The places to go where you’re most likely to see the Northern Lights

This year, you’re more likely than ever to see the Northern Lights.

It’s all thanks to the peak of the Solar Maximum’s 11-year cycle, meaning a boost in the frequency and intensity of the Aurora Borealis.

But where should you head if you want to witness the mesmerising natural phenomenon in all its glory?

Best Served Scandinavia has revealed the destinations around the world where you’re going to have the best luck.

And one is just a three-hour flight away from the UK…

Tromso, Norway

Tromso, Norway, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best places to see the Northern Lights, thanks to the fact that it’s right in the centre of the Arctic

Tromso, Norway, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best places to see the Northern Lights, thanks to the fact that it’s right in the centre of the Arctic.

When MailOnline Travel went to Tromso to see the Northern Lights in action, photographer Tor-Ivar Naess told us it’s also because there are bigger geomagnetic storms that result in ‘stronger auroras for longer’.

The Lights are most visible here from late September to early April, with peak visibility often occurring between December and February.

And if the Lights themselves aren’t enough of a draw, Tromso also has a great nightlife, with more pubs and bars per capita than anywhere else in Norway.

Direct flights to Tromso are available from London Luton and Manchester Airport in the winter, with prices starting at £89 one way.

Swedish Lapland

If you want to see the Northern Lights without many other tourists, Kiruna is the place to, with a population of just 18,000

If you want to see the Northern Lights without many other tourists, Kiruna is the place to, with a population of just 18,000.

Another place in Swedish Lapland for the Lights is Luleå, as the archipelago benefits from a lack of light pollution.

The best time to see the Northern Lights here is from September to late March, with December, January, and February most likely to provide good results thanks to the long, dark, and clear nights.

There are also a wide range of winter activities available in Lapland, including husky sledding and ice fishing.

So off-the-beaten-track is the Swedish Lapland that there are no direct flights from the UK at the moment – however Lulea and Kiruna can both be easily reached from Stockholm.

Reyjkavik, Iceland

Iceland’s capital is one of the most popular places for tourists to head for the Northern Lights – with many dedicated tours heading out of Rejkavik. Above is the Glacier Lagoon

Iceland’s capital is one of the most popular places for tourists to head for the Northern Lights – as the city has so much more to offer on top of the Aurora Borealis.

The best months to see the spectacle are between September and April – and there are plenty of tours available from Reyjkavik that come with a hot chocolate to help keep you warm while you’re searching for the Lights.

Even if you don’t manage to see them, you’ll leave Iceland feeling content – as the area is full of incredible geography, like geothermal spas and geysers, and excellent restaurants.

There are plenty of direct flights from all over the UK to Reyjkavik, with prices starting at around £30 for one way, and journeys taking just over three hours.

Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

Lapland is best known for being Santa’s home, but the Northern Lights are another reason to go to the place where it’s Christmas all year

Lapland is best known for being Santa’s home, but the Northern Lights are another reason to go to the place where it’s Christmas all year.

Head to Rovaniemi between September and April if you want the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

And don’t forget to go husky sledding, ice fishing or on a snowmobile safari while you’re there.

There are direct flights to Rovaniemi from all over the UK, and MailOnline Travel has found flights for just £30 from London Stansted and Liverpool in November.

Ilulissat, Greenland

There are just 5,000 people living in Ilulissat, Greenland’s third largest city – but it’s not just the quietness that makes it ideal for seeing the Northern Lights here

There are just 5,000 people living in Ilulissat, Greenland’s third largest city – but it’s not just the quietness that makes it ideal for seeing the Northern Lights here.

It’s right in the heart of Greenland’s aurora belt, which means it’s very reliable for seeing the Lights.

The lack of rain and low levels of wind mean the sky is often very clear too.

Ilulissat is best to visit between September and April, however there are no direct flights from Iceland during this time.

Instead, tourists will need to head to Copenhagen, then take an Air Greenland flight to Nuuk, and then another domestic flight to Ilulissat.

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard benefits from almost no sunlight in the winter, with absolutely none in February. This makes it incredibly likely to see the Northern Lights at some point during these months

Svalbard benefits from almost no sunlight in the winter, with absolutely none in February.

This makes it incredibly likely to see the Northern Lights at some point during these months.

But, just 650 miles from the North Pole, in the Arctic Ocean, the archipelago is also incredibly remote.

The easiest way to get there from the UK is to get a flight from Tromso to Longyearbyen, which takes under two hours.

Or you can get there as part of an expedition cruise.