Top Hiking Trails for Experiencing the Northern Lights

30 January 2026

If witnessing the magical Northern Lights is on your bucket list, why not experience them in the best way possible—on a scenic hiking adventure? There’s nothing quite like trekking through pristine landscapes, surrounded by untouched wilderness, and looking up to see the sky dance in hues of green, purple, and blue.

But where exactly should you go for the most breathtaking views? In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top hiking trails around the world that offer a front-row seat to this celestial spectacle.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

Before we dive into the best trails, let’s quickly break down what makes the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) happen. These stunning light displays occur when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere. The result? A jaw-dropping natural show that leaves stargazers in awe.

For the best chance to witness this phenomenon, you'll want to head to high-latitude regions near the Arctic Circle, especially between September and March when nights are longest and skies are darkest.

Now, let’s lace up our boots and explore the best hiking trails for experiencing the Northern Lights!

1. Abisko National Park, Sweden

Why It’s Perfect for Northern Lights

If you’re serious about seeing the aurora, Abisko National Park in Sweden might just be your best bet. Known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, this area boasts one of the highest success rates for Northern Lights sightings.

Best Hiking Trail: Kungsleden Trail

- Length: 270 miles (but you can do shorter sections)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: September to March

The Kungsleden Trail (King’s Trail) runs through the heart of Abisko. While the full trail is a multi-day trek, many hikers opt for a shorter section near the Aurora Sky Station, a prime spot for viewing the lights. Imagine hiking through snow-draped mountains, then looking up to see waves of green and purple swirling above you—absolutely breathtaking.

2. Tromsø, Norway

Why It’s Perfect for Northern Lights

Tromsø sits right in the middle of the aurora zone, making it one of the top destinations worldwide for Northern Lights chasers. Plus, its coastal beauty and dramatic landscapes make hiking here an unforgettable experience.

Best Hiking Trail: Fjellheisen Trail to Storsteinen Mountain

- Length: 2 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: September to March

This short but steep trail takes you to Storsteinen Mountain, where you’ll get an incredible panoramic view of Tromsø and, if lucky, the Northern Lights dancing over the fjords. Don’t feel like hiking all the way? You can take a cable car up and hike around the summit instead!

3. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Why It’s Perfect for Northern Lights

With jagged peaks, remote beaches, and little light pollution, the Lofoten Islands offer one of the most dramatic backdrops for the aurora.

Best Hiking Trail: Reinebringen Trail

- Length: 1.5 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Best Time to Visit: September to March

Though short, the Reinebringen Trail is steep with plenty of steps, but the reward at the top is worth every ounce of effort. The view of the fishing villages below, surrounded by towering peaks and shimmering waters, is already stunning—now imagine it under the glow of the Northern Lights. Unreal, right?

4. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska, USA

Why It’s Perfect for Northern Lights

Alaska is one of the prime locations in North America for aurora viewing, and Chena Hot Springs offers a perfect mix of adventure and comfort—after a chilly hike, you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters while waiting for the lights to appear.

Best Hiking Trail: Angel Rocks Trail

- Length: 3.5 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: September to March

The Angel Rocks Trail takes you through rugged terrain and leads to impressive rock formations where you get a wide, unobstructed view of the night sky. Pack some extra layers, as Alaskan nights get seriously cold, but when the sky lights up, the chill will be the last thing on your mind.

5. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

Why It’s Perfect for Northern Lights

Iceland is a dream destination for nature lovers, and Thingvellir National Park is one of the best spots for catching the aurora away from Reykjavik’s city lights.

Best Hiking Trail: Öxarárfoss Trail

- Length: 2 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time to Visit: September to March

This easy trail leads to the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall, a fantastic place to set up a tripod for some long-exposure aurora photography. The surrounding cliffs and open skies make for a picture-perfect Northern Lights experience.

6. Yukon, Canada

Why It’s Perfect for Northern Lights

The Yukon, with its vast open wilderness and minimal light pollution, is one of the best places in Canada for aurora sightings.

Best Hiking Trail: Tombstone Territorial Park - Grizzly Ridge Trail

- Length: 5 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: September to March

This trail winds through the dramatic landscapes of Tombstone Territorial Park, offering unbeatable views of jagged peaks and tundra-covered valleys. When the sun sets and the sky erupts in color, it feels like stepping into another world.

7. Finnish Lapland, Finland

Why It’s Perfect for Northern Lights

With its snowy forests, frozen lakes, and almost guaranteed auroras in the right season, Finnish Lapland is a true winter wonderland.

Best Hiking Trail: Pyhä-Luosto National Park - Isokuru Gorge Trail

- Length: 4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: September to March

The Isokuru Gorge Trail takes you through one of Finland’s most breathtaking landscapes, and with luck, you’ll witness the sky glowing in vibrant shades of green and purple. Bonus: You might even spot reindeer along the way!

Tips for Hiking Under the Northern Lights

1. Dress in Layers

Cold temperatures can be brutal, especially in Arctic regions. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and windproof outer layers to stay warm.

2. Check the Aurora Forecast

Websites like the NOAA Aurora Forecast help predict aurora activity, so you can plan your hike accordingly.

3. Avoid Light Pollution

The farther you are from city lights, the better your chances of seeing a vibrant display.

4. Use a Headlamp with a Red Light Setting

Red light won’t interfere with your night vision and keeps your eyes adjusted to the dark.

5. Be Patient and Stay Warm

The Northern Lights are unpredictable. Sometimes they appear for just a few minutes, other times they last for hours. Bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee to stay warm while you wait.

Final Thoughts

Hiking under the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience, blending adventure with one of nature’s most spectacular sights. Whether you’re scaling mountains in Norway, trekking through Alaskan wilderness, or wandering the icy landscapes of Finland, each of these trails offers a chance to witness something truly magical.

So, where will your next adventure take you? Grab your boots, pack your gear, and start chasing the aurora!