The Best Destinations to See The Northern Lights During the Solar Maximum
If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, 2025 is your year. We’re currently in the heart of the solar maximum, a peak in solar activity that only happens every 11 years. This rare window dramatically increases your chances of seeing brighter, more frequent aurora displays. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned aurora chaser, this year is set to be one of the best for Northern Lights travel.
But with so many destinations to choose from, where is the best place to see the Northern Lights during the solar max? And more importantly, where should you stay to make the most of your trip?
We’ve rounded up the top Northern Lights destinations for 2025, along with unique places to stay—handpicked by the Arctic travel experts at Off the Map Travel.
Why the Solar Maximum Matters for Aurora Viewing
The aurora borealis is caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere. During a solar maximum, the sun produces more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections—meaning stronger and more frequent Northern Lights activity.
That’s why 2025 is the best time in over a decade to plan your Northern Lights adventure.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2025 (and Where to Stay)
1. Swedish Lapland – Wilderness Meets Comfort
Best for: Remote landscapes, Arctic culture, and cosy lodge stays
Swedish Lapland offers some of the darkest skies in Europe—perfect for aurora viewing. With minimal light pollution and stunning surroundings, it’s a top choice this year.
Where to Stay:
- Aurora Safari Camp – Stay in heated lavvu tents on the frozen Råne River with expert-led Northern Lights hunts.
- Arctic Bath – A floating spa hotel with luxurious cabins and direct views of the night sky.
- Pine Bay Lodge – A cosy coastal retreat with snowshoeing, husky sledding, and aurora dinners on the ice.
See more Swedish Lapland stays – Click here
2. Finnish Lapland – Glass Igloos and Arctic Luxury
Best for: Bucket-list igloo experiences and snow-covered landscapes
Finland is famous for its glass-roofed cabins, where you can watch the aurora dance above your bed. With a wide range of accommodation and easy access from Rovaniemi or Ivalo, it’s ideal for families, couples, and first-timers.
Where to Stay:
- Arctic Treehouse Hotel – Modern luxury with panoramic windows and private saunas.
- Levi Northern Lights Huts – Classic glass igloo stays with direct views of the sky.
- Apukka Resort – Family-friendly and atmospheric with ice saunas and aurora snow trains.
Explore Finnish Lapland stays – Click here
3. Northern Norway – Fjords and Fast Access
Best for: Coastal drama, whale watching, and high aurora frequency
Thanks to its location under the auroral oval, Northern Norway offers some of the most consistent aurora activity in the world—perfect during a solar max. Combine aurora chasing with fjord cruises, Sami culture, or whale watching.
Where to Stay:
- Lyngen Lodge – A boutique mountain lodge offering snowmobile safaris and expert photography tours.
- Malangen Resort – A stunning fjordside stay just 90 minutes from Tromsø.
- Hamn i Senja – A remote island resort perfect for active adventures and peaceful aurora moments.
Browse Northern Norway accommodation – Click Here
4. Iceland – Quick Getaways and Volcanic Backdrops
Best for: Short breaks, self-drives, and dramatic landscapes
Iceland is one of the easiest aurora destinations to reach from both Europe and North America. While the weather can be unpredictable, the solar max boosts your chances even on shorter trips. Plus, you’ll get to explore waterfalls, geysers, and lava fields along the way.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Rangá – A classic aurora-watching hotel with a dedicated observatory.
- Ion Adventure Hotel – A striking, modern hotel with geothermal hot pools and wide-open skies.
- Torfhús Retreat – Eco-luxury turf houses with private hot tubs and aurora views.
Check out Icelandic hotels – Click Here
5. Greenland – The Ultimate Arctic Experience
Best for: Serious adventurers and unique, off-grid experiences
If you want to get off the beaten track, Greenland offers an unforgettable Arctic wilderness. Remote lodges, dog sledding, and Inuit culture combine with some of the clearest skies anywhere on Earth.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Arctic – The world’s northernmost 4-star hotel, with dramatic ice fjord views.
- Ilulissat Icefjord Lodge – A brand-new eco-lodge perfect for aurora photography.
Discover Greenland escapes – Click here
Tips for Planning Your Aurora Trip in 2025
Travel between September and March – These are the darkest months, offering the best chance to see the lights.
Go north of the Arctic Circle – Destinations like Tromsø, Abisko, and Levi lie directly under the auroral oval.
Stay at least 3-4 nights – Aurora visibility depends on clear skies, so give yourself a good window.
Join guided aurora hunts – Local experts know the best viewing spots and weather patterns.
Pick accommodation with dark skies – Avoid city centres and opt for remote hotels or lodges.
Book Your Aurora Holiday for the Solar Max Now
2025 is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to witness nature’s greatest light show. With our handpicked accommodations and tailor-made itineraries, Off the Map Travel can help you design the perfect trip to see the Northern Lights this year.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the solar maximum.
Explore all our Northern Lights accommodation
Or contact us to start planning your aurora adventure today.
