The northern lights have become one of the Nordic region’s most iconic draws, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for travellers in search of natural wonders. Come and you’ll witness a spectacle where colours dance across the sky. It's an experience made even more magical by a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains and glimmering glaciers.

These landscapes, infused with stillness and beauty, reflect the deep tranquillity of nature. It’s no wonder that Northern Europe has become a top destination for those seeking meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences. The rise of trends like slow travel, wellness tourism, self-discovery and digital detoxes underscores the region’s allure for mindful travellers.

Still, it’s the northern lights that steal the spotlight (especially for skygazers). Globally, aurora-related tourism generated over AUD$1.4 billion in 2023, with forecasts predicting roughly 10% annual growth by 2030.

It’s easy to see why the northern lights captivate so many: swirls of green, red, blue and white wash over the night sky, turning the normally desaturated Nordic wilderness into a canvas of motion and colour.

Dreaming of seeing the northern lights for yourself? Thanks to heightened solar activity in the coming months, the Northern Lights will be more visible and widespread than usual.

Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Finland are ideal destinations for witnessing this cosmic show, offering unique locations with dark skies and stunning landscapes perfect for viewing the aurora borealis.

Where to see the northern lights?

The northern lights occur near the magnetic poles in what’s called the Auroral Oval encompassing northern Europe, Russia, Canada and Greenland - usually within the 65° and 75° northern latitudes.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe are among the most reliable regions for viewing the Aurora Borealis, with each destination offering its own distinct charm.

How to see the northern lights?

Choosing the right location is just the start of your northern lights trip. Your experience will be shaped by many factors - from how easily you can get there to whether you join a guided tour. Here’s what to look for to make your aurora adventure unforgettable.

The freedom of having your own car

Many of the best northern lights destinations are tucked away in remote corners of the Arctic. This minimal light pollution and untouched wilderness are part of what makes the experience so special. But this remoteness comes with challenges. Public transportation, if available, often doesn’t run during prime aurora viewing hours overnight. That’s why one of the most important considerations is how you’ll get there and how you’ll get around once you arrive.

Most locations have car hire companies like Europcar, SIXT, Hertz and Avis. You’ll want to book your vehicle well in advance, especially during peak season.

Svalbard and Abisko are special cases where you’ll want to consider the following:

• Svalbard: Rent a car that’s specifically equipped for Arctic conditions and able to handle icy, unpaved roads. There are also airport shuttles to Longyearbyen from Svalbard Airport, stopping at all hotels and guesthouses.

• Abisko: The closest rental point is in Kiruna, several kilometers away, but companies like Budget and AVIS offer winter-ready vehicles. There are also shuttle buses connecting Abisko with Kiruna Airport.

Tours to make the most of your trip

Local guides know the region best! Find guides and activities tailored to the northern lights location you’ve chosen.

Wellness tourism

A slow pace of snowy life

Over 60% of Australian travellers say they feel more mindful about their health and wellbeing than ever before, leading them to opt into trips that are focused on wellness. Three out of four Australian travellers think holidays, like chasing the northern lights, help build resilience and strength to handle the stresses of everyday life.

Beyond chasing the aurora, travellers are increasingly drawn to unique and rejuvenating experiences, favouring more meaningful alternatives to traditional tourism. This trend is stronger among older people. While just 23% of people between 18 and 34 years old are taking a health-conscious approach to their travels, 37% of 45 to 64 year olds say the same.

How long should your trip to see the northern lights be? Aim for 4 to 7 days to give you multiple chances to see the lights as it's light predictions are an imperfect science. This will also allow enough time to rest after a long night out and soak in the local sights.

Wellness experiences for a Nordic Break

Thermal experiences are a highlight throughout the Nordic countries, with Iceland standing out as a top destination for geothermal baths.

There has been a 180% increase in searches for flights to Akureyri on Skyscanner from travellers across the globe. This small town with just 20,000 residents is one of the best hubs for wellness travel.

The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with powder blue water is another top draw in southern Iceland.

In Finland, traditional saunas and starlit walks in Rovaniemi add to the whole aurora allure, influenced by the concept of friluftsliv:

These experiences are also common in Sweden and Norway, where spas, saunas and wellness retreats embody the Nordic emphasis on nature and sustainable living.

Sustainable stays

Witnessing the northern lights often goes hand-in-hand with eco-friendly accommodations that reflect a deeper respect for nature.

Other eco-friendly urban hotels include The Thief (Oslo), Scandic Grand Central (Helsinki), Nordic Light Hotel (Stockholm) or the Grand Hotel Reykjavík (Reykjavik).

A bright trend

The surge in northern lights tourism is closely linked to advances in technology. Today’s smartphones, with powerful low-light cameras, make it easier than ever to capture and share the aurora in vivid detail. Social media platforms and online travel content have amplified global fascination, turning these glowing skies into viral sensations and Nordic landscapes into dream destinations.

Travellers have been inspired to share their snapshots. Between December 2024 and January 2025, thousands of social media posts featured the aurora all around the world.

Aurora alert: 2025 is a special year for the northern lights

Travellers are in luck! The northern lights surged in intensity throughout 2024, reaching levels not seen in over 20 years. They were even visible across unexpected parts of the Europe, the United States, and Asia. This rare spectacle is tied to the Sun approaching its “solar maximum” - a phase that occurs roughly every 11 years, bringing an uptick in solar storms that make auroras brighter, more frequent and visible farther south than usual.

While aurora forecasts remain tricky, especially during such heightened solar activity, displays are predicted to reach unusually low latitudes this year, potentially lighting up skies over the UK, Germany, Italy, Greece, Spain and even parts of the southern United States.