Most Northern Lights locations are at high latitudes, in areas like Alaska, Yukon, Iceland and Northern Scandinavia. To narrow your search, here are the five best places to see the Northern Lights around the world.
Northern Lights in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Svalbard, Norway
You can’t get much further north than Svalbard. Svalbard island is well into the Arctic Circle, giving you a higher chance of seeing the Aurora. The Northern Lights season is between November and February. The majority of visitors, however, visit Svalbard to experience the Polar Light Phenomenon. Between mid-November and the end of January, the island is without daylight creating more Aurora viewing opportunities. Visit any other time of the year, and you’ll be well-compensated with chances to spot raindeers, walrus, and polar bears!
Kakslauttanen, Finland
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort lets you gaze at the brilliant Aurora lights from the comfort of a glass igloo, or in a log cabin complete with a sauna and open fire. Once the light show is over, embark on a reindeer safari or rent some walking skis to explore the Urho National Park.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the most accessible place to see the Northern Lights. But it’s getting more popular year by year. In January 2015, over 9000 people visited Iceland and with good reason. There’s plenty to do in this land of geysers, volcanoes and blue ice. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is on the way to the capital from Keflavík International Airport, staying warm all year round.
Northern Canada
Factoring in flights, Canada is more expensive compared to the others listed. Nonetheless, the Aurora hovers over the majority of the country, including the provinces of Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Northern Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Canadian Geographic provides a brilliant map of Aurora locations online, and Dark Sky Finder helps you zero in on prime Aurora viewing spots. With the right conditions, it’s very likely you’ll see the Northern Lights dancing across Canada. And if luck isn’t on your side, the country has enough winter activities and cozy cities to explore!
Regarding when to go, you can observe the Northern Lights from late August to mid-April. However, from the end of September to the end of March, during each month’s equinox, the maximum chance of viewing the lights are after 6 p.m. At this time, the sun has set and the lights are at their peak. The lights are also most vibrant between 6 p.m, and 4 a.m. The highest probability of seeing the lights within this time span is between 10 p.m and 11 p.m. So, pack a sleeping bag and some hot cocoa to ready yourself for the greatest night experience nature has to offer.
A xenophile at heart, she lives to travel and loves to share her experience on Trip Jaunt (formerly Weekend Jaunt), an online travel community and hub she founded in 2010. She hopes that you will feel inspired to discover the world as well! Helen is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Academy of Canadian Film and Television.
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