The countdown to the grand finale of the aurora explosion is on! "Set off now" to chase the light
Every year from September to April, when the Arctic Circle enters its long winter, the night sky turns deep blue over the far north, and the lively green aurora streaks across the horizon. Chasing the northern lights becomes the ultimate dream on many travelers' lists.
This winter, seize the golden period at the end of this "aurora explosion year" to embrace that streak of light in the sky at the global top aurora viewing spots in Northern Europe or Russia. Miss it, and you'll have to wait another 11 years!
🇮🇸 The magical land of fire and ice
Because the entire country lies within the aurora zone, Iceland, rich in volcanoes and glaciers, often sees brilliant auroras quietly appear in the winter night sky. The clear air and minimal light pollution make it a dream destination for aurora chasers.
The scenic southern coastline is a popular choice for chasing the lights in Iceland. Stroll along the black sand beach near the town of Vík, where you can admire the wild and magnificent beauty created by basalt columns and the roaring Atlantic waves, and you might even see the faint glow of black stones under the dancing aurora overhead. From here, visit the "💎 Ice Beach" where floating icebergs in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon reflect the aurora's light, explore the Vatnajökull Glacier’s blue ice caves with a professional guide, or witness the aurora passing over the top of Seljalandsfoss waterfall through the water curtain behind it, where the mist creates a breathtaking scene.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known as "Iceland in Miniature," has fewer tourists and unique scenery: the quiet fishing village of Arnarstapi offers a gentle and healing experience as you gaze at the aurora with the sound of waves; the sea stacks of Lóndrangar standing on the coast create a strong visual impact with the aurora, full of epic feeling; the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, shaped like a grass hat and covered in winter snow, looks even more beautiful and romantic under the aurora, like a fairyland painting; compared to the southern coast, the black sand beaches of Snæfellsnes Peninsula combine tranquility with wild beauty.
🇳🇴 The northern lights reflecting between mountains and sea
With deep fjords and quiet archipelagos, northern Norway offers both natural grandeur and the charm of fishing villages. The cold winter enhances the atmosphere for aurora viewing.
Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic" located in the center of the aurora oval, has a very high chance of seeing the northern lights, making it very friendly for beginners. Take the cable car to the top, and when the aurora streaks across the night sky, you can take in the dazzling city lights below, the peaceful fjords, and the colorful light beams above — like a dream. Not far from the cable car station, the modern architectural masterpiece Arctic Cathedral, inspired by icebergs and traditional Sami tents, features a simple triangular exterior and giant stained glass windows that look especially photogenic under the aurora. If you have time, visit Sommarøy, the "Island of No Time," to capture the stunning aurora active along the coastline.
The Lofoten Islands are a secret aurora paradise favored by the gods, where unique fjords and fishing villages make aurora viewing even more special. In the island center, Svolvær, you can experience city life and conveniently reach various viewing spots; in Reine, known as "Norway’s most beautiful fishing village," the mirror-like sea reflects granite peaks, and red and white wooden houses nestle by the fjord. Arriving early in the morning offers a chance to see a fairy-tale scene created by morning mist and the aurora; the tranquil coasts of Å and Hamnøy and the secluded Nusfjord are also perfect places to wait for the northern lights.
🇷🇺 The ultimate romance at the edge of the world
With long polar nights, extended aurora viewing windows, and little commercialization, Russia offers a convenient, affordable, and culturally unique aurora chasing experience with visa-free travel options.
In Murmansk, Russia’s aurora hotspot, the Lenin nuclear-powered icebreaker quietly docks in the harbor, blending industrial charm with stunning auroras in a magical way; take a photo with the northern lights beside the Arctic Circle city marker to capture the moment you step into the Arctic Circle; the solemn Alyosha statue looks even more imposing under the aurora; visit a Sami village to change into traditional ethnic costumes, ride a sled through the snow, and look up to meet the aurora, immersing yourself in the winter daily life of the far north’s indigenous people.
For those who prefer a more niche, artsy aurora experience, travel from Murmansk to Teriberka. Swing on the northernmost swing by the coast, where the dreamy aurora seems within reach; stand quietly by the whale skeleton and ship graveyard on the beach, full of traces of time blending with the aurora, creating a strong storytelling atmosphere; the Arctic Throne, set against the vast Arctic Ocean, is a great place to experience the solitude of the world’s end, and lucky visitors might capture the magical aurora in one frame.
✨️ Of course, even in an explosion year, the aurora is still a natural gift, a blind box. You can only embrace a higher chance of encountering it and keep a relaxed expectation. ✨️
However, even if you fail to catch the aurora in Northern Europe or Russia this winter, you can still start an Andersen-themed journey in Copenhagen, Denmark; take a scenic train through the Norwegian fjords; visit the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, to relive Viking legends; explore Sibelius Park in Helsinki, Finland, and listen to the ethereal music of the wind through steel pipes; check in at Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavík, Iceland, to face avant-garde design and free spirit; or tour Russia’s iconic four palaces to recall the glory of Tsarist Russia... This time, unlock the diverse ways to chase the aurora in Northern Europe and Russia yourself!