Astro-tourism is rapidly becoming one of the most popular travel trends of 2025. More travelers are now looking for destinations to witness the Aurora Borealis, experience solar eclipses, or explore dark sky zones.
Planet Cruise, a booking platform, has identified and ranked the top global destinations for astro-tourism. To create the list, the platform considered several factors, including a location’s latitude, average elevation, light pollution levels, and the number of Instagram posts about astro-events like the Northern Lights.
While many of the top locations on the list, such as Iceland, Switzerland, and Canada, were expected, one surprising U.S. destination earned a spot in the top five: Mauna Kea, Hawaii.
Mauna Kea, with an elevation of nearly 4,000 meters and minimal light pollution, offers an exceptional view of the night sky. Visitors to the area can often see the Milky Way clearly. The region also provides hiking, stargazing tours, and other outdoor activities.
However, Hawaii wasn’t the only standout destination. Interlaken, Switzerland, claimed the top spot for its 3,401-meter elevation and low light pollution. The Milky Way is frequently visible there, and it’s a popular spot for winter sports and outdoor adventures, making it a favorite for thrill-seekers.
Reykjavík, Iceland, came in second. Known for its high latitude, the city offers great opportunities to view the Northern Lights. Despite some light pollution, trips to darker areas around Reykjavík provide breathtaking views of the Aurora Borealis, with over 41,000 Instagram posts sharing the spectacular sight.
The third-place spot went to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in Canada. The park, at 1,481 meters, features very low light pollution, making it a prime location for stargazing. Additionally, there are over 10,000 Instagram mentions of the Northern Lights in the area.
These destinations continue to attract astro-tourists eager to experience the wonders of the night sky.
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