The Aurora Borealis is the most beautiful natural phenomenon. However, for many ages, it was something mysterious and unexplained. Even though we understand why this happens due to scientific studies, the Earth will never stop impressing us because no two light shows are alike. If you want to find out where is the best place to see the Northern Lights, make sure to read through this detailed article.
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Admiring the Aurora Borealis is only available in a few places around the world. There is no doubt that the limited possibility of observing the colorful sky makes it even more special. Both, visitors to the North or South Pole can enjoy the opportunity of watching celestial lights in the Sky.
❄️ Stay in Glass Igloo and admire beautiful Northern Lights in Finland
The information that you will find here is based on personal experiences and long-searched facts from the books. Focusing on this phenomenon was one of the motifs of my master’s thesis. In addition, I have also asked the best travel experts to share their individual views of watching the Northern Lights in different parts of the world.
I hope that those interesting facts about the Northern Lights will make this topic inspire you so much that the trip to the furthest corners of the world may become real.
Northern Lights Name Origin
For many years the Northern Lights had different names. The current name was proposed by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Aurora is derived from the name of the Roman goddess of dawn. On the other hand, Borealis is a name that means a person bringing the cold to the north.
The Latin name of the Aurora Borealis has its counterpart – Aurora Australis. It specifies the same phenomenon which is occurring in the south pole. Australis means the South and it is connected with the name of the continent of Australia.
Legends and history of the Northern Lights
The first reference to the Aurora Borealis is written in the Old Testament. It is a metaphorical description that perfectly shows the Northern Lights. You can also find memories of this phenomenon in Greek literature. On the other hand, the oldest references in classical literature date back to the year 1557.
The stories of the Northern Lights go back 2500 years. However, scientific studies that satisfactorily determine the causes of this phenomenon occurred in the past few decades. Contemporary studies have confirmed the existence of celestial lights on all planets in the Solar System. An extremely powerful phenomenon occurs on Jupiter.
Northern Lights in Ancient Times
A large part of the ancient observation of this phenomenon occurred in Rome and Greece. Modern studies estimate the occurrence of the Northern Lights in this area from 1 to 3 times in 10 years. The historical records show that celestial lights appeared around 8-9 times before the year 300 BC. There is an opinion that the Northern Lights were visible about 55 times before the birth of Christ.
Fall of the Rome caused a decrease in the number of literature, from which we could learn more about the Northern Lights. However, this phenomenon was observed in places like China. The first possible observations date back to 2600 BC. The Aurora Borealis was determined by animal names and also associated with the terms fire and stars.
Northern Lights in the 18th century
There are thousands of stories about the Northern Lights but more advanced observations of the Aurora Borealis started in the nineteenth century. In that period people discovered a connection with the Sun. They had no idea that the Northern Lights were linked to a celestial body at the time.
In every culture were different legends about this colorful light phenomenon. In some places, people were scared of the Northern Lights. They did not want to allow their kids to be outside while the Aurora Borealis were visible in the sky. They thought that phenomenon can kill them. Some of them believed that if they will wear hats, their hair will not burn off.
Legends about the Northern Lights
In many regions, the Northern Lights were associated with disasters or bad signs. In northern Canada, people thought it was the creation of spirits that were happy because the Sun was away.
Indians from North Dakota thought that the Northern Lights were formed by fires of dead enemies. However, some of the tales were connected with other signs, for example, in Finland, the legend was associated with a fox that touched mountains with his fur, and caused celestial lights in the Sky.
More romantic beliefs appeared in Denmark. People were saying that these lights were caused by swans that were far from the north. They thought that swans were trapped in the ice and every time the animals tried to escape using their wings it made reflections, which formed the Aurora Borealis
Legends about the Northern Lights in the 16th century
In the sixteenth century, this phenomenon was appearing frequently in Europe and people who had never seen it before started making their conceptions of the Northern Lights.
Some people believed in battles in heaven and in that lights were caused by fights with swords. Fears of the Northern Lights appeared also in other parts of Europe because the sixteenth century was a time of big solar activity.
During that time, the occurrence of the Aurora Borealis increased dramatically. Civilizations that had not witnessed this phenomenon regularly were more superstitious about it. We can find what people thought about the Aurora Borealis in the description of these celestial lights over Bohemia:
“The fire running down the two pillars from God might be seen by the people, the night watchman on the towers sounded the alarm bells; when the people saw it they were horrified and said that no such gruesome spectacle had been seen or heard of within living memory… Wherefore, dear Christians, take such terrible portents to heart and diligently pray to God, that he will soften his punishments and bring us back into his favour, so that we may await with calm the future of our souls and salvation. Amen.”1
1 Eather Robert H., Majestic Lights, the Aurora in Science, History, and the Arts, Washington, American Geophysical Union, 1980, p. 44
This quote demonstrates the fear of the people who first time saw that celestial lights.
When and where can you see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can be visible in any place in the world but the chance of seeing them far away from the North or South Pole is very rare. When the sky is dark and clear, this phenomenon is easily visible in northern Scandinavian countries, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska.
Even in these areas, it is not guaranteed that we can see the Northern Lights at any time. The best time to observe these celestial lights is between September to the end of March, at night from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. The sky is clearer in the spring than it is in the fall.
During the winter 60 percent of the Aurora Borealis can be behind the clouds. The intensity of the Northern Lights is connected with an eleven-year cycle. The maximum activity is in the middle of the solar cycle.
Visibility of the Northern Lights depend also on other factors such as clouds, moonlight, urban pollution, or just luck. Advanced technologies help to predict the perfect observation time of this phenomenon. The Northern Lights forecasts categorized this activity from Kp=0 (minimum activity) to Kp=9 (maximum activity).
Creation of the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are caused by particles that are thrown away from the Sun. That protons and electrons are “directed by the Earth’s magnetic field towards the polar regions.” 2 Interactions with nitrogen and oxygen of these particles make visible glows.
2 Ham Anthony, Lonely Planet Norway, United States, Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd, 2011, p. 66
We can compare this to a situation that happens when we turn on our television. There are electrons on one of the sides of the picture tube. This particle is pulled by magnets to the other side. Electrons strike substances which is the result of appearing images on the screen.
The Aurora Borealis is like a huge television screen. All reactions occur near South and North Poles. Gases that are struck by particles in a magnetic field glow like substances at the back of a television screen. All things needed for the appearance of the Northern Lights are a magnet, gases, and particles from the Sun.
The colors of the Northern Lights depend on the particles and height of this phenomenon. Reactions with oxygen up to 60 miles create yellow/green colors in the Sky. Above 200 miles it gives red glows. Purple lights can be visible above 60 miles when nitrogen struck in the atmosphere.
Forms of the Northern Lights
The shapes of Aurora Borealis are various. There is an infinite number of forms. It seems to me that is very valuable to know at least a few kinds of these shapes. I will try to describe some of them.
Arcs
To begin with, arcs are the first example of the Aurora Borealis shapes. They often extend from east to west and are smooth at lower levels. Arcs can be also with some rays.
Bands
Other types are bands that can be continuous, folded, or look like a curtain. They can also have vertical rays which disappear far up in the Sky.
Bands with rays
During one night the Aurora Borealis can appear in many forms. In the late evening, they are usually shapes of arcs that can transform into arcs with rays or bands. With more luck, you can also see the corona which is the most spectacular form. The rays are going out from one point which makes it look very beautiful.
Corona
It has been observed repeatedly that this central point is directed at the Earth’s magnetic field. The viewer is under the corona. It can look like a rain of colorful lights or falling arrows. When the corona disappears the Northern Lights start to be very active. Ribbons and light belts are appearing in the Sky. A few moments later the forms are vanishing and appear again.
Patches
Last fundamental forms are patches and glows. Patches are small parts on the Sky which look like colorful, translucent clouds. Generally we can see them later in the night.
Glows
The Northern Lights can be also diffuse. That kind of example is glow. Even during a dark night, it is not always visible. Other types of Northern Lights are bright enough to read a book at night.
Carl Störmer created the first Aurora Borealis classification, which he published in “the Photographic Atlas Of Auroral Forms” 3 in 1930. 33 years later his classification was revised with a new edition of “International Aurora Atlas”. 4
3,4 Eather Robert H., Ibidem, p. 2
Glows are lights with blurred boundaries. Not only the shape but also the behavior of this phenomenon can describe the Aurora Borealis. It can be quiet when the shape does not change for a longer time; pulsating from 5 to 10 times per second or flaming.
In the last example bursts of lights start at the base of the shape and move higher. Somewhere at the top, they disappear. As well brightness can be different from very low to very strong. Professional viewers are aware of a more detailed classification of these celestial lights’ shapes or behaviours.
Shapes of the Northern Lights – Summary
To sum up, the shapes of the Aurora Borealis are unique and the forms presented above are enough for the amateur observer. Currently, scientists use computer technologies to identify more complicated shapes.
People have discovered what these celestial lights are as technology has advanced. The fear of this phenomenon, which ruled for many years has been forgotten. In areas where the Northern Lights appear frequently, it has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Modern technologies allow us to prepare the Aurora Borealis forecast for the coming 27 days (sun rotation time).
When staying in Scandinavian countries there is no guarantee that we will see the Aurora Borealis. Despite forecasts, they can be unpredictable and occur at an unexpected time.
Where to see the Northern Lights?
🌍 60° and 75° latitude is the most common location for the occurrence of the Northern Lights.
There are a lot of places where you can see the beautiful Northern Lights. You can enjoy colorful night shows for example in Iceland near Reykjavik. Finland is also a perfect place to admire this phenomenon. Some of the most popular points include also Nellim and Ivalo located in Lapland. Scotland, the least frequently chosen destination, can also impress with the spectacular Northern Lights.
Northern lights in Norway
Norway passed the hard way since World War II. The country was occupied by German armies. In that period Norway was one of the poorest countries in Europe. The situation had changed because now it is one of the richest in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist destinations where you can see the Northern Lights.
Tromsø
📍 Tromso Latitude: 69° 38′ 56.04″ N
It is well known that Sweden and Norway belong to places abundant in this phenomenon. After analyzing different locations with high frequencies of occurrence of the Northern Lights, the city of Tromsø is one of the best places where you can see them.
🐋 Check out one-of-a-kind Northern Lights tour: Overnight Lavvo stay with Fjords, Whales & Aurora
There is a lot of information about Tromsø as one of the most famous places to start a journey around Norway. About 100 years ago it was a base for many polar explorers. In that city, Roald Amundsen, one of the most popular travelers set up a crew for his expedition.
🚢 Admire the Northern Lights on a cruise from Tromsø
My ranking is based on the reviews which define Tromsø as the best place to observe the Aurora Borealis. The relevance of those opinions confirms the fact that the city is in the middle of the Northern Lights zone. Rotation of the planet results in that person living there can see this phenomenon around 6 pm and at midnight again.
🏎️ Do you love fast cars? Enjoy Northern Lights with Tesla Experience
It is the second largest city in the Arctic Circle (after Murmansk in Russia). Tromsø became popular with visitors from the South. When they first time came there, they did not expect that civilized city in far Norway so they called it “Paris of the North.” 5 Tromsø was also known as “Gateway to the Arctic.” 6
5 Ham Anthony, Lonely Planet Norway, United States, Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd, 2011, p. 33
6 Proctor James, Ibidem, p. 149
Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø
There are many amazing festivals in Norway. One of them is for example the Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø. This event dates back to 1988. Annually, people gather together to listen to music and dance. Nowadays, the Northern Lights Festival attracts many people from all over the world.
🦌 Visit incredible Ice Domes and look out for Reindeer!
The midnight sun in Norway
In summer people living in Tromsø experience the midnight sun (from the end of May to end of the July). During wintertime in southern Norway, the Sun is visible for 6-7 hours. From the end of November to half of January, the Sun does not appear at all in Tromsø. During that period the Sun is below the horizon but in the city, there is no complete darkness. People can see the Moon, stars, or the Northern Lights which enlighten this city.
Northern lights in Iceland
Snaefellsness Peninsula
📍 Snaefellsness Peninsula Latitude: 64° 52′ 13.0008″ N
By Chris from the Around the world with me
One of the best places to see the northern lights is the Snaefellsness Peninsula in Iceland. The Snaefellsness Peninsula juts out if the western side if the island, seemingly reaching towards Greenland.
Due to its rugged mountainous landscape and the fact that you’re never more than a few minutes’ drive from the coast, the weather on the peninsula is chaotic and unpredictable. That might not sound ideal for getting clear skies, but as Arctic regions are usually quite cloudy in the winter, the fast-moving weather of the peninsula means that you’re likely to get at least some clear skies almost every night. You just need patience.
On top of its ever-changing weather, the geographic location of Snaefellsness is almost always along the path of the solar winds and often has high KP forecasts. Clear skies and a high KP index are what you’ll need for a magical night of northern lights.
And have you seen how strikingly beautiful the peninsula is? Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and a view of the northern lights over the sharp, iconic peak is what winter dreams are made of.
When should you visit Snaefellsness Peninsula?
The best times to visit Snaefellsness for the Northern Lights are October and late March-April. The weather isn’t quite as bad as those brutal Icelandic winters, and solar storms are frequent around the equinoxes. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to get outside for some daytime activities like horse riding and hiking.
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula?
The most spectacular place to view the northern lights is from the Kirkjufell waterfall. That will allow you to see the mountain when the sky lights up green above it. However, there are many great spots to stop along the road that follows the peninsula’s coast.
🚗💨 Rent a car in Reykjavík and explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula on your own
For the best chance to see the lights in the comfort of your accommodation, you’ll want to stay outside of the towns. Nothing beats a warm Icelandic cabin, and the Halsabol Sumarhus cabins on Kirkjufell are the perfect spot to have a beer in the hot tub with the northern lights above. Another great location is also Kast Guesthouse, which is close to the natural geothermal pool. Once you visit the Snaefellsness Peninsula you’ll always want to return again!
Thingvellir National Park
📍 Thingvellir National Park Latitude: 64° 15′ 26.1756″ N
By Victoria of Iceland Trippers
Located just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park was established in 1930 and is one of the most popular stops on the Golden Circle. And that is mainly because this is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world.
Additionally, this place is where the country’s very first parliament was founded between the 10th and 18th centuries. Locally, though, this parliament is referred to as Alþing. And remnants from this institution still exist.
In fact, they can be seen at the historic Þingvellir Church and within the ruins of several stone structures around the park. So, if you want to learn more about this UNESCO site’s incredible history, head to the visitor’s center and enjoy an interactive exhibit about the park that will take around an hour to complete.
You’ll also love that this park is home to several natural features like the Silfra fissure, which is a perfect snorkeling spot since the water is extremely clear.
🤿 Snorkel in Silfra during winter and take amazing Underwater Photos
You can sign up for one of the Iceland Northern Lights tours and take advantage of the naturally dark skies that make it incredibly easy to spot. Plus, clouds sometimes stay on along the coast and don’t make their way here, making the Northern Lights simpler to see.
🐋 Admire the Northern Lights and Whales on a cruise from Reykjavik.
Also, enjoy the contrast of the dark lava rocks here with the stunning lights dancing through the sky. And as with most places in Iceland, the best time to visit and enjoy this amazing spectacle is between October and March.
Where to stay nearby Thingvellir National Park?
Then, when you’re ready to call it a night, head back to the capital and spend a luxurious night inside one of the gorgeous rooms at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.
It’s a sleek, contemporary hotel where guests can relax inside an on-site spa and enjoy a wide array of upscale services.
Evindarhólar
📍 Evindarhólar Latitude: 63° 30′ 0″ N
📸 Is it possible to capture Northern Lights with a phone?
Yes! Our picture above was taken with HUAWEI P20 Pro, which was the best mobile phone for night photography during our visit to Iceland. Although we love new gadgets, so we are currently testing Samsung Galaxy Ultra S22, which provides the best photo quality for mobiles in the market!
This remote place located a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik is an amazing spot to admire the Northern Lights in Iceland. A row of Welcome Holiday Homes by tall Icelandic mountains provides a beautiful setting for sky photography.
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is just a 20-minute walk from Welcome Holiday Homes. You can swim there in Iceland’s oldest outdoors swimming pool before Aurora Hunting.
👉 Check out Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit Iceland
Instant access to beautiful scenery while you are relaxing in one of the Welcome Holiday Homes makes Northern Lights chasing stress-free.
Just download the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app which will notify you about the Northern Lights in your current location. The light show in the sky can be very quick, so make sure that you won’t miss it!
During our Winter Trip to Iceland, it was the only place where we saw the Northern Lights. Clear sky and high solar activity are essential, so choose the best time to visit Iceland and stay for a night in the total wilderness.
❄️ Read My Guide about Trip to Iceland
If you want to go even further, Fosshotel Nupar is like an arctic base in Iceland. It is a long modern building which offers infinite views of mountains and glaciers.
Fosshotel Nupar is located a 1 hour 40 minutes drive from Evindarhólar or 3 hours 40 minutes from Reykjavik. You will not miss the Northern Lights even when you are sleeping. The hotel staff will take care of informing you about the colors dancing in the sky.
Vik
📍 Vik Latitude: 63° 25′ 9.9984″ N
By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Vik, located along the South coast of Iceland, is perhaps best known for its dramatic landscapes. For example, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach offers inky shores, rugged sea stacks, and dramatic cliffs of columnar basalt. It’s so otherworldly-looking, it’s famously been used as a shooting location for Game of Thrones.
But, thanks to its limited light pollution and stunning surrounding scenery, Vik also happens to be one of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights. While the Aurora Borealis is visible from late August through mid-April throughout Iceland, the best time to see this incredible phenomenon is September through March.
Iceland is strongly associated with its Viking foundations. In Norse mythology, the Northern Lights were believed by some to be the reflection of the shields and armor of the Valkyrie, who chose which soldiers lived and died in battle.
While there’s no guarantee you’ll get to spot any Valkyrie while you’re here, there are plenty of incredible places to hunt down the Northern Lights in Vik. For example, the Vik I Myrdal Church, with its jaunty red roof, would make a picturesque foreground in your Northern Lights photos.
Alternatively, if you want a cozy place to watch the Northern Lights, consider heading 20 minutes west to Seljavallalaug Pool, which is nestled between the green Icelandic highlands and considered to be one of the best hot springs in Iceland. Could there be any better way to spend a night in the Land of Fire and Ice than soaking in a hot spring and keeping a watchful eye out for the Northern Lights?
Where to stay in Vik?
While you’re in Vik, consider booking a stay at Hotel Vík í Mýrdal, a mid-range hotel that makes a clean, modern building feel very cozy and hygge. It’s the perfect place to warm up after a night chasing the aurora!
Northern Lights in Finland
Pyhän Asteli Aurora Igloos & Suites
📍 Pyhän Asteli Resort Latitude: 67° 2′ 59″ N
By Bradley from Dream Big Travel Far
Another excellent place to see the Northern Lights is from an igloo hotel. It’s especially great for those who want to experience a few days of quiet. Pyhän Asteli Aurora Igloos & Suites is a four-star hotel ensconced in the heart of Pyhätunturi, a ski town in the east of Lapland in Northern Finland.
Nestled in an area with much-reduced light pollution, your chances of seeing an aurora are higher. Stay in one of their igloo-styled chalets with glass domes as ceilings, and you can stay up to spot the bewitching polar lights right from the comfort of your own bed. It really is such a relaxing and easy way to watch the Northern Lights.
⛷️ Pyhän Asteli Aurora Igloos & Suites is also a short drive from Ski Resort Pyhä
The property itself offers every imaginable facility you’ll want for a pleasant stay: shared lounge, barbecue, sauna, restaurant, free WiFi and parking, and even bike hire! Best of all, it’s only three minutes away from the beach, which means you can spend the day enjoying the coastal view and the night hunting for the Northern Lights.
At Pyhätunturi, you can experience the ultimate snow holiday. With reindeer roaming free and husky safaris to horse riding trails, country skiing, and ice climbing, the possibilities are endless. It’s truly a fantastic place to celebrate Christmas in Lapland.
Moreover, Finland is famous for having The Everyman’s Rights, which states that all of the country’s nature is free for all to enjoy. This means that you can explore the surrounding woods on foot and bask in the cool breeze without the limits.
Rovaniemi
📍 Rovaniemi Latitude: 66° 30′ 11.0124” N
By Megan from Megan Starr
One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights is in Rovaniemi, Finland. Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland and the northern part of the country. The clear (but dark!) skies and low light pollution make it an epic place to witness the Aurora.
If you’re an expert in finding the Northern Lights, you can head almost anywhere in Northern Finland and spot them. However, if you’re a rookie, you will find it much easier to book a tour to do so and Rovaniemi has a handful of tours that will take you into the wilderness to spot the Northern Lights.
The best Northern Light tours in Rovaniemi
Where to stay and when to visit Rovaniemi?
The best time to see the Aurora in Rovaniemi is during the winter months. But, shoulder season may be the most ideal, as several experts will tell you! Rovaniemi is rather busy during December, so if you opt for an October or February trip, you will have an opportunity to see them without the expensive hotel prices and flights.
While there is no specific festival dedicated to the natural phenomenon, you can have a unique experience by staying at one of the igloos or Northern Lights hotels in Finland.
❄️ Explore Snow Hotel while hunting for Northern Lights
Close to Rovaniemi city center is the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, a group of 37 Scandinavian-designed wooden houses that offer large windows so you can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own rental!
The Arctic Treehouse Hotel is located really close to Santa Claus Village, so you can pop over there after a long night of observing the Aurora dancing in the skies!
Ranua
📍 Ranua Latitude: 65° 55′ 0.01″ N
By Fiona from Travelling Thirties
It is well known that Finnish Lapland in winter is one of the top locations to watch the Northern Lights. Despite being so far north, some areas still experience light pollution, which makes it more challenging to see the Northern Lights.
Ranua is among the best locations in Lapland to view the Northern Lights because it is void of light pollution. It is located about one hour’s drive to south from Rovaniemi.
In Ranua (or Lapland in general), the locals believe that the Northern Lights are caused by the Arctic Fox’s tail swishing across the night sky.
The Arctic Fox Igloos, which are situated on the shores of the stunning, frozen Ranuanjärvi Lake, are among the greatest spots to watch the Northern Lights in Ranua.
It is so much fun to take a tour to see the Northern Lights, even though you can see them from your accommodation or anywhere you may be in Ranua. You can go hunting for the lights on a snowmobile, husky safari, and horse-drawn carriage or in a van.
All tours in Ranua depart from Gulo Gulo village, which is right by the Ranua Wildlife Zoo.
🔭 Bring a tripod to ensure you get the best photos possible. 💸 If you don't already have one, consider buying a tripod for your trip.
Use night mode on your smartphone if you’re trying to photograph the lights, and if you’re on a tour, ask your guide or any of your fellow travelers for advice or swap photos later. Everyone will be attempting to capture the best shots with their travel cameras.
Where to stay in Ranua?
Who wouldn’t want to have the chance to see the Northern Lights from their bed? If you are looking to splurge and try something unique, stay at the Arctic Fox Igloos. On the other hand, the Gulo Gulo Holiday Village has super cute cabins/apartments for those traveling in Finland on budget.
To give yourself the best chance of seeing the lights, I recommend staying in Ranua for at least two or three nights. Super dark and a clear sky are essential, which are common in Finland during the winter.
Northern Lights in Sweden
Abisko
📍 Abisko Latitude: 68° 18′ 60.00″ N
By Sylvia from Wapiti Travel
Abisko in Swedish Lapland is without any doubt one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Abisko is a tiny remote village of about 150 habitants that became famous because of the blue hole, a weather pattern that ensures that there are exceptionally many days with blue skies. More than in the immediate vicinity. And a blue sky is of course the number one requirement to see the Aurora.
📸 Check out the Ultimate Aurora Photo Adventure
Visiting such a small village is an experience in itself and it has the added advantage that there is almost no light pollution. You can just walk out of your hotel to see the magical dancing green shadows in the sky.
There’s also the town’s eponymous national park. During the day you can explore the beautiful nature park on snowshoes or cross-country skis and at night you can chase the Northern Lights.
The best tours in Abisko during a day
❄️ Explore amazing places during a day on a Snowmobile
🧊 Experience Ice Climbing
🏔️ Hike the Abisko National Park
Where to stay and when to visit Abisko?
October to March are the best months to head to Abisko for the aurora. The town is high up north and during these months there are plenty of dark hours. During December you will never see the sun, an extraordinary experience, but maybe not ideal if you also would like to do some other daytime activities.
Being a small town, the biggest challenge of a trip to Abisko is finding a place to sleep. We had a great time staying at STF Turiststation. Note that all accommodations are fully booked up to a year in advance. It is a matter of planning your trip well beforehand. If you don’t find anything in Abisko you can look for accommodation in Kiruna. This is a larger city with more hotels one hour south of Abisko.
Kiruna
📍 Kiruna Latitude: 67°50′56″N
By Ellie from Elonthemove
Swedish Lapland’s Kiruna is the northernmost town in the country. Iron mining is the primary industry in the Arctic circle, which is also home to stunning landscapes with pristine forest. The countryside has very little light pollution due to the low population density, making it the ideal location to see the northern lights.
One of the most interesting facts about Kiruna is that the whole town is currently being moved 3km due to the unstable terrain caused by some of the mining operations. Actually, some of the older structures are being picked up and relocated.
🚗💨 Rent a car at Kiruna Airport and hunt for the Northern Lights
Many northern lights excursions are provided by tour companies based in Kiruna. However, if you have a car, you can avoid the city’s light pollution by taking one of the many dark country roads. The Northern Lights will be more distinct at an isolated location.
Where to stay in Kiruna?
Just outside of Kiruna in the village of Jukkasjärvi, there is the World-famous Ice Hotel. As the name suggests, this hotel is made completely of ice. There is a seasonal section of the hotel that is created by ice artists that change each winter.
📆 Check the available dates in the Icehotel
Additionally, there is also the Ice Hotel 365 which is open all year round with a temperature of -5C within the ice rooms. The hotel also offers warm rooms.
Also, remote and an excellent location to see this natural phenomenon is the village of Jukkasjärvi. During winter, the Torne River freezes, allowing you to stroll on it to see the Northern Lights. Before you do this, check with the staff if the ice is thick enough to stand on it.
Northern Lights in Scotland
Orkney Islands
📍 Orkney Islands Latitude: Between 58° 41’N and 59° 24′
By Suzanne from Meandering Wild
The Orkney Islands are located off the north coast of Scotland. While the Northern Lights can be seen all over Scotland as well as further south in the UK, the location of the islands is perfect for viewing the lights with clear skies to the north.
The northern lights over Scotland are often lower in the sky and more subtle. They start with a building arc and many times the sky glows with green rather than the moving curtains are seen further north.
🚌 Discover the Orkney Islands on a 3-day tour from Inverness
The islands are steeped in history with standing stones and the remains of a neolithic village older than the Pyramids of Giza or Stonehenge. The standing stones make for a great foreground when photographing the Northern Lights. During the day the islands have beautiful landscapes to explore and ancient buildings as well as a stunning cathedral.
🔥 Do you dream of seeing puffins and dramatic cliffs? This affordable 90-minute cruise is a great day out to the Orkney Islands.
The best place to see the Northern Lights are at the Brough of Birsay where you can admire dancing lights above the lighthouse on an island and reflecting off the Atlantic ocean. The Neolithic stone circle of the Ring of Brodgar is also a fantastic location for seeing the lights.
⛰️ Check out the 5-day tour of the Orkney Islands and the North Coast of Scotland
The season in Orkney is much longer than in places further north and the northern lights can be seen from August through to late April although strong displays with no moon can be seen all year round.
Orkney is incredibly windy and so it is essential to tuck your camera out of the wind before attempting to photograph the Northern Lights. Even when out of the wind, camera movement is a big problem to overcome.
Where to stay in the Orkney Islands?
Orkney has lots of lovely small cottages to rent but the Standing Stones Hotel in Stenness is close to the Ring of Brodgar and gives quick access for experiencing the lights.
Northern Lights in Canada
Inuvik
📍 Inuvik Latitude: 68°21′39″N
By Patricia from Ze Wandering Frogs
While traveling to Inuvik, right in the Arctic Circle in the Northwestern Territories of Canada, mainly was to mush our own team of Husky dogs sledding over the frozen tundra, the area is also a fantastic place to admire the Northern Lights.
Not as popular or known as Yellowknife or Reykjavik, Inuvik offers a great mix of winter activities for those looking to view the famous lights but who are also interested in thrilling adventures like dog sledding, snowmobiling, viewing herds of reindeer, and learning about Inuit culture.
A night of snow camping by one of the lakes is the best way to see the Aurora Borealis, as the natural event is officially called. Away from any city lights that would clutter the night show, a place like Jimmy Place is ideal for spending a night under the stars and a chance to see the Northern Lights in Arctic Canada. And because a darker sky is best to enjoy the contrasting colors, October to March are the best months to see them in Canada.
Flying to Inuvik is, of course, the fastest way to reach the destination but also the recommended option. Indeed, the alternative is driving over the Dempster Highway, a rough, isolated, gravel road that links Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik. A winter drive would offer stunning landscape views but can be a daring endeavor reserved for the experienced drivers of harsh winter conditions.
For a comprehensive winter Arctic adventure, the Arctic Chalet offers great accommodation as well as winter activities.
Yellowknife
📍 Yellowknife Latitude: 62°27’21.6″N
By Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Viewing the amazing and magical Northern Lights is on many travelers’ bucket lists. Having said that, the chance of catching this natural phenomenon is different due to a lot of factors.
Yellowknife in Canada is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, as it has a 90 percent chance of sightings during winter (between mid-November and March).
To plan a Northern Light trip in Yellowknife, the city is well-known for the viewing of this natural phenomenon with well-rounded facilities and professional travel agencies.
🏠 Spend an evening in a rustic cabin listening to local stories as you wait for the Northern Lights.
Yellowknife is the capital and the only “city” in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Sprawling on the north bank of Great Slave Lake with a population of just over 30,000, Yellowknife has extremely low light pollution. Furthermore, its high latitude also serves long and cold winter with clear dark nights. Travelers may be surprised that they can get a glimpse of the Northern Lights outside the hotel window at 7 p.m.!
🏨 Admire the Northern Lights from the terrace at Aurora Guest house
For a better chance of a sighting, stay in Yellowknife for a few nights. Sign up on a local tour or visit an aurora village first to learn a bit more about the where what and how to see the lights, with the comfort of a cozy blanket and a hot drink.
🚌 Book a Northern Lights tour with hotel pickup and drop-off
You can book popular guides way in advance, so don’t forget to make a reservation before departure during high season. Afterward, rent a car and explore the area on your own. You will most likely be able to see the lights in any open space outside the city.
Whitehorse, Yukon
📍Whitehorse, Yukon Latitude: 60°43′27″N
By Kieren from the Polar guide book
A great area to see the Aurora Borealis in Canada is the Yukon region which sits within the Auroral Zone, a band around the Earth where you are most likely to see the Northern Lights.
Many places in Yukon are great for spotting the natural phenomenon such as Campbell and Watson Lake, but I recommend basing yourself in Whitehorse.
Although Whitehorse is the largest city in northern Canada, you don’t have to venture too far from the city to get away from the light pollution and find a good location for viewing the Northern Lights.
One of the more popular spots is to head out past the edge of the city on Fish Lake Road where you’ll get a view of the lights with the city below. If you go all the way to Fish Lake, you’ll get a great shot of the lake with the lights in the background.
🧊 If you don't mind average temperatures of 0 ° C to -20 ° C, hunt for the Northern Lights in Whitehorse with a local guide.
I recommend traveling between September and March for the best chances of seeing this phenomenon because the warmer months in this area aren’t quite dark enough to watch the Northern Lights. The peak visibility of Aurora Borealis is from 10:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m.
If you’re struggling to find a good spot yourself, there are several tour operators with dedicated Northern Lights tours from Whitehorse, these range from one night to an entire week. So, check out Northern Tales or Arctic Range Adventure.
❄️ Admire the incredible colors of the Northern Lights during your winter vacation in Yukon
Why did I recommend Whitehorse over other locations? When you’re not out gazing at the night skies, you may explore the SS Klondike, one of the last remaining steam-powered paddle wheelers in Canada that is a designated national historic site. Moreover, you can also visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to witness many of the native wildlife.
Waskesiu Lake
📍 Waskesiu Lake Latitude: 53° 56′ 36.9744″
By Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic
One of the lesser-known Canadian places to see the Northern Lights is in beautiful Waskesiu Lake, a popular lake resort in Prince Albert National Park, one of just two national parks in the province of Saskatchewan. Located up north nearly 100 kilometres from the nearest city, the air is clean and cool, the skies crystal clear and there is practically zero light pollution, making it an ideal place to enjoy this dramatic natural phenomenon.
In general, the best Aurora Borealis shows take place in the colder months from October to March but it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Waskesiu Lake any time of year. Each year, there are usually a few really good nights in July and August when Waskesiu Lake is at its best.
Normally the ice is off the lake by late May and from then until mid-September Waskesiu Lake is hopping with seasonal cabin owners, campers, and RVs. With half a dozen nice beaches, tremendous hiking, good restaurants, several shops, an extensive Recreation Centre, a world-class golf course and even one of the oldest movie theatres in Canada, lovely Waskesiu Lake is one of the best family destinations in Saskatchewan.
The Hawood Inn is one of the longest running Waskesiu Lake hotels, is located right next to the main beach and stays open all year-round, making it an excellent choice any time of year. And watching the Northern Lights put on a show from their rooftop hot tub in -30 Celsius is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Manitoulin Island
📍 Manitoulin Island Latitude: 45° 42′ 9.5292″
By Nina from Ottawa things to do
One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights is Manitoulin Island in Canada. Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in Canada. It’s located in Lake Huron, just an hour east of Sudbury. It’s a popular summer destination for cottagers and RVers from Toronto and Ottawa.
Most tourists skip a trip north to Sudbury and Manitoulin Island in favor of popular locations like Niagara Falls, but a trip north isn’t to be missed!
The island is mostly undeveloped, with large swaths of hiking area and sandy beaches. This means that the sky is especially clear for viewing stars every night.
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights on Manitoulin Island?
The local dark night sky preserve at Gordon Park is the best place to see the Northern Lights on Manitoulin Island. This is an area that is protected from light pollution to ensure you can always get the best view of the stars. There are also a few others across Canada, but most are not northerly enough nor as accessible, making this the best spot to see the Northern Lights in late autumn.
You can even camp at the park so you won’t have to pack up your belongings from your hotel to get a good view. Make sure to bring your tent and camping equipment, and obey their light pollution rules.
❓ When can you see the Northern Lights on Manitoulin Island?
The northern lights are most often spotted between late August and October, usually peaking around midnight and 3 am.
💡 Top tips for enjoying the Northern Lights
Be sure to check the Gordon Park sky charts to ensure it’s a clear night. On cloudy nights, you won’t be able to make out the Aurora Borealis.
Finally, set your camera for a long exposure shot! And use a tripod – otherwise, you risk blurry photos.
Northern Lights in Alaska
Fairbanks
📍 Fairbanks Latitude: 64°50′37″N
By Paula from Paula pins the planet
If you are looking for a great place to chase the Northern lights in the U.S., Fairbanks should be on the top of your bucket list. Fairbanks is a popular destination and it is a must-visit place in any Alaska Itinerary
One of the reasons that many visit Fairbanks is because it is one of the best places to see the Aurora borealis in the USA and one of the best in the world. This happens because of the Fairbanks’ location, directly under the Aurora Oval – a ring-shaped region hovering over the far north – also, combined with a good balance of clear nights, low precipitation, distance from the coastal, and minimum artificial lights.
But even if it is a bucket list to do in Fairbanks, unfortunately, it is not guaranteed that you will see the Aurora Borealis.
The recommendation is to book a minimum of 3-nights to increase your chances to see the lights by 90%.
👉 Check out the Best Hotels in Fairbanks
Besides the Northern lights, Fairbanks also offers plenty of things to do. Here you can find a combination of vast forests with amazing hiking trails and wilderness. Fairbanks is deep into the wilds, tucked in between two immense mountain ranges, nestled up against the winding Chena river and where the magical Northern Lights dance across the sky for 9-months of the year.
The best place to stay is the Chena Hot Springs Resort which is famous for its ice museum, firm interest in geothermal energy, and, of course, its outdoor hot spring. Because of its location, this is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks.
Denali National Park
📍 Denali National Park Latitude: 63° 7′ 47.5932” N
By Karen from Forever Karen
Located away from the light pollution of busy towns, Denali National Park provides a darkened environment to view the northern lights. With six million acres of undeveloped land, it’s a canvas waiting for the light show to happen.
While most travel to Fairbanks, it doesn’t provide the darkness for optimal Aurora Borealis viewing. Aurora Denali Lodge, 12 miles north of the Denali National Park entrance, offers year-round accommodation for those seeking the light show.
If you have an unlimited budget, the Sheldon Chalet provides a luxury escape to the foot of towering Denali. The chalet is only accessible by helicopter but allows guests to go aurora chasing in a unique location.
Many travelers visit Alaska by cruise ships. If you take an Alaska cruise from Vancouver, you can add on a land itinerary to Denali National Park. Traveling in the abridge season (April/May or September/October) will increase your chances of seeing the aurora. Although, they are never guaranteed.
When staying in a lodge in Denali, consider booking the Denali Aurora Quest tour. You’ll spend three hours with an Alaskan guide for an unforgettable star gazing experience. If luck is on your side, the northern lights could appear. The tour provides hot drinks, so you can watch the colors dance across the sky with something to warm your insides.
You’ll need a DSLR camera and not your smartphone to capture the Northern Lights. A tripod is necessary to provide crisp, clear pictures with a low shutter speed. Armed with the right tools, you’re set to see the Northern Lights. Happy Aurora chasing!
Peters Creek
📍 Peters Creek Latitude: 61° 24′ 27.6912″
By Lina from the Bucket List Places
Peters Creek, Alaska – Located just 25 minutes north of Anchorage but tucked away from the lights of city living makes Peters Creek one of the most convenient places to watch the Northern Lights dancing in the night skies in Alaska.
A road from the highway leads you up into the Chugach State Park providing clearance to the night sky and great visibility to spot the Aurora dancing. While many northern lights destinations around the world are hard to reach, the proximity to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest airport with the most direct flights from around the world, makes this location the best for viewing.
While Fairbanks is famous for the Aurora in the winter, the climate up north is quite extreme with regular temperatures in the -10s and 20s. Anchorage area is much warmer and much milder making it more tolerable for those not used to such extreme temperatures.
When looking for the best places to stay in Alaska for Northern Lights, it is important to be somewhere that has limited light pollution and clear visibility of the sky.
Loft in the Clouds in Peters Creek is perfectly set up for the best northern lights viewing. Not only is this beautiful property up high on the mountain near Chugach state park but the roof deck provides 360-degree views of the sky and there are two sets of decks on each floor to provide the best chances for viewing and photography. The property can sleep up to 10 guests and is a short 25 minutes drive from Anchorage airport.
Where can you see the Northern Lights on rare occasions?
Northern Lights in Poland
Podlasie
📍 Podlasie Latitude: 53° 7′ 56.6328″ N
It is possible to witness the Aurora Borealis in Poland not only through books or the internet but also in person. For example, on March 17, 2013, the Northern Lights were observed over Nowodworce in the Podlaskie voivodeship. This type of event happening, however, is extremely rare in this country. Nevertheless, the Aurora Borealis lit the sky over Poland again on August 17, 2022.
People in Podlaskie voivodeship could watch it for several dozen minutes. Some of them have been waiting to see the Northern Lights for about ten years.
However, if you are in Podlasie during the Solar Cycle, which occurs every 11 years, go at night to one of the nature reserves, which are abundant in this part of Poland.
Hotel Żubrówka Spa & Wellness is located in the heart of the forest, also known as the Green Lungs of Poland. Even if you don’t see the Northern Lights, this resort offers direct access to the amazing Białowieża Forest.
This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see the largest population of wild bison in the world. The fauna and flora of this location are by far one of the most impressive in Europe.
Northern Lights in the Netherlands
Terschelling Island
📍 Terschelling Island Latitude: 53° 23′ 59.99″ N
By Ossama from the Awesome Traveler
With so much natural beauty and interesting places to visit, Netherland is the world’s happiest country. In addition, it is one of the western Europe nations, where rare natural events like the Northern Lights occur.
Aurora Borealis is an unusual and magical phenomenon that sometimes lights up the sky above Terschelling island. The powerful solar flares occasionally show up between late night and early morning. When it happens, the inhabitants of the island are lucky enough to admire them between the clouds.
The colors of the Northern Lights can change from green and purple to shades of yellow and red. It is a mesmerizing moment that is well worth photographing.
Northern Lights in the Netherlands only occur on rare occasions but can be visible to the naked eye and are simple to photograph when the sky is clear.
The Dutch Island of Terschelling can be chilly with temperatures close to 0°C during winter. So, dress for the weather because this is the only time of year when you may view the Northern Lights in the Netherlands.
To get to Terschelling Island, you will need to book a ferry from Harlingen with the company Rederij Doeksen. A modern ferry ride can take up to 120 minutes, while a fast-speed ferry will take you to the island in only 45 minutes.
Where to stay on Terschelling Island?
To save money and have the chance to meet other visitors, the best place to stay for solo travelers is the Stayokay Hostel Terschelling. Due to the affordable accommodation prices, you will share the room with others and have your own locker.
On the other hand, if you want to have your own room, stay in Boutique B&B De Vluchtweg. It is Terschelling’s top-rated hotel located on the outskirts of Baaiduinen.
📍 PIN IT TO COME BACK HERE LATER
Astronomical observatories
Research buildings may involve many different disciplines such as biology, physics, and astronomy. However, the last one is a science that particularly fascinated people for a very long time. The creation of the telescope by Galileo made that interest in the sky increase significantly. The desire to explore distant galaxies has contributed to the development of astronomy. Huge telescopes and other instruments for observing the sky are currently being designed.
The most impressive astronomical observatory in the world
Currently, the largest telescopes can boast the observatories in the mountains at Kitt Peak in Arizona, Mount Palomar in California, Mauna Kea in Hawaii, or Cerro Tololo in the Andes. Not long ago telescopes located there had a diameter of 6 meters. However, larger types of these devices are currently being developed. The most powerful of them occur at the tops of the mountains because there is dry and clear air.
Mauna Kea Observatory has the two largest telescopes in the world with a mirror diameter of 10 meters. They are linked by buildings that house laboratories. There are 13 Keck telescopes spread across a 2-kilometer area in the entire complex.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich
The most important for historical reasons is the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Founded in 1675 now belongs to the most relevant scientific monuments. In the years 1884-1984 lines drawn through the building defined Prime Meridian, dividing in this way the eastern and western hemispheres of the Earth.
The Prime Meridian’s actual position has become more precise as technology has advanced. Together with the shift about 102 meters on the east the line that does not pass through is the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London. However, the old division of the Earth located on the observatory building attracts a lot of tourists.
Calar Alto observatory
At the time of placing spectrograph in Calar Alto observatory, it joined the group of the most advanced instruments of its type. A spectrograph that is bigger than two meters in focal length is something rare. Improvement of technologies caused that instrument can be 1,5 meter. Another instrument connected with spectroscopy is the spectrometer which also specifies the spectrum.
Every one of us has experienced interference in our lives. It appears in soap bubbles or in oil that connects with wet surfaces. Optical interferometry gives the possibility of very precise measurements. It can analyze distances, magnetic fields, displacements, vibrations, and a lot more.
In the first observation of the Sky, people did not use any instruments, they just watched it with the naked eye. In the 17th century, Galileo showed that a telescope allows observations with much better resolutions. Nowadays, the most famous telescope is Hubble Cosmic Telescope which has circuit the Earth since 1990.
Radio astronomy
The observational astronomy department also includes radio astronomy functioning since 1930. That is when Karl Jansky “discovered radio noise, originating of Sagittarius near the centre of the galaxy” 7.
7 Garlic Mark A., Wielki atlas kosmosu, Singapore, Buchmann, 2006, p. 134
Observation with the radio objects has many advantages. Even on a cloudy day we can study the sky. The most important astronomical centers are Jodrell Bank in the United Kingdom, VLA in the United States, and Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. The last example has one-of-a-kind design.
A radio telescope with a diameter of 305 meters in Arecibo Observatory is the biggest in the world. Huge size interested many moviemakers, which reflects that in their movies. Not only the size but also the shape is very interesting because most of the telescopes have parabolic shapes. Radio telescope from Puerto Rico has sphere form, which supports steel structure. It is suspended on cables, which are attached to three pillars.
Research instruments
Many years ago, the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights was limited. Nowadays we have a lot of instruments which can help us explore the Sky. If we would like to place that kind of instrument on the Orbit it could be very costly. The fast development of technologies caused that device that is on the ground not to stay far behind those that are in Orbit.
Photometer derives from the Greek word photometry. We can divide this word into two parts: photos and metron. More precisely it means a light and measure. Thus, photometry measures spatial distribution, modification of brightness, and intensity of light.
Spectroscopy became essential for astronomy very late. The reason for this is that we do not have a lot of natural phenomena where colorful lights play an important role. We can distinguish rainbows or the Aurora Borealis as some of them. The spectrograph is an instrument that records the spectrum. Isaac Newton was the first scientist who used the word spectrum. In astronomy, it defines the range of colors and length of radio waves.
Telescopes
We can divide telescopes into the lens (refractor) and the mirror (reflector). Both of them have the eyepiece and tube, but the difference is that the first one uses the lens, the second mirror. Easier in use is the lens telescope, so this is a perfect choice for amateur observation.
The most popular telescopes
The most popular mirror telescopes are Newton Telescope and Cassegrain Telescope. There are also telescopes in the mixed system (the mirror-lens). Among them, it is worth mentioning Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope. With a mirror with a diameter of 20 cm, this kind of telescope is the best solution. Purchase of a telescope with a mirror with a larger diameter does not make sense, because occurring atmospheric turbulences limit the possibility of observing the sky in better quality.
Types of mounting telescopes
There are two types of mounting telescopes, which have several variations and easiest of these is the azimuthal mount. The telescope can rotate both vertically and horizontally. However, this solution has some limitations. It needs to track the object all the time.
A variation of this mount is the Dobson mount, which is used in the case of optical telescopes with a larger diameter. The most common telescopes mount is the parallactic mount. Rotation of the telescope from east to west is causing automatic movement toward up-down. A parallactic mount gives the possibility to set mechanical observation of the objects in the sky.
It is also important for telescope protection against weather conditions such as rain, snow, and moisture. The telescope located under the dome after its opening gives an instant opportunity to observe the sky. The dome can rotate automatically through engines. It also allows the automatic opening of the observation window. A window with a width of one meter is for the telescopes with a diameter not larger than 90 cm.
To sum up, in the research station of the Aurora Borealis besides mentioned above instruments may also occur magnetometers, used to study the magnetic field or the scintillator receivers, emitting light. There should not be missing also be riometers, defining the electromagnetic waves, weather stations, and cameras. When the photographic film appeared in the 19th century exploring the Sky was improved. It was not the end of this astronomy development. Nowadays the largest observing stations use CCD cameras.
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