Where and when you can see the northern lights – 15 places, photo, description, map
Not everyone has seen one of the most beautiful spectacles on our planet. What is Northern Lights Hunting? This is a journey to various points of the Earth in order to be able to observe with your own eyes how a fantastic green curtain sways in the sky, in which reddish flashes flash. So where and when can you see the northern lights? What territories will give a chance? As for the south of the planet, this is Antarctica and the territories adjacent to it. However, in reality, few manage to be there. The northern hemisphere provides much more opportunities. On the mainland of Eurasia, these are, first of all, the countries of Scandinavia, Finland, the north of Russia. In North America, Canada and Alaska. That is, a zone reaching a diameter of about 3 thousand km around the Earth's poles.
Where to see the northern lights in Russia
A huge country opens up truly limitless opportunities for lovers of the northern lights. However, there are also disadvantages. First of all, these are severe frosts in those regions where you are going to go. And, of course, in the Russian outback, service in settlements will be appropriate. But still…
Polyarny, Murmansk region
It is located on the coast of the Kola Bay, 30 km from Murmansk. You can admire the radiance here starting from September. It has a beautiful emerald green color and appears frequently.
Vidyaevo village, Murmansk region
A small village 40 km from Murmansk. In general, if you choose where to go on the “hunt for the shine”, the Murmansk region is best suited. It is relatively close to go here from Moscow, but you will get to the 68th parallel of the northern latitude. That is, if you go here at the right time of the year, then you will most likely see the radiance.
Pechenega, Murmansk region
An urban-type settlement, which means that you can live here in comfortable conditions, and transport links are established. And the radiance in autumn can be seen already at a temperature of + 10 C.
Murmansk
Of course, this is a large city and it is inconvenient to observe the polar lights directly in Murmansk. Therefore, for observations, it is better to go to its vicinity. But in Murmansk you can stay in a good hotel and afford a varied cultural program. “For the Shining”, it is worth going, for example, to the village of Teriberka, where the filming of the film “Leviathan” took place. In addition, there are many travel agencies in Murmansk that will take you to the place and time when you are most likely to see the lights. Agency specialists work in contact with meteorologists, so their services will not disappoint you. However, it is still better to come to Murmansk not for a day, but for several days. There are a lot of attractions in the area, and you will have a good time, and you will definitely look at the northern lights.
Vorkuta
Here, in Komi, people are used to the polar lights. You can see it even in August. And yet it is preferable to go on a journey in late autumn. At this time, it is already snowing in Vorkuta. And it is worth paying attention to one danger that may lie in wait for the traveler. It is worth settling in Vorkuta, where the service is developed. But when you take your car out of town to enjoy the glow, it's easy to pull off the road and get bogged down in the snow. This danger is especially great at night.
Arkhangelsk
You can also see the northern lights in Arkhangelsk. However, observers agree that here the spectacle does not look as impressive as in the Murmansk region. When choosing Arkhangelsk, it is worth stopping at this option. Settle here, in comfortable conditions, and watch the “heavenly curtain” go further north, where the radiance is brighter and more colorful.
Khibiny, Kola Peninsula
If you are not strong in geography, then the phrase “Khibiny Mountains” may cause you to associate with Mongolia or China. In fact, the Khibiny is the Kola Peninsula, a place located not far from Murmansk. One of the best options for watching the Northern Lights. Khibiny are located on a hill, the air here is the purest, during the hours of radiance – the sky is simply fantastic. However, accommodation can be problematic. If you can't get settled in hotels – some of them close during the cold season – then you should think about accommodation at a recreation center. They move around the territory here, mainly on snowmobiles.
Khatanga village, Krasnoyarsk Territory
Not everyone will go to Khatanga. Remember the film “Taimyr calls you”? So, this is right here. Peninsula Taimyr. Although the natural conditions here are not at all bad, there are no extreme frosts, and the average annual temperature is -12-13 C. The most convenient way to get here is by plane from Norilsk or Krasnoyarsk. But, once in Khatanga, you will see even more beautiful northern lights than in Iceland, where all of Europe admires them.
Where to see the Northern Lights in Europe
Now let's move on to Europe. If you have already traveled its southern and central countries, then it's time to go north. Here you can enjoy the modern level of comfort and at the same time see an unforgettable sight in all its glory.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
To get to Longyearbyen, you need to go to Norway. Svalbard is a place of amazing beauty, and besides, it is one of the closest to the pole on the planet: 78 degrees north latitude.
From Russia, you will have to fly here with a transfer, and the ticket will cost a pretty penny, but the aurora borealis is observed here regularly, and it has no equal in brightness and variety of shades.
Tromsø and Alta, Norway
This is also Norway, but already the continental part of the country. To observe the aurora, you can choose one of the cities. The most suitable 2 are Alta and Tromsø. This is about 70 degrees north latitude, so only an Arctic expedition will take you closer to the pole. Tourist service is well developed, you can find both a hotel of any level and an inexpensive hostel. They also offer special tours for observing the aurora borealis.
Abisko, Lappland, Sweden
The Swedes, without false modesty, call this place “the best place on Earth to watch the northern lights.” In latitude – just like the Murmansk region – it is located on the 68th parallel. Tourists appreciate Abisko, a small town, because it is located in a beautiful national park, away from large cities – and on a hill. That is, everything, as if on purpose, is arranged in order to admire nature and see the radiance. True, the hotel here is quite expensive. In this case, you can settle in one of the towns of Swedish Lapland and come to Abisko by car.
Lapland, Finland
The Finns have their own word for the northern lights, which came from ancient legends. It sounds impressively “revenue”. Finland has long been mastered by Russians and, perhaps, many will prefer this option to others. It is easy to get here from St. Petersburg, and Finland itself is a fabulous country. About which, once having been here, many then remember with nostalgia. It is better to go to Lapland in late winter or early spring. In clear weather, the aurora can be observed almost every night. Only the cloudy sky can prevent you from enjoying the spectacle.
Akureyri, Iceland
If you can't stand the cold well, then Iceland is your choice. The warm Gulf Stream protects this place from severe frosts. The average temperature at the time of the year when you can see the northern lights is around 0 C. But at the same time in Iceland there is often cloudy, rainy weather, in which you will not be able to enjoy the spectacle. It is better to go to the north of the country, to Akureyri. Another “bonus” of Iceland is that nowhere else can you take such beautiful photos of the radiance as here. Well, in addition, the magnificent nature of Iceland will get into the pictures.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Scotland is understandable, but the Isle of Skye? Maybe you should give yourself this trip literally to the ends of the world? And if, by the will of fate, you find yourself in England, then you will not make a better choice. The solar wind – it is its charged particles, penetrating into the upper layers of the atmosphere, that light the skies with magical green fire. So, the solar wind comes here often. In Europe, you will not find such a wonderful place for observing the aurora and stars. But it is better to come here in the winter months. Where to settle? Best of all, Portree is a fishermen's spot, stunningly beautiful. The houses here are painted in all the colors of the rainbow, there are cafes and shops, and around – the unforgettable nature of Scotland and its endless bright blue sky.
Where to see the Northern Lights in North America
Now let's move to North America. Of course, the northern lights can be seen in Canada, but the most suitable place is Alaska. Do not be afraid of the harsh climate – then go ahead.
Alaska, USA
Many tourists come here just to admire the fantastic spectacle of the Northern Lights. And you can see it throughout the year. However, the best period for observation is from late summer to late spring. The Indians believed that when the radiance appears in the sky, it means that the souls of the dead started dancing. Of course, going on such a long journey, you need to carefully plan the trip. The endless snowy desert and the sky burning with green and red flashes – you will never forget this sight. It is best to stay in Fairbanks or come to Denali National Park.
It is here that the radiance appears most often, and, in addition, here you can settle comfortably. Another option. Many local guides will offer you to go even further north with them. Thus, you will feel like a “polar wolf”, the hero of Jack London‘s novels, and the spectacle of the aurora borealis will generously reward you for all the inconvenience. In a word, the northern lights can become one of the brightest impressions of your life. Take the time and effort to see it with your own eyes.