Login
sweden northern lights

Top 10 Places in Sweden to Experience the Northern Lights

Hey there, have you always dreamed of seeing the magical Northern Lights? Well, you’re in luck because Sweden is one of the best places on Earth to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. With stunning landscapes, minimal light pollution, and prime locations along the Arctic Circle, Sweden serves up ideal conditions for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights show. Whether you want to witness the colorful dancing lights from the comfort of a cozy cabin, out on a thrilling dogsled ride, or while gazing up at the night sky from an open field, Sweden has you covered. In this article, you’ll discover the top 10 places where your Northern Lights fantasies can become a reality. Get ready for an unforgettable experience and adventure witnessing one of nature’s greatest wonders in the Nordic paradise of Sweden.

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

aurora online course

Online Course

Designed For Beginners

aurora app

Mobile App

Designed For Beginners

northern lights sweden

Abisko National Park: A Photographer’s Paradise

Abisko National Park in northern Sweden offers some of the best opportunities in the world to see and photograph the Northern Lights. Here are a few reasons why Abisko should be at the top of your list:

  • Abisko has clear, dark skies. Its remote location away from city lights provides pitch black skies, perfect for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
  • Abisko has a high occurrence of Northern Lights activity. Its location along the Auroral Oval means sightings of the Northern Lights happen frequently, especially between September to March.
  • There are many vantage points. You can see the lights from pretty much anywhere, but head to the Abisko Canyon, Abiskojaure Lake, or Nuolja Trail for panoramic views.
  • It’s a photographer’s dream. The dramatic landscapes, like the jagged snow-capped peaks of the Scandinavian Mountains, provide a scenic foreground for your Northern Lights photos.
northern lights sweden
A few tips for your visit:

  • Check the local Aurora forecast to know the likelihood of spotting the lights on any given night.
  • Dress warmly, as it can get very cold at night. Thermal undergarments, insulated pants, parka, hat, mittens, and boots are must-haves.
  • Use a sturdy tripod for the best photos. You’ll need to keep the shutter open for long exposures.
  • Scout locations during the day to find compositions you like. That way, you're ready to shoot when the lights come out at night.
  • Be patient. The lights are unpredictable, so be prepared to wait for the perfect moment to witness a spectacular show.
With a bit of luck and persistence, you'll get front row seats to one of nature's greatest spectacles in this Nordic paradise. The dazzling Northern Lights over Abisko's dramatic landscape will leave you in awe.
the northern lights sweden

Jokkmokk: Escape From Light Pollution

To escape light pollution, head to Jokkmokk, a small town in Swedish Lapland surrounded by forests and mountains. Located within the Arctic Circle, the pristine night skies here are ideal for Northern Lights viewing and photography.

Jokkmokk is home to the famous Winter Market, where you can find handcrafted goods and learn about Sámi culture. But at night, all eyes turn to the sky. Bundle up, find a secluded spot away from town, and wait for the show to begin. The Aurora often appears as a greenish glow, flickering and dancing. But you may also spot hints of pink, red, and violet.
the northern lights sweden
Some tips for your Jokkmokk Aurora adventure:

  • Check the forecast. The Northern Lights are more active during the equinoxes and solstices. Higher solar activity means a better chance of spotting the lights.
  • Get away from light pollution. Head to a dark area at least 30 minutes from town. The farther from artificial lights the better!
  • Dress for subzero weather. It can get extremely cold, especially when standing still gazing up at the night sky. Thermal underlayers, insulated pants, parka, hat, gloves, and insulated boots are must-haves.
  • Bring a camera. A DSLR camera with manual settings will allow you to capture amazing photos of the Aurora. Use a wide-angle lens, high ISO, and exposures of 5 to 30 seconds.
  • Be patient. The lights are unpredictable, so you may be outside for a while. But that first glimpse of the Aurora shimmering and dancing across the sky will make it worth the wait!
swedish northern lights

Kiruna: Sweden’s Northernmost City

As Sweden’s northernmost city, Kiruna is an ideal place to spot the Northern Lights. Located within the Arctic Circle, Kiruna experiences long winter nights perfect for Aurora viewing.

Some tips for catching the show in Kiruna:
  • Head to a secluded area away from city lights. Some of the best spots are the forests, fells, and cabins outside of town. The darker the sky, the more visible the Lights will be.
  • Check the local Aurora forecast. Kiruna has some great resources to monitor Aurora activity and visibility predictions to find the best nights to go out hunting.
  • Bring extras like a flashlight, snacks, hand warmers, a blanket or sleeping pad to sit on, and a camera.
  • Be patient. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can appear at any time. Find a cozy spot, get comfortable, and enjoy the night sky. The wait will be worth it!
swedish northern lights
Some FAQs about the Northern Lights in Kiruna:

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Kiruna?
The Northern Lights season runs from late August through early April. The equinoxes in September and March often see higher activity.

Where exactly should I go to see the Northern Lights?
Head to secluded, dark areas outside the city like the forests, cabins and fells. Some top spots are Abisko National Park, Björkliden, and Jukkasjärvi.
swedish northern lights
Do the Northern Lights always appear green?
No, the Lights can appear in other colors like pink, red, blue, and violet. The colors visible depend on the type of gas particles that are colliding. Oxygen produces the common greenish hue, nitrogen produces blue, and high-altitude oxygen can produce rare reds.

With its prime location in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Kiruna offers one of the best opportunities in the world to experience the wonder and magic of the Northern Lights. Bundle up, find a cozy spot in the wilderness, and wait for the spectacular show to begin!
sweden northern lights

Tärendö: Pure Nature Under the Northern Lights

Tärendö is a small village located in Swedish Lapland, in the heart of the boreal forest. Surrounded by nature, it’s an ideal place to experience the Northern Lights in a pristine setting.

Escape the Light Pollution
The village has very little infrastructure and light pollution, so the night sky is dark and clear. You have unobstructed views of the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky. The village itself has only a few houses and a church, allowing the celestial spectacle to take center stage.
sweden northern lights
Photograph the Perfect Landscape
The minimal light pollution also makes Tärendö an outstanding place for landscape photography. During the day, you can capture the boreal forest blanketed in snow. At night, photograph the vibrant Northern Lights with silhouettes of pine trees in the foreground. The dramatic contrast of colors and textures make for memorable photographs.

Try Winter Activities
In between Aurora watching, there are plenty of winter activities to experience in Tärendö’s Arctic climate. Go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or dogsledding through the forest. Ice fish on a frozen lake or go ice climbing. At the Aurora Sky Station, you can get a birds-eye view of the Lights while riding a chairlift.
sweden northern lights
Questions About the Northern Lights in Tärendö
  • When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Tärendö? The Aurora season runs from late August through early April. The winter months, especially December through February, tend to be the most active.
  • Can I take a Northern Lights tour to Tärendö? Yes, many tour companies offer trips to Tärendö and other destinations in Swedish Lapland to view and photograph the Northern Lights. These multi-day tours handle all the logistics so you can focus on experiencing the Aurora Borealis.

Tärendö offers a chance to witness the amazing wonder of the Northern Lights in a pristine natural setting. By escaping the distractions and light pollution of more populated areas, you can fully immerse yourself under the starry skies of Lapland. The picturesque boreal forest provides a perfect landscape to make your Aurora photos shine.
can you see the northern lights in sweden

Jukkasjärvi: Experience Sami Culture and the Northern Lights

Experience Sami Culture and the Northern Lights
The village of Jukkasjärvi is located in Swedish Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle. This is the perfect place to experience the indigenous Sami culture and see the spectacular Northern Lights.

Jukkasjärvi is home to the world’s largest igloo hotel, the Icehotel. You can tour this unique hotel during the day and then at night, head out on the frozen Torne River with your camera to photograph the Aurora Borealis as they dance across the sky. The Icehotel also offers Northern Lights photography tours and workshops so you can learn how to best capture these celestial wonders.
can you see the northern lights in sweden
While in Jukkasjärvi, make sure to visit the Sami village and learn about the semi-nomadic Sami people, Sweden’s indigenous population. You can take a reindeer sled ride, listen to joik (traditional Sami singing), and dine on traditional Sami cuisine like reindeer, elk, and fish. The Sami culture is deeply connected to nature, so this is an ideal place to gain a better understanding of the close relationship between the Sami people and Swedish Lapland.

Some tips for viewing the Northern Lights here:
• Dress warmly - Make sure to bundle up, as it can get very cold at night! Thermal undergarments, insulated pants, parka, hat, gloves, and insulated boots are must-haves.
• Bring a camera - A DSLR camera with manual settings will allow you to capture amazing photographs of the colorful, dancing lights. A tripod is also useful for longer exposure shots.
• Be patient - The lights are natural phenomena and can appear at any time, so give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness and be ready to stay out for a while for the best show. The Aurora can last for just a few minutes up to several hours!
Jukkasjärvi offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles in a setting filled with culture and history. Viewing the Northern Lights in the heart of Sami country is an experience you’ll never forget.
northern lights sweden

Luleå: Gateway to Swedish Lapland

Gateway to the North
Luleå is ideal for catching the Northern Lights in Sweden. Located just south of the Arctic Circle, Luleå offers prime viewing conditions with little light pollution. It’s a gateway city to Swedish Lapland, a sparsely populated region covered in boreal forest and home to reindeer and wolves.

Some of the best spots around Luleå for Aurora viewing include:
  • The Luleå archipelago, with over 2,000 islands dotting the Bay of Bothnia. Head to any of the islands after dark for an unobstructed view of the night sky.
  • The forests surrounding Luleå, like the Piteå River Valley or Vindeln Biosphere Reserve. Find a secluded clearing, build a fire and wait for the show to start.
  • The coastline, especially the beaches around Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sit back on the soft sand and take in the dancing lights reflected on the water.
northern lights sweden
Luleå’s subarctic climate means long, dark winter nights - perfect for Northern Lights watching. The best time is between 10 pm to 3 am from September to March when the sky is darkest. Some tips for your adventure:

  1. Bring a camera with manual settings to capture the Northern Lights. Use a wide-angle lens, high ISO, and exposures of 5 to 30 seconds.
  2. Ask your hotel for an Aurora wake-up call in case the lights are active while you’re sleeping. Some hotels offer panoramic suites with glass ceilings for views from your bed!

Whether watching from the sea, forest or city, Luleå offers an authentic Swedish experience under the dancing Northern Lights. The mix of natural scenery, winter activities and cozy cafes make it a perfect escape into Lapland's wilderness.
the northern lights sweden

Piteå: Relaxing Retreat Along the Baltic Sea

Nestled along the Baltic Sea coastline in northern Sweden, the town of Piteå is an ideal place to view the Northern Lights. Its location within the Aurora Zone and distance from city lights provide prime conditions for spotting the colorful nighttime spectacle.

  • Walk or drive just outside of town to get away from any remaining light pollution. Head to Storforsen, or one of the many beaches along the coast.
  • Book a room at the Pite Havsbad, a resort located right on the sea. Their glass-enclosed saunas and hot tubs give you front row seats to potential Aurora shows.
  • Join a guided Northern Lights tour from Piteå. Experienced guides will transport you to the best locations based on weather conditions and help you capture photos of the dazzling display.
  • Rent a cabin in the woods for the ultimate secluded getaway. Cozy up next to a fireplace and keep your eyes on the sky for a chance at a private viewing.
Piteå’s natural surroundings create an idyllic escape any time of year. But the opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis’ vibrant colors dancing across the night sky make winter visits especially magical. Between the sea coast vistas, forested landscapes, and potential for Northern Lights sightings, Piteå promises relaxation and natural wonder.
the northern lights sweden
Frequently asked questions about viewing the Northern Lights in Piteå:

  1. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Piteå? The Northern Lights are most visible between September and March. October through February tend to be the peak months.
  2. Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights near Piteå? Head to open areas away from town lights, like beaches, fields or forests. Places like Storforsen waterfall or along the Baltic Sea coast offer panoramic views.
  3. What is the best way to photograph the Northern Lights in Piteå? Use a DSLR camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens, high ISO, and long exposure. A tripod is essential to keep the camera still.
can you see the northern lights in sweden

Stora Sjöfallet National Park: Rustic Cabins and Natural Wonders

Rustic Cabins and Natural Wonders
Stora Sjöfallet National Park in northern Sweden offers some of the best views of the Northern Lights. Its location far from major cities means very little light pollution, and its mountainous landscapes and dense forests provide dramatic foregrounds for your photos.
can you see the northern lights in sweden
  • Book a stay in one of the park’s rustic cabins or camp under the stars. Many are located right on the shores of massive Lake Stora Sjöfallet, with panoramic views in all directions.
  • Hike through old-growth forests, up rocky peaks, and to thundering waterfalls like Stora Sjöfallet during the day. The park has over 180 miles of hiking trails to explore.
  • In the evening, find an open spot away from camp to watch and photograph the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky. The shows often last for hours, so pack a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate, bundle up, and enjoy the spectacle.
  • The park is open year-round, but the best time to see the Northern Lights is between late August and early April when the nights are longest.
Stora Sjöfallet National Park offers a rugged yet rewarding setting to view one of nature’s greatest shows. With striking landscapes, comfortable accommodations, and optimal conditions for Aurora viewing, it deserves a spot at the top of your list.
swedish northern lights

Gällivare: Outdoor Adventure & Aurora Chasing

The small town of Gällivare in Swedish Lapland is an ideal spot for viewing the Northern Lights. Surrounded by wilderness, it offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation during the day and Aurora chasing at night.

  • Go dog sledding, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. The winter landscapes around Gällivare are stunning.
  • Take a guided snowshoe hike through the forest. Your guide can pick the best spots away from light pollution for potential Northern Lights viewing.
  • Go ice fishing on frozen Lake Lappajärvi or Lake Vuolusjärvi. You may catch your dinner and also catch a glimpse of the aurorae dancing across the night sky.
swedish northern lights
  • Visit the Gällivare Church, a dramatic example of modern architecture. Climb the church tower for panoramic views of the surroundings, then head to a nearby field at night to see if the views include an aurora.
  • Check the local Aurora alert system. The town monitors solar activity and issues alerts when conditions seem favorable for spotting the Northern Lights. Head to a viewing area as directed.

The Northern Lights are often visible from late August through early April in Gällivare. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, the long, dark winter nights and location within the Aurora Oval increase your chances. For the best views, get away from the town center, find a spot without too much light pollution, and look north. The Aurora will appear as a greenish glow and shimmering curtains of colorful light. Bundle up, as temperatures can drop well below freezing at night. With stunning scenery and outdoor activities, Gällivare is a prime destination for adventure and possible aurorae viewing in Swedish Lapland.
northern lights sweden

Porjus: Aurora Chaser's Hidden Gem

Nestled along the Lule River in Swedish Lapland, the tiny village of Porjus is a secluded paradise for viewing the Northern Lights. Its remote location away from city lights provides pitch-black skies, making it an ideal spot for astrophotography and enjoying the full brilliance of the Aurora Borealis.

  • Located within the Porjus Aurora Sky Park, one of the world’s first dedicated dark sky preserves. The park's location in the Scandinavian Mountains and lack of light pollution result in exceptionally clear night skies.
  • Take in the panoramic views of the Lule River valley and surrounding mountain ranges during the day. Go dog sledding, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, then wait for nightfall when the skies come alive.
sweden northern lights
  • Stay at the Porjus Aurora Spa, a scenic riverside resort that offers glass-roofed cabins, an outdoor hot tub, and sauna with views of the night sky. They provide Aurora wake-up calls should the Northern Lights emerge while you're sleeping!
  • Drive the Porjus Aurora Road, a winding mountain road that provides numerous scenic lookout points for sky watching and photos. Pullover wherever you like, turn off your headlights, and be immersed in the cosmic light show overhead.

The Northern Lights are often most active around the equinoxes in March and September. While sightings can vary from year to year, Porjus’ prime location away from light pollution and within the Aurora Oval zone make it a top destination to chase and capture stunning images of this celestial phenomenon. If seeing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory is on your bucket list, pack your bags for Porjus - you won't regret discovering this secluded paradise in Lapland under dancing skies.
can you see the northern lights in sweden

FAQs: All About Seeing the Northern Lights in Sweden

What causes the Northern Lights?
Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are caused by solar wind interacting with particles in our atmosphere. When the sun's solar wind slams into the earth's magnetic field, it excites particles of oxygen and nitrogen gas, which then emit the colorful lights of the aurora. The solar wind is constantly changing, so the lights are always shifting and dancing.

What's the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Sweden?
The Northern Lights are often visible between 10 pm to 3 am, so the long winter nights in Sweden from October through March offer the best opportunities for viewing the Aurora. The lights are often most active around the equinoxes in September and March.
can you see the northern lights in sweden
Do I need any special equipment?
To view the Northern Lights, all you need is a warm coat, hat, gloves, and comfortable shoes. While not required, a camera, especially one capable of long exposure photography, can help capture the beauty of the auroral display. A tripod will keep your camera still for the best shots.

Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Sweden?
Some of the best locations in Sweden for viewing the Northern Lights include:

  • Abisko National Park: Far north, with little light pollution. Chairlifts can take you up for panoramic views.
  • Jukkasjärvi: An old church village near Kiruna, ideal for photographs with little ambient light.
  • Kebnekaise: Sweden's highest mountain, offering 360 views if you're up for a hike.
  • Nikkaluokta: A small village in Lapland with minimal light pollution and many cozy cabins to stay in.
  • Kiruna: A historic mining town and gateway to Swedish Lapland. Head just outside of town to escape the city lights.
So bundle up, head north, find a dark spot, and look up. With a little luck and patience, you'll be dazzled by the magical lights dancing across the starry Arctic sky. Awe-inspiring!

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

  1. Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.

  2. The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.

  3. Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.

  4. Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.

  5. Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.

  6. If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

the northern lights sweden

Conclusion

Well there you have it, 10 of the best places to catch a glimpse of the shimmering Northern Lights in Sweden. With stunning natural landscapes, limited light pollution, and optimal viewing conditions, these locations will allow you to witness one of the greatest natural phenomena in the world. So pack your warmest clothes, bring your camera and tripod, find a cozy spot to settle in for the night, and get ready for a dazzling display of colors dancing across the sky. Mother Nature puts on quite the show in Swedish Lapland, so make sure to add an Aurora hunting adventure to your bucket list - you certainly won't regret it! The memories of gazing up at the swirling green lights will stay with you forever.

Find out more about The Northern Lights

For all people who are into The Northern Lights - View now our Online Courses

  • €19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

  • Course
  • 99 Lessons
  • Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

  • €2.99

Northern Lights Beginner

  • Course
  • 27 Lessons

Learn the basic knowledge you need to know to see the Northern Lights. This course includes Basic knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
View product
⟵ Back to Blog page