Best Places To View The Northern Lights
The beautiful colors of the Northern Lights frequently paint the evening skies, leaving bystanders in awe. But very few people get the opportunity to witness this brilliant display. Only certain parts of the world play host to this magnificent wonder and its timing doesn’t always keep to holiday schedules. Still, there are certain parts of the map that are more likely to treat you to a sighting.
First, What Are The Northern Lights Exactly?
Also commonly referred to as “Aurora Borealis”, the Northern Lights is the reaction of solar particles bumping heads with atmospheric gases. The combination of these two forces creates the most spectacular show of lights that can last anywhere from a minute to a few days.
Did you know? – Although they are most commonly referred to as the “Northern” Lights, they can be seen in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Southern displays are therefore the “Southern Lights” or “Aurora Australia”.
When Is The Best Time To See Them?
Some regions have constant sightings but if an aurora is on your bucket list, then the best time to chase the lights would be during the colder months when the skies are dark and clear.
Where Are The Best Places In The World To View The Northern Lights?
1. Alaska
As one of the easier locations to access, Fairbanks in the U.S. is the perfect spot for the viewing of Aurora Borealis. The location is close to the airport and even has its own forecast system that includes guided tours.
The best time to go: Late August to the end of April
2. Greenland
While certain parts of Greenland are, in fact, too far north to spot significant lights, if you stick to the southern parts, you should be rewarded with some amazing displays.
The best time to go: Mid-August to late April in the south and late August to mid-April if you do plan on traveling further north
3. Finland
In Finland’s Lapland region, the lights shine nearly every other night. Some of the better viewing spots feature glass igloo-type structures that allow you to keep snug and warm while you watch the performance.
The best time to go: Mid-September to late March
4. Northern Canada
Take a trip to the mystical wilderness of Northern Canada to view the Aurora Borealis. Here the “magical” lights are enhanced by the forests of the Yukon, one of the world’s greatest “hotspots”.
The best time to go: Late August to mid-April
5. Iceland
With volcanic landscapes and geothermal hot springs, it’s no surprise that Iceland is also home to the most majestic displays of the Northern Lights. Relax in a pool of hot mineral water or go hiking in Iceland while you witness one of the earth’s most magnificent works of art.
The best time to go: Early September to the end of April
6. Norway
Easy to access and navigate your way around, Norway is one of the most popular viewing spots on the globe. This area also boasts breath-taking scenery, magnificent fjords, and the Lyngen Alps.
The best time to go: Mid-September to late March
7. Russia
A massive portion of Russia lies within the Arctic Circle, this makes the enormous continent quite the gold mine when it comes to spotting the Aurora. The town of Murmansk is probably the most accessible and accommodating base.
The best time to go: September to March with January and December being the most optimal times (due to the complete absence of sun for 6 weeks)
8. Sweden
Escape the city lights to revel in the more natural glow of Sweden’s evening skies. Milder in temperature than some of the more remote locations, here you can enjoy the view from one of the world’s most prestigious countries.
The best time to go: September to the end of March
Quick Tips For Successful Aurora Viewing:
- Escape the city lights. Artificial lights will affect the visibility of stars and the Northern Lights. The clearest sightings are therefore the ones made far from cities where the skies are at their darkest.
- Look out for Aurora alerts. There are many weather apps available for download, many of which give real-time forecasts and alerts on where the lights are on show with an estimation of how long they will be around for.
- Go at the right time. If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, then you want to get your timing right. Clear skies are essential and winter months will always be your best bet.
- Photographing Aurora. If you plan on capturing the lights with your travel camera, you’ll need to do your research ahead of time. Getting a defined shot can be somewhat tricky, so you will want to know which camera settings give the best results.
Sources:
- 7 Magical Places to View Auroras – National Geographic
- The Best Places To See The Northern Lights – Thrifty Nomad
