Today we will discus on best place to see northern lights.
Known as the Northern Lights, the Northern Lights are one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world. Seeing those purple, pink and greenish hues dyeing the night sky is pure magic. But the million-dollar question is clear. Where to see the Northern Lights? What places should we travel to admire them? We reveal the 10 best place to see northern lights so you can see this beauty first-hand.
First of all, you may be wondering what the Northern Lights are and how exactly they are formed. They are a light effect produced by the interaction of atmospheric gases with the solar wind. The sun produces a stream of electrically charged particles that impact the Earth and, in contact with oxygen and nitrogen, generate this very special phenomenon that we know as the Northern Lights, or the Southern Lights if they occur in the southern hemisphere.
Which is the best place to see Northern Lights : the 10 best destinations
1. Rovaniemi, Finland
Any Scandinavian country is a perfect choice for seeing the Northern Lights, but Finland definitely the best place to see Northern Lights. Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is perfect for enjoying the Northern Lights, whether in the city itself or in its forests.
To ensure the best viewing of this phenomenon, we recommend taking part in a Northern Lights tour, also available as a VIP option. You’ll get away from light pollution and be accompanied by expert Northern Lights hunters. Also, during the frosty season, you can book a snowmobile ride under the Northern Lights or a sleigh ride.
If you prefer to try your luck on your own, near the city centre is the Arktikum science centre and museum. The park surrounding this space offers visibility suitable for seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi.
By the way, on the outskirts of the capital of Lapland is Santa Claus Village, a fairytale place in the winter season but open all year round. In Santa Claus Village you can send a letter to family and friends with the owner of the Arctic Circle, meet an elf or two, and even take a walk with reindeer.
2. Tromsø, Norway
One of the best things to do in Tromsø is to go ‘hunting for the northern lights’. The proximity of this Norwegian city to the North Pole makes it invaluable for being considered one of the best places to see the northern lights. In fact, many consider it to be the Gateway to the Arctic in Norway.
The Northern Lights tour in Tromsø is perfect for enjoying this natural phenomenon. Although you can never guarantee 100% observation, joining a guided tour will greatly maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, as they will take you to strategic points where they are frequently visible.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
The intensity of the Northern Lights in Iceland is unimaginable. If you are thinking of travelling to Reykjavik to see the Northern Lights, do it without hesitation! The Northern Lights appear in the Icelandic sky almost continuously and on many occasions it is possible to see them even in the city itself.
Even so, we believe that the best way to experience this is to get away from the capital and its light pollution to enjoy the desert landscapes illuminated by green, blue or pink colours. And yes, for this, there are specialised tours, such as the Northern Lights tour in Iceland.
Taking advantage of your stay in the Icelandic capital, we encourage you to consult our complete list of excursions and guided tours in Reykjavik to discover all the essentials of this destination.
4. Kiruna, Sweden
We can say without hesitation that Kiruna is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The reason? Seeing the northern lights with a cloudy sky is practically impossible and this city is the driest and least cloudy place in Sweden. This, together with the low light pollution in its surroundings, make this destination a totally strategic point.
See Also : Best European Christmas Market to visit this Christmas
Observing this natural spectacle in the heart of Swedish Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Therefore, here are two activities in Kiruna focused on the search and observation of this natural phenomenon:
Northern Lights Tour in Kiruna.
Excursion to Aurora Colosseum.
5. Svolvær, Norway
We return to Norway, specifically to Svolvær, in the Lofoten Islands. The so-called northern lights belt enters the country through these islands, and from there, they travel and leave their trail of colour in an almost magical way. In addition, the beauty of the archipelago’s landscape contributes to creating an even better experience if possible. There is no debate, it is another of the best destinations to see the northern lights.
6. Whitehorse, Canada
We leave the Nordic countries behind and arrive in Canada. We pay special attention to the Yukon territory, located not far from the border with Alaska (United States). Among the activities to do in Whitehorse, the capital of this Canadian region, the northern lights tour clearly stands out.
Whether due to its northern location or the absence of large buildings or industries, this town has even appeared in the Guinness World Records for having one of the cleanest skies on the planet. This fact is more than enough to understand why it is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
7. Fairbanks, United States
It was an open secret. Akaska and the Northern Lights go hand in hand, and with good reason! From towns like Fairbanks, the second most populated city, various safari-type excursions depart to discover the northern lights. You can check them all in the Civitatis catalogue of excursions, guided tours and activities in Fairbanks. The different experiences are renewed and updated every year so that you can always find good alternatives for your trip.
Why is it one of the best place to see the Northern Lights in USA? Because this town is located within the so-called auroral oval, the region of the Earth where the northern lights are seen most frequently and with greatest intensity.
As if this were not enough, the area is characterized by its reduced light pollution and not having too much rainfall, which further favors the formation of our favorite natural phenomenon. It makes you want to travel right now!
8. Nuuk, Greenland
Despite being one of the most remote and exclusive destinations to see the Northern Lights, we couldn’t leave it aside. Nuuk, located in Greenland, is one of the least populated capitals in the world and that already gives it a special aura. If, in addition, it has a perfect position and weather conditions to admire the northern lights, the magic is even greater.
Due to its remote nature, at the edge of the unexplored Arctic, there are few countries that have direct connections to this destination. If it catches your attention and you want it to be on your list of next getaways, you should keep in mind that the largest volume of flights to Greenland depart from Copenhagen and Reykjavik.
9. Scotland, United Kingdom
Now we approach Scotland. It may not be one of the first places that comes to mind when thinking of destinations where you can see the Northern Lights. However, on the coasts near Caithness or the Orkney Islands, you are very likely to see the much-desired natural secret drawn in the sky. This is stated on the official tourism website VisitScotland.
In fact, although we may not realize it, the famous Highlands are located practically at the same latitude as Scandinavian towns, such as Stavanger, in Norway. For this reason, more and more travelers are trying to go in search of the northern lights in Scotland.
10. Yellowknife, Canada
We have now reached the end of this list of destinations where you can see the Northern Lights. And, last but not least, we highlight Yellowknife. Once again, Canada enters the ranking with this city located on the shores of the Great Slave Lake. For many, it is the best place in America to enjoy the natural show of the northern lights.
Are you already looking forward to participating in a Northern Lights tour in Yellowknife? As a curiosity, it is worth mentioning that in this part of the planet, this phenomenon has traditionally been known as yaké nagás. For the local tribes this meant “the sky shakes”, a clear example of the spectacular nature of the night sky in this region.
When to see the Northern Lights?
Now that we know some of the best places to see the Northern Lights, you may be wondering what is the best time to travel in search of this phenomenon that is so attractive to nature lovers.
From the end of September to the end of March is the best time to see the Northern Lights. And, as a general rule, the best time to witness this phenomenon is from the early hours of the night until dawn. Although the latitude and the time of dusk and dawn in each area play a very important role here.
