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Named for the Roman goddess of dawn, the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) is a captivating light show that illuminates night skies across the Northern Hemisphere during the winter months. It occurs when a coronal mass ejection (charged particles from the Sun) interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, resulting in a stunning display of lights that ripple and flicker across the night sky in ever-changing neon shades of green, pink and purple.
The polar regions offer the best chance of witnessing this celestial phenomenon, with peak viewing season falling between December and February. These are our six favourite locations in which to watch the best light show on Earth:
With its vast, unspoiled landscapes and proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a magical setting to witness the ethereal dance of the Aurora Borealis. The phenomenon is frequently visible in the clear night skies above Reykjavik – one of the most popular viewing spots is Grótta Lighthouse on the nearby Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, just a five-minute drive from the central city. You can also join a guided tour beyond the city limits, where minimal light pollution means the best possible chance of enjoying this incredible show. Just forty minutes outside the city, the remote, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thingvellir National Park offers prime viewing in a spectacular wilderness setting.
Head to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the southeast of Iceland, where aurora is often reflected on the still, icy waters. Check for updates from the local forecasting service (or download an Aurora-watching app): these take the guesswork out of which nights are likely to offer perfect visibility based on current winter weather conditions.
Located at the point where Scandinavia fragments into hundreds of islands and fjords as it meets the Norwegian Sea, Tromsø is ideally located for the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Despite its location on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, the mid-winter weather conditions are surprisingly mild thanks to the Gulf Stream current.
You will still need warm clothes to enjoy the variety of guided tours that will take you into the surrounding dark-sky areas: options include a kid-friendly nighttime farm visit or a private overnight expedition to a remote Arctic island. Ride the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of Tromsø and its surrounding islands, or take a scenic fjord cruise to enjoy a different but equally beautiful perspective. Tromsø’s iconic Arctic Cathedral, which is beautifully illuminated at night, offers a magical, man-made alternative light display if you miss out on seeing Mother Nature’s version.
Northern Lights snowmobile safari in Rovaniemi, Lapland
The capital of Finnish Lapland is much more than a winter wonderland – it’s the official hometown of Santa Claus. A visit to Santa Claus Village is once in a lifetime experience, even for adults – you can meet Santa himself, walk cross the Arctic Circle, and send a postcard from the official Santa Claus Post Office.
Get a taste of traditional indigenous Sami culture by visiting a local reindeer farm, where you can experience the magic of a reindeer sleigh ride, learn about traditional herding practices, and enjoy the tranquility of the Arctic landscape. Treat yourself to a unique stay in a glass igloo, surrounded by dense, snowy forest: these cosy, transparent domes are an extraordinary way to experience the enchanting beauty of the Arctic night sky while staying warm in the comfort of your own bed.
With its vast, unspoiled open spaces and clear winter skies, the United States’ northernmost large city is a popular destination for anyone hoping to see the Northern Lights while experiencing a variety of incredible Arctic experiences. Go dog sledding through snow-laden forests, explore extraordinary ice sculptures at the World Ice Art Championships or visit the nearby town of North Pole, which is renowned for its year-round Christmas vibe.
Leave the city lights behind and venture into the pristine wilderness of Chena Hot Springs, which is renowned for its mineral-rich waters and spectacular Ice Museum. We can’t think of a more memorable way to enjoy the magical glow of the aurora than while enjoying a relaxing soak in the naturally heated pools, surrounded by a serene, snowy landscape.
The Northern Lights in Canada
The province of Yukon is tucked away in Canada’s northwest corner, nestled between Alaska and the Northwest Territories. Its capital city, Whitehorse, enjoys a spectacular setting, sandwiched between rugged mountains and hemmed by the wild Yukon River. With a population of just less than 30,000 permanent residents, the city’s clear, dark skies mean you can expect spectacular viewing conditions for the auroras.
You can also enjoy a variety of winter activities, from snow-shoeing adventures to ice fishing on a frozen lake. There’s no shortage of cosy cafes to provide a respite from the chill weather, and the city’s vibrant arts scene reflects the resilience and creativity of the local community.
Thousands of years ago, a vast glacier carved the landscape near Abisko into a huge, u-shaped valley which looked as though something has taken a giant bite out of the surrounding mountain range. Those mountains, along with Sweden’s second-deepest lake, Torneträsk, form a unique geological setting known as a ‘blue hole’, and provide Abisko and its national park with a unique microclimate that is ideal for viewing the Northern Lights.
One of the best vantage points is the STF Aurora Sky Station on Mount Nuolja, which you can reach by chairlift. Guides are on hand to welcome visitors from 9pm onwards – be sure to wrap up well, as winter temperatures in Abisko can get extremely cold. Located just an hour’s drive from the city of Kiruna, making it an ideal side trip if you’re headed to nearby Jukkasjärvi to visit the iconic Ice Hotel.
From Scandinavia to North America, your personal travel manager can help you plan the ultimate Aurora experience.
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