Northwest Passage)
The remote waters of Canada’s Arctic are ideal for witnessing the auroras, with small ships offering unique access to untouched landscapes and clear skies.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months, typically from late September to early April. During this period, the nights are long and dark, providing optimal conditions for aurora viewing.
The peak viewing times are usually between 10 PM and 2 AM, when the skies are darkest.
The equinoxes, around late September and late March, are particularly good times to see the Northern Lights due to increased solar activity. Clear, cloudless nights and locations far from city lights also improve your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon.
Looking for a Northern Lights adventure? Check out some of our voyages here>>>
Image courtesy: Iceland ProCruises
