6 incredible ways to see the northern lights this winter, according to National Geographic

Chase the Aurora Borealis in style: From Alaskan snowmobiles to Greenland’s glass-walled cabins, witness the Northern Lights like never before.

This winter promises a particularly spectacular Northern Lights season across the Northern Hemisphere. The elusive Aurora Borealis, with its shifting ribbons of green, pink, and violet, is one of nature’s most mesmerising spectacles — but catching it in its full glory requires more than luck. National Geographic has highlighted six unique ways to experience the Aurora beyond the usual tourist spots, blending adventure, culture, and luxury into unforgettable nights under the celestial display.

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1. Snowmobile Safari in Alaska — Chase the Lights on an Adrenaline Rush

Goldstream Valley near Fairbanks, Alaska, has long been a hotspot for aurora watchers, but adding a snowmobile ride elevates the thrill. Race across snow-blanketed landscapes, weave through frosted pine forests, and feel the icy wind against your face as green curtains of light dance across the sky above. Guided tours keep you safe while letting you embrace the untamed wilderness, and pit stops for hot cocoa provide the perfect pause amidst the adventure.

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2. Husky Sledding in Finland — Glide Through Silent Snowy Landscapes

In Lapland’s remote Finnish wilderness, husky sleds offer a serene yet exhilarating way to witness the Northern Lights. The rhythmic crunch of snow beneath the sled, paw prints trailing in the soft white terrain, and the ghostly glow of the aurora overhead make for a magical, almost cinematic experience. Local farms offer nighttime tours, letting visitors experience the aurora in untouched landscapes reminiscent of a winter fairy tale.

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3. Dine at a Sámi Reindeer Camp in Norway — Culture and Celestial Light

Just outside Tromsø, Norway’s ‘Northern Lights capital,’ the Tromsø Arctic Reindeer Camp offers an immersive experience with a cultural twist. Run by the Indigenous Oskal family, the camp features traditional lavvu tents, roaring fires, and a three-course Sámi meal of hearty meat and vegetable stew. Between bites, guests can step outside to watch the Aurora Borealis, just as the Sámi have done for centuries, blending local heritage with cosmic wonder.

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4. Spot the Aurora Like a Local in Sweden — Remote, Cozy, and Authentic

In the tranquil village of Mårdsel, Northern Lapland, Sweden, a renovated post office turned lodge welcomes aurora hunters to a uniquely Swedish experience. Nestled in the Råne River Valley, one of the region’s underrated Northern Lights spots, the lodge provides snowshoes, Nordic skis, and kicksleds for exploring. After a day in the wild, unwind in an outdoor hot tub or sauna while the northern skies perform their dazzling nightly dance.

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5. Northern Lights Cruise in Iceland — Two Shows for the Price of One

Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay offers a dual spectacle: the vibrant lights of Reykjavík’s skyline and the celestial Aurora overhead. Onboard a retro-style yacht, passengers sip hot beverages while scanning the horizon for whales, seabirds, and streaks of green and violet in the sky. The two-hour cruise blends the serenity of the ocean with one of the world’s most unforgettable natural displays.

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6. Aurora Cabins in Greenland — Watch the Lights from Your Bed

For those who prefer luxury and comfort, Greenland’s Disko Bay offers glass-walled Aurora Cabins perched on a mountainside overlooking the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. From your bed, gaze out at icebergs floating in the Atlantic as the night sky lights up in vivid hues. Equipped with Bluetooth speakers for music and cosy bedding, these cabins provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the Northern Lights as a private, cinematic show from the warmth of your own room.

Why These Experiences Stand Out

National Geographic emphasises that seeing the Aurora doesn’t have to mean crowded tour buses or predictable viewpoints. Each of these six experiences combines adventure, culture, and comfort, allowing travellers to connect deeply with the natural spectacle while exploring local landscapes, traditions, and wildlife.

From the adrenaline-fuelled snowmobile rides of Alaska to the peaceful solitude of Greenland’s Aurora Cabins, these options make witnessing the Northern Lights a truly personal and unforgettable journey.