If seeing the Northern Lights is on your travel bucket list, then you will want to be sure you get the best view possible. This ethereal display of multi-coloured colours in the sky is often considered one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. However, the enchanting Aurora Borealis is as elusive as it is beautiful; like any natural phenomena. In order to get the most supreme view, here are some of the best places to view Northern Lights.
The 5 Best Places to View Northern Lights
If you are contemplating making a visit with the purpose of viewing the Northern Lights, then this year and next are the best possible times to go. Both this year and the following, Auroras will be coming from the sun’s coronal holes, meaning they are much easier to predict than the lights at other times. This means that you can use a 27-day solar rotation to estimate when they will appear. Take a look at the Space Weather Prediction Centre to work out when to organise your trip.
Although this helps you decide what time of the year to book a holiday, you also need to work out where to travel to and where to stay. Luckily, here is a guide containing all of the relevant information to make your Northern Light experience as incredible as it can be.
Abisko, Sweden
Sweden is one of the most scantily populated countries in Northern Europe and boats one of the prime spots for viewing the Northern Lights. The most well-known location in Sweden for aurora hunters is a small village in the North called Abisko. It is situated in the middle of the Skanderma Mountain range. The snowy peaks keep the clouds apart, allowing for clearer skies and creating the perfect conditions for light viewing. Furthermore, the almost complete lack of light pollution means even the weaker auroras can still be seen.
If you are visiting Abisko, then make sure to take a nighttime trip to the Aurora Sky Station. You’ll be floated up to a mountainside observation deck via an open chairlift. It is considered to be one of the best places to view this majestic spectacle. Nevertheless, if Sweden does not take your fancy, take a look at what Norway has to offer.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway and is a first-class location for viewing the Northern Lights. It is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a more cultural hub with an abundance of restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions. It is surrounded by islands, mountains and fjords and offers extremely high chances of seeing the lights during the light season; from September to April.
However, to improve your chances of seeing the auroras at their brightest, it is a good idea to escape the city and embark on a light hunting tour. Take a polar-night dog sled ride or a see the views via snowmobile. If you visit the Norwegian city in late January to February time, then make sure to attend the Northern Lights Festival, a musical extravaganza. During the festival, there are a number of amazing outdoor events to experience including the Northern Lights Cruise, exhibitions and musical master classes.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Finland is a slightly more affordable alternative to Sweden and Norway yet is still home to an abundance of hotels, restaurants and winter tourist activities. If you’re visiting Finland, then the place to visit is Rovaniemi; Father Christmas’s official hometown. If you visit at Christmas time then there is a real sense of seasonal celebrations and the nighttime safari is a must.
We suggest staying in The Arctic Treehouse Hotel which incorporates 32 stylish chalets built on a hillside. Each chalet includes a wide, north-facing window to provide maximum exposure for any potential light shows. Rovaniemi is a magical place to visit at Christmas time, and even more enchanting for young children.
Moray Coast, Scotland
If you’re looking for a less extravagant getaway to see the Northern Lights, then take a trip to the Scottish mainland. The Moray Coast is an ideal location to visit if you’re looking for a tranquil view of the auroras. The small town of Nairn is one of the best light spotting locations, boasting a sunny, dry microclimate. Visiting during the autumn and winter seasons will give you the best chance of being able to experience the auroral displays. You will also have much more of a chance if the nights are clear, cold and light pollution is at a minimum. You are far more likely to catch the lights if you stay up until the early hours of the morning.
Not only is this destination a fantastic spot to see the lights, but by day, you can explore the coast in the hope of seeing dolphins. Alternatively, take a trip to the city of Inverness, home to an indoor Victorian Market, the Contemporary Art Gallery and a 19th-century Cathedral.
Yukon, Canada
If you’re willing to travel a little further to increase the likelihood of seeing the lights, then Canada boasts some of the best views in the world. The Aurora oval covers the majority of the country, including the large region of Yukon. With the right conditions, sightings of the Northern Lights are almost a given in this area. Furthermore, with only 38,000 residents in a province larger than Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands combined, there is almost no light pollution. The best times to plan your visit is either the Autumn months or around March equinox, which coincides with increased solar activity.
Summary
These are just five of the top places to view the Aurora Borealis, and with each of these destinations, you’ll encounter a unique experience. You have to decide which destination you feel will provide you with the most fulfilment as a holiday in general. If you are looking for reliable airport taxi transfers in Milton Keynes, then get in touch with Admiral Express today to book your visit.