Best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe

Hey everyone! My partner and I are finally planning our dream trip to see the Aurora Borealis next winter, but we are completely overwhelmed by all the destination choices. We want to maximize our chances of actually seeing them without breaking the bank on overly touristy resorts. Is Norway better than Iceland for this, or should we look into the remote parts of Swedish Lapland or Finland instead? Any advice on the best months to go and recommended spots would be hugely appreciated!

Tromsø in Norway is amazing! It has great infrastructure, but if you want to avoid tourist traps, head further north to Sommarøy or Senja.

I went to Swedish Lapland (Abisko) last year and it was incredible. The microclimate there means clear skies even when it's cloudy elsewhere.

Iceland is fantastic, but it's gotten really expensive. If budget is a concern, northern Finland (like Rovaniemi or Inari) is usually a bit more affordable.

Between Norway and Iceland, Norway offers more dramatic fjords as a backdrop, but Iceland is easier to navigate with a rental car.

Make sure you go between November and February for the longest nights, but January and February statistically have the best weather stability in the Arctic.

If you do decide on Norway, Lofoten is gorgeous, but for pure aurora hunting, go inland to Alta or Tromsø.

While you are planning your European getaway, you might also want to check out these best places to visit in Europe for first-timers if you are extending your trip!

Inari in Finland is super peaceful. Staying in a glass igloo is touristy, but renting a local cabin nearby is much cheaper and feels more authentic.

Don't discount the Faroe Islands! Weather is unpredictable, but the scenery is out of this world.

Abisko in Sweden has the 'blue hole' effect—a patch of sky that tends to stay clear regardless of surrounding weather.

If you love good food along with your travels, you should definitely read up on the best European countries for food lovers before finalizing your itinerary.

Pro tip: Download the My Aurora Forecast app and rent a 4x4 so you can drive away from light pollution whenever the KP index spikes.

Norway is definitely better than Iceland for avoiding massive crowds if you venture outside of Tromsø city center.

We stayed in Levi, Finland last winter. It's a ski resort town, so it has plenty of amenities, but it's easy to escape into the dark forests.

Wherever you go, book a tour for at least the first night so local guides can show you how to set up your camera for night photography!