7 Must-Visit Northern Lights Destinations Around the World

From September to March, the skies over the Lapland region across Finland, Sweden and Norway transforms into a living watercolor painting with vibrant greens, pinks and violets lighting the night sky. Popular spots in Lapland to see the Northern Lights include Rovaniemi, Inari, Ivalo and Saariselkä. © Nikolay Tsuguliev | Dreamstime.com

Thanks to its unique “Blue Hole” microclimate, Abisko National Park in Sweden is another prime Aurora Borealis-viewing spot. The “Blue Hole” climate means skies are clear, even when surrounding areas remain cloudy, and the park’s low light pollution is another bonus. Guided tours, overnight stays and hikes are available to experience the lights on another level. © Conny Sjostrom | Dreamstime.com

Fairbanks, Alaska, sits under the auroral oval, boasting dark skies and minimal light pollution. From late August to late April, spot the northern lights in the city with dedicated viewing centers and unique lodging centered around the lights available. © Joseph N. Hall | Dreamstime.com

Remote and with a 99 percent chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories is a popular area to spot the phenomenon. Late summer to early autumn and the winter months are the best times to visit, and companies like Northern Lights Tours offer guided tours alongside heated teepees, photographs and other cultural experiences. © Shawn Ccf | Dreamstime.com

Head to Spitsbergen, Svalbard, between late September and early March to experience exceptional Northern Lights views, particularly around the dark polar nights from mid-November to late January. Several Svalbard hotels and operators even offer excursions to darker locations to better see the sky. © Erectus | Dreamstime.com

A popular spot to hike any time of year, Mount Kirkkjufell in Iceland is renowned for its viewpoints of the Aurora Borealis. When light pollution in low, photographers flock to the mountain to capture the skies, especially as the lights dance against the reflection of the nearby water. © Chakkree | Dreamstime.com

Amidst the Arctic scenery, Nuuk, Greenland, is a great place to travel for the Northern Lights not only because of its dark skies but also because of its immersive local tours providing transportation and warm drinks as you chase the lights flitting over mountains, icebergs and vast landscapes. © Vadim Nefedov | Dreamstime.com