Tromsø, located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, is one of the world’s premier destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. The city’s combination of accessible infrastructure, relatively mild Arctic climate influenced by the Gulf Stream, and surrounding wilderness makes it an ideal base for northern lights chasing. When solar activity is strong and skies are clear, the lights can appear as shimmering green curtains, purple spirals, and sometimes rare red and pink hues dancing across the polar sky.

Beyond the aurora, Tromsø offers a wealth of Arctic experiences — dog sledding across frozen landscapes, whale watching in the nearby fjords (November through January), visiting the stunning Arctic Cathedral, and sampling reindeer stew in cozy harborside restaurants. The city’s vibrant cultural scene has earned it the nickname “Paris of the North.”

Pro tip: Book a guided aurora chase tour rather than waiting in town, as guides use real-time weather radar and aurora forecasts to drive up to 200 kilometers to find clear skies. Bring a tripod for photography and set your camera to manual mode with a long exposure. Even if the lights do not appear, the star-filled Arctic sky alone is worth the trip.