The Northern Lights in Europe in 2026 offer a rare opportunity for residents of central and western Europe to witness the beautiful green and purple streaks. This phenomenon returns as the Sun reaches its peak activity.
NASA confirmed last year that the Sun is reaching its maximum phase in its 11-year solar cycle, which is expected to last until March 2026. This winter, the skies could be lit up over many non-Arctic regions of Europe.
So 2026 will be the best year in decades to see the Northern Lights. From the Norwegian fjords to the frozen forests of Finland, the Northern Lights will appear in the Arctic skies. Each region offers a unique experience, from bright urban walks with easy access to remote wilderness lodges where silence and stars rule the night.
Norway
To ensure you get a full-on, multi-hour spectacle, the best places to go are traditionally those within the Arctic Circle. Norway is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights, as it offers a wide range of locations to observe them.
Tromsø is a city located in the heart of the aurora borealis zone in the Norwegian Arctic. It is considered one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. Tromsø is a popular destination year-round and offers spectacular views of the Northern Lights from September to April. The city is a lively place with more pubs and bars per capita than anywhere else in Norway.
It is impossible to find a more remote location than Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago located far out in the Arctic Ocean. When it comes to the Northern Lights, the dark winter skies of these islands (the sun does not appear above the horizon in February) are the ideal place to observe them. Embark on a journey through the forestless landscapes on everything from snowmobiles to sleds, and enjoy the magic of the polar night.
Another great option in Norway is Reine in the Lofoten Islands, a small fishing town that was recently named the third most beautiful village in the world by Forbes magazine.
How to get there:
- Tromsø: Wizzair – from Gdansk, EasyJet – from Berlin, Norwegian – from various cities in Europe
- Svalbard (Longyearbyen airport): Norwegian – from Oslo and Tromsø
- Reine (5 airports): see convenient flights with a transfer to Oslo from Norwegian.
Atmospheric hotels:
Glass Hotel Aera Cabins – in a glass cabin near Tromsø: great views, kitchen, fantastic bathroom! Incredible view and area around the cabins. At night, you will be woken up by the Aurora thanks to the glass roof!
Tromsø Lodge & Camping – Easy access to public transport, friendly staff, easy check-in, 20 minutes walk/bus to Tromsø city centre, great location to see the Northern Lights.
Aurora Haven – a large bed and breakfast villa, clean and tidy inside, there is also a separate kitchen and washing machine, and you can also see the view outside the window, and it can be reached in more than ten minutes.
Sweden
In Sweden, the further north you go. Abisko National Park is a famous place to see the Northern Lights. There is even a special center in Abisko Aurora Sky Station, which Lonely Planet named the best place to see the Aurora Borealis.
Another place that offers quality aurora borealis without tourists is Kiruna. Or you can stay in ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, a town with fewer than 600 inhabitants. You can admire the lights here from October to March, although it is not uncommon to see the spectacle a little earlier and later during periods of prolonged clear weather.
Another great destination in Swedish Lapland is the Luleå archipelago, which has a lack of light pollution and plenty of winter activities to complement the sightseeing experience, including outdoor camping, dog sledding, and ice fishing.
How to get there:
- Luleå: Vueling – from Paris, Edelweiss Air – from Zurich, SAS – from Stockholm.
- Kiruna (from there by rental car to Abisko): SAS – from Stockholm and Copenhagen.
Where to stay:
- Aurora River Camp Glass igloos & cabins – Glass igloos and wooden cabins in Kiruna overlooking the river near the forest. Very comfortable rooms and beds, delicious breakfasts, 360 degree view to watch the northern lights.
- Northernlight cabin 2 – The cabin near Kiruna is well equipped and in a perfect location by the lake, with a beautiful view of the clear sky, where it is nice to watch the aurora.
- Aurora Dome – great glamping with a glass dome for watching the aurora.
Iceland
Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, remains a popular choice for many travelers. It offers geothermal pools, volcano tours, and an interesting cultural tradition. Iceland also has Thingvellir National Park, located just outside Reykjavik. It has dark skies, while the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon offers a pretty spectacular backdrop for the glowing northern lights.
As with Tromsø, the best months to see the aurora are from September to April. For uninterrupted viewing, head to Hofdabrekka, near Vík in southern Iceland, and enjoy the spectacle in mesmerizing solitude. Direct flights to Reykjavik are competitively priced, and the capital is very walkable.
How to get to Iceland:
Reykjavik: WizzAir – from Poland, Hungary, Icelandair – from Berlin, Prague, Nice, EasyJet – from Britain, Milan and other cities.
Where to stay:
- Hotel Hafnarfjall – comfortable little house, like a studio, with a comfortable bed, a living room, a small table and chairs, a kitchenette and a private bathroom. There is also a private hot spring bath and sauna. Great breakfast, attentive owner and staff. Comfortable beds and cleanliness everywhere.
- Cozy Cabin with Hot Tub & Sauna – Ultimate Retreat – A beautifully appointed home with fantastic views of the surrounding area to watch the glow, and great amenities.
- Lighthouse-Inn – The hotel is completely decorated with wood, natural colors, which gives it a special character and warmth. Comfortable living rooms, fantastic staff, always hot tea and coffee available, very tasty breakfast. A special word for the restaurant in the hotel, wonderful traditional food with an extra touch of chef magic.
Finland
Finland is a great choice if you want to turn your Northern Lights trip into a longer holiday. Lapland in winter means family days with Santa and his reindeer, as well as evenings spent gazing at the stars. Or head to Oulu, the 2026 European City of Culture, where the Northern Lights are common.
Located north of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the epitome of snowy wilderness. During the day, you can go dog sledding, ice fishing or go on a snowmobile safari. And in the evening, you can watch the Northern Lights in Lapland. With a similar Scandinavian period from September to April, the optimal time to see them, you can plan a trip to Rovaniemi at a time that suits you. Best of all, Lapland is the home of Santa, making it the perfect place to spend an unforgettable Christmas with your children.
How to get there:
Rovaniemi: Norwegian and Finnair from Helsinki, EasyJet – from Britain, Milan and other cities.
Atmospheric hotels:
- Aito Igloo & Spa Resort – Aurora tree house – clean, quiet, peaceful, beautiful views. Wonderful jacuzzi outside with a view of the lake.
- Aurora Igloo Fireplace -The glamping has a wonderfully remote location in the forest by a lake. The igloos are away from light pollution and you can enjoy a hot tub under the glow of the northern lights.
- Nova Galaxy Village – Great place to see the Northern Lights and experience all that Lapland has to offer. Comfortable igloo and very clean, with a lovely private sauna.
Poland
In Poland, the best options for observation are remote locations:
- Bieszczady Mountains (Southeastern Poland)
- Suwałki Region (the “Polish Pole of Cold” in the northeast)
- Pomerania and Masuria (northern lake and coastal regions)
Look for any dark-sky preserves or rural areas with unobstructed views of the northern horizon in your area.
Plan your trip to the Northern Lights
Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights involves more than just choosing a destination—timing, transportation, and weather all play a role.
The best time to see the northern lights
The aurora borealis season runs from September to March, with the darkest months of October to February offering the most consistent nights.
However, the longer you stay in your chosen region, the higher your chances of seeing the aurora. Plan for at least 3-4 nights, keep an eye on the cloud cover forecast, and plan to be outside between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., when activity is most likely to peak.
Also, aurora activity often peaks around the equinoxes in September and March.
How to get there (flight tickets and access)
- Getting to the Northern Lights is easier than most travelers expect. Daily flights connect major Scandinavian hubs like Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki to the best destinations for seeing the Northern Lights, like Tromsø, Kiruna, and Rovaniemi.
- The winter schedule is busiest from December to March, when clear nights are most common.
- Book your tickets in advance—flight prices rise rapidly around Christmas and midwinter.
Where to stay
- The hotel you choose to stay in will be the cornerstone of your aurora-viewing experience. You can choose any option that suits your travel style, from cozy cabins and lodges in the wilderness to modern glass igloos that let you sleep under the skylight.
- Book in advance—popular spots in Lapland, Northern Norway, and the southern coast of Iceland often sell out months before peak season.
- Most hotels and lodges offer wake-up calls for the aurora borealis, so you’ll never miss a sight.
Where to watch the forecast for the aurora borealis
Northern Lights viewing is often time-sensitive, and modern technology makes it easier than ever. Reliable aurora forecasting apps and space weather websites allow you to track geomagnetic activity (Kp index), solar wind speed, and cloud cover in real time.
Combine these forecasts with local weather reports for your destination, and you’ll know exactly when to go outside for the best chance of clear skies.
Turn on notifications and set your location—most apps will send you notifications when aurora activity exceeds the Kp index.
Here are some proven tools and programs for aurora hunters:
– My Aurora Forecast (iOS / Android) – simple and accurate forecast.
– Hello Aurora – real-time surveillance across Northern Europe.
– Norway Lights – The official app from Visit Norway, perfect for quick information updates.
– SpaceWeatherLive.com – for real-time solar wind and Kp index data.
Are the northern lights visible to the naked eye?
Yes, the Northern Lights can be seen with the naked eye, but there are some factors that make it better. Dark skies with no light pollution are most likely to allow you to see the aurora borealis in all its glory. The aurora borealis may be less bright or dimmer in areas with high levels of light pollution. In addition, the intensity of the aurora, as measured by the KP index, affects the visibility of the aurora with the naked eye.
Useful links for travelers
- Winter Wroclaw in two days – what to see in the city of gnomes
- Nuremberg in winter for two days
- Rome in winter – what to see in three days
- Top 10 budget Christmas markets in Europe
Car rental – cheap car rental options in Rentalcars.com
Hotels – traditionally booked through Booking
Insurance can be purchased on the website Hotline.Finance
