The Northern Lights: 5 Destinations to a Sensational Sky Spectacle


Imagine looking into the dark, starry night sky, bundled up from the cold, frosty breeze nipping at your nose entranced by the Northern Lights confidently waving in the sky as if flowing from the tip of a wizard’s wand. We have all been enchanted by the ethereal, colorful ribbons of the Aurora Borealis dancing in the skies of cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Some of us have only seen it in videos or photos, and some of us have been fortunate enough to see it in person.

In this issue, we’re going to explain how the lights occur and the best places to see the scientific magnificence that is the Aurora Borealis!

How do the Northern Lights work?

Surprisingly, this whole phenomenon starts out on the sun with a blast of solar wind! That solar wind is comprised of electrically charged ions traveling at full speed towards the Earth. However, the Earth is protected by our magnetic field called the magnetosphere which deflects most of the solar wind back into the solar system.

However, some of the ions become trapped inside of our atmosphere due to small openings near the north and south poles. There they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in our atmosphere. The heat created from these gases create a colorful glow haloing the poles above Earth’s surface!

The Aurora’s colors depend on where in the atmosphere the ions strike and with which gases. Red colors, which are unusual, occur when oxygen collides with the charged ions highest in the atmosphere. The usual green-yellow-blue hues occur at lower altitudes with combinations of oxygen and nitrogen gases heating up the Earth’s surface. Amazing, right?!

FUN FACT: Did you know that Auroras happen approximately 66.5 degrees north AND south of the equator? That’s right! In the north, the lights are called Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. In the south, they are called Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights.

A map locating the Arctic Circle. The lights occur inside the blue circle!

Click here to learn more sciencey stuff about the Auroras!

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

If you Google the best time to see the Northern Lights you’ll get a time frame ranging from as early as August to as late as April. However, it’s important to understand that even though you might be able to see the lights in those months, the chance is MUCH slimmer than if you were to wait until the peak time of December to February.

The weeks leading up to the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere lend to the longest nights of the year which are prime conditions to properly view the Northern Lights. Luckily the long nights continue throughout February, but the window of opportunity begins to diminish after that due to the approaching longer days of the Spring season.

Due to increased solar activity and storms, scientists and astronomers have predicted that 2024 will be an excellent year to see the Northern Lights in all the destinations listed in this post. They are predicting the likelihood and vibrancy of the lights will be magnified like no other time! Another thing to remember is that there is no exact way to predict when or where the most intense Northern Lights display will occur, but it’s that journey of the unknown what makes finding them so exciting.

Top Destinations to See the Northern Lights

1. Alaska

Alaska can offer an ethereal blend of celestial beauty and robust forested tundras, but location within the state is a contributing factor to viewing the lights. Regardless, here are a few reasons why Alaska is an amazing destination to witness the Northern Lights:

Prime Location

Alaska is geographically advantageous due to being nestled between 60-70 degrees north latitude. It is located right under the “Aurora oval,” a ring-shaped region around the North Pole where Auroras frequently occur (see map above). This prime location means it offers some of the most frequent and consistent Northern Lights sightings, especially when you travel further north in the state.

Most think that Fairbanks is the best city to see the Aurora Borealis. While it is still possible to do so, the light pollution from the small, rugged city might make it difficult. Some of the best viewing spots surrounding Fairbanks include Cleary Summit, Murphy Dome, and Chena Hot Springs being one of the most popular remote lodges, just to name a few.

Clear Skies

Coastal areas like Anchorage will be more complicated to navigate as the sky may be cloudy from the marine layer coming inland. Luckily, there are weather-dependent tours that will know the probability of seeing the lights, usually that evening. Seeing the Northern Lights requires clear skies, and Fairbanks and its surrounding areas often get them which increases chances of viewing the Aurora.

Adventure & Activities

The overall Alaskan experience complements the spectacular Aurora Borealis viewing. Its wilderness appeal with activities like dog sledding, ice fishing, glaciers, hot springs-soaking, and wildlife spotting, makes Alaska an adventure-filled destination. Alaska’s expansive, untouched wilderness offers an intrepid backdrop, creating a stunning contrast against the ethereal Northern Lights.


2. Norway

Norway is truly a jewel that combines natural beauty and rich history in one package. Not only does this country offer stunning views of the Northern Lights, but a chance to immerse in the magnetism of Norwegian culture and the grandeur of its landscapes. Here are some compelling reasons why someone should visit Norway to witness this natural phenomenon:

Ideal Location

Norway is in the Arctic Circle, well within the Northern Lights belt, making it an optimal place to catch this celestial ballet. If you look at the map posted at the beginning of this post, you’ll see that the northern part of Norway falls directly inside the arctic circle which is where most of the Aurora activity will take place. The Aurora does show up in the southern parts of the country depending on increased solar activity.

Tromsø, is known as the Northern Lights capital of the world and should be your number one choice when visiting Norway. A few other excellent spots include: Bodø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.

Stunning Backdrops

Norway’s spectacular landscapes, fjords and snow-capped mountains provide a magical background to the vibrant lights spectacle, making the experience even more enchanting. Whether from an open field, from the comfort of a ‘Lavvu’ (Sami tent), or a cruise in the Norwegian sea, you can choose your own unique way to view the lights.

Combining Aurora with Daily Activities

During the day, one can engage in exciting activities like dogsledding, whale-watching tours, visiting ice hotels, catching king crabs, and experiencing the Sami culture. Norway is also home to many fascinating animals such as musk oxen, whales, moose, puffins, and birds of prey. Join a Norwegian wildlife safari to try to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat!

Eco-Friendly & Accessibility

Norway’s commitment to sustainable and accessible travel is impressive. With its well-organized infrastructure, reaching Norway and the Northern Lights spots is fairly convenient, adding to its allure as the go-to place for viewing the Auroras. There are more than 50 airports in Norway, and Oslo being Norway’s main hub, has schedule flights to and from more than 100 international destinations. Traveling from New York to Oslo is approximately 7.5 hours, just to give you a general idea.


3. Iceland

Iceland, with its raw beauty and dramatic landscapes, offers a unique experience of not just viewing the Northern Lights, but immersing in an adventure that pulses with delightful discoveries. Here are the reasons why Iceland is a dream destination for Northern Lights viewing:

Geographical Advantage

Iceland sits just below the Arctic Circle, making it an excellent location for Northern Lights enthusiasts. There is minimal light pollution in the areas surrounding Reykjavik, most being a short drive out of the city for a clear and unspoiled view of the Aurora.

In addition to ideal viewing conditions, Iceland’s natural landscape is iconic featuring geysers, glaciers, rugged mountains, wild lava fields, and stunning waterfalls!

Aurora Dedicated Activities, Nature & Wellness

There are numerous professional tours, including Aurora dedicated cruises, bus tours, and even jeep expeditions. These services often provide useful tools and knowledge to enhance the Aurora viewing experience. Imagine watching the Northern Lights while relaxing in one of Iceland’s geothermal pools. Or pair your Aurora hunt with a visit to the stunning Sky Lagoon. During the daytime you can experience glacier hiking, spelunking in lava tubes, to whale watching. Iceland offers plenty of exciting activities!


4. Canada

Canada, spanning six time zones and home to national parks galore, offers prime Northern Lights viewing along with its signature blend of cultural richness and natural beauty.  A trip to Canada can combine awe-inspiring Aurora sightings with a host of unique cultural and nature experiences. Here’s why Canada is a great choice:

High Latitude Location

Northern Canada lies beneath the Aurora Oval so you will have to travel pretty far up north in order to see the Northern Lights. You will have a chance to see some of the world’s most intense and frequent Aurora activity in places like the wild coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador to the snow-capped Yukon Territory.

The Northern Lights provide a stunning contrast to Canada’s beautiful landscapes as they dance over crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges, and dense, wildlife-rich forests.

Fantastic Array of Activities & Experiences

There are designated tours that take you to remote areas, especially in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, enhancing your chances of witnessing the phenomena at its best.

Experience dogsledding, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, and ice fishing in the once-in-a-lifetime arctic experience during the day. Travelers can also take the time to learn about the indigenous cultures and their myths about Aurora, thereby adding a cultural dimension to their travel.

Ease of Access

According to the Canadian government’s website, Canada is the third largest aerospace sector in the world. Given its well-connected airports and developed infrastructure, getting to Canada’s Northern territories is typically easier than reaching some global Aurora hotspots.


5. Finland

The enchanting country of Finland, best known as the “land of a thousand lakes,” sits right inside the arctic circle making it an incredible destination for Northern Lights viewing. There are many opportunities to witness the dazzling colors in an atmospheric backdrop. Here’s why:

Location, Location, Location

Finnish Lapland, sitting high above the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places on earth to see the Aurora Borealis. The town of Rovaniemi, for instance, witnesses over 200 nights of Northern Lights each year! As we have stated before, it’s best to travel out of towns/cities for the best viewing conditions and the least amount of light pollution.

Travel farther up north to Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi and Saariselkä to increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis. The Finnish Lapland is a vast, quiet wilderness with very few inhabitants, offering unobstructed and serene views of the night sky.

Glass Igloos & Sky Domes

Can you imagine witnessing the celestial dance of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed? Finland’s unique accommodations, such as glass igloos and sky domes, make this heavenly view a reality!

From Scandinavian treehouses to Aurora Bubbles, these are eco-friendly lodging accommodations in the middle of the Finnish wilderness.

Amazing Winter Activities

Alongside chasing the Northern Lights, one can also engage in quintessentially Finnish activities such as husky sledding, reindeer farm visits, snowmobiling, ice-fishing or even meeting Santa Claus himself in Santa Claus Village.

In Finland you enjoy a traditional sauna experience and then step outside to cool down under the hypnotic swirls of the Northern Lights.


Final Musings

We’ve explored the magical world of Northern Lights across destinations like Alaska, Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Finland. As you know, locating this amazing phenomenon can be tricky and fleeting, but contributing to an amazing experience you will never forget.

For two of our advisors and a few of our clients, seeing the Northern Lights with your own eyes leaves a lasting impression on you. Barb Baumer, one of our advisors, saw them in Alaska on an UnCruise trip in May of 2016 and Nancy Fowler, our general manager, was fortunate to see the Auroras in December 2011 on a nonstop flight to Amsterdam as they nearly coated the plane with their ripples of color.

At Willamette International Travel, we offer a personalized touch to curate your dream Northern Lights adventure. With our expertise, tailored itineraries, and a commitment to unmatched experiences, we’re your go-to for an unforgettable journey under the dancing Aurora Borealis.

Please check out our gallery below featuring images from our clients!

Resources

The Arctic with Aurora Expeditions: Northern Lights Explorer 2024

Expeditions in Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard with Lindblad Expeditions

Experience the Wilder Side of Iceland with Lindblad

Polar Lights: From North Cape to the Lofoten Islands

Travel Alaska — How to See Alaska’s Northern Lights

The Northern Lights in Iceland

Northern Lights in Norway

Best times to see the Northern Lights in Finland

Where to See the Northern Lights in Canada

Latest News

HX adds Northern Lights Expert on board, extends guarantee (March 29, 2024)

Norwegian cruise line just hired its first-ever Chief Aurora Chaser to help travelers make the most of the northern lights phenomenon on their voyages. As part of the job, northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss will jump on designated Hurtigruten sailings as an onboard expert, organizing activities and events for guests, according to the cruise line. In addition, the official Aurora Chaser will lead digital talks, webinars, and workshops. For his part, Kerss said guests won’t “only witness the Northern Lights but also unravel the secrets and stories behind its beauty and nature, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.” The company will sail a series of four astronomer-hosted voyages in 2024 and 2025 complete with a trip across the Arctic Circle and a visit to a northern lights planetarium. In addition to enriching the onboard experience, Hurtigruten is extending the period covered by its Northern Lights Guarantee to mid-September. The promise, which the cruise line has offered for a while, offers guests who book select trips lasting 11 days or longer and don’t see the northern lights the chance to take a free Coastal Express Classic Voyage. The guarantee was previously only available for trips departing in October.

Hurtigruten Extends its Unique Northern Lights Promise for 2024/25 Season and Beyond (March 24, 2024)

Hurtigruten, the iconic leader in Norwegian coastal voyages, has extended its unique Northern Lights Promise to September, allowing travelers to experience one of the world’s most natural wonders for an even longer period. Hurtigruten has long been synonymous with the best of Norway’s natural wonders, and in a commitment to ensuring guests have the best possible chance of experiencing the Aurora, the company has extended its Northern Lights Promise to start in mid-September rather than October. The policy extension will allow thousands of guests to feel more confident experiencing the phenomenon that is on many travelers’ bucket lists, reaffirming Norway as the ultimate destination to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. “At Hurtigruten, we firmly believe that Norway is the best place to experience the Northern Lights and that our coastal cruises offer the best way to explore Norway. We are thrilled to extend our Northern Lights Promise sailing period, allowing more guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the Aurora Borealis,” said Hedda Felin, CEO at Hurtigruten. “This commitment reflects our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional experiences and ensuring that every journey with Hurtigruten is truly extraordinary.” In addition to extending the sailing period, Hurtigruten will continue to offer select astronomer-hosted sailings during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, following their successful introduction last year. The Astronomy Voyages offers guests exclusive opportunities to sail with renowned astronomers and enjoy multiple lectures and Northern Lights viewings onboard, making it an even more unforgettable voyage.

Ready to embrace the magic of the night sky? Contact our excellent travel experts at 503-224-0180 or email inquiry@wittravel.com.

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