The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that every nomad should witness at least once. From the icy landscapes of Greenland to the snowy expanses of Swedish Lapland, these destinations are perfect for digital nomads who want to combine adventure with remote work. In this guide, we’ll explore the best months to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and things to do beyond the lights.
Tips for Digital Nomads Chasing the Northern Lights
1. Stay connected: Remote work requires reliable internet, even in remote regions. Locations like Abisko (Sweden) and Rovaniemi (Finland) offer coworking spaces or colivings with robust connectivity. Bring a mobile hotspot if you have one, and check out your eSIM options for backup connectivity.
2. Optimize your work hours: Since the Northern Lights are best viewed at night, align your work schedule to free up evenings. Start your day earlier or shift your work hours to late mornings, freeing up your evenings for chasing the auroras. If you work with a team across different time zones, take advantage of asynchronous workflows, allowing you to complete tasks on your own schedule without being tied to real-time collaboration. You might also batch similar tasks together and tackle deep-focus work during daylight hours when aurora activity is minimal. This helps you stay efficient during the day while leaving your nights open for unforgettable experiences.
3. Pack for the Arctic: Cold weather gear isn’t just for sightseeing—ensure you’re comfortable working in chilly spaces, even indoors. Start with a base layer of merino wool for its moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties, add a mid-layer such as fleece or a down jacket for insulation, and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer shell to protect against harsh winds. Don’t forget insulated gloves, thermal socks, and a hat that covers your ears. For indoor work sessions, keep fingerless gloves and a lap blanket on hand to stay warm without hindering your typing.
4. Incorporate local culture into your breaks: Taking breaks is essential for recharging, and the Arctic offers unique opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture during downtime. In Finnish Lapland, join a Sami storytelling session or learn about reindeer herding. Greenland offers Arctic tea ceremonies featuring foraged herbs, providing a relaxing and memorable cultural experience. In Tromsø, Norway, explore exhibits on Arctic exploration and indigenous life. All over the Arctic, you'll find opportunities to check out exceptional Indigenous art, oral storytelling, music, and traditional cooking. These cultural experiences not only enrich your trip but also provide a refreshing mental reset before diving back into work.
5. Find opportunities to connect with nomad friends: Seeing the auroras is magical, but sharing it with friends is even better. The Nomadago app helps you sync plans and share itineraries, ensuring you don’t miss out on experiences together. You might find an opportunity to meet up for a single adventure or plan a whole leg of your trip together. Who knows?
Now, Where Are We Headed for Northern Lights Magic?
With the Northern Lights captivating travelers worldwide, the question isn’t if you should see them—it’s where. Whether you’re dreaming of Arctic tundras, serene fjords, or cozy Nordic villages, the right destination can transform your aurora adventure into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These locations not only offer digital nomad stunning natural beauty but also the opportunity to balance work with exploration.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your trip, including the best times to visit, how to get there, and a few ideas of what to do when you’re not gazing at the skies.
1. Svalbard, Norway
Best Months for Northern Lights:
September to March, with peak visibility in the polar night (November to February).
How to Get There:
Fly into Longyearbyen, the main settlement on Svalbard, via Oslo or Tromsø.
From Longyearbyen, local tours can take you to prime viewing spots.
Things to Do:
Take a guided snowmobile safari to remote Aurora hotspots.
Visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
Explore the wilderness on dog sledding tours.
2. Swedish Lapland
Best Months for Northern Lights:
Late September to early April, with clear, dark skies during the winter months.
How to Get There:
Fly to Kiruna, the largest town in Swedish Lapland.
Trains and buses connect Kiruna to surrounding villages like Abisko.
Things to Do:
Walk along the famous Aurora Sky Station in Abisko.
Experience Sami culture, including reindeer sledding.
Relax in an Arctic sauna after a day of exploring.
3. Ilulissat, Greenland
Best Months for Northern Lights:
September to April, with long, clear nights offering ideal conditions.
How to Get There:
Fly into Ilulissat via Copenhagen or Reykjavik.
Regional flights connect Ilulissat to other Greenlandic towns.
Things to Do:
Marvel at Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Go dog sledding across the frozen tundra.
Hike to Sermermiut, an ancient Inuit settlement.
4. Churchill, Canada
Best Months for Northern Lights:
Aurora sightings are possible from late January to March, but the season can extend from mid-November to early April in some years. Plus, you get the added bonus of seeing polar bears in October and November!
How to Get There:
Fly from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba.
Alternatively, take the scenic VIA Rail train from Winnipeg.
Things to Do:
Visit the Polar Bear Capital of the World.
Take a tundra buggy tour to spot Arctic wildlife.
Explore the area’s Inuit cultural heritage.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Best Months for Northern Lights:
October to March, with the clearest skies often found in February and March.
How to Get There:
Fly into Keflavik International Airport, then drive or take a shuttle to Reykjavik.
Things to Do:
Soak in the Blue Lagoon under the Northern Lights.
Take a Golden Circle tour, including Þingvellir National Park.
Explore Reykjavik’s vibrant arts and food scene.
6. Finnish Lapland
Best Months for Northern Lights:
September to March, with long, dark nights and snow-covered landscapes enhancing the experience.
How to Get There:
Fly to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, from Helsinki.
Rent a car or join guided tours for remote aurora viewing.
Things to Do:
Meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village.
Ski or snowboard at Levi, Finland’s top resort.
Go ice fishing or take a reindeer sleigh ride.
7. Yellowknife, Canada
Best Months for Northern Lights:
Mid-November to early April, with optimal conditions from late January onwards.
How to Get There:
Fly to Yellowknife via Edmonton or Calgary.
Join local tours for aurora chasing and cultural experiences.
Things to Do:
Learn about Dene culture through storytelling tours.
Skate on the frozen Great Slave Lake.
Enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
8. Tromsø, Norway
Best Months for Northern Lights:
Late September to early April, with long polar nights from November to January.
How to Get There:
Fly to Tromsø Airport from Oslo or other European cities.
The city is compact, making it easy to explore by foot or public transport.
Things to Do:
Go whale watching in the fjords.
Take a cable car ride up Fjellheisen for panoramic views.
Visit the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria Aquarium.
Capturing and Sharing Your Northern Lights Adventure
The Northern Lights are unforgettable—but documenting the experience makes the magic last forever. For digital nomads, it’s more than just photos; it’s a chance to share your journey, connect with your audience, and inspire others to explore. Done right, your story can capture not only the auroras but also the culture, connections, and wonder of the Arctic.
To nail your shots, gear up with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle lens, and a sturdy tripod. Set your ISO to 800-3200, open the aperture wide (f/2.8 or lower), and use a shutter speed between 5-15 seconds to capture the lights in all their glory. Manual focus is key—test it out and set it to infinity before heading into the cold. These simple tweaks ensure your photos will wow, not wobble.
Photos tell part of the story; your words complete it. Share the behind-the-scenes moments—balancing work under Arctic skies, connecting with nomads on a group tour, or learning local traditions like Sami storytelling or Arctic tea ceremonies. Pair your images with these details, and suddenly your Northern Lights content isn’t just a highlight reel—it’s an adventure people can feel.
Respect the Arctic and its people. The Northern Lights don’t need filters or heavy edits, so keep it real. Honor the cultures you encounter by learning their stories and sharing them with care. Highlighting indigenous traditions or environmental challenges adds depth and meaning to your work.
Protect your gear—Arctic conditions are no joke. Back up photos and videos daily with cloud storage or an external SSD. Keep extra batteries warm in your pockets to prevent freezing, and bring a microfiber cloth to deal with frost or condensation.
With the right prep and perspective, you’ll create content that inspires awe, shares knowledge, and sparks adventure.
Quick Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights:
Gear: DSLR/mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens, tripod.
Settings: ISO 800-3200, f/2.8 or lower, shutter speed 5-15 seconds. On an Android, enable Pro or Manual Mode (if available); iPhones can use third-party apps like Halide or NightCap Pro to gain more control over camera settings.
Focus: Set manually to infinity; test before you go.
Avoid zooming: It reduces quality. Instead, crop later during editing.
Foreground interest: Include mountains, trees, or silhouettes for dramatic effect.
Edit: Use apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or Photoshop Express to enhance. Adjust exposure and contrast, bring out the green, purple, or red hues, and reduce noise if necessary.
Backups: Use cloud storage or an external SSD daily.
Spare Batteries: Keep them warm to avoid freezing.
Storytelling: Keep it real, celebrate local cultures, and share authentically.
Seeing the Northern Lights is more than just a trip—it’s an unforgettable experience. With Nomadago, you can easily coordinate travel plans, sync itineraries with friends, and find the best coliving spaces near these destinations.
Check out 'How to Coordinate Trips with Nomad Friends Using Nomadago’s Travel Calendar' and start planning your dream adventure today!
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