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Now’s Your Best Chance To See The Northern Lights: When And Where To Witness The Breathtaking Aurora Borealis

When it comes to the Northern Lights, photos just don’t do them justice.

Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this celestial spectacle constantly makes its way onto every traveler’s Bucket List. This natural phenomenon occurs when gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere collide with charged particles from the sun. The result? Grand aural displays of rippling curtains, shooting rays, and scattered clouds in all sorts of brilliant colors.

 

Why you should see them now

Scientists and explorers have been enchanted by the northern lights for centuries. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t disappearing. But scientists have discovered that auroral activity comes in cycles, peaking roughly every 11 years. And with every passing year until 2025, we’ll be seeing less lights and more dark, empty skies.

As the name implies, the Northern Lights are best seen close to the north pole in the Arctic Circle. And the best season to catch them is between the months of September and March, where the skies are dark and cloudless. Of course, the light show can vary from day to day, even within this season so it’s best to check out the auroral forecast.

If you’re ready to tick this experience off your lifetime bucket list, here are the best places to see the lights.

 

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska: Northern Lights
Fairbanks, Alaska: Aurora Borealis

The main draw of Alaska is its accessibility. This is especially true if you’re already coming from the West Coast. But compared to the other places on our list, Fairbanks suffers from more light pollution—not ideal for catching the lights.

Fortunately, clearer skies are just a short drive away. Book a hotel or Airbnb in Fairbanks, and drive out to the Chena Hot Springs, a world-renowned resort that’s also a great viewing spot for the northern lights.

 

 

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland: Northern Lights
Reykjavik, Iceland: Aurora Borealis

Viewing the Northern Lights may be a game of chance – you can never be 100% sure that you will encounter them. If you’re worried about missing it, your best bet is Iceland, which is located at the latitude of approximately 64° north. It’s the most likely place to catch the Aurora Borealis, which depends greatly on the earth’s magnetic field and how close the location is to the North Pole.

Apart from the Aurora Borealis, Iceland is full of untapped natural wonders, from its numerous lagoons, active volcanoes, underground lava formations, and geysers.

 

 

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, Norway: Northern Lights
Tromsø, Norway: Aurora Borealis

If you’re looking for a festival experience, then head to Tromsø, Norway: Aurora Borealis, Norway. Thanks to the tourist boom of the aurora borealis, this small city has developed a lively nightlife and is a friendly place for tourists.

Just outside the city are the majestic arctic fjords, which make for a truly great Aurora Lights experience. Enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner on the deck of a historic ship as you see the colorful lights shoot from the glassy-ice cliffs.

 

 

Abisko, Sweden

Abisko, Sweden: Northern Lights
Abisko, Sweden: Aurora Borealis (Photo from the Abisko Guesthouse)

Last but not least, there’s the small and secluded Abisko town in Sweden. With its unique micro-climate and low urbanization, Abisko is the best place to see the Northern Lights in all their celestial grandeur.

There are a number of ways to see the lights here. You can rent a private car and go Aurora chasing on your own, or take ride a snowmobile. Get a taste of Abisko by tasting a Swedish-style BBQ before the lights. But for a truly intimate viewing experience, head to the Aurora Sky and take a chairlift up to the mountaintop. Up this high, you’ll feel like you can catch the light with your bare hands.

 

What are you waiting for? Grab the opportunity of a lifetime and head up north! Feel elated as you view the green wisps and scattered lights filling up the clear and starry sky. Be sure to check out our website for more Aurora Borealis Tours, and keep reading our blog for more exciting guides!

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