What Country Is The Northern Lights In – Northern lights are one of the most impressive artistic depictions of nature. For millennia, the neon glow of the aurora borealis has piqued the curiosity of people around the world. With the increasing ease of travel and technological advances, chasing the aurora borealis becomes possible
Auroras, also known as auroras, occur when excited solar particles collide with atmospheric gases. This creates a neon light show that can last for minutes or even days.
What Country Is The Northern Lights In
A lesser-known fact: the northern lights can be seen in both the northern and southern hemispheres. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are known as the “Aurora borealis” or “Northern Lights”. In the Southern Hemisphere, this is the “Australian Northern Lights” or “Southern Lights” (see our guide to the Southern Lights for tips). It is the same natural phenomenon, it just occurs in different areas.
What Is The Best Way To See Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is on cool, dark nights with clear skies. In some parts of the world, sightings are possible year-round, but your best chance is in the winter, when the nights are longer, colder, and brighter.
The Northern Lights can be found in the “Aurora Zone” in the Northern Hemisphere. This region is located 2000-3000 km from the magnetic pole or at 66-69 degrees north latitude. The closer you are to the area, the more likely you are to catch the light.
So you want to add the Northern Lights to your list? Here are the best places to see the Northern Lights around the world!
How To See The Northern Lights
Alaska is one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights. Cool weather, clear skies and dark nights here create optimal conditions for observing the northern lights. But don’t let the cold nights put you off – you can even look at the boiling hot springs. With an abundance of epic wildlife (grizzly bears, deer, eagles, etc.)
Where: Almost all of Alaska is great for aurora viewing, although Fairbanks is in the aurora ellipse and makes a good base for the trip. Those short on time can take a compact trip from Vancouver.
How: You can camp, drive, or see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your heated or AirBNB cabin. Flight tracking is another popular way to see the magic of the Northern Lights from the air. Other unique Northern Lights tours include dog sledding and photography tours.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Northern Lights
How to get there: Alaska can be reached by flight from North America (search Skyscanner for the best prices all month) or by cruise. Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau are the main cities to fly to. You can also cover most or all of your airfare by signing up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Once you reach the minimum spend, you’ll receive a 60,000-point sign-up bonus ($750 value). You can redeem your points with United Airlines, which has routes to Anchorage and Fairbanks, or simply book directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Northern Canada is for those looking for untouched and remote nature. Much of northern Canada regularly sees the northern lights, the northernmost areas and the Yukon are some of the largest in the world.
Planning a trip to Canada? Check out our ultimate guide to affordable travel here. Don’t miss our National Parks Hot List and Canada’s Must-See List.
Northern Lights In Iceland: How, When & Where To See Auroras
Where: Canada’s best northern region – mainly the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (though less touristy after Aurora).
How: You can camp, camp, or find a cozy AirBNB cabin. Yellowknife offers one-day, two-day, three-day, four-day and five-day aurora tours, where staff will observe the aurora overnight and assist with photography. Yukon offers 1-day and 4-day tours. If you are visiting British Columbia, there are complete tours that depart from Vancouver.
Getting there: The north can be reached by flights within Canada (check Skyscanner for the best prices all month). Whitehorse and Yellowknife are the main cities to fly to. United serves these destinations and is an airline partner with the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. You can earn 60,000 points (worth $750) just by signing up and spending a minimum on daily purchases. Then transfer your points to United’s points program or redeem them directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Facts About The Northern Lights In Norway
Volcanic landscapes, geothermal hot springs and magnificent waterfalls are part of Iceland’s charm. Here you can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your hot springs or from the comfort of your own RV in the pristine wilderness.
Where: All of Iceland – check out this comprehensive guide here. Some great options include: Seltjarnarnes in Reykjavík, Vik, Látrabjarg/Westfjords, Eldborgahraun, Djupavík
How: Camping or RVing is a great way to chase the amazing Northern Lights. On the other hand, group tours are popular. Iceland is full of quaint and stylish AirBNB cabins with views of the Northern Lights. In central Reykjavík, you can even see the Northern Lights without leaving the famous Blue Lagoon (which you can also visit as part of a day tour). There are many aurora tours, from bus, cruise and jeep tours to combined aurora hunts with ice caves or glacier hikes.
Northern Lights: These Spectacular Shots Capture Nature’s Most Beautiful Light Show
How to get there: Iceland can be reached by air (check Skyscanner for the best prices throughout the month), and many low-cost airlines currently fly there from Europe and North America, including Wow Air. Also consider signing up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, which offers a basic sign-up bonus of 60,000 points ($750 value). You can transfer your points to the British Airways points program that flies to Reykjavik, or simply book directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
With its picturesque fishing villages, rushing fjords and vast nature, Norway is more than just an aurora hotspot.
. This is one of the easiest places to chase the Northern Lights. Nowadays, the country is easy to travel around, and the opportunities to see the Northern Lights are varied.
Best Places To See The Northern Lights
Location: There are many hotspots, but some good ones include Svalbard, Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, Harstad, Boda, Alta, Andøya and Laksø.
How: Buy a log cabin with a prime view of the Northern Lights or try camping or caravanning. Norway has spectacular Northern Lights tours and a wise strategy is to purchase a 7-day Aurora Pass to increase your chances of seeing it. This pass gives you daily access to the Northern Lights tours, which is ideal as the aurora borealis can be sporadic. Tours range from dog sledding, reindeer and whale watching to overnight cruises and private flights (note: not all tours include passports).
How to get there: Norway can be reached by many flights within Europe (search Skyscanner for the best prices all month) or by train. For Eurail crossing tips, check out our guide here. Norway is a destination for many Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card companies, such as British Airways, KLM and Air France. This credit card offers a great sign-up bonus of 60,000 points ($750 value) after you meet minimum spend that you can use in these airline partner programs or directly through the Chase Ultimate Use Rewards portal.
Northern Lights Illuminate The Pennine Skies
In northern Finland, the lights are lit almost every other night from September to March, making it an optimal choice for the Northern Lights. But be careful – the temperature can be very low. the solution? Stay in a built-in glass igloo to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your warm bed.
Where: Almost anywhere (outside of city lights) – preferably in the far north. Kakslauttanen is a popular place with beautiful glass igloos.
How: Staying in the viewing area is ideal because of the cool temperature. Dark glass igloos, snow igloos, cabins, snow hotels and log cabins are a great way to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed! Other unique Aurora activities include snowmobile safaris, reindeer sledding, ice swimming, snowshoeing, 4WD, photography tours and more. You can even welcome 2019 (hopefully) while watching the Northern Lights from your glass igloo!
Northern Lights Making Rare Appearance In The U.s. Right Now
How to get there: Finland can be reached by many flights within Europe (search Skyscanner for the best prices all month) or by train. For Eurail crossing tips, check out our guide here. Finland is a destination for many Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card companies, such as British Airways, KLM and Air France. This credit card offers a great sign-up bonus of 60,000 points ($750 value) after you meet minimum spend that you can use in these airline partner programs or directly through the Chase Ultimate Use Rewards portal.
Much of Russia lies beyond the Arctic Circle, making this vast continent a gold mine for aurora viewing. The Kola Peninsula is a great location and the city of Murmansk is an accessible base. For more detailed instructions on visiting Russia for the Northern Lights, see this guide.
When: September to March, although January and December are optimal due to the total absence of sun for 6 weeks in some northern areas.
How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland
How: Visible outside with minimal light pollution from camping, driving or hiking. In some cities, you can find English AirBNB listings that may offer aurora viewing. Tours can be found in popular areas, check based on your location.
How to get there: Russia can be reached by air, Moscow or St. Peter
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