Chasing the Northern Lights? Visit These 5 Countries for the Best Views

Seeing the elusive, ethereal Aurora Borealis in person is an item adventure-seekers around the world want to tick off their bucket list. More commonly known as the Northern Lights, this natural phenomenon paints the night sky with majestic hues, a breathtaking lights show offered by Mother Earth for free—but only to the patient and determined.

While there are apps that claim to predict when Lady Aurora is most likely to appear, nobody knows for sure when to find her. The best way is to keep chasing her in pitch darkness from late September to March—with absolutely no guarantee of witnessing her beauty. But hey, it’s a universal truth that good things come to those who wait, right?

Up for the challenge? Below are 5 countries known for the most magnificent views of the Northern Lights. 

 

1. Iceland

Where to go: (1) Reykjavik, Hofuoborgarsvaoio, or (2) Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

 

It was fun to visit Godafoss for the second time. Have you ever been to the waterfall of the gods? Http://nordicphototours.net #iceland #nightphotography #northernlights #auroraborealis

A post shared by Northern Lights & Landscapes (@torivarnaess) on Oct 28, 2017 at 7:41am PDT

 

2. Canada  

Where to go: (1) Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, (2) Whitehorse, Yukon, or (3) Iqaluit, Nunavut

 

I can’t explain how awesome and how much of a challenge it is to be out in a place you have never seen before on your own searching for a composition in the dark. I usually have my google maps on and just drive out into the darkness. At first it can be a bit intimidating but after you get past that it’s just so peaceful and beautiful to watch this light show. I don’t often go out with other photographers as I find it so much easier to be creative on my own. The only thing that makes it better is by having my family with me. @explorecanada

A post shared by Nature | Ocean | Wildlife (@seanscottphotography) on Oct 24, 2017 at 2:48am PDT

 

3. The United States of America

Where to go: (1) Fairbanks, Alaska, or (2) Denali National Park, Alaska

 

The clouds left, skies cleared, and the heavens declared. #teamcanon #northernlights #alaska #Auroraborealis

A post shared by Tim in Alaska (@timthetoothninja) on Sep 27, 2017 at 10:48am PDT

 

4. Norway

 Where to go: (1) Svolvær, Lofoten (2) Senja, or (3) Alta

 

The Northern Lights yesterday, Svolvær, Norway. #northernlights #svolvær #longexposure #canon #norge #northernlightsnorway #lofoten #artic #northernorway @northernnorway #toplofotenphoto @norgesbeste @ig_auroraborealis @noregfoto #northernnorwaycalendar #norgebilderno #knighttones

A post shared by Lalo Anguiano (@theprohibited) on Oct 29, 2017 at 12:38am PDT

 

5. Greenland

Where to go: (1) Kangerlussuaq, (2) Ammasalik, or (3) Nuuk

 

Photographically it can be hard to find a foreground that will compete with a strong aurora display. It wasn't so much of an issue that night, as we watched the lights dance above the crevasses of the Greenland icecap. That spot will definitely go down as one of the most incredible settings I've had the chance the photograph the lights from! As for @MathieuLeLay, friend and filmmaker, he was running around that area all night so it seems fair to assume he got some solid footage for his film, In the Starlight, which comes out at the end of the year. ?? Oh and we're going back to Greenland with a few people in 2019! Join the newsletter if you're interested in shooting some aurora in one of the most amazing settings on Earth, link in bio. #ILoveGreenland #GreenlandPioneer #WildlyCreative #IntheStarlight @ballwatch #Manfrotto #CanonCanada

A post shared by Paul Zizka • Banff, AB (@paulzizkaphoto) on Nov 2, 2017 at 8:57am PDT

 

Which country are you booking a flight to, stat?