Chasing New Skies

While classics like Tromso (Norway), Finnish Lapland, and Iceland remain top picks, there are a few places rising in popularity for aurora-hunting. These offer less crowded skies, more wilderness, and often dramatic landscapes that make the light show even more magical.

Greenland
Greenland is one of the most compelling new frontiers for seeing the Northern Lights. Towns such as Kangerlussuaq, and coastal settlements in East Greenland are becoming more accessible and better known. What truly sets it apart as a Northern Lights destination is its untouched wilderness and remarkably low levels of light pollution. With small, sparsely populated towns scattered across vast stretches of icy landscapes, the island offers some of the clearest and darkest skies in the world.

Among its standout locations, Kangerlussuaq has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable aurora-viewing spots, thanks to its unique microclimate that provides a high number of clear nights each year. The aurora season here stretches generously from late September through to March or even April, giving travellers ample opportunity to witness nature’s most mesmerising light show dancing across Greenland’s serene, snow-clad horizons.

The Aurora Borealis in Greenland

Of course, travelling to Greenland does come with its fair share of challenges. Its’ remote location means flights often require multiple connections, and once you arrive, infrastructure such as accommodation and roads can be limited or rather basic in certain areas. The Arctic winter can also be harsh, with biting cold, extremely short daylight hours, and even periods of polar night in the far north when the sun doesn’t rise at all. However, for those who come prepared—with proper winter gear, careful planning, and a sense of adventure—the rewards are truly extraordinary. Greenland promises one of the most pristine and awe-inspiring aurora experiences on Earth, offering vast open skies, unspoiled landscapes, and the rare luxury of witnessing the Northern Lights without the crowds.

Scotland
Unexpectedly, the northern lights are becoming more visible in the UK, especially Scotland. Thanks to heightened solar activity (solar maximum), sightings are increasingly possible in more southerly latitudes than usual — though of course the shows tend to be less intense than up above the Arctic Circle.

Shetland Islands, Orkney, Caithness, and parts of the western and northwestern coast of Scotland (such as places like Skye, Lewis & Harris, Applecross, Lochinver). Dark skies, minimal light pollution, rugged landscapes. Under favourable conditions (especially around equinoxes), the Aurora sometimes becomes visible even further south. But here patience (and luck) is even more important.

One of the greatest advantages of chasing the Northern Lights in Scotland is its accessibility for UK residents. With far less travel time and expense compared to venturing to Greenland or the Arctic Circle, it offers a more convenient yet still magical aurora experience. Beyond the celestial spectacle, visitors can also immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of Scotland’s landscapes — from misty glens and dramatic coastlines to charming villages steeped in history. The experience extends well beyond the night sky, enriched by Scottish culture, hearty local cuisine, and warm hospitality. And while winter here remains crisp and cold, it’s considerably milder than the deep Arctic chill, making it an appealing balance of comfort and adventure.


A scenic view of the famous holographic waves against the night sky at, Callanish, Scotland, United Kingdom

Beyond Greenland and Scotland, several other destinations are quickly gaining traction among aurora enthusiasts. Canada, for instance, has seen a surge in popularity, with regions such as Churchill in Manitoba, Whitehorse in the Yukon, and Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories emerging as hotspots for Northern Lights chasers. While these locations aren’t exactly new, improved accessibility and global attention have made them increasingly sought after.

Meanwhile, Norway continues to shine as a classic favourite, with remote towns like Alta and Kirkenes becoming more reachable thanks to expanded flight routes and enhanced tour infrastructure. Even Iceland’s lesser-known Westfjords are stepping into the limelight, drawing travellers with their wild, untamed beauty — from sweeping fjords and dramatic cliffs to the allure of long, dark winter nights free from crowds. Together, these rising destinations reflect a growing trend among travellers seeking more remote, authentic, and awe-inspiring settings to witness nature’s most dazzling light show.

Choosing where to chase the Northern Lights is only half the adventure — the real challenge lies in actually seeing them. While luck always plays a part, understanding the conditions that influence aurora visibility can dramatically increase your chances of witnessing this mesmerising spectacle.


Under the Canadian sky, where the Aurora paints the night

Timing is everything. The best months for aurora viewing typically fall between late September and April, when the nights are longest and the skies darkest. Mid-winter offers the most extended viewing hours, but the shoulder seasons of autumn and early spring can often provide clearer skies and slightly milder weather — a welcome bonus for those who prefer a little more comfort with their stargazing.

Another key factor is solar activity. The Northern Lights are created by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere, and their intensity fluctuates with the sun’s 11-year solar cycle. We’re currently entering a period of heightened activity, known as the solar maximum, which means brighter, more frequent displays — even in regions slightly outside the traditional aurora belt.

Equally crucial is finding darkness. The aurora thrives in places with minimal light pollution, making remote destinations like Greenland, northern Norway, and the Scottish Highlands prime territory. Even smaller towns can offer spectacular views if you’re willing to venture beyond streetlights and into true darkness.

Weather also plays a decisive role. Clear skies are non-negotiable, so keeping an eye on local forecasts is essential. Some regions, such as Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, are favoured precisely because of their unusually stable weather and high number of cloud-free nights.


Under the shimmering waves of the Aurora Borealis, Iceland reveals its tranquil soul — a place where faith and nature meet in breathtaking harmony

Finally, patience is your greatest ally. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and even under perfect conditions, there are no guarantees. Many travellers stay for several nights to maximise their odds, and the most dedicated hunters often head out after dark, driving to vantage points away from towns in search of the perfect patch of sky. With flexibility, preparation, and a touch of persistence, the reward is an unforgettable dance of light that feels almost otherworldly.

The world of Northern Lights tourism is shifting. As awareness grows, transport and tour infrastructure are improving in places that were once too inaccessible or too obscure. Thanks to the solar maximum, displays are more frequent and visible further south than usual — giving travellers more opportunities in more places than before.

If you plan well, pick your spot wisely, dress for the cold, and bring patience (and a camera), you might just catch those dancing “auroral curtains” lighting up a sky you never thought possible.