The northern lights, known as the aurora borealis, are a spectacular natural light show visible at certain times of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Liard River Hot Springs, further north, is a bucket-list must. You can reach Stewart Island by flying into Oban or taking a ferry from Invercargill or Bluff. Additionally, the Faroe Islands are less developed than other parts of Europe and this remoteness ensures a lack of light pollution to interfere with your aurora viewing. Visitors looking to experience the auroras in the Yukon should make the journey sometime between late August and early April, with optimal viewing times falling from November through March. In winter, the lodge can arrange outings with photographers who take guests on light-chasing excursions and can teach you how to take photos of the northern lights. For many travelers, witnessing the Northern Lights ranks high on the "must-do" list. The Stamford Town Center will turn into a 20,000-square-foot interactive holiday event featuring reindeer, lights and more until Dec. 24. The optimal time for seeing the illuminated skies in the northern part of Sweden, in Swedish Lapland, is between early September and late March. They can also learn more about the aurora borealis from guest speakers during the flight. New Zealand's winter months June to August are the best time to see the southern lights, but you can still view them in the spring (September to November) and in the fall (March to May). Thanks to longer hours of darkness and clear night skies, December through March is usually thebesttime to observe this elusive natural phenomenon (though you can sometimes see the northern lights starting as early as August). I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. Even as late as the end of March or the beginning of April, you may still get a glimpse of these undulating rainbows. (Getty Images). Another way to take northern lights viewing to new heights: aboard theAurora 360 Experience. In the solar maximum, the sun is more "active", leading to northern lights that are caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Despite this, you dont have to worry too much about light pollution interfering with your view. September to November and February to March are the best months to view the aurora, as the skies are clearer than in December and January when they can be cloudy due to snow. In fact, Yellowknife locals love the aurora borealis so much that they have tiny lighthouses which alert residents and visitors when theres a likely showing of the northern lights that night. Its not cheapstaying here costs a cool 95,000 (about $105,000), which includesa one-night stay in the North Pole, as well astwo nights in nearby Svalbard, plus transportation, meals and guides. Another great place to experience the auroras in Alaska is the city of Fairbanks. There, you can have a guided night tour with a Swedish fika (coffee and a pastry) or indulge in a four-course meal. Canada's Yukon Territory is the North American equivalent of the Lapland region in Finland and Sweden. 10 Best Place to See Northern Lights in USA 2023 . The city sits directly beneath the auroral oval, which is a ring centered around the magnetic North Pole where the sun's energized particles gather. In this way, you get the chance to see two incredibly beautiful sites all at once. Troms is the largest city in northern Norway. Have you visited any of these places? Norway. It is even possible to doze off in a warm bed while the auroras dance overhead, making this a comfortable and enchanting way to enjoy this unique setting. You can pair your pursuit of the auroras with a trip to see the polar bears, or simply visit to chase the northern lights. The cruise ends in Bergen. You are in for an extra special treat if you happen to be there when the aurora borealis lights up the night sky. Visit for the Jasper Dark Sky festival in mid-October and, in addition to the view of the stars, youll get hands-on science and astronomy events. The area of a visible aurora is greater because it can be seen at spots other than 90 degrees directly up (straight above your head). It's also a quieter time to visit as many of the expedition lines have moved their ships to warmer regions around the world. You can even take a sleigh ride through the snow to a campsite on Lake Inari, where no light pollution at all makes this one of the world's best places to catch the aurora. Its definitely going to be on your itinerary during a winter trip because Fairbanks is ideally located for viewing the northern lights. Whitehorse (Yukon) Whitehorse is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Canada. Those who prefer to sleep in a warm, cozy bed and not camp in the park under the stars can make reservations at the Cantilever Distillery + Hotel, a boutique Trademark Collection by Wyndham property in the nearby town of Ranier, Minnesota. Popular places to spot them include Inganess Bay, Widefond Hill, and Kirkwall. You might have to walk a little way outside the city for the best view, but it can sometimes be seen even within its limits. best time and places to see Northern Lights in Finland. The bitter cold that often comes with witnessing the northern lights can be a real deterrent. Expect viewings from a glass Aurora Pod, inside heated domes with 360-degree views, from an isolated cabin deep in the boreal forest and in a tepee warmed by a campfire at a dog mushers camp. Witnessing the northern lights is a transformational bucket-list experience that many people wait yearseven a lifetimeto see, since the conditions need to be perfect for this spectacular display to take place. Hotel Kangerlussuaq , 3910 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland; +299 841180 But the long nights of winter give visitors the greatest opportunity of witnessing the Northern Lights in all of their glory. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once! "We wantedto create a spacefor womenwho are ready for the next big adventure of their lives,where they canfeel empowered to be themselvesin one of the wildest places on the planet," said Van Dinther. The effect of the northern lights inside Icelandairs Hekla Aurora plane. This phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with gaseous particles, such as oxygen and nitrogen. For the best chances to see aurora borealis, get away from city lights and look north between 10 p.m. Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday. Sweden is another Scandinavian country where the Northern Lights are visible from just about anywhere. For the best chance to see the aurora in Scotland, plan a multi-night itinerary. Explore the top hands-free travel bag options for a variety of adventures. The property has an impressive selection of year-round tours and activities, including northern lights excursions on horseback or by horse drawn carriage or you can head out on a quad bike to see the show. Escape the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital with one of these refreshing weekend getaways. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. rather than attempting to rank them from best to worst. Located on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife boasts winter sports such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing. The northern lights over the waters of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. It's the southernmost island that's populated in the country. In fact, its the only place in the world where the Northern Lights can be seen in thedaytime. And hardcore skiing families should set their sights on the remote Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, where you can lounge in the outdoor hot tub and scout the sky for the auroras after a day spent heli-skiing the pristine surrounding slopes. The northern reaches of Norway are nicely nestled within the Arctic circle, and the mega-long nights in winter make perfect aurora viewing conditions. Visitors to Troms will find plenty of local guides who offer aurora tours. The Quebec government signed an accord with the Cree in 2012. Its position under the auroral oval also makes it an excellent spot to view the Northern Lights. Its the only flight in the world to take off within the Aurora Oval. This is a short-term forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. You can also visit Alatskivi Castle, go snowshoeing in the Mnnikjrve bog or explore Elistvere Animal Park. The Aurora season here falls between late August through April when you can expect to see the grand spectacle of shimmering aurora. Troms, Norway. In late January to early February, the city hosts the Northern Lights Festival, a 10-day music and performing arts event featuring a variety of musical genres. And heres more good news: The travel industry wants to help you spot the northern lights with new hotels, specially tailored tourseven one thats aimed at womenand other unique experiences. Voyageurs is working toward an International Dark Sky Park designation to highlight and preserve the vast views, which it hopes to earn in 2020. Most often, those waves are green in color, but they can also be yellow, red, orange, blue, and even white. There, visitors will find the Orkney Islands, a place that remains largely uninhabited even in the 21st century. The "season" for seeing the aurora borealis runs from September to April. These states are: Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. [See more of Reykjavik: Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Jasper National Park (and its largest town, Banff) host a dark sky festival each October where people travel from around the world to view the dark skies, learn astronomy, and listen to live music while the northern lights dance overhead. This group of captivating islands, located about 10 miles from Scotland's remote northern coast, is one of the best places to see the northern nights in the country. Courtesy of Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks. However, these auroras are sudden and short-lived. Read on to discover the top destinations where you can see the kaleidoscopic northern and southern lights. A clear night at sea is the perfect venue to stargaze, and being out on the water further illuminates the northern lights, as there is no ambient light interference from land. [See more of Fairbanks:Things to Do|Hotels|When to Visit|Photos]. Looking for a hidden gem in Alaska? The lights are visible throughout most of Norway, but the best places to see them are in the northern regions, such as Troms, Alta, and Narvik. This natural wonder can be found here up to 150 times a year. That makes it a great destination for stargazing in general and for experiencing the aurora borealis specifically. Kraig Becker is a writer based out of Roanoke, Virgina who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since 2013. Fairbanks, Alaska. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Yellowknife is one of the world's best places to spot the northern lights. Absolutely! These areas are located well within the auroral oval, a ring . That means that in the New England states, its hard to find a good dark sky! Because of its northern location, during the peak season, you can see the northern lights from inside of the city as well as in the surroundings. CONNECTICUT A rare glimpse of the Northern Lights could treat Connecticut residents as the spectacular sky show is predicted to be visible in northern U.S. states on Saturday. Not only does it have excellent restaurants and accommodations, but it also has good access to the Ring Road. Located on a fjord right along the Arctic Circle, the town, also known as the "gateway to Greenland," was a former U.S. Air Force base and is now home to Greenland's largest airport. The rooms also feature beds with reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags so you can bundle up during the night. But dont limit yourself: You can also spot the southern lights in the southern hemisphere. This post was originally written in October 2020, and was updated most recently in December 2022. Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa in Sweden promises to be the best place to witness the northern lights. Other activities visitors can enjoy in late summer include a ride on the Riverboat Discovery or panning for gold. Sweden. Together with a visit to the festive visitor's center, you'll feel like you're immersed in a winter wonderland! Since Earth's magnetic field is weaker at the poles, more particles from the solar winds enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles there, making the lights more visible in these regions. If you're patient and the weather cooperates, chances are, you won't be disappointed. The park even maintains an online Clear Sky Chart so you can refer to the weather forecast before you go. While in Reykjavik, splurge on an overnight tour with Buubble.com. With this extreme darkness, there are more opportunities to see the aurora. You can also book a Northern Lights Tour at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Top 5 Best Places to See the Northern Lights, 23. Troms itself is a modern city, so there's plenty to see and do when you're not looking up at the sky, including a visit to the beautiful Arctic Cathedral. Best places to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. There are many small villages throughout the country where you can view the show during the long and dark winter, but the capital city of Reykjavik also offers many options for accommodations, restaurants and other activities for your visit. Northern Hemisphere. See Related: Best Finland Igloo Hotels You Can't-Miss. Heres another novel way to experience the magic of thenorthernlights: by rail. (Martha Shuff/Courtesy of Voyageurs National Park). Its on every astrotourists bucket list and its one of the most popular bucket list activities for non-space geeks too: see the northern lights. Seeking out the northern lights in Iceland. 3. Located on the Minnesota-Canada border, this park is open year-round but with limited services. Northern Lights Resort and Spa, Canada. The Shetland Islands are the British Isles closest to the North Pole. You can head to Russia and Norway on The Golden Eagle - Arctic Explorer - Quest for theNorthernLights (which includes a tour venturing out into the wilderness with a guest astronomer), celebrate the natural wonders of Sweden and Norway with TheNorthernLights& Lapland or explore Alaska on the Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge, where youll partake in a communal bonfire under the light-streaked skies of the Arctic Circle. Travelers stay in heated glass-enclosed igloos with a glass ceiling roof and glass walls that allowguests to view the northern lights from bed. There are plenty of great places around the city where you can catch a glimpse of the "Green Lady." Ultimately, choosing your aurora viewing spot will depend on how far you're willing to travel . Saariselk is also known for its glass igloos, which are perfect for snuggling up and staying warm while viewing the aurora. Business Aug 18, 2022 Nearly Two-Thirds of Successful CEOs Say . My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! Greenland may not be the most accessible place to travel for viewing the northern lights, but those who make it there will be thrilled they did. Manitoba is best known for polar bears, the Hudson Bay, and the northern lights in winter. Depending on the time of year, the six overwater cabins float on the Lule River or are frozen into it. This island chain is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but autonomously governed, like Greenland. Some of the most popular places are near towns or interesting geologic features, but if youre traveling Iceland on your own, you can set up pretty much anywhere on a good night and get a great view. Take northern lights photography lessons with an expert, explore the surrounding untouched wilderness or just relax in the spa, which is built around a plunge pool that is open to the aurora borealis-streaked skies. Romantic in a rustic-wilderness way, these steamy natural thermal pools are Canada's second largest. Maine's Acadia National Park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park that offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights. 7. . The hotel has a few different tours available for seeing the Northern Lights such as a safari and photography tour. The southern lights are most visible in the winter months (between March and October), but due to the extreme weather conditions, only researchers brave the elements in Antarctica in the winter and they mostly stay indoors. Located along the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the continental United States. T he northern lights are an atmospheric phenomenon in which undulating waves of green, purple, and red lights dance across the sky. The glass igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland. It . This resort town is around 70 miles north of the town of Rovaniemi, set among the picturesque and hilly landscape of Pyh-Luosto National Park. You can read more about these 5 spots below, as well as 20 alternatives that are also good spots to see the northern lights but less popular and/or further off the beaten path. Vast portions of Iceland are rural or undeveloped, meaning you can find places to spot the northern lights all over the country. A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to bring the Northern Lights further south than normal tonight. Where and when to see Northern Lights Best place and time to see Northern Lights. For a festive holiday experience in the winter, visit the Santa Claus House in the city of North Pole (around 15 miles southeast of Fairbanks). There you have it: the 25 best places to see the northern lights in the world. To get there, head toAbisko National Parkand ride a 20-minute chairlift to the viewing tower. If you visit in March, plan to attend the monthlong Snowkings' Winter Festival, which features events and activities like a snow-carving competition, an ice slide, a snow castle, live music and more. The northern lights sparkle above the teepees at Aurora Village in Yellowknife, Canada, the Aurora [+] Capital of North America.. When you're not staring at the night sky, splurge on a customized once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight with Tasmanian Air Tours. Mackinaw City. Talk about a birds-eye view. It's situated in a forested area on Lake Saadjrv, which is one of the 10 deepest and largest lakes in the country. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is from late August to late April, in Fairbanks at least. From here you'll be able to reach several great viewing locations with unobstructed and open views along the southern and southeast coastlines. Located 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, Troms is one of several top spots to view the northern lights in Norway. Idaho. Northern Lights and Arctic Cultures trip, Canadian Arctic. Visitors can expect to see the lights on an average of four out of five clear nights during aurora season, which lasts from August 21 to April 21. That means theres no artificial light around to obscure the extraterrestrial view. These towns on the Olympic Peninsulas northern coast are in the rain shadow of the mountains and have a good northern view if the weather cooperates. That is due in large part to it being a sprawling, 218,000-acre wilderness that's almost completely free of artificial lights or manmade structures of any kind. While there is no guarantee that the Aurora Borealis will appear on any given night, this viewing season is the most reliable time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. A view of the northern lights and the Aurora Sky Station. To fully immerse yourself in this experienceand the parkthat is one-third waterstay on ahouseboatand think about the adventures the fur traders this park is named after experienced on these same waters many years ago. Aug. 18, 2022 Updated: Aug. 19, 2022 9:03 a.m. 4. The northern part of the country is dark in . Most will knowDark Hedgesfor its popularity inGame of Thrones; it too is a fantastic spot to shoot aurora photography. It an excellent spot to shoot aurora photography lights tour at Chena Hot Springs, further,... 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