The Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, is a spectacular natural light display that illuminates the night skies in high-latitude regions. This mesmerizing phenomenon is caused by disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere due to solar wind, resulting in vibrant hues of green, pink, violet, and blue dancing across the heavens. Witnessing the Northern Lights is on many travelers’ bucket lists, but where are the best places to view this wondrous spectacle?
One top destination for Aurora hunters is Tromsø, Norway. Located above the Arctic Circle, this charming city offers a high probability of catching the Lights between September and March. Join a Northern Lights tour that takes you away from the city lights, or opt for a unique experience like dog sledding or snowshoeing under the Aurora. For a truly magical evening, combine your Aurora hunt with a traditional Sami reindeer camp visit.
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is another renowned spot for witnessing the Northern Lights. The park’s remote location and clear skies provide ideal conditions for viewing the spectacle. The Aurora Sky Station, located at the top of Mount Nuolja, offers a perfect vantage point. Ride the chairlift up through the silent, snow-covered forest and wait for the show to begin. You can even spend the night in their Aurora Safari Camp, a unique tented camp located in the heart of the park.
For a truly remote and wild experience, head to the northern fjords of Greenland. This pristine Arctic destination offers unparalleled opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights. The lack of light pollution in towns like Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat makes for incredibly vivid displays of the Aurora. Combine your Lights hunt with a dog-sledding adventure or a cruise among the majestic icebergs of Disko Bay. With its rugged beauty and Inuit culture, Greenland offers a unique twist to your Northern Lights journey.
Fairbanks, Alaska, provides a high probability of spotting the Northern Lights, thanks to its location directly under the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone where Aurora activity is concentrated. Chena Hot Springs Resort offers the perfect base for your Lights-viewing adventure. Soak in the soothing waters during the day, then keep an eager eye on the night sky. For a more cultural experience, visit the Alaska Aurora Adventures, a working aurora photography studio, to learn about the science behind the phenomenon and view stunning images.
The remote and rugged Yukon territory in Canada is another top choice for Aurora chasers. With vast wilderness and minimal light pollution, the Yukon offers ideal conditions for viewing the spectacle. Whitehorse, the territorial capital, is a great base for your Lights hunt. Join a guided tour that takes you to the best viewing spots, or venture out on your own. For a truly immersive experience, stay in a remote cabin or yurt and spend your evenings gazing at the night sky, waiting for the Aurora to dance across the heavens.
On the other side of the globe, the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, illuminate the night skies over Antarctica, Tasmania, and New Zealand. While less famous than their northern counterpart, the Southern Lights are equally awe-inspiring. To witness this phenomenon, head to Stewart Island, New Zealand, or Tasmania’s Mount Wellington. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, embark on an Antarctic cruise, where you can combine Aurora viewing with incredible wildlife encounters amid majestic ice landscapes.
So, whether you’re chasing the Northern or Southern Lights, grab your warm layers and head to these top spots for a chance to witness nature’s most mesmerizing light show. With a bit of patience and some clear, dark skies, you just might be rewarded with an unforgettable display of color and motion that will leave you breathless.