The northern reaches of Norway are nicely nestled within the Arctic circle, and the mega-long nights in winter make perfect aurora viewing conditions. Tromsø is a popular place for Northern Light hunters to base themselves. You can sometimes even spot the lights from the town itself.
If you’re taking your quest very seriously, there are few places better than Svalbard for spotting the lights. The world’s northernmost year-round settlement, Svalbard is in darkness constantly between November and February, providing optimum opportunities. Just make sure you take an official tour rather than heading out into the wilderness on your lonesome. This is polar bear territory.
Stay here It is not opening until 2024, but Svart, the world’s first energy-positive hotel, would make a dreamy base. The circular hotel, which stands in the shallows of a fjord, will be off-grid and zero waste – and its Arctic Circle location makes it a good bet for seeing the Northern Lights during your stay.