How to See the Northern Lights in Sweden | 2026 Guide

The best viewing window to see the aurora in Sweden runs from late August to early April. While northern latitudes offer the best odds, you can also spot the lights in southern Sweden. Below are the 3 simple steps guide to successfully see the Northern Lights in Sweden.

How to See the Northern Lights in Sweden

1. Check the Aurora Forecast

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is caused by solar particles traveling 150 million kilometers to collide with Earth’s magnetic field. While the Kp-index is the most famous measurement, it’s often lagging. For the best results, you will want to look at the real-time aurora forecast such as:

• Aurora strength: it is the most reliable real-time indicator for the Northern Lights. It measures actual fluctuations in Earth’s magnetic field using sensors across the North Pole regions.
• Bz value: it represents the north-south direction of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field. You want this value to be negative (South). A negative Bz (e.g., -10nT or lower) means the Earth’s magnetic door is "open," allowing solar particles to pour in and create a vibrant light show.
• Bt value: it represents the total strength of the magnetic field. A higher Bt value (above 20nT) usually indicates more energy is available to fuel the display.
• Solar Wind Speed: it is a stream of energetic particles that flows outward from the sun. Keep an eye on the speed. The faster the better aurora you will see.

The "Kp-Index" for Northern Lights in Sweden

Be careful not to rely solely on the Kp-index. It is a global 3 to 6 hour average, meaning it’s often too slow to predict the "substorms" that produce the brightest lights, hence we recommend using real-time data instead.

To see the Aurora in northern Sweden

If you are travelling to northern Sweden such as Abisko or Kiruna, you are already in the "Aurora Oval." You can see a stunning display even at Kp 1 or 2. Don't stay inside just because the Kp is low! Watch out for the real-time forecast.

To see the Northern Lights in southern Sweden (Stockholm)

If you aren't in the northern reaches of Swedish Lapland, don't lose hope. Seeing the aurora in Stockholm is absolutely possible. While the capital sits further south, a strong geomagnetic storm can push the "aurora oval" down, making the lights visible even from the city's outskirts.

Unlike the north, where a Kp 1 to 3 is enough, Stockholm typically requires a higher KP.

Proof in the Numbers: It’s more common than you might think! In fact, the Hello Aurora app has recorded over hundred successful sightings reported by users in the Stockholm area alone.

Pro Tip: Timing is everything in the south. To stay ahead of the curve, download the Hello Aurora app. It simplifies complex data into easy-to-understand "probability" percentages. More importantly, it features real-time user reports. You’ll get a push notification the second another user in Sweden spots the lights, so you can head outside exactly when the magic happens.

2. Find a good location

To see the aurora, you must avoid light pollution and clouds. City lights in Stockholm or Kiruna will wash out the colors. Thick clouds will block your view entirely. Use a cloud coverage map to find clear skies. Look for a spot with an open view of the northern horizon.

The aurora often starts as a faint green arc low in the sky. It may look like a pale or greyish mist. Trust your camera more than your eyes in the dark. Our eyes struggle to see colors at night.

Modern phone cameras are very sensitive to light. Point your phone north and take a Night Mode photo for three to five seconds. If the grey mist looks bright green on your screen, you have found the aurora.

3. Timing is everything

The best window to see the aurora in Sweden is typically between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. However, during high solar activity, they can appear as early as 6:00 PM. Keeping an eye and turn on the notification on Hello Aurora so you will not miss it.

Top 3 best places to see the aurora in Sweden in 2026

If you are a tourist traveling to Sweden specifically for this spectacle, these are your best bets:

1. Abisko National Park

Abisko is world-famous because of its unique microclimate. Surrounded by mountains, it often has a "blue hole" of clear sky even when the rest of Lapland is cloudy. The Aurora Sky Station here is arguably the best viewing spot on Earth.

2. Kiruna & Jukkasjärvi

As Sweden's northernmost city, Kiruna is the perfect base. You can stay at the famous Icehotel in nearby Jukkasjärvi and join guided snowmobile or dog-sledding aurora tours.

3. Luleå

For a coastal experience, Luleå offers a stunning backdrop. Watching the green lights reflect off the frozen sea of the Bothnian Bay is a photographer's dream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I see the Northern Lights in Stockholm ?
A: Yes, but only with a strong geomagnetic storm. Get Hello Aurora app for real-time forecast and get substorm notification so you will not miss the Northern Lights when they show up in Stockholm.

Q: Is 2026 a good year for the Northern Lights in Sweden?
A: Yes, according to experts. 2026 is another good year for aurora lovers.

Q: Do I need a tour to see them?
A: Not necessarily, but tours are great to increase your success as they are the local expert and know where to go. Especially, during a cold dark hours, you might not want to wandering around the arctic by yourself.