The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a spectacular display of nature’s beauty. These spectacular displays of color are best seen on dark, clear nights in fall, winter, or early spring. The weather and other conditions can affect visibility, but the location is crucial. Further north, the view is better. These destinations offer stunning views.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, which dance in the night sky, are one of the most stunning natural phenomena on Earth. This stunning light display, also known as Aurora Borealis is caused by gas from the sun. This is called a Coronal Mass Ejection. The colliding particles create different frequencies of light when they hit the Earth’s magnetic fields.

There are three types of light: green, purple, and red. The depth at which the CME strikes the magnetic field will determine the color you see. The most common color you see is purple. If you do see red, chances are that you can see all three colors.

The beautiful light display aside, CME that causes the Northern Lights may also cause damage to some of the earth’s electric grids. Scientists monitor them to ensure that they are able to study the effects and prepare for future changes. There are many websites that will tell you how likely it is for you to see the lights at any given moment.

Why are they so common closer to the Arctic Circle This is due to the earth’s magnetic field, and how it tilts. The northern hemisphere is also darker than the rest of the country, so the sun doesn’t interrupt the light. Similar lights can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere (Aurora Australis), but it’s difficult to see Antarctica.

The Best Places to See the Northern Lights

Northern Iceland

Although Iceland has become the most popular destination for hipsters in recent years due to its high prices, most tourists don’t venture beyond the southern corner. The Aurora Borealis season runs longer if you head north, just below the Arctic Circle. The season runs from September through April around Akureyri. There are many viewing tours that depart from there, while countryside hotels offer excellent in-your-own-time sighting opportunities. This means that you can go there slightly earlier than the peak and still enjoy enough sunlight to see the amazing landscapes.

Tromso, Norway

Tromso, in northern Norway, maybe the best location to view the northern lights. Tromso is 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. It is situated on an island connected to the mainland by tunnels and bridges. The best time to see the Tromso northern lights is between September and April.

You can see the northern light from the city if you’re lucky enough to have good weather and solar activity. It would be better to go outside the city where there isn’t any light pollution.

You can drive your car if you own one. Make sure to check the aurora forecast. You can also book one of the many northern light tours with local guides if you are looking for spectacular performances in the sky.

Your winter trip to Tromso can be used for other exciting experiences such as dog sledding and reindeer sledding.

Finnish Lapland

The Northern Lights of Finland are displayed approximately 200 nights per year in Finland. This spectacle can be viewed from a variety of purpose-built spaces, from luxury suites to glass igloos.

There are many tour companies that can help you go traditional, whether you prefer snowshoes and cross-country skiing or dog sled tours. The best place to spot the Aurora is in Finnish Lapland above the Arctic Circle. This is because it is a small area with few cities and villages. You just need to make sure you are in open spaces without artificial lights. You have a better chance of seeing this neon light spectacle if you travel further north.

Kiruna, Sweden

Although the Northern Lights can be difficult to see when the sky is cloudy or dark, we are able to tell you that Kiruna in Sweden is the driest and most cloudy area. This combination makes Kiruna one of our top 10 places to see the Northern Lights. This is an unforgettable experience to see the beauty of nature in the middle of Swedish Lapland. To do it at Aurora Colosseum makes it even more memorable.

Before you go to visit any of these countries, make sure to check the new travel regulations. This way you will be more prepared before the flight.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Although Scotland is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of the Northern Lights and their parts, they are located at the same latitude as Nunivak Island, Alaska, and Stavanger Island, Norway. Nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites are located on the famous Isle of Skye, making it one of Scotland’s best spots for stargazing or Northern Light hunting.

Glamping enthusiasts should visit the Shulista Croft Wogwams on the Trotternish peninsula. They offer the best accommodation in the Scottish wilderness, with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes as well as flat-screen TVs.

Final Thoughts

Are you ready for a trip north? These stunning places, where you can see the Northern Lights, will amaze you! All you have to do now is to pack your bags, and don’t forget your thermal clothing!

Are you a Northern Lights enthusiast? We would love to hear about your experiences and share our knowledge on this amazing spectacle.