Ever wondered about the Northern Lights? This breathtaking spectacle unfolds when a solar flare sends charged particles hurtling through space, piercing Earth’s magnetic shield and crashing into the atoms and molecules high in our atmosphere. The vibrant colors that dance across the night sky are actually the result of these energetic collisions. Just like a cosmic chemistry experiment, the specific colours we witness reveal the types of atoms and molecules involved in the interaction. Green, pink, yellow, blue, and purple are the usual stars of the show, but during especially powerful solar events, you might even catch glimpses of orange or white. Space.com explains that green and yellow hues arise from collisions with oxygen, while nitrogen puts on a display of red and violet. Sometimes, the aurora might appear as a subtle wash of color, a faint shimmer gracing the horizon. It’s this very unpredictability that adds to the magic of the Northern Lights.
Iceland
See the Northern Lights in Iceland – Prime viewing season stretches from September to mid-April, offering dark skies perfect for the aurora’s display. The beauty of Iceland is that escaping light pollution is remarkably easy. Beyond the two main cities, Reykjavík and Akureyri, a mere 15-minute drive in almost any direction will lead you to an ideal, dark vantage point. Consider the “Northern Lights by Boat” experience for a stunning sea-based view, or opt for a photography-focused Jeep tour to capture the celestial dance. As a bonus tip for those flying from the U.S., keep watch for the aurora during your overnight flight as you journey over Greenland and approach Iceland – you might just get an early glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Norway
Northern Norway is where you’ll really want to travel to see the Northern Lights. Tromsø, one of the country’s northernmost cities, is right in the centre of the aurora borealis zone. When to visit: September to early April Where to stay: Guided tours are perfect for stargazers and adventure seekers, with views of the Norwegian fjords in Tromsø. You can also stay in a traditional lavvu, or a Sami camp, there, you’ll find yourself far, far away from any light pollution. Travellers are driven to the Lyngen Alps for dinner and to enjoy a quick photography workshop before tracking down the northern lights. After a night in your lavvu, you’ll pack up for the beautiful drive back to Tromsø.
Finland
The Northern Lights are out and about approximately 200 nights of the year, so it makes sense to head to Finnish Lapland for your best chance to see the Northern Lights. Looking to cosy up under the northern lights? Finnish Lapland has some amazing new spots opening just in time for winter, with exclusive lake-view cabins where you can soak in the beauty of the Arctic, with expert guides will help you explore the wild landscapes with perfectly curated adventures, private saunas and and glass roofed cabins to catch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.
Sweden
To maximise your opportunity of seeing the Northern Lights, the Swedish Lapland region is the prime destination for seeing them in all their beauty. For a truly remarkable experience, consider a visit to the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park, a renowned location for aurora enthusiasts. Perched nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, it boasts an environment remarkably free from light and sound pollution. Their Night Visit tour offers a unique journey to the station via chairlift, treating you to breathtaking mountain vistas. Should you choose the guided tour, you’ll be well-equipped with warm overalls, ensuring you can comfortably immerse yourself in the wonder of the Northern Lights.
