Elizabeth WaddingtonWhen you see the magical flickering of the aurora borealis, you will understand why so many people put this experience on their bucket list. Seeing the northern lights is seeing one of the true wonders of our world.
If you want to catch a glimpse of this astounding phenomenon then do it this year, because it is your last best chance of catching an amazing aurora. The northern lights will be appearing less frequently over the next decade, as we enter a less active period in the eleven year solar cycle. Fewer sunspots means less frequent auroral displays, so hurry up and start making some travel plans now!
Here are some of the great places you can visit.
Svalbard, Norway
Image credit: György Soponyai
Visit this very northern island between November and February to get a great chance of experiencing the astounding auroras seen more often at such northerly latitudes. Between mid-November and January, the island is plunged into polar night. With such conditions, you are far more likely to see the northern lights. What is more, you will be able to experience this eerie darkness for yourself. Base yourself in the main settlement, Longyearbyen, which can be reached by plane.
Kakslauttanen, Finland
Image credit: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Finnish Lapland is another northerly destination where you have a good chance of catching the famous natural light displays. In the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, you can sky-gaze from your very own glass-roofed igloo and snuggle up next to a roaring fire in a quaint log cabin. Whether or not you get a good show from the heavens, you can enjoy exploring the area on skis or head off on a reindeer safari.
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Image credit: Chris Geatch
Located in the Kiruna region in Sweden, this too is a northerly winter wonderland where you stand a reasonable chance of catching the aurora borealis. Here, you can stay in Sweden’s first ice hotel or in a number of more snug accommodation options. Whether or not aurora activity is high during your visit, you can enjoy the starry skies anyway. Visit to the nearby Esrange Space Centre, or simply by heading out into the darkness for a snowmobile adventure.
Abisko National Park, Sweden
Image credit: Natalia Robba
The area around Abisko in Sweden is said to be a great place to spot the aurora borealis due to its unique microclimate. The Torneträsk Lake, which is 43 miles long, helps create the famous “blue hole of Abisko” – a patch of sky that stays clear, no matter what the surrounding weather conditions are like. Abisko National Park is a beautiful wild area that can be enjoyed by all those who revel in the dramatic and beautiful winter conditions.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Image credit: Carl Jones
Iceland is a dramatic land of ice and fire, where the lights wheeling and swirling overhead mimic the geological maelstrom beneath the ground. Fly to Reykjavik and enjoy exploring the island country. Take husky dog rides across frozen lakes, hike on a blue glacier, traverse rugged lava fields or soak in natural hot springs. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to keep your eyes on the skies at night.
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Cairngorms, Scotland
Image credit: Seth m
Scotland sometimes gets displays the northern lights, so a visit here can provide some sky displays. Even if your visit does not coincide with sunspot activity, a visit to the Cairngorms National Park can be a great experience. This is the UK’s only Arctic wilderness and offers something distinct from the rest of the country. Ski or enjoy some winter hiking here, or take a husky dog ride through snow-drenched Scot’s pine forests. The starry skies with little light pollution will enthral, even if you do not get to experience the aurora borealis.
Denali, Alaska
Image credit: Denali National Park and Reserve
Make your way out from Fairbanks into the large wilderness areas of the non-contiguous US state of Alaska and you will be within the prime aurora viewing zone. The popular Denali National Park and Preserve covers a staggering six million acres of Alaska’s wild interior and is a great place to access the winter wilds and see them at their best. Come to Denali in the fall, winter or spring to get a good chance of seeing the spectacular phenomenon.
Yukon, Canada
Image credit: Larry Lamsa
Head to the remote town of Whitehorse, in the Yukon Territory to get a good chance of catching the swirling lights and to experience the adventure of travel in Canada’s frozen north. Canada’s vast northern wildernesses afford a great chance of seeing the stunning displays and will also give you a taste of true isolation if you travel off the beaten track. This is a harsh land of extremes, but one that can offer the height of excitement.
Labrador and Newfoundland, Canada
Image credit: Paul
Experience Inuit culture and spectacular fjords at Torngat Mountains National Park or in a number of equally remote, wild and spectacular locations around the north east of Canada. This coastline is not one that is frequented by tourists all that often, which is why this wintery destination is such a special place to see the spiritually inspiring northern lights and contemplate the wonders of nature on our planet.
Also read: 12 Best Places in the World to Go Stargazing
Nunavut, Canada
Image credit: Annelope
Though it is possible to see the sky glow of the lights from as far south as the US border, far northern Nunavut really gives you the best possible chance of an outstanding display. Displays here are said to be so spectacular that they emit an eerie sort of sound or music as well as light. Hop on a dog sled and race across frozen sea ice with the lights wheeling overhead.
Generally, the further north you are able to go, the most spectacular the displays can be. So why not seize the chance and head for the northern wilds? Go this year or next to get the best northern lights possible. It will be another ten years or so before activity is once more as it is now, so bite the bullet and book your northern lights holiday today.
