Published on
November 27, 2025
For those looking to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), planning the right flight is key to getting to the best locations. With December 2025 just around the corner, many travelers are already looking to book flights to see one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena. In this article, we’ll explore the best flights to Northern Lights destinations and provide you with all the information you need to start your aurora adventure in 2025.
Top Northern Lights Destinations for 2025 and Beyond
The Northern Lights are most commonly seen in the Arctic Circle, specifically in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. These destinations are known for their long winter nights, minimal light pollution, and the perfect conditions needed to witness the aurora. Here are some of the best locations to see the Northern Lights:
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, often referred to as the “gateway to the Arctic,” is one of the most famous destinations for Northern Lights viewing. Located well above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers the best chance of seeing the aurora between December and March. With its remote location and long, dark nights, Tromsø is perfect for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. While Tromsø is a city, many tours will take you just outside for optimal viewing. Flights into Tromsø Airport (TOS) can be accessed via connecting flights from major European hubs such as Oslo, Stockholm, or Helsinki.Lapland, Finland
Northern Finland, specifically Lapland, is another top destination for Northern Lights seekers. The region of Rovaniemi is a popular spot, especially since it’s also known as the home of Santa Claus. However, for the best aurora sightings, venture farther north. Finland’s Lapland region offers some of the most remote areas, where light pollution is minimal, and the odds of seeing the Northern Lights are high. You can fly into Helsinki, then take a domestic flight to Rovaniemi, or choose other smaller airports farther north. The most remote areas offer the best chance of catching the aurora.Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands in northern Norway offer another fantastic opportunity to see the Northern Lights. This archipelago is known for its dramatic landscapes, including sharp mountain peaks, deep fjords, and beautiful beaches. It’s far enough north to give you a good chance of seeing the aurora, especially during the dark winter months. Lofoten is accessible by flights into Bodø or Tromsø, followed by a regional flight or ferry to the islands.Abisko, Sweden
Known for its unique microclimate, Abisko in Swedish Lapland is one of the best places in Scandinavia to witness the aurora. Thanks to a clear sky created by the region’s geographical features, Abisko has one of the clearest skies in Scandinavia, significantly increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. From Stockholm, you can take a domestic flight to Kiruna, followed by a short transfer to Abisko. This remote location offers a quiet, scenic spot to watch the aurora borealis.Reykjavik and Rural Iceland
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights, and Reykjavik, the capital, serves as the main entry point. Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik is the most common airport for international arrivals. From Reykjavik, you can venture out to more rural locations like Thingvellir National Park or the south coast of Iceland for better visibility and less light pollution. Many tour operators also offer Northern Lights tours directly from Reykjavik to rural areas with optimal viewing conditions.Flights to Access Northern Lights Destinations
Flying to the Northern Lights involves first reaching a major European hub and then connecting to smaller regional airports located in the Arctic Circle. Here’s a breakdown of the most common flight routes to get you to these breathtaking destinations:
Tromsø, Norway
To reach Tromsø, most travelers fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) from Europe, then take a short flight to Tromsø Airport (TOS). There are direct flights to Oslo from many major European cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, after which you can easily connect to Tromsø. Depending on where you’re flying from, the total travel time could range between 5–8 hours.
Lapland, Finland
For Lapland, you will first fly into Helsinki Airport (HEL), a major European hub with connections from cities all over the world. From Helsinki, there are direct flights to Rovaniemi and other Lapland cities such as Kittilä and Ivalo. These domestic flights are relatively short (about 1 hour), and flights are frequent during the winter months, especially from December to March when the demand for aurora tours is highest.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
To get to Lofoten, you would first fly to Bodø Airport from Oslo or Stockholm. From Bodø, you can take a regional flight or ferry to Svolvær, the main town on the islands. While flight connections might not be as frequent as larger destinations, they are still accessible year-round.
Abisko, Sweden
Fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and then take a domestic flight to Kiruna (about 90 minutes). From Kiruna, a short transfer takes you to Abisko, where you can enjoy the best Northern Lights visibility. Abisko is particularly known for its clear skies and minimal cloud cover, giving you an excellent chance to witness the aurora.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Most travelers heading to Iceland will fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), which is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Flights to Iceland are frequent and connect from cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Berlin. Once in Reykjavik, you can join a Northern Lights tour or rent a car to explore the Icelandic countryside for better aurora viewing.
Tips for Maximizing Your Northern Lights ExperienceTravel Between December and March: The best months for seeing the Northern Lights are December to March, when the nights are longest and darkest.Choose Remote Locations: The farther you travel from city lights, the better your chances of seeing the aurora. Consider booking a tour that takes you into the Arctic wilderness.Check the Weather and Aurora Forecasts: Cloud cover and weather conditions can obscure your view of the Northern Lights, so always check the aurora forecast before heading out.
