The Netherlands is quickly becoming one of the hottest tourism spots in the European Union, with much of its allure due to the region’s notorious party life. Though Amsterdam is wild, there’s another attraction that many ascribe to all regions of Northern Europe: the Northern Lights.

Can you see the Northern Lights in the Netherlands? If you were hoping to see the unearthly green and pink glows of an aurora borealis while on a vacation in the Netherlands, you will likely be disappointed. It’s exceptionally rare to spot this phenomenon anywhere in the country. 

Holland may be North compared to many other countries in the European Union, but that doesn’t make it close enough to the Arctic to make auroras a regular deal. Before you get too upset, let’s talk a little more about what this means for travelers. 

Can You See The Northern Lights In The Netherlands?

The Northern Lights are a beautiful natural occurrence, but they are not common in the least bit in Holland. It is not, by any means, something you should plan on seeing here. That being said, if you are very lucky, there may still be a chance to see aurora borealis in certain circumstances. 

How Far North Do You Have To Be To See Northern Lights Regularly?

A good rule of thumb is that you should go as close to the North Pole as possible if you want an (almost) guaranteed chance to see the Northern Lights. The furthest South you can see the Northern Lights without it being exceptionally rare is at around 35 degrees North latitude. 

This low latitude is a hard limit that remains true around the world. This means that, depending on conditions, you may be able to see the Northern Lights as far away as New York City or New Jersey. 

Are There Guided Tours For Northern Lights Viewing In The Netherlands?

While it is possible to see the Northern Lights in the Netherlands, the chances of doing so are very slim. As a result, it’s very difficult to find tours that are solely located in Holland that feature Northern Lights viewings. 

Some national parks may host outings that are centered around Northern Lights, but these are generally only planned when there’s a prediction of an aurora borealis posted by weather services. If you are looking for a guided tour, it’s best to book a cruise or a tour in another country.

How Often Do People In The Netherlands See The Northern Lights?

It’s extremely rare for the Northern Lights to appear anywhere in the Netherlands. The last time that this occurred was in 2015, and the lights were visible in Amsterdam as a result of an extreme solar storm. 

That being said, the chances of seeing lights in the Netherlands are higher in the more Northern regions. The auroras are also more pronounced in these regions, which is why many of the national parks in the Netherlands are popular places to see them. 

Are There Any Signs That You Might Get A Chance To See The Northern Lights?

Aurora borealis is a phenomenon that happens during solar storms. The more powerful the storm, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to see Northern Lights closer to the South. If you hear reports of a major solar storm during your Amsterdam travels, you *might* have a small chance at it. 

That being said, solar storms alone aren’t a guarantee of aurora borealis. No one really knows what causes this phenomenon to happen in full. So, even if you go to Amsterdam during a solar storm, you might not see what you’re hoping to see. 

How Can I Best View The Northern Lights In The Netherlands?

The most important thing you can do to better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights is to go to an area that doesn’t have much light. Translation: you will need to avoid cities if you want to spot this phenomenon in its true glory. 

Though there have been instances where the lights have been seen in Amsterdam, having the light pollution of the city often dims the colorful effects of the lights. People who want to have amazing shots of aurora borealis will need to leave the city for a while. 

What Time Is Most Likely To Have Aurora Borealis?

If you want to book a trip with a high likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, then you should choose your booking time wisely. The Northern Lights are most active from late August to April and are best seen after 6 PM. 

The peak season, within this time frame, is right in the middle of the winter around January and February. That being said, being so far North during these months isn’t easy. If you choose to go during the winter, stay well-dressed.  

Where Are The Locations That Are Most Likely To Have Aurora Borealis In The Netherlands?

If you have your heart set on going to the Netherlands, don’t worry. Under certain conditions, travelers might be able to see them in these three spots:

• National Park Lauwersmeer. Lauwersmeer has a solid reputation for having one of the best dark spots to view the Northern Lights in all of Holland. It also happens to be a breathtaking National Park, which means you get an extra bonus of great trails!
• National Park Schiermonnikoog. Located right near the barrier islands off the Netherlands’ Northern Coast, this location is a particularly awesome choice for people who have access to a boat or like waterside viewing.
• Dunes of Texel National Park. This remote park offers up sprawling trails and pretty sights, including the occasional aurora borealis show. Anyone who is a fan of hiking or snow sports will fine Texel to be an amazing visit. 

What Are The Best European Countries To See The Northern Lights?

Though the Netherlands area isn’t exactly amenable to people hunting for Northern Lights, there are some countries in the European Union that are great for seeing this natural spectacle. These countries include:

• Greenland. As one of the iciest countries in the Union, Greeland remains one of the most popular places to go for people who want to see the lights. A top location for viewings in this country is Nuuk, but you can see them almost anywhere.
• Iceland. Iceland, much like Greenland, has an entire tourist industry dedicated to seeing the Northern Lights. It’s also not too far from Holland, which makes it an easy trip for travelers. 
• Norway. With its tales of trolls and faeries, seeing the Northern Lights here is a truly magical experience. Going to Svalbard is a great way to see both aurora borealis and amazing caves.
• Finland. Norway and Holland’s nearby neighbor also offers excellent views, particularly in rural areas. That being said, you can even catch them here in Helsinki! 
• Sweden. Another Northern country known for its aurora sightings, Sweden’s top hotspot for seeing these special lights, is Abisko National Park. 
• Germany. Believe it or not, the northernmost regions of Germany are higher up than the tip of the Netherlands and therefore offer a better shot at seeing the Northern Lights. We suggest checking them out at Vommpermerche National Park. 

It’s worth noting that all of these countries have specialized tours that are built around seeing the Northern Lights. If you want to get great views and maybe also enjoy the company of others, booking one of these tours is a great idea.