Best Places To See The Northern Lights

Top Summer Destinations in Best Places To See The Northern Lights

The midnight sun paints the sky in soft pastels over a fjord in Norway – a summer scene that rivals the aurora itself.

☀️ Best summer months: June–August (peak midnight sun: mid-June to mid-July)
💰 Summer budget range: $200–$350/day (mid-range, includes lodging, meals, and activities)
⏱️ How long to spend: 7–10 days to explore both city and nature
🎯 Difficulty level: Moderate – summer makes logistics easier, but booking ahead is essential
🌡️ Average summer temperature: 10°C–18°C (50°F–65°F)
👥 Best for: Solo travelers, couples, and adventurous families

Introduction

I still remember the first time I stepped off the plane in Reykjavík under a 22-hour sun. It was 11 PM, and the sky was the color of a bruised peach – soft orange, lavender, and a hint of blue. I hadn’t come for the Northern Lights (those belong to winter), but for something I’d only read about: the endless daylight of the Arctic summer. The air smelled of damp moss and geothermal steam. Locals were sitting outside cafés in wool sweaters, laughing, as if the sun owed them nothing. That’s when I understood: the best places to see the Northern Lights are even more magical when the lights don’t show up.

Over the past decade, I’ve returned to Iceland, Norway, and northern Sweden in every season. I’ve hiked glaciers under the midnight sun, kayaked through fjords at 2 AM, and learned why summer is the secret season for these destinations. As a travel writer who specializes in northern adventures, I’ve gathered honest, firsthand advice that goes beyond the glossy brochures. In this article, I’ll share exactly why you should book your summer trip to these latitudes – what to do, where to eat, which mistakes to avoid, and how to make the most of the never-ending daylight.

You might think of the Northern Lights as a winter show, but the summer months offer their own brand of spectacle: hiking on volcanic black sand, swimming in geothermal pools under a soft golden glow, and watching whales breach at midnight. Let’s dive into the summer side of the best places to see the aurora borealis.

The Essentials at a Glance

• 🌞 Midnight Sun madness: From late May to early August, the sun never fully sets – perfect for late-night hikes and extended sightseeing.
• 🏔️ Summer-only access: Many highland roads, glaciers, and remote fjords open only from June to September. You’ll see places winter visitors can’t reach.
• 🐋 Prime wildlife season: Puffins, whales, and seals are abundant; bird cliffs and whale-watching tours are at their peak.
• 🧗 Outdoor playground: Hiking, glacier walks, ice cave tours (yes, some operate in summer), and river rafting are all available.
• 🍽️ Farm-to-table season: Local markets overflow with fresh berries, lamb, and seafood – Arctic flavor at its best.

The Complete Summer Guide

Why Summer is the Best Season to Visit Best Places To See The Northern Lights

I’ll be honest: I used to think the only reason to go to Iceland or Norway was to chase the aurora. Then I spent a June week in Tromsø, Norway, and everything changed. The city was buzzing with energy – outdoor concerts, street food festivals, and locals basking in the sun at 11 PM. Summer in these latitudes is not a compromise; it’s an entirely different experience.

First, the weather is actually pleasant. While winter temps can dip to -20°C, summer brings mild 10–18°C temperatures. You can walk around Reykjavík in a light jacket and not freeze. Second, accessibility: the famous Golden Circle in Iceland is much less crowded in June than in July/August, and you can drive the entire Ring Road without worrying about snow. Third, the midnight sun allows you to pack more into each day. I once hiked the Fimmvörðuháls trail starting at 9 PM and reached the summit at 1 AM with the sun still high – an experience I’ll never forget.

Finally, summer is when the landscape is most vibrant. Waterfalls are thundering with meltwater, valleys are carpeted in wildflowers, and the green of the moss is so vivid it feels saturated. The Northern Lights may be sleeping, but the land itself is wide awake.

Summer Activities & Must-Do Experiences

Here are the experiences that define a summer trip to these destinations (I’ve done every one of them):

• Glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull (Iceland): Join a guided tour that takes you onto the ice. The contrast between black volcanic ash and blue ice is stunning. Book with Arctic Adventures – they provide crampons and helmets. Cost: ~$120 per person for a 3-hour tour.
• Midnight sun kayaking in Tromsø (Norway): Paddle through the calm fjords at 11 PM under golden light. I did a 3-hour tour with Tromsø Outdoor – the silence broken only by the dip of paddles and distant seabirds. Cost: ~$110.
• Whale watching from Húsavík (Iceland): Summer is the best time to see humpbacks, blue whales, and minke whales. I went with North Sailing on a traditional oak boat. We saw 12 humpbacks in one afternoon – unforgettable. Cost: ~$90.
• Visit the Westfjords (Iceland): This remote region is accessible only in summer. Drive the winding roads to Dynjandi waterfall, hike to the cliff at Látrabjarg to see puffins, and soak in the hot pot at Krossneslaug. More secluded than the south coast.
• Ride the Flåm Railway (Norway): One of the world’s most scenic train journeys, especially in summer when the mountains are green and waterfalls are in full flow. The round trip from Myrdal to Flåm is about 2 hours. Book ahead – it sells out.

Best Neighborhoods for Summer Exploring

In Reykjavík, the old center around Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur is pedestrian-friendly and packed with cafés, street art, and boutique shops. In summer, the outdoor seating spills onto the sidewalks. For a quieter vibe, stay in the Grandi district – a former fishing area turned trendy with breweries and the Whales of Iceland museum. In Tromsø, the city center around Storgata is lively; I recommend staying near the harbor for easy access to boat tours. For a more local feel, rent an Airbnb in the residential area of Telegrafbukta – you’ll have a beach and a view of the mountains.

If you’re road-tripping in Iceland, base yourself in different regions: two nights in Reykjavík, two in Vik (for black sand beaches and glacier proximity), two in Akureyri (the “capital of the north”) for whale watching and the lake Mývatn area, and one in the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This gives you a solid cross-section of summer landscapes.

Summer Food & Drink Scene

Summer is when Arctic cuisine shines. In Reykjavík, don’t miss the Reykjavík Food Walk – a guided tour that takes you to 5 spots for Icelandic specialties like fermented shark (you’ll either love or hate it), lamb soup, and rye bread ice cream. For al fresco dining, try the terrace at Grillið at the top of the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel – upscale New Nordic with views of the bay. In Tromsø, the local favorite is Fiskekompaniet for fresh cod and king crab. For a budget bite, grab a reindeer hot dog from the street stall near the harbor.

Rooftop bars are a summer highlight: Sky Lagoon’s swim-up bar is perfect for a post-soak cocktail, and in Tromsø, Ølhallen (the oldest pub) has a sun-drenched outdoor area. For a truly unique experience, join a “midnight sun dinner” cruise on the fjord – I did one with Brim Explorer, a silent electric ship, and ate grilled arctic char as the sun barely dipped below the horizon.

Day Trips & Summer Getaways

From Reykjavík, take a day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (2.5 hours drive). You can hike the coastline, visit the black church at Búðir, and see the glacier Snæfellsjökull. From Tromsø, hop on a ferry to the island of Kvaløya – the beaches at Sommarøy are pure white sand (yes, in Norway) and the water is surprisingly swimmable on warm days. Another must: the village of Senja, accessible by car, with dramatic cliffs and tiny fishing villages.

For those based in northern Sweden, a day trip from Kiruna to the Icehotel (yes, it’s open in summer!) offers a chance to see the art rooms and dine in the restaurant. You can also go hiking in Abisko National Park – the Kungsleden trail starts there, but even a short walk to the observation deck gives you panoramic views of the Lapporten valley.

Summer Traveler's Pro Tips

Pack a sleep mask and blackout curtains: Even if your hotel has them, bring a high-quality sleep mask. The sun doesn’t set, and your body will be confused. I learned this the hard way my first night in Tromsø – I woke up at 4 AM thinking it was noon.

Book everything early: Summer is short (June–August), and demand is high. Popular glacier tours, whale watching, and accommodation in smaller towns book out weeks in advance. I recommend booking at least 2–3 months ahead.

Rent a 4WD for Iceland's F-roads: If you plan to explore the highlands, you need a 4x4. The F-roads are rough gravel, and river crossings are common. I used a Suzuki Vitara from Blue Car Rental and it handled perfectly.

Embrace the flexible schedule: Because of the midnight sun, you can shift activities to cooler hours. Hike at 9 PM when the sun is lower and the crowds have thinned. Many attractions are open late in summer.

Bring layers – even in July: The weather can change from sun to rain to wind in 20 minutes. I always carry a waterproof shell, a fleece, and a warm hat. One afternoon in Reykjavík I was in a t-shirt; an hour later, sleet. Be prepared.

Common Summer Travel Mistakes

1. Trying to see the Northern Lights. Summer in these regions means near-24-hour daylight. The aurora is virtually invisible from May to August. I’ve met travelers who booked summer trips expecting to see lights and were disappointed. Instead, focus on the midnight sun – it’s equally magical.

2. Underestimating the sun’s strength. Even though temperatures are cool, the UV index can be high because of the angle of the sun and reflection from water/snow. I got a nasty sunburn on a glacier hike despite overcast skies. Always wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

3. Not booking accommodation in advance in smaller towns. In places like Vik or Akureyri, guesthouses fill up months ahead. I once ended up sleeping in a car in Vik because every room was sold out – not fun. Book your nights well in advance, especially in July.

4. Relying solely on credit cards. While Iceland and Norway are nearly cashless, some remote farm stalls, hot spring entrances, and small ferries may only take cash or mobile payments that require local apps. Have a small amount of local currency (e.g., 5,000 ISK or 500 NOK) just in case.

Your Summer Travel Checklist

• Documents: Valid passport (6+ months), travel insurance (with coverage for glacier hikes/activities), printed copies of bookings.
• Packing (summer gear): Waterproof jacket and pants, fleece layers, hiking boots (broken in), swimsuit (for geothermal pools), sleep mask, sunscreen (SPF 50), sunglasses, hat, lightweight gloves.
• Research: Check road conditions (road.is for Iceland, ves.no for Norway), opening hours of attractions (many only open in summer), and weather forecast (yr.no is reliable).
• Bookings: Flights, accommodation, and at least 2–3 main activities (glacier hike, whale watch) before departure.
• Health/Safety: First-aid kit, motion sickness meds (for boat tours), insect repellent (midges can be bad in northern Norway).
• Local currency: Icelandic króna (ISK) or Norwegian krone (NOK) – small amount cash, plus credit card with no foreign fees.
• Apps: Maps.me (offline maps), 112 Iceland (emergency app), taxi apps (Hreyfill for Reykjavík, Norgestaxi for Norway).

Traveler FAQ

Q: Can I see the Northern Lights in summer?

A: No – the midnight sun makes the sky too bright from late May through early August. If your main goal is the aurora, visit between September and March. But summer offers its own natural wonders, like whale watching and endless daylight hiking.

Q: Is it expensive to travel to these destinations in summer?

A: Yes, summer is peak season, so prices for flights and accommodation are higher. Expect to pay $200–$350 per day. To save money, book in advance, cook some meals (rental apartments with kitchens), and focus on free outdoor activities like hiking.

Q: Do I need a rental car?

A: In Iceland and rural Norway, a car is highly recommended for flexibility. In cities like Reykjavík or Tromsø, you can get by with public transport for day trips, but to explore the countryside, a rental is essential. Book early – summer cars sell out.

Q: What's the best way to deal with the constant daylight?

A: Bring a good sleep mask, blackout curtains (if your room lacks them), and try to maintain a routine. It’s tempting to stay up all night, but your body needs rest. I set an alarm to remind myself to go to bed at a decent hour.

Q: Are mosquitoes a problem in summer?

A: In northern Norway and Sweden, especially near lakes and bogs, mosquitoes can be fierce. Bring a strong insect repellent (DEET-based or picaridin). In Iceland, there are virtually no mosquitoes – a relief for summer travelers.

Ready for Your Summer Adventure?

The best places to see the Northern Lights are, paradoxically, just as spectacular when the lights don’t appear. Summer in Iceland, Norway, and northern Scandinavia offers a rare gift: time. Time to hike a glacier at midnight, time to watch a puffin colony at golden hour, time to sit in a geothermal pool under a sky that refuses to go dark. I’ve traveled to over 40 countries, and these summer experiences are among the most memorable I’ve ever had.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple seeking romance, or a family craving a unique vacation, the Arctic summer is calling. Go before the crowds arrive; go while the midnight sun still feels like a secret. Pack your sunscreen, your sense of wonder, and leave your expectations at the gate. This isn’t the Northern Lights you came for – it’s something quieter, longer, and every bit as beautiful.