I. Introduction
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that draws many nature lovers worldwide. Witnessing the colored lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience. The purpose of this article is to provide you with an ultimate guide to witnessing the Aurora Borealis. We will explore the best locations, the preparation needed to chase the Aurora, fascinating secrets behind the iconic destinations, unexpected places to find the lights, and must-visit destinations for nature lovers.
II. 5 Best Places to Witness the Northern Lights: Your Ultimate Guide
If you are wondering where to find the Aurora Borealis, here are the five top locations to consider:
A. Norway
Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis. The country offers stunning landscapes and a wide range of Northern Light activities, from dog sledging to ice fishing. The best time to visit is from November to February. Northern Norway, specifically Tromsø or Lofoten, is two of the best destinations to witness the lights, thanks to their clear skies and favorable weather conditions.
B. Alaska
Alaska has some of the best-kept secrets when it comes to Northern Light tourism. Alaska is known for its wild beauty, making it an amazing location to explore outdoors and combine your Northern Lights hunt. The best time to visit is from late August to early April. You can head to Fairbanks for the clearest view of the Northern Lights or chase them from a heated car or snowmobile in Anchorage.
C. Iceland
Iceland is a Northern Lights seeker’s paradise. It is located in the “Aurora Oval,” meaning it’s more prone to experiencing the Northern Lights. Besides witnessing the Aurora Borealis, Iceland offers many other year-round outdoor activities from hiking to glacier tours. The best time to visit is from September to March. Reykjavik, the capital city, is one of the best cities to witness the Aurora Borealis.
D. Sweden
If you’re looking for a unique experience and want to see the Aurora Borealis while staying in a stunning accommodation like the Icehotel, Sweden is the perfect destination for you. The best time to visit is from November to April. Abisko National Park is the best destination to witness the Northern Lights in Sweden thanks to its clear skies and long nights.
E. Canada
Canada is home to the iconic Northern Lights. You can witness the Aurora Borealis all year in Canada; however, the best time to visit is from December to April. Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, is the best destination to witness the Northern Lights in Canada. Head to Aurora Village or Buffalo Airway for a unique Northern Light experience.
III. Chasing the Aurora: A Journey to See the Northern Lights
To chase the Aurora Borealis successfully, you need to be prepared for the journey. Here are some preparations to make before you start chasing the Northern Lights:
A. Equipment Needed
Bring a camera with the ability to shoot long-exposure photos. Invest in a tripod to avoid blurry photos. Dress warmly as you’ll spend hours outside in the cold waiting for the lights to appear.
B. Planning your trip
If you want to chase the Aurora Borealis, you need to plan your trip around the best time to see them, depending on the location. Check reliable Aurora Borealis forecast websites and plan to stay in the area for at least three days.
C. Weather conditions to look out for
Clear skies are necessary to witness the Aurora Borealis. Snow and clouds can obscure and ruin the experience. Check the weather forecast for the planned location and consider booking a few days in the area to increase your chances of witnessing the lights.
When chasing the Aurora Borealis, it’s helpful to be flexible and patient. Standing in the cold for long periods can test your willpower. But, all the hard work pays off. When you do see the Northern Lights, the reward is breathtaking.
IV. The Secrets Behind the Most Iconic Aurora Borealis Destinations
If you’re planning to visit iconic Aurora Borealis destinations, here are some secrets to keep in mind:
A. Norway
The best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Norway is when there’s a new moon. That’s when the sky is at its darkest, offering the best view of the Northern Lights. The scent of smoke in the air can also be an indicator of Aurora Borealis activity.
B. Iceland
The Aurora Borealis in Iceland changes color from white, green, and pink. The changing colors indicate the shift in altitude, and the shifting shapes indicate the direction and speed of the activity. The best spots to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland are near or outside of Reykjavik in Thingvellir National Park or Vatnajökull glacier.
C. Canada
To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Canada, book an Aurora Treetop excursion that will take you to the forest’s highest point and from where you can see the sky’s full extent. The experience is a bit surreal, watching the colorful lights dancing above you and reflecting off the snow-covered ground.
V. Aurora Borealis Off the Beaten Path: Unexpected Places to Find the Northern Lights
If you’re looking for unexpected places to find the Northern Lights, here are some off the beaten path places to consider:
A. Finland’s Lapland
Lapland is one of the most picturesque places to witness the Northern Lights and a great place to chase them with a dog sled. The village of Saariselkä is one of the top Aurora Borealis locations in Finland.
B. Scotland’s Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye in Scotland is an unexpected Northern Light location. The best time to visit is from November to February. Come here to witness the Aurora Borealis in a unique setting, surrounded by mountain ranges and the sea.
C. Russia’s Murmansk
Located near the Arctic Circle, Murmansk, Russia, is in one of the world’s best locations to witness the Aurora Borealis. It’s the most famous Northern Lights destination in Russia, with dark skies that provide an excellent view of the phenomenon.
VI. The Ultimate Aurora Borealis Bucket List: Must-Visit Destinations for Nature Lovers
If you’re a nature lover, here are some must-visit Aurora Borealis destinations:
A. Greenland
Greenland is a great Aurora Borealis destination for nature lovers. The Greenlandic wilderness and unpolluted skies enhance the Northern Lights experience. Check out Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, and Kulusuk for the best view.
B. Lapland, Sweden
Lapland in Sweden offers many outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, ranging from hiking to cross-country skiing. Take a trip to the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko to witness the Northern Lights.
C. Finland’s Oulanka National Park
Oulanka National Park in Finland offers a chance to see the Northern Lights amidst spectacular landscapes, including frozen waterfalls and river valleys. The park is well known for its rugged and pristine landscapes, making it a top Aurora Borealis destination.
VII. Conclusion
If you are a nature lover looking for breathtaking experiences, witnessing the Northern Lights is a must. We’ve explored the five top Northern Light destinations, tips to consider when chasing the Aurora Borealis, the secrets behind the most iconic destinations, off the beaten path places, and must-visit Aurora Borealis destinations. Now, it’s upon you to plan your trip and experience the beauty of the Aurora Borealis.
Our final tips for witnessing the Aurora Borealis are simple: be patient, prepared, and dress warmly. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and the beautiful view.
