There’s a reason the Northern Lights have long been one of nature’s most sought-after spectacles. 

When charged particles from the sun slam into Earth’s upper atmosphere, they ignite majestic curtains of green, purple and red that dance across the polar night sky. 

These lights, known as the Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking reminder of our planet’s connection to the wider solar system.

Right now, we’re in the tail end of a period of elevated solar activity. 

Our sun moves through an 11-year cycle of magnetic highs and lows, and the recent peak – sometimes called the “solar maximum” – occurred across 2024 and into 2025. 

Although the sun has now passed that peak, strong solar flares and geomagnetic storms continue into 2026, meaning aurora displays remain more vivid and frequent than usual. 

Historically, this declining phase can still offer some of the best aurora opportunities before things quieten down later in the decade.

This elevated activity boosts your chances of seeing the lights, even sometimes at lower latitudes or during brief geomagnetic storms. 

During strong solar events, charged particles push the auroral oval wider, lighting up skies that are usually too far south for viewing.

So where should you be planning your Aurora adventure? 

Here are some of the top places around the world:

1. Troms?, Norway – Often dubbed the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Troms? sits well within the auroral zone. With a wide range of winter tours, easy access and frequent displays during the peak season (late September–early April), it’s hard to beat.

2. Finnish & Swedish Lapland – Remote wilderness spots like Abisko and Inari offer dark skies and minimal light pollution, giving you stunning opportunities to catch the lights dancing overhead.

3. Iceland – With its dramatic landscapes and long nights, Iceland is a favourite for aurora chasers. Areas around the Westfjords and remote highlands offer especially clear, unobstructed views.

4. North America – Canada’s Northwest Territories (Yellowknife, Churchill) and Alaska (Fairbanks) are classic settings for aurora chasing, with dark skies and frequent activity well into the tail of the solar cycle.

5. Greenland – For those seeking less crowded skies and dramatic polar landscapes, southern Greenland delivers unforgettable nights under the auroras.

Best viewing usually comes in the heart of winter, between late autumn and early spring, when nights are longest and skies darkest. 

Patience, clear skies and minimal light pollution are the keys to a truly spectacular show.

And if you’re wondering whether this activity really lives up to the hype, ask our owner, Peta Godfrey. 

She travelled to Norway in January and can personally attest to how magnificent the auroras are at present. 

Why not pop into the office and ask her to show you some photos from her trip?

When you’re ready to plan your Aurora Adventure, Travel Focus Group can guide you to the best suited experience. Call us on 02 4209 2044 to begin.

Please note: This is paid content