Hungary lights up: Here’s when and where you can see the Northern Lights in the country
Did you know that you can catch the breathtaking Northern Lights in Hungary, too? For many, the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, has long been considered a distant spectacle reserved for far-northern destinations. Yet in recent years, this breathtaking phenomenon has begun to appear over Hungary, thrilling skywatchers with its rare, shimmering displays. While sightings remain uncommon and unpredictable, the right conditions can allow residents and visitors alike to witness the magical lights.
When can the Northern Lights be seen in Hungary?
According to HelloVidék, due to Hungary’s geographical location, the Aurora Borealis is only visible during periods of particularly intense solar activity. These occurrences typically coincide with:
- Major solar flares and geomagnetic storms: The Northern Lights in Hungary often appear during strong geomagnetic storms (Kp6–Kp8). While forecasts can sometimes predict these events hours or days in advance, exact timings remain uncertain.
- Peak solar cycles: The Sun follows an 11-year activity cycle, with certain years producing more frequent and intense solar flares. The current solar maximum, spanning 2024–2026, significantly increases the likelihood of auroral displays reaching Hungary.
- Clear, dark nights: Even during strong solar events, visibility requires cloudless skies, minimal light pollution, and unobstructed horizons. The lights can appear at any time from evening to early morning, with activity often strongest between 9 PM and 2 AM.
Where to catch the lights
Location is key when it comes to spotting the Aurora Borealis in Hungary. City lights can easily drown out faint glows, so dark, open areas are ideal:
- Northern Hungary’s highlands: Regions such as the Börzsöny, Mátra, Bükk, and Zemplén mountains offer low light pollution and clear views of the northern horizon.
- Open plains of the Great Hungarian Plain: National parks like Hortobágy, Körös-Maros, and Kiskunság provide vast, flat landscapes perfect for unobstructed viewing.
- Balaton Uplands and Bakony Hills: Elevated spots around Lake Balaton offer clear skies with minimal urban light interference.
- Tisza Lake region: The calm, open areas surrounding Tisza Lake often produce striking auroral sightings during particularly strong solar storms.
Why are Northern Lights more common now?
The increasing frequency of sightings is linked to heightened solar activity. Between 2024 and 2026, the Sun is at its most active, producing more solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and geomagnetic storms. During such periods, the auroral boundary can extend further south, making it possible to see the Northern Lights over Hungary.
Recent spectacular display
On 11 November 2025, an X5.1-class solar flare erupted from sunspot AR4274, releasing massive energy and sending high-energy particles towards Earth, Index wrote. By the evening of 12 November, these particles collided with the planet’s magnetic field, generating a geomagnetic storm. The result? A rare and vivid display of Northern Lights visible across northern Hungary. Observers in Komló and other locations captured the stunning green and purple lights, which lasted for hours under clear skies.
Tips for observing the Aurora Borealis in Hungary
- Monitor solar activity forecasts (Kp-index, space weather alerts).
- Choose completely dark locations away from urban lights.
- Look towards the northern horizon, where the aurora is most likely to appear.
- Bring a camera or smartphone, as faint colours often show up first on digital sensors.
- Be patient! Auroras can brighten and fade within minutes.
Though Hungary rarely experiences significant geomagnetic effects, the occasional Northern Lights offer a rare and unforgettable spectacle for those willing to watch the night sky. With the Sun at its peak activity, 2024–2026 promises some extraordinary opportunities to witness this natural wonder on Hungarian soil.