Northern Lights - Overview
One of the most spectacular shows on the planet, the Northern Lights are mysterious, beautiful and awe-inspiring. The ancient world had many interpretations about it, some believing it to be fire, spirits of ancestors or celestial gods riding across the night sky. And it is easy to see why such ideas had emerged. The beautiful waves of florescent colors traveling across the night sky is sure to inspire anyone that witnesses this magical phenomenon. Thus, it is no wonder that spotting the Northern Lights has topped many bucket lists.
The best places to spot the Northern Lights is within the auroral zone in the northern hemisphere in destinations such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Greenland, northern Canada and Alaska.
Travel Tips for Northern Lights
- Move away from the city lights towards forests and mountains to see the best views of the northern lights. While Northern Lights can be seen from some cities such as Reykjavik or Tromsø, light pollution may stop you from seeing the best shows. Instead, visit Jökulsárlón, Buksnesfjord or the Swedish Lapland. The darker the night, the better chances to see the northern lights.
- Sign up for a real-time aurora alert that will notify you whenever there is an aurora activity happening nearby. These services can be found online. Another tip is to ask locals to suggest the best real-time alerts.
- Be prepared with a good camera. You will need a long exposure camera to capture the best images of the northern lights. Make sure to learn the necessary camera settings beforehand and take a tripod with you for stability.
- You can make the best aurora sightings between 18:00 to 4:00 at night.
- If you are planning to spot the Northern Lights, the best way to do this would be to take a guided Northern Lights tour. A guided tour will help you get to the best places to spot the Aurora Borealis while also enjoying the local attractions. While there is no guarantee of spotting the Northern Lights, seasoned guides are your best chances of getting to see the celestial night shows for yourself.
