The breathtaking spectacle of the Northern Lights will soon become more visible as the sun reaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle.
From now until April, the chances of witnessing this phenomenon are heightened, both in the UK and abroad. However, some countries boast a higher likelihood of clear sightings.
Although the Northern Lights have occasionally been spotted in the UK over the past year, such occurrences remain rare.
Global travel platform Omio has curated a list of five prime destinations to witness this awe-inspiring display, with four located in Europe. Notably, the experts have bypassed Iceland in favor of more budget-friendly options, many accessible via Eurostar or FlixBus.
Top destinations for witnessing the Northern Lights:
Norway
Norway stands out as a premier location for viewing the Northern Lights. A significant portion of the country, particularly northern Norway, lies directly under the “auroral oval,” where these lights frequently appear.
For optimal viewing, head to Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands. You can reach Tromsø directly from London via a three-hour, 35-minute Wizz Air flight.
Alternatively, take a high-speed Eurostar from London to Oslo, then connect to Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands by air.
Finland
Finland, renowned for its enchanting winter landscapes, offers an excellent opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, particularly in the far north of the country.
Lapland is a favourite among aurora enthusiasts due to its location within the auroral zone.
Direct flights to Lapland are available from Liverpool Airport, Manchester Airport and London Gatwick Airport, with travel times around three hours. Alternatively, a more picturesque route involves taking the Eurostar train to Stockholm, followed by a ferry to Helsinki.
Sweden
Sweden’s northern region is home to the globally acclaimed Abisko National Park, a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights. The park’s minimal light pollution ensures truly spectacular views.
Flights from the UK to Sweden typically take between two and three hours, followed by a transfer in Stockholm to Kiruna, the city closest to the national park. For budget-conscious travellers, Omio experts suggest taking a Flixbus from London to Sweden as a cost-effective alternative.
Denmark
Denmark also provides a memorable Northern Lights experience, with experts recommending The Faroe Islands, Grenen and Samsø. These locations, surrounded by captivating landscapes, enhance the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights.
The Danish capital, Copenhagen, is easily accessible from various UK airports, with flights typically taking under two hours. Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar to Brussels and then a Deutsche Bahn train to Copenhagen.
From there, you can catch a flight to the north of Denmark for optimal Northern Lights viewing.
Canada
Europe isn’t the only destination for witnessing the Northern Lights. For those seeking a more distant adventure, Canada is an excellent non-European option to experience the lights in all their splendour.
The prime locations for observing the lights include Manitoulin Island, Cree Village Ecolodge, and Pukaskwa National Park.
A flight from London to Canada usually takes around eight hours – a longer journey compared to European destinations, but well worth the wait.