5 Best Places to Catch The Northern Lights [Internal review Only]

If witnessing the breath-taking dance of the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, then make 2024 the year to make it all happen

Scientists have reportedly predicted a surge of aurora activity this year, suggesting that we may just see some of the best Northern Lights displays in 20 years, and beyond the expected regions in the Arctic Circle.

Travel to any of Singapore Airlines’ 14 European destinations, and use them as convenient transit points on your journey to Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and more. To maximise your chances, plan your trip between November and April, which is said to be the peak of the solar cycle where vivid and intense displays might be spotted.

And if you’re willing to spare no expense for this trip of your dreams, take your pick from our list of stunning hotel recommendations or locations where you can watch the magic unfold from the comfort of your private sanctuary. Pack your winter gear, book your flight, and get ready for an adventure you will remember for a lifetime!

Additional tip: Consider going on guided tours led by local experts and consider using dedicated Northern Lights apps to maximise your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.

 

1. Reykjavik, Iceland:

Best place to watch the Northern Lights: ION Adventure Hotel

 

Credits: laa0621

 

Known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is a Northern Lights paradise. Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, provides you with a convenient gateway to the country’s stunning natural landscapes. From here you can embark on guided tours to the remote countryside to witness the aurora borealis in all its glory. Chances of catching the Northern Lights in Iceland are very high, thanks to an 8-month aurora season, long hours of darkness during winter, and low light pollution throughout most of the island. ION Adventure hotel is set against a backdrop of lava fields near Thingvellir National Park. The Northern Lights Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape, including the potential spectacle of the Northern Lights. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a geothermal hot tub where you can witness the Northern Lights from, and a Northern Lights wake-up call service. Given its location away from major light pollution, the ION Adventure Hotel provides an excellent opportunity to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the Icelandic sky.

2. Tromsø, Norway:

Best place to watch the Northern Lights: Prestvannet Lake

 

 

As the largest city in Northern Norway, Tromsø is a popular hub for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Locals and visitors alike consider Prestvannet Lake as one of the best aurora hunting spots on Tromsø island if they do not feel like leaving the island. It is located only a 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of the town.

 

3. Rovaniemi, Finland:

Best place to watch the Northern Lights: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

 

Credits: josh.bonifacio

 

Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, offers a magical Northern Lights experience. The city’s northern location and dedication to preserving its natural environment make it an ideal spot for aurora hunting.

Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers an extraordinary stay with its iconic glass igloos. These unique accommodations provide a front-row seat to the mesmerising dance of the Northern Lights. Crafted from special thermal glass, the igloos offer clear, frost-free views of the Arctic sky, creating an immersive experience under the celestial display. Beyond the allure of the auroras, guests can enjoy modern comforts within the igloos, including a cozy bed, private bathroom, and a small kitchenette. The resort’s strategic location minimises light pollution, maximising the chances of witnessing the aurora borealis in all its splendour.

 

4. Kiruna, Sweden:

Best place to watch the Northern Lights: Abisko National Park or Icehotel

 

Kiruna is a remote and beautiful location in Sweden known for its stunning displays of the Northern Lights. You can continue your journey to Kiruna to experience the auroras, often visible for long durations. In Kiruna, consider the Abisko National Park or Icehotel as your base of choice. The latter, constructed entirely of ice and snow, makes for the perfect stay to enjoy the Northern Lights.

 

5. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA:

Best place to watch the Northern Lights: Chena Hot Springs Resort or Borealis Basecamp

 

 

Credits: lifetothephil

 

For those looking to explore the Northern Lights in the Americas, Fairbanks in Alaska is an excellent choice. The clear, dark skies of Alaska provide a perfect backdrop for this celestial spectacle.

Nestled in the Alaskan wilderness, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a rustic yet comfortable setting for the Northern Lights viewing. Relax in the outdoor hot springs while enjoying the Auroras lighting up the Arctic sky.

Or, witness it from your cosy igloo at Borealis Basecamp, where the concave-shaped windows were created specially to appreciate the night sky. Helpful staff are always on hand to give you tips on facing the right direction to catch the lights.

 

 

 

 

Inspired to plan the trip of a lifetime? As a KrisFlyer member, you’ll earn KrisFlyer miles when you fly on Singapore Airlines and Scoot, or you can choose to redeem your KrisFlyer miles for that unforgettable vacation.

Not a KrisFlyer member yet? Sign up with the promo code KF800 to enjoy 800 KrisFlyer miles as well as all that our rewards programme has to offer.

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