This is a collaborative post: Over the years, Northern Lights tours have become one of the top choices for an exciting holiday! However, if this is your first time planning a trip like this, there might be some things you do not know regarding the perfect timing of it, places, etc. That is why we are here to help you with it! So, check out our guide and get ready for a trip of a lifetime!
Where?
Northern Lights are best seen in places near the Arctic Circle, and while there are many many of them where the Auroras come to life, Scandinavia takes the lead, as the phenomenon here is quite frequent.
- Fairbanks, Alaska
If you have already done any research, the name should sound familiar! As a base camp for Denali National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks is a city known for the Midnight Sun, Northern Lights, and sunrises and sunsets that last forever! So enjoy the pure wilderness and the most beautiful natural sights!
- Svalbard, Norway
As Norway stands as one of the top countries to enjoy wintery sights and delicate natural terrain, it is, naturally, also one of the best places to enjoy Auroras. Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago of the Arctic Ocean and allows you the most beautiful panoramas, as well as quiet, remote areas to enjoy the night sky turning colorful!
- Finland
Finland’s natural display is as impressive as its urbanized areas. For those looking to see Northern Lights, Finland comes at the top, as the lights make an appearance for about 200 nights of the year! So if you choose this gem of a country, your chances of seeing them are astonishingly high!
- Greenland
With absolutely minimal air pollution, remote districts, and near-perfect visibility of the Northern Lights, Greenland is definitely one to consider! There are specific areas prepared just for seeing the lights – secluded cabins with all the comforts, faraway camping sites, and strategically planned-out housing options for the best Northern Lights experience.
- Yukon, Canada
Travel to the second-least populated province of Canada to enjoy the absolute calmness and quiet, allowing you to actually hear the Auroras cracking and coming to life! Depending on air pollution, weather, and other factors, there is a high chance of enjoying the lights shining for hours. So, if you are lucky, an all-nighter with the Northern Lights is what awaits you.
- Scotland
This one might come as a surprise, but Scotland is actually the perfect place to see the Auroras! That being said, not like in Finland, you must know specific areas and regions in order to see the Northern Lights, but once you have got that figured out, the sights will blow your mind. We suggest Sumburgh Head, a restored Shetland lighthouse, or the Isle of Lewis. However, you should also know the precise time to visit, but more on that later!
- Iceland
Unlike Scotland, Iceland is not at all surprising to find on the list. With numerous isolated villages, the country allows you optimal viewing conditions to see the sky. In addition, the little towns and countryside are also blessed with complete serenity and low pollution so that you can watch the Northern Lights in total relaxation. Not to mention all the fun stuff you can do there, including whale-watching, dog sledding, and glacier tours!
That’s a nice list of things to do in Iceland. To help you out with your northern lights research and boost your chances of seeing the ethereal lights, check out this post.
When?
Planning a Northern Lights trip means nothing if you do not have the right timing! Unfortunately, there are very few places on the map, and among the ones we mentioned, that allow you to see the lights frequently enough for you not to worry about when to go.
But, in reality, Northern Lights are a thing of nature that can be highly unpredictable and stubborn. Still, you should know the approximate best time to visit!
For example, Fairbanks falls directly beneath the band of Aurora Borealis activity during the months of August to April, while in Norway, the best time to visit would be mid-November to February.
Finland is the one you have to worry about the least. Auroras appear here for 200 nights per year, so you will only need a little research before going! Greenland and Iceland are best for visitation from September to April, and Scotland is the one you have to be most careful of and check the prognosis thoroughly!
Our last bit of a tip for you is to not get discouraged! As carefully as you plan your trip, there is always that little chance of Auroras not showing up, so you might as well not make it into your sole holiday purpose. Enjoy the sights, anyway! For now, though, check the forecasts attentively, and happy Northern Lights hunting!
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