What are the northern lights?
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is an ethereal phenomenon you can experience in certain places during winter months. Formed by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun entering the Earth’s atmosphere and colliding with gaseous particles. These collisions create beautiful light displays in places like Alaska, Finland, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Sweden.
It's an amazing experience to witness these lights dance across the night sky. While you can observe the majestic display in various parts of the world, specific locations offer a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of the northern lights.
Here, we have put together top 10 best places to see the Northern Lights:
1. Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks nestles right in the “heart of aurora.” With prolonged cold nights from November to April each year, Fairbanks unveils some of the clearest skies. As a result, it tends to be an optimal location for those anticipating to see this miraculous light show on a regular basis. Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the best destinations to experience the mesmerizing view of the northern lights.
2. Yukon, Canada
Yukon is best known for its expansive wilderness, providing pristine dark skies that are optimum for Aurora Borealis. It is an ideal spot for those seeking an alluring Northern Lights trip. During the winter months, accessing the northern lights can be challenging. However, a tour company can offer the necessary transportation and expertise to plan your unforgettable adventure of chasing this mesmerizing phenomenon.
3. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard in Norway is renowned for showcasing its breathtaking landscapes during the day. While at night, this Norwegian archipelago unveils the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights. Visitors are in awe of this place for the chance to encounter polar bears and the captivating views of the magnificent Aurora Borealis.
4. Kola Peninsula, Russia
This location experiences almost 24 hours of darkness during winter, making it an ideal place to witness the ethereal spectacle of northern lights. The peninsula is home to numerous parks and reserves and awe-inspiring views of the White Sea.
5. Churchill, Canada
Churchill, with its nearest proximity to the Arctic Circle and its dark night skies, is known as one of the prime locations to witness polar bears in their natural habitat. Nestled along the shores of Hudson Bay, this quaint town has emerged as a coveted destination for those in pursuit of the enchanting display of the Northern lights. Churchill is an excellent destination to witness the captivating allure of the aurora borealis.
6. Southern Greenland
Southern Greenland features breathtaking views of both glaciers and fjords at night. It is also known as the destination with some pristine, clearest skies to experience the Northern Lights. Experience the perfect fusion of aurora-chasing adventure with some stunning scenery you can only witness in Greenland.
7. Abisko, Sweden
Nestled within the Arctic Circle, Abisko is one of the best places for experiencing the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights. Bestowed with the moniker "The Aurora Sky Station," this enchanting destination boasts optimal positioning and has some excellent conditions for spotting the breathtaking auroras.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik has become a popular destination for viewing the captivating beauty of the northern lights. With its vibrant city lights and the chance to witness the beautiful northern lights in Iceland on countless pristine clear nights, it offers a truly unique experience.
9. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is renowned for its rugged wilds and stunning snowscapes, and also it is an ideal destination for northern lights enthusiasts. In the Finnish region, from December to April, there are unparalleled opportunities to witness the mesmerizing aurora displays, making it one of the prime destinations in Europe for aurora spotting.
10. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Cherry Springs State Park, one of the rare gems on the East Coast, offers an ethereal spectacle: the Northern Lights. If you wish to witness the enchanting beauty of these celestial lights, this park is one of the top destinations. With its dark skies and minimal light pollution, it serves as a magnet for countless visitors wishing a captivating encounter with the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis.
Conclusion
No matter where you decide to go, a Northern Lights trip will create some of your fondest memories. All the best places to see northern lights offer stunning views and unforgettable experiences that can be cherished with family and friends for a lifetime.
Whether it’s in Norway or Alaska, the chances are high that you will experience the majestic colors of the Northern Lights in all their glory. So why wait any longer? Start planning your dream trip now and enjoy one of nature's most beautiful spectacles!
