Experiencing the Northern Lights is a magical and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that attracts travelers from around the world. The “night sky turning green” is a common description of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, which can appear in various colors, including green, pink, and purple.
To witness this incredible display, you’ll need to travel to northern latitudes, primarily during the winter months.
In this travel blog, we’ll guide you through the ultimate journey to witness the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
So, grab your warmest winter gear, pack your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
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WHEN TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
The viewing season is typically from late autumn till early spring, but lights are often seen long before or after these days. The display is usually brighter during a new moon and the furthest you travel north the easier it will be to see them. Remember, the clearer and darker the skies the better chance you have to see these glorious lights.
What time northern lights appears?
Don’t expect the northern lights to appear the minute there’s no more sunlight. You’re more likely to see these magical lights approximately one-and-a-half hours after sunset. More specifically aurora borealis activity is likely to take place between 12:30AM and 4:30AM.
Around 2:30AM could very well be the best time to see the northern lights
HOW TO HUNT FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
We discourage you to travel to a destination only to see the northern lights. Many people who has done that and were extremely disappointed at the end of their trip when they weren’t lucky to see any Aurora.
Plan your trip the way that to see the northern lights will ‘only’ be the highlight of your vacation. This way you will enjoy avoid to be disappointed.
You can’t fight the nature, of course, but following these tips you can increase your chances:
- There are Aurora forecasts – you can download special apps or you can check internet, but the fact is, the Northern Lights are very unpredictable
- Get away from the city – darkness is your friend. Try to avoid full moon nights.
- Wrap up warm as you might stay outside for a long time. Lights can unexpectedly appear and just as suddenly vanish any time during the night.
- Look to the stars. If you see that the night sky is clear and starry, your chances of seeing Aurora are pretty good.
WHICH PLACES YOU WILL HAVE THE BEST CHANCE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS:
1| Abisko, Sweden
If you really want the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights, head to Abisko. It’s the driest place in Sweden and has the most clear nights of almost anywhere else in the Aurora belt.
The Northern Lights appear on average 159 nights (of the approximately 212 nights that are dark enough for Auroras to be seen) each year, according to scientists.
2| Svalbard, Arctic Norway
Svalbard is a group of islands in the Arctic Ocean about half way between continental Europe and the north pole. If the geomagnetic activity is very low and there are no auroras anywhere in continental Europe, chances are Svalbard is having a great show.
Although Svalbard can be harder (and therefore more expensive) to access. If you are more on budget in Norway there are other amazing locations to see the northern lights . Town of Tromsø is one of the top places in the world to watch Aurora Borealis. If you happen to have overcast, there is a lot to do apart of hunting lights.
In Tromsø you will find the world’s most northerly university, brewery, and planetarium. As an alternative, you can cruise Norway’s fjord-lined coast aboard a Hurtigruten ship and get wake-up calls to head out on the deck when the lights appear.
3| Luosto, Finland
Head to Luosto in Northern Finland to the Hotel Aurora where, upon arrival, you’ll be handed an “Aurora Alarm” that beeps whenever the northern lights appear. (In the nearby town of Sodanklya, the Northern Lights Research Center relays the signal to the hotel).
On chilly, cloudless nights, you’re also bound to catch the lights shimmer in the skies over the town of Nellim, close to Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake.
4| Iceland
Iceland is a scarcely populated arctic island, with many wild, unpolluted places to see the northern lights. Even though you can see them even in Reykjavik, it is better to drive at least 45 minutes out of the city.
In the north of the country and the Westfjords nights are longer, therefore it’s great to hunt northern lights there. Very popular spot is in at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in southeast Iceland. It is absolutely magical!
5| Alaska
Alaska’s location within “the zone” means you’re almost guaranteed to see spectacular light displays. Be sure to move further away from city lights of Fairbanks into the region’s vast wilderness areas of Denali.
Alaska offers numerous locations for viewing the Northern Lights, with some of the most popular ones being:
- Fairbanks: Fairbanks is one of the best places in Alaska to witness the Northern Lights due to its clear skies and high Aurora activity. There are even resorts and lodges in the area that cater to Northern Lights enthusiasts.
- Anchorage: While the lights can be seen from Anchorage, it’s not as consistent as in Fairbanks. However, being the state’s largest city, it offers more amenities and activities for travelers.
- Denali National Park: This iconic park provides a unique backdrop for viewing the Northern Lights. The lights are often visible from the park, especially during the winter season.
6| Northern Canada
Canada is one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights in all their glory. It is a huge country and more far up to the north you go, better chances to see them you have and more vibrant colour you will see.
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Some of the best places to see the northern lights in Canada: Labrador (Newfoundland & Labrador) with It’s fjords and icebergs in the foreground, Inuvik (Northwest Territories), Whitehorse (Yukon), Churchill (Manitoba)
Experiencing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list adventure that will leave you in awe of the natural world. Whether you choose Norway’s rugged landscapes, Iceland’s otherworldly beauty, or the remote wilderness of Canada, the magic of the Aurora Borealis is an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
So, embark on your journey to where the night sky turns green, and let the Northern Lights dance their way into your heart.
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