When people start researching vacations to Scandinavia, one of the first things you will hear about is the northern lights. If you are new to the subject, the northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural, colorful light display in the sky. They’re a beautiful display of colors, usually green, and can last from a few minutes to several hours, with no two displays ever the same!
The northern lights can be seen in countries such as Norway, Iceland, and Finland, but you may be wondering if you can see the northern lights in Sweden. The answer is yes; many consider Sweden one of the world’s best countries to see the northern lights! We will tell you why Sweden is a great place to see the Aurora Borealis, some great locations in Sweden to see it, and some general tips to consider before you head out searching for a glimpse of the northern lights.
Why is Sweden a Great Destination to See the Northern Lights?
Prime Latitude
The Auroral Oval is the ring-shaped zone around the Earth’s geomagnetic poles where auroras are most frequently visible. Northern Sweden lies directly beneath this zone, making it an ideal location to see the northern lights!
Long Winters
Northern Sweden has much darker winters than you may be used to. Often, the sun will rise at 10 am and set at just 2 pm, meaning they may only get a handful of hours of daylight! This is good news for trying to witness the northern lights. The best time to see the northern lights is when it’s dark, so these long dark days mean you have a better chance of seeing it.
Clear Skies
The northern lights will only be visible if certain weather conditions are met. Sweden is known for its reliable weather patterns in certain regions, meaning you have a high chance of meeting the right conditions.
3 Best Places in Sweden to See the Northern Lights
Sweden has the luxury of having several great locations where you can see the northern lights. Here are the 3 locations we believe are the best spots for you to chase the aurora in Sweden.
Abisko
Abisko is renowned for its dry and clear climate, and many view it as one of the world’s best locations to see the lights. If you’re looking for a memorable and fun night, we recommend heading to the Aurora Sky Station, where you can ride a chairlift up to a mountain viewpoint and watch the lights dance above you in the sky!
Kiruna
Kiruna is Sweden’s most northerly town and another excellent location for chasing the lights. When nightfall arrives, you can take a snowmobile safari or dog sledding to a quiet viewing point under the stars. Just picture sitting with a warm drink by the fire, looking at the surreal night sky.
Jukkasjärvi
This northerly village has become a hugely popular destination to view the lights, with it being home to the iconic ICEHOTEL, which, as you’d expect from the name, is made entirely of ice! Have a night to remember in an ice suite as you gaze at the dancing colors across the sky above.
Tips Before Viewing the Northern Lights
- Timing: It is recommended you travel between late September and March to see the lights, with December to February being the peak months. It’s not guaranteed every night, so we’d recommend you stay for at least 2-5 nights to give yourself the best chance.
- Get Away From Busy Cities and Towns: To see the lights, you want to go to the darkest locations possible, such as rural areas, forests, national parks etc. The darker your surroundings, the greater the aurora’s visual impact.
- Stay Up Late: You’re most likely to see the aurora between 9 pm and 2 am, so be patient and stay alert at the correct times.
- Check Forecast: Check the forecast ahead of time to track aurora activity and cloud cover. If you are on a private tour, your guide will monitor the forecast for you.
Northern Lights Private Tours
If this sounds up your street, check out some of our itineraries below. You’ll find private tours of varying lengths, including visits to the best regions in Sweden to view the northern lights. These itineraries are merely templates that can be adapted to suit your needs.
