If you are a true northern lights enthusiast, youll be delighted to find so many places in Scotland with great dark skies and good northern views. 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. Many top viewing spots have websites with aurora trackers, and staff members at some hotels will wake up visitors when the lights appear (if requested). 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. Fairbanks. A few places to see the spectacular light show include along the coast at Birsay or on the beach at Dingieshowe. When geomagnetic storms are big enough, the northern lights can be visible as far south as . Yellowknife is one of the world's best places to spot the northern lights. 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. The town is located about 15 miles north of Tartu in central Estonia's Tartu County. [Read: The Best Places for National Park Camping.]. However, you will have to contend with the light from nearby communities like Bar Harbor when trying to view the northern sky from Cadillac Mountain. This is a short-term forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. Vast portions of Iceland are rural or undeveloped, meaning you can find places to spot the northern lights all over the country. Guests can opt to head out by car to see the aurora, view it by snowmobile or go snowshoeing in pursuit of the lights. Slemish Mountainprovides excellent foreground forastrophotography; its located outside the town of Ballymena but far enough to reduce light pollution. Connecticut is on the edge of visibility for a Northern . Kiruna: Sweden's northernmost city with a high-end "camp" (resort) designed for those seeking the Northern Lights. The effect of the northern lights inside Icelandairs Hekla Aurora plane. Parachute Concerts partner Ilario Altamura shows the setup underway for the "Holiday Wish: Follow the Magic" immersive holiday experience at Stamford Town Center in Stamford, Conn. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022. The southernmost destinations in the world offer the chance to see the aurora australis or southern lights. The town of Churchill, Manitoba, in Canada, is best known for its polar bear population, which congregates in large numbers along the shores of Hudson Bay. 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. Top Rated: Last minute places for couples: CT, IL, CA, MD, VT, VA, Atlanta, From Chicago, MD beaches. With nearly 2.5 million hectares of untouched wilderness, Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, located about 383 kilometers north of Anchorage, is a favorite destination for campers and hikers because of its wide open spaces, beautiful mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.The park is also one of the best places in the U.S. to see the northern lights, thanks to the lack of light pollution. Courtesy of Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks. If you plan your vacation within these parameters, and allow at least 4 days for your stay, you have a very good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. As the days shorten in length, you may encounter dustings of snow across the otherworldly landscape and ice starting to form on the water's surface. For those who want to try and catch a glimpse, find a dark area away from street and city lights and look north. Lastly,Woodburn Reservoiris one last spot to try and see (and photograph) the aurora at the right time of year you might even get a lovely reflection in the water, too. The tour company Hidden Iceland has launched new family-friendly private trips. Voyageurs National Parkis another great spot to see the northern lights in Minnesota. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once! Sweden. You've Gotta See These 6 Spectacular Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays In Connecticut. Its definitely going to be on your itinerary during a winter trip because Fairbanks is ideally located for viewing the northern lights. In fact, under the right conditions, you can see the northern lightsanywherein Finland! In Fairbanks, you can see the aurora almost anywhere on a strong night. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a moderate . Fairbanks, Alaska. With its arctic location and dark skies, Yellowknife is one of the most famous places in Canada to see the northern lights. Visitors to Troms will find plenty of local guides who offer aurora tours. At night, the Northern Lights are best viewed from the east so . Photo credit: Mauri Joensen via Flickr. Like the weather in Iceland, the lights are unpredictable, however the forecast can be tracked to some extent to give you the most likely time to experience the lights from the ground, she says. But one of the most memorable destinations is in Saariselk, where visitors will find the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Bundle up if youre headed into Acadia to see the aurora; the wind comes roaring in off the Atlantic in the winter months. There are also other stargazing opportunities throughout the year at Headlands. With its position in the middle of the auroral oval, the city puts on one of the world's most awe-inspiring light shows from mid-November to the beginning of April. Artists Point, Grand Marais, Cook County - This location in Grand Marais supplies beautiful views of the lights at night and Lake Superior during the day. While there are many things to do in Jasper, one of the best activities is catching incredible dark skies, which is perfect for viewing the northern lights! Before jumping into the full list of great places to see the aurora borealis, I thought it might be good to start with five of the best ones. Required fields are marked *, Hi! Borealis Basecamphas domes designed especially to offer you a view of the northern lights from the comfort of yourbed. Although youre likely to see them anywhere in the park, you can increase your odds by visiting the Aurora Sky Station. Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, Meriden. A view of the northern lights and the Aurora Sky Station. (Martha Shuff/Courtesy of Voyageurs National Park). Liard River Hot Springs, further north, is a bucket-list must. 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. There are some accessible places . 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). For many travelers, witnessing the Northern Lights ranks high on the "must-do" list. With Canada's Aurora | 360 you can see the northern lights at eye level. Follow this author to stay notified about their latest stories. Weve ordered these alphabetically by country (i.e. Its much farther north than other parts of Denmark or Europe and ideally situated for seeing the northern lights during the dark winter months. Seeing the Northern Lights is an event that often gets a spot on many bucket lists, but traveling north toward Alaska, Canada and the North Pole might not be necessary to accomplish it. It . The northern lights are an optical phenomenon of the Earth's atmosphere, characterized by bright bands of a wide range of shapes and colors, typically red-green-blue, called auroral arcs, caused . While the auroras appear less frequently there, in December and January each year, they can be seen illuminating the heavens. (Getty Images) Located 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, Troms is one of several top spots to view the northern lights in Norway. But first, there are a few things to know. "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. But some placeslike Abisko National Parkare especially outstanding. And since the lodge is off-the-grid, theres minimal artificial light to interfere with prime aurora viewing. Villages such as Klondike, Campbell, and Whitehorse make excellent base camps for travelers, and as usual, you'll want to leave the city lights behind to get the full experience. While there are no major cities to be found in the entire country, the village of Kangerlussuaq is regarded as the "Gateway to Greenland." October through March is the best time to chase the aurora borealis in Iceland. rather than attempting to rank them from best to worst. While no city is perfect for seeing the northern lights, Reykjavik, and Iceland in general, are well placed and have limited light pollution. At Hotel Rang, a luxurious lodge 90 minutes outside Reykjavk, the staff will wake you u pwhen the northern lights appear. See Related: Best Finland Igloo Hotels You Can't-Miss. 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. Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 N Rd #9606, East Windsor, CT 06088, USA. Still, the northern lights are the star of the show. Lets just say these are all of the best places to see the northern lights in the world you just have to choose how far youre willing to travel! Like its Scandinavian counterparts, darkness comes early and stays late throughout the fall and winter monthsa prime time to visit if you want to see the Northern Lights for yourself. Lapland is located within the Arctic Circle in the northernmost part of Finland. You can learn more about my mission here or read about me and the rest of the team here. The Orkney islands are an archipelago of 70 islands in northern Scotland. To start planning your trip, use ourguide to stargazing in Acadia National Park. If . Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The 10 best places to see the Northern Lights in 2023, Composition is the most important skill to develop, A star tracker is probably the best tool to improv, We are almost at the end of the Northern Lights se, We have just created a complete guide to photograp, A series of long exposure landscape images capture, The best time to photograph the Milky Way arch in, We are just about to start the first Capture the A. best time and places to see Northern Lights in Iceland. At the time of publication, the SWPC's 3-Day Forecast projects a G1 watch starting early on December 10 with various levels of that lasting until the early morning hours of December 11. Milky Way Calendar 2023 Best Milky Way viewing planner, Even though Iceland is not above the Arctic Circle, there are very. The experience is surreal, with vibrant hues of blue, green, pink and violet dancing across the night sky. But the long nights of winter give visitors the greatest opportunity of witnessing the Northern Lights in all of their glory. During other times of the year, Cunard also offers special Northern Lights cruises in Norway. The Quebec government signed an accord with the Cree in 2012. Every list on the internet has their own suggestions for the best places to see the northern lights! Together with a visit to the festive visitor's center, you'll feel like you're immersed in a winter wonderland! There, you can have a guided night tour with a Swedish fika (coffee and a pastry) or indulge in a four-course meal. Some years they can be seen as early as August. Fairbanks is the second-largest city in Alaska and a popular spot on the tourist circuit. Theres a UFO treehouse, a birds nest, a cabin treehouse, a mirror cube treehouse, a blue cone treehouse and the newest addition: the 7th Room, designed by cutting-edge architectural firm Snhetta. When you're not staring at the night sky, splurge on a customized once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight with Tasmanian Air Tours. Luxury adventure outfitter Butterfield & Robinson has expanded its winter offerings with a new collection of cold-weather expeditionsnorthern lights included. Saariselka, Finnish Lapland. In the winter months, Washington State isnt known for clear skies; the states reputation as a rainy and cloudy place is well-earned during the aurora-viewing season. From this vantage point, you'll be able to see the Snfellsjkull glacier; Keilir, a volcanic mountain; and Esja, the mountain of Reykjavik. Here, the Northern Lights are common throughout the year, but due to the midnight sun, they aren't visible during the height of summer. Reykjavk makes an excellent base camp for visitors looking to explore everything that Iceland has to offer. Late-season expedition cruises to the last continent offered in March also bring the opportunity to view the southern lights and enjoy Antarctica's fleeting summer. Northern lights arcing over the Hotel Ranga in Iceland. Set in anextreme, rugged landscape, the property also includes a seaside sauna, a concert space, a Tower for Big Thoughts andof coursekiller northern lights views. Still, Thingvellir National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland. There, visitors will find the Orkney Islands, a place that remains largely uninhabited even in the 21st century. You can also book a Northern Lights Tour at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Before we get into the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland, first thing's first: it's all about timing. Depending on the time of year, the six overwater cabins float on the Lule River or are frozen into it. At FinlandsKakslauttanen Arctic Resortyou can spythe northern lights through a glass igloo. 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. The summer months, between December and February, make it more difficult to spot the aurora, but there's still a chance you'll catch a glimpse of the lights between midnight and 4 a.m. For accommodations during your aurora-chasing adventure, reserve a room with a view over Halfmoon Bay and the Foveaux Strait at Stewart Island Lodge, an intimate bed-and-breakfast. Witness the hypnotizing astronomical greens, reds, purples and yellows of the aurora borealis in some of the worlds largest dark sky preserves, including Wood Buffalo, Elk Island andJasper National Parks. Because its so far north, its also one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Want northern lights viewing thats pretty much guaranteed? This territory is governed by the Cree, one of the largest groups of First Nations in North America. That said, the city of Rovaniemi is among the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights. Perlan is also home to the world's first indoor ice cave and glacier exploratorium. What better way to minimize the cloud cover then getting above them and being surrounded by the northern lights? says Icelandairs Sigrur Einarsdttir, who has witnessed the lights on multiple occasions in flight. You can also chase the lights into the wilderness by snowmobile, take a dogsled ride under the stars or view them from a Smi tent atop the mountain Pska in Alta. Fans of the Northern Lights in Sweden look forward to the long winter evenings. The aircrafts main cabin features dramatic LED-lighting that mimics the northern lights. 4. If you're lucky, you may just experience something magical. Since the northern lights can appearand disappearin a snap, its important to be on alert throughout the night. The property also offers aurora-themed excursions and packages that include three-night tours and activities such as dog-sledding or private dining experiences. The northern lights over the waters of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. If you really want the best chance of experiencing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory, then this is where you want to go. The 7th Room haspanoramic windows that make it perfect for spotting the northern lights. When it comes to wildlife viewing, humpback whale sightings are abundant, and you'll still see penguin colonies including king and gentoo penguins. Try to find a place where the sky is clear, dark and free of clouds. The Shetland Islands are the British Isles closest to the North Pole. Just pick a town and go. Aurora activity is frequent and widespread across the Yukon, with many excellent places to see the Northern Lights. Keep your eyes on the sky on December 10 and 11. Natural Habitat Adventures, a leader in responsible wildlife tourism, is introducing itsvery firstArctic expedition exclusively for women: the seven-dayNorthernLights and Arctic Cultures. Inspired by the Arctics intrepid female explorers, this epic journey was designed by expedition leader Annie Van Dinther. 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. Sleep in a Log Cabin Under the Northern Lights in Alaska. It also happens to be one of the most reliable places to see the Northern Lights, averaging 300 nights a year with the auroras overhead. As a result, the skies above Fairbanks are illuminated four out of five nights from August 21 to April 21 each year. If you want to maximize your chances of witnessing the phenomenon, however, come from September through March, when the sky is frequently painted green, yellow, and violet on most clear nights. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is between September and April, when the nights are longest and the sky is darkest. 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. While the northern lights are hard to predict, the best time to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon is typically during the spring and fall and experts at the park recommend visitors face north after midnight for the best chance to see the show. Fairbanks, Alaska. Use the airline's app or make an international call if your flight has been canceled. As one might imagine, the Faroe Islands are the best place to see the northern lights in Denmark. Due to its location above the Arctic Circle, it also happens to be one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Abisko: Home to Abisko National Park and the Aurora Sky Observatory. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Gwen Pratesi and Amanda NorcrossJan. 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. 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. In fact, Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole. Canada, Denmark, Finland, etc.) 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). 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. The forecast lead time is the time it takes for the solar wind to travel from the L1 observation point to Earth. . The entire area covers more than 38,000 square miles, much of which remains remote and untamed. Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. These are the best places to see the northern lights in 2020. 9. Guests will be able to kayak right under the property, go ice climbing, indulge in night fishing andbest of allsee spectacular northern lights views. These states are: Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. 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. Here are some of the top places to see the aurora in County Donegal: While it doesnt make every list for where to see the aurora in Ireland, County Mayo has a few spots worth considering. She will personally wake you up or send you an SMS when the aurora spectacle is high. This product is based on the OVATION model and provides a 30 to 90 minute forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. Idaho. People here in Connecticut may get a rare chance to see the Northern Lights this weekend. Murmansk is a roughly two-hour flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg, making it an ideal destination for visitors. 13, 2023, Rachael Hood and Lyn MettlerJan. This Viking Ocean Cruises itinerary is offered from mid-January to mid-March. The hotel has a few different tours available for seeing the Northern Lights such as a safari and photography tour. Updated: 8:06 PM EST December 10, 2020. Iceland is a popular destination for aurora watches, and for good reason. I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. For further exploration of the region, the Nellim Wilderness Hotel offers the perfect base with year-round activities, including aurora-chasing tours. Between May to September, the weather is mild around Fairbanks and skies tend to be clear. Murmansk is generally considered one of the top destinations in Russia for seeing the aurora. It's also a quieter time to visit as many of the expedition lines have moved their ships to warmer regions around the world. But it's possible to see the northern lights at any time during the season from mid-August to early or mid-April. If youre willing to make the trek,Acadia National Parkis one of the best destinations in the region. From here you'll be able to reach several great viewing locations with unobstructed and open views along the southern and southeast coastlines. You can also watch the northern lights from a cozy teepee at Aurora Village, an Aboriginal-owned experience that also offers custom-made, heated outdoor seats that swivel 360 degrees to catch every angle of the aurora borealis. The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of more than 100 islands, sitting between Norway and Scotland. Its the best way to see thenorthernlights, explore ice caves and avoid the crowds. Year-round aurora viewing is also possible on evenings with clear dark skies, but the best time to see the show is during the winter. Viewing the northern lights in Iceland with Butterfield & Robinson. There are also six cabins on land. Today its a prime destination to try and see the northern lights. World Explorer presents: 5 Best Places to See the Northern LightsLearn about the dancing lights and the best places in the world to view them.Facebook http. 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. Over a typical winter, a keen observer checking the skies on every clear night could certainly expect to see the aurora several times, with a number of low-level displays and possibly one or two more spectacular ones.