The Best Places to See the Northern Lights—And How I Help You Choose

Destination Guides
Written By Laura Legg

Iceland? Norway? Alaska? Here’s how I help you find the right destination for your perfect aurora adventure.

When the sky lights up over Iceland’s most photographed mountain, it’s a moment you’ll never forget.

One Dream, Many Possibilities

The Northern Lights are a bucket-list experience—but what many travelers don’t realize is that there’s no one “right” place to see them. From snowy villages in Lapland to dramatic coastal towns in northern Norway, there are many incredible destinations where you can witness the aurora in action.

Each location offers something a little different: the style of accommodations, the ease of travel, the surrounding scenery, and the types of excursions available. My job is to help you figure out what matters most to you—and match you with the destination that fits your travel goals and personal style.

Top Northern Lights Destinations

Here are some of the most popular (and stunning!) places to see the Northern Lights:

Iceland

Kirkjufell in Iceland—one of the world’s most iconic aurora-viewing spots, and for good reason.

Iceland is one of the most accessible Northern Lights destinations, with direct flights from the U.S. and a wide range of lodging and tour options. In addition to aurora sightings, you can explore waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and geothermal hot springs—all in one trip.

Perfect for: Travelers who want variety, adventure, and a quick flight from the U.S.

Norway

In Norway, the Northern Lights reflect off icy waters and dance above dramatic coastal fjords.

Northern Norway is known for its dramatic landscapes and charming coastal towns like Tromsø. You can combine aurora hunting with reindeer sleigh rides, fjord cruises, or even a stay at an Arctic ice hotel.

Perfect for: Travelers who love stunning scenery, wildlife, and immersive cultural experiences.

Finland

Finland’s peaceful snow-covered forests offer a quiet, magical setting to watch the Northern Lights.

Home to those iconic glass-roofed igloos, Finland offers a quieter, more serene Northern Lights experience. Lapland is all about cozy luxury, snow-covered forests, and wellness-focused stays with saunas, hot tubs, and peaceful surroundings.

Perfect for: Travelers who crave peace, comfort, and a magical winter escape.

Alaska

No two aurora displays are alike—and that’s part of the magic.

If you prefer to stay closer to home, Alaska offers some excellent opportunities to see the aurora—especially in Fairbanks and the surrounding interior. From dogsledding to snowmobiling and hot spring soaks, it’s a true cold-weather adventure.

Perfect for: U.S. travelers looking for a domestic destination with lots of outdoor activities.

How I Help You Choose

Helping clients plan unforgettable trips—one custom itinerary (and color-coded calendar) at a time.

Here’s the truth: every one of these destinations offers an incredible chance to see the lights. But your best destination? That depends on you.

Here’s how I help:

  • I learn about your travel goals—Do you want to relax or explore? See multiple places or settle in one spot?

  • I look at your travel style—Are you all about luxury, or open to rustic adventure?

  • I help you choose the best time to go based on your availability and aurora visibility.

  • I take care of all the logistics—accommodations, tours, transfers, travel protection, and more.

It’s Your Trip—Let’s Make It the Right One

Surrounded by snowy trees and endless stars, your aurora-viewing moment becomes a memory you'll never forget.

You don’t need to know where to go. You just need to know you want to go. I’ll take it from there.

Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic fjords of Norway or the geothermal magic of Iceland, I’ll help you find the best destination for your trip—and build an experience around you.

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Start here: How to Plan the Ultimate Northern Lights Trip

Ready to chase the aurora your way? Let’s start planning.

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Laura Legg

Hello, I’m Laura, the proud owner of Castaway Destinations, a boutique, full-service travel agency. As a busy mom of three, I understand the challenges of planning the perfect vacation. My dedicated team and I specialize in creating bespoke luxury trips across Europe and the Caribbean.

We leverage our extensive travel experience and destination knowledge to provide exceptional, personalized service tailored to your unique needs. Together, we make travel seamless and stress-free. Let’s turn your dream trip into a reality!

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How to Plan the Ultimate Northern Lights Trip