The northern lights (Photo by Vincent Guth on Unsplash)
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles. This ethereal dance of colorful lights across the night sky has captivated humans for centuries, drawing travelers from around the world to witness its beauty. While the aurora can be elusive, certain locations offer better chances of experiencing this celestial phenomenon. From the snow-covered landscapes of Scandinavia to the pristine wilderness of North America, the best places to see the Northern Lights are destinations where you can maximize your chances of seeing them in all their glory. As we enter a period of increased solar activity, the next few years promise to be an exceptional time for aurora viewing, making it the perfect opportunity to plan your Northern Lights adventure. Have you ever gotten to see them? Share your experience in the comments below.
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5 Best Places To See The Northern Lights, Per Travel Experts
1. Tromsø, Norway
If you’re dreaming of witnessing the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights, look no further than Tromsø, Norway. This Arctic gem has earned quite a reputation among aurora chasers. Nestled comfortably within the Arctic Circle, Tromsø boasts ideal conditions for spotting this celestial spectacle, with its long winter nights setting the perfect stage for nature’s light show.
What makes Tromsø truly special is its extended viewing season. Best Served notes that eager sky-watchers can enjoy excellent aurora sightings from September all the way through April. It’s no wonder this Arctic city has become a go-to destination for those hoping to tick the northern lights off their bucket list. And here’s a little insider tip from Time Out: you might even catch a glimpse of the aurora right from the town itself!
As The Travel aptly puts it, a visit to Tromsø offers the chance to witness “one of the most magnificent natural wonders on the planet.” So, if you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your travel plans, why not consider this charming Norwegian city? Who knows, you might just find yourself under a sky ablaze with shimmering green and purple hues, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
2. Fairbanks, Alaska
If you’re on the hunt for an extraordinary northern lights experience, you might want to set your sights on Fairbanks, Alaska. This last American frontier isn’t just about rugged wilderness and gold rush history – it’s also a prime spot for aurora viewing. What makes Fairbanks so special? Well, it’s all about location, location, location.
Fairbanks sits right under what’s called the auroral oval, a ring-shaped zone that hovers over Earth’s geomagnetic North Pole. This prime positioning means that on most clear nights during aurora season, you’ve got a pretty good shot at seeing the sky light up with those mesmerizing green and purple hues. In fact, U.S. News reports that visitors can expect to catch the show on about four out of every five clear nights between August 21 and April 21. Those are some pretty encouraging odds for aurora hunters!
Now, let’s be honest – standing outside in the Alaskan winter isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But don’t let that deter you from chasing your aurora dreams. Travel and Leisure has a cozy suggestion that might just be the perfect solution: Chena Hot Springs Resort. Picture this: you’re soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters, feeling all your tensions melt away, and suddenly, the sky above you erupts in a dazzling light show. The resort’s adults-only Rock Lake offers exactly this magical combination. It’s a way to witness one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena without freezing your toes off. Now that’s what I call smart aurora viewing!
3. Southern Iceland
If you’re itching for an aurora adventure but don’t want to venture too far off the beaten path, Iceland might just be your perfect destination. This island nation has earned quite a reputation among northern lights enthusiasts, and for good reason. As Capture The Atlas points out, Iceland offers a unique blend of accessibility and aurora-viewing potential that’s hard to beat.
One of the biggest perks? You won’t have to break the bank or spend days traveling to get there. With affordable flights from both the U.S. and Europe, Iceland is surprisingly easy to reach. And once you’re there, the adventure is in your hands. The country’s well-maintained road network means you can easily rent a car and set off on your own aurora-chasing expedition. It’s like a cosmic treasure hunt where you’re in the driver’s seat – literally!
As Tripadvisor says, this land of fire and ice is a natural wonderland in its own right. Picture yourself watching the northern lights dance above ancient volcanoes, shimmering glaciers, and thundering waterfalls. It’s like Mother Nature decided to put on a double feature, with stunning landscapes by day and celestial light shows by night. And those long, dark winter nights? They’re not just good for aurora viewing – they also amp up the frequency and brightness of the displays. So pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a good camera), because Iceland is ready to dazzle you with its winter magic!
4. Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
If you’re looking for a truly out-of-this-world aurora experience, Sweden might just have the answer you never knew you needed. Picture this: you’re cozied up in a hotel room, surrounded by intricate ice sculptures, waiting for the northern lights to paint the sky. Sounds like something out of a fairy tale, right? Well, in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, this dream becomes a reality.
Via Travelers tells us about a hotel that takes the concept of “cool” to a whole new level. Each year, artists and architects come together to carve an entire hotel out of ice from a local river. Talk about sleeping on the job! But here’s the kicker – come spring, this icy masterpiece melts away, returning to its liquid form. It’s like nature’s way of hitting the reset button, ensuring that each year brings a completely new and unique experience.
But why Jukkasjärvi, you ask? Well, The Travel gives us the lowdown. This Swedish wonderland sits snugly within the Arctic Circle, which means it’s prime real estate for aurora viewing. Those long, dark winter nights that might seem gloomy elsewhere? They’re the secret sauce for spectacular northern lights displays. The darker the sky, the brighter the show. So, if you’re ready to combine a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience with some of the best aurora-viewing conditions on the planet, it might be time to start packing those thermal undies and booking a flight to Sweden!
5. Abisko, Sweden
If you’re serious about your northern lights quest, you might want to set your sights on Abisko, Sweden. This little town has earned some serious bragging rights in the aurora-viewing world, and it’s not just because of its northerly location. Abisko’s got a secret weapon that sets it apart from other aurora hotspots.
Picture this: a 43-mile long lake that’s not just pretty to look at, but actually helps create perfect viewing conditions for the northern lights. Holidify tells us that Torneträsk Lake is the mastermind behind what’s known as the “Blue Hole of Abisko.” It’s like nature’s very own skylight, an area that stubbornly stays clear of clouds even when the surrounding sky decides to throw a fit. Talk about a meteorological miracle!
But wait, there’s more! PlanetWare chimes in with another nugget of aurora gold. Abisko doesn’t just offer quality viewing – it’s all about quantity too. From October through March, this Swedish wonder gives you a nightly ticket to nature’s most spectacular light show. That’s a whopping six-month window to catch the aurora in action. So whether you’re a meticulous planner or more of a spontaneous traveler, Abisko’s got you covered. Just remember to pack your warmest woollies – watching the sky dance might be magical, but it’s also mighty chilly!
If you want to tick seeing the majestic aurora borealis off your bucket list, or you’re just looking for a way to feel happier, the best time to schedule your trip is at the very beginning or end of the year. That’s because the northern lights are most visible in January and February, then again in November and December, although certain locations have a longer viewing window.
What causes the Northern Lights?
Understanding the science behind this breathtaking phenomenon adds an extra layer of appreciation to the experience. But what actually causes this natural light show?
- Solar Wind and Earth’s Magnetosphere: The northern lights result from the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. When the sun releases a stream of charged particles, known as the solar wind, it collides with the Earth’s magnetosphere—a region surrounding the planet influenced by its magnetic field.
- Excitation of Atmospheric Gases: As the solar wind collides with the Earth’s magnetosphere, it transfers energy to charged particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. These charged particles, predominantly electrons and protons, become excited and move to higher energy states.
- Emission of Light: When the excited particles return to their normal energy state, they release the excess energy in the form of light. This emission of light is what creates the stunning colors of the northern lights. Oxygen molecules at higher altitudes produce red and green hues, while nitrogen molecules contribute to purple, pink, and blue colors.
- Geomagnetic Storms and Solar Activity: The intensity and visibility of the northern lights are influenced by geomagnetic storms, which occur when there is an increased influx of charged particles from the sun. Solar activity, particularly during the solar maximum, enhances the likelihood of experiencing vibrant and widespread displays of the Aurora Borealis.
Have you seen the northern lights or do you want to? Let us know in the comments!
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We were lucky enough to see northern lights at Abisko at 530pm just outside our accommodation..it’s a truly magnificent site as we had all the colours and were told the Sami culture believe it’s the recently deceased going to heaven having just lost my Father it certainly resonated with me 😍