An Aurora also referred to like Northern Lights or Southern Lights is a magnificent display of natural light from the cosmos. Vivid travellers with enthralled enthusiasm cross several miles across the globe to see this awestruck astronomical phenomenon. The top 15 best Places To See The Northern Lights
Best Places To See The Northern Lights
1. CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK, Scotland, UK
Located at the coordinates 55.95° N and 3.18° W in Europe, Scotland is in the northern territory of the British Isle and shares its southern border with England. The beautiful Scottish landscape is home to expansive meadows, lochs, and thick forests. The stunning light display of northern lights can be witnessed at various locations in Scotland namely, Galloway Forest Park, Moffat, Gleincanisp Estate, Castle Hill Heritage Centre, and the Isle of Skye.
Caused due to the collision of different electrically charged particles and storm particles, Northern lights can be seen in different colors. One can experience strong cold arctic winds along with warm air flowing from the Gulf Stream. One of the most preferred places to see the northern lights among travellers.
2. ABISKO, Sweden
Lying between latitudes 55° and 70° N, Sweden borders Norway to the west and north seemingly the longest uninterrupted border with the Europe and Finland to the east and is connected to Denmark in the southwest by a bridge-tunnel. About 15% of Sweden lies in the Arctic Circle. At Abisko and Kiruna Aurora sky station, located in Sweden is the world’s best places to experience the Northern lights. The mountains surrounding this region are a feast for the eyes of travellers, providing a serene atmosphere with barely any pollution. Northern lights can also be witnessed at Kiruna, Abisko, and Swedish Lapland. Stockholm, capital of Sweden is one of the cleanest cities in the world.
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3. KIRKJUFELL, Iceland
Being the most sparsely populated country in Europe, Iceland is known for its volcanic and geologically active topography. One of the coldest countries in the world have a temperate climate and marine influences keep summer chilly. Since the Arctic Circle passes through Iceland, Northern lights are visible for eight months a year, from early September to the end of April. It is during this period of the year, the solar activity is so intense resulting in the formation of the magnificent display of lights. We have also covered Facts about Iceland that you don’t Know. KIRKJUFELL OR THRENGSLI is one of the best places to see northern lights.
Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Still Visit Iceland In 2018
4. FAIRBANKS, Alaska, US
Alaska is the largest state in the United States covering a total area of 1,717,856 square kilometres. Here one could witness the unfolding of curtains of vibrant pinks, blues, greens, and yellows, marking the path for the sight of a vibrant Aurora. The best hours are often at midnight during moonless nights. Alaska is situated at the northwest corner of the North American Continent, stands as a testimony for the breathtaking sight of the Northern Lights. FAIRBANKS is the best place to see northern lights in the USA.
5. YELLOWKNIFE, Canada
Situated in the northern part of North America, Canada extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It has many active volcanoes and tectonic plates. The celestial display of the ionized particles can be best witnessed at various locations in Canada namely Yukon, Nunavut, Alberta, Saskatchewan. The Northern Lights reflect off the calm waters of the lake at the British Columbia. It is also one of the countries with longest coastlines. YELLOWKNIFE is the best place to see northern lights in Canada.
6. KULUSUK, Greenland
Known to be the land of adventure and mystery, Greenland never fails to fascinate the travellers with an unforgettable experience. Situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Greenland is the world’s largest island. Almost three-quarters of this country is covered by the only permanent ice sheet.
It lies between latitudes 59° and 83°N, and longitudes 11° and 74°W. In addition to all other wonders of this island, The Northern Lights are witnessed almost all the time throughout the year. The endless landscape covered with ice is a great treat to the eyes of all the trespassers. It is the largest island in the world. KULUSUK or AMMASSALIK is the best place to see northern lights in Greenland.
7. LOFOTEN, Norway
Norway lies between latitudes 57° and 81° N, and longitudes 4° and 32° E. It experiences higher temperatures and more precipitation, especially along the coast. It has a large latitudinal range resulting in varied topography and climate. Senja, The city of Atla, Kirkenes are the best locations to sight the celestial dance of The Northern Lights.
Kirkenes, being situated 90 degrees north of the Arctic Circle, stands out from all other locations promising a vibrant display of the Aurora. Norway is the perfect location to witness lifetime scenery that remains as an unforgettable memory for any traveller. It is also listed under happiest countries in the world. LOFOTEN is the best place to see northern lights in Norway.
8. THE KOLA PENINSULA, Russia
Russia being the largest country in the world by surface area, contributes to more than one-eighth of the Earth’s inhabited land area. It has an extensive coastline of over 37,000 km along the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, as well as along the Baltic Sea, Sea of Azov, Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
Freezing winters with uninterrupted nights are the secret sauce for the formation of The Northern Lights and Russia is no less in this list. Murmansk (Kola Peninsula), Arkhangelsk, Naryan-Mar, Novaya Zemlya, Taimyr Peninsula, Salekhard (Yamal region) are few locations to witness the phenomenon. It is the country with largest forest area in the world. THE KOLA PENINSULA is the best place to see northern lights in Russia.
9. MUONIO, Finland
One of the most amazing places to see the northern lights, Finland lies between latitudes 60° and 70° N, and longitudes 20° and 32° E and is the world’s one of the northernmost country. It is a country of thousand lakes and islands. The geography of this country is well explained by the ice age. It is characterized by warm summers and freezing winters.
A Northern European nation bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia, Finland is known to be the most magical place on the planet and MUONIO is the best places to see the northern lights in Finland. The village of Inari, Nellim, Luosto are few locations which serve as a great chance to experience the wonderful Northern Lights.
10. THE FAROE ISLAND ARCHIPELAGOS, Denmark
Denmark, known as the world’s happiest country is also in the top 10 list to experience the Northern Lights phenomenon. Located in Northern Europe, Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland and 443 named islands among which close to 74 islands are inhabited.
The country is flat with a little elevation and has a temperate climate. The weather conditions and the stillness of the skyline are the factors affecting the occurrence of this natural display of lights. One could witness an array of lights ranging from shades of pink, yellow, green and blue on clear nights. It is of the most beautiful places to see the northern lights. THE FAROE ISLAND ARCHIPELAGOS is the best place to see northern lights in Denmark.
11. STEWART ISLAND AND DARK SKY RESERVE, NEW ZEALAND
STEWART ISLAND AND DARK SKY RESERVE are the best places to see the northern lights in New Zealand. New Zealand is popular for its unique dark and clear skies. Also, the landscape of New Zealand make stargazing in the skies gives you a magical experience. The best time to come and experience northern lights is in winters. The experience would be like green or pink hue over the horizon and even dancing green veils lighting up the sky.
12. TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
Tasmania, Australia is the best place to see northern lights in Australia. The natural lights display that happens in the Earth’s Sky is magical and spectacular. Australia is famous for its own version of northern lights across the globe. Apart from Tasmania, Mount Wellington, Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Huon Valley, the Central Highlands and Tasmania’s South Arm are some of the best places to see the northern lights.
13. DONEGAL, MALIN HEAD, IRELAND
Everyone wishes to see the northern lights, Ireland is one of the best places to examine it and if we talk technically the whole of Ireland is a good spot to see the northern lights. DONEGAL situated in the Malin’s head is the best place to see the northern lights because of the lack of light and pollution along the most northern headlands. Also, Malin’s head is one of the popular spots to see the northern lights.
14. JASPER NATIONAL PARK, Canada
Jasper National Park is one of the best places to see northern lights in Canada and the best month is between October to March that is most hours of darkness. Also, the northern lights can be seen all around the year in Canada, howvever, it is much easier during winter. Whenever you are planning a trip to Canada, accorddingly heads upto the north during winter and south during summer to maximize your chances to see the northern lights.
15. NORTHERN HIGHLANDS, Scotland
The natural wonder that attracted people from across the globe also called the Aurora Borealis and it is one of the beautiful aspects of nature. Northern Scotland lies at the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway and Nunivak Island in Alaska that makes it probably one of the best places to examine the northern lights. Northern Highlands is the best place to see the northern lights in Scotland.
To conclude, the above-mentioned places to see the northern lights are a must to visit for any traveller who has “Northern Lights” on his bucket list.
