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. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Sweden occurs between the hours of 6:00 pm and 2:00 am on a clear night. Start the day smarter Notable deaths in 2023 . The cruise ends in Bergen. The 7 Best Northern Lights Tours Around the World, Isle Royale National Park: The Complete Guide, The 20 Best Hot Springs Destinations in the World, Weather in Sweden: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, The 10 Best Beaches to See Bioluminescence, 20 RV Campsites and Dark Sky Parks for Stargazing, How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland, Where to See the Northern Lights in Sweden, Scandinavia and the Nordic Region: Planning Your Trip, Where to Go in 2021: 10 Future Trips You Can Start Planning Now. Fans of the Northern Lights in Sweden look forward to the long winter evenings. Although youre likely to see them anywhere in the park, you can increase your odds by visiting the Aurora Sky Station. On the Alaska Northern Lights Multi-Active Private, youll snowmobile, mush a dog sled and relax in a private hot spring, all beneath the dancing northern sky. Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the best places in the United States to view the Northern Lights. 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. Northern Lights Resort and Spa, Canada. The aircrafts main cabin features dramatic LED-lighting that mimics the northern lights. Its the best way to see thenorthernlights, explore ice caves and avoid the crowds. Ultimately, the best place and time to see Northern Lights is above 65 N latitude, between late September to March. A view of Steve, a northern lights phenomenon, over the Patricia Lake in Alberta's Jasper National [+] Park. You can reach Stewart Island by flying into Oban or taking a ferry from Invercargill or Bluff. It also gets surprisingly dark here at night, which makes it a fantastic spot to view the Northern Lights. For the best chance to see the aurora in Scotland, plan a multi-night itinerary. The hotel also organizes an ice-cap tour nearby. Located on the international border of Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is an approximately 218,000-acre labyrinth of boreal forests, lakes and streams. Troms is a popular place for . For a bucket list experience, watch the impressive light show from a glass igloo at Santa's Hotel Aurora in Luosto. Join her on this journey to explore space right here on earth. This cruise packing list includes all the essentials plus the items you didn't know you needed. That said, you'll have more chances from October to March. The North Pole Igloos, where you can now stay for $105,000 for one night. Icelandair captain Sigrur Einarsdttir,a woman pilot who has spent more than 30 years flying beneath the Arctic skies,has become an expert in seeing the northern lights. At night, the Northern Lights are best viewed from the east so . There are tours available in Ilulissat that allow you to see this amazing landmark while also getting a chance to see the Northern Lights. If this storm fizzles or you miss it, your chances of seeing the northern lights are greater than ever right now. For an extended visit, plan to stay at the Antonius Hotel, a luxury boutique property in the heart of the historic city of Tartu. Best Place to See Northern Lights . Kakslauttanen is famous for its glass igloos, which travelers can book for their stay. 2:47. Aurora chasers can view the lights on their own while in town, opt for a guided tour with Northern Lights Safari or go on an exhilarating husky trekking expedition in the Arctic wilderness. Pro-tip: Colettes Bed & Breakfastoutside Port Angeles has a north-facing property that looks out over the Straight of Juan de Fuca toward Canada. Figuring out where to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks doesn't have to be difficult. But a dedicated group of locals does chart the current activity and shares the best places to see the shimmering lights. The best places to see northern lights in Saariselk are the snowshoe track around Saariselk chapel, Javri restaurant, and the top of Kaunisp fell. 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. In the two-story timber-frame lodge, owners Annie and Mike Hooper showcase Alaskan artists, with works on display throughout the property. 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. There are some accessible places . But where should you go if youre trying to see the aurora borealis? While no city is perfect for seeing the northern lights, Reykjavik, and Iceland in general, are well placed and have limited light pollution. It's the southernmost island that's populated in the country. After a long wait, Swedens highly anticipatedArctic Bath Hotel and Spaa floating architectural wonderis finally set to open in January, 2020. The auroras are active in Voyageurs all year round and can be seen during any month of the year. 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. With its arctic location and dark skies, Yellowknife is one of the most famous places in Canada to see the northern lights. Have you visited any of these places? Popular places to spot them include Inganess Bay, Widefond Hill, and Kirkwall. You can book two- or four-person igloos at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. 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. 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Travelers can also see ice sculptures in February and March at the impressive World Ice Art Championships or take a dog-sledding or snowmobiling tour. You can also book a Northern Lights Tour at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Fall and winter are the best seasons to witness the aurora, also known in local dialect as the "Mirrie Dancers." Each of these destinations is relatively easy to reach, has good geographic position for viewing the northern lights, and is popular among aurora-chasers. This natural wonder can be found here up to 150 times a year. 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. 7. . While the auroras are on display regularly in the Orkneys, they are not as predictable and reliable as they are in some other places. You are in for an extra special treat if you happen to be there when the aurora borealis lights up the night sky. Mackinaw City. Stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which offers dark-sky experiences. Despite this, you dont have to worry too much about light pollution interfering with your view. Spotting the northern lights from The Lodge at Black Rapids in Alaska. 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. Troms, Norway. While there, you can also spend a magical evening outdoors under star-filled skies during a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests. The National . Not only is their observation tower in a prime location for viewing the lights, they also have experts on hand who can answer any questions you might have. It . Looking ahead, 2021 will bring the new Svart, an architectural spectacle set at the foot of Norways second-largest glacier. 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. That's because the naturally-occurring light show might be visible in Connecticut and throughout New England . the best Northern Lights hotels in Norway. Reykjavik, Iceland. Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa in Sweden promises to be the best place to witness the northern lights. The brainchild of jazz musician Hvard Lund, Fordypningsrommet (more commonly known as the Arctic Hideaway) is a cluster of cabins on the coast of a tiny island in the Arctic Circle of Northern Norway, near Bod. Some have not only witnessed the Northern Lights for hours here, but observed a rare red Aurora. If you really want the best chance of experiencing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory, then this is where you want to go. Whitehorse (Yukon) Whitehorse is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Canada. Tags: Travel, Alaska Vacations, Europe Vacations, US Vacations, Vacation Ideas. Abisko: Home to Abisko National Park and the Aurora Sky Observatory. In the solar maximum, the sun is more "active", leading to northern lights that are caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Web Visit website. 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. The park's remote and wild location places it far from city lights, eliminating nearly all light pollution. The best time to visit is between December and March. Jaakkola Reindeer Farm offers this 2.5-hour Seeking the Northern Lights with Reindeer tour by sleigh ride; it includes a stop to warm up at a bonfire camp with snacks, hot beverages and local fireside stories. 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). In fact, Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole. Saariselka, Finnish Lapland. Just pick a town and go. For further exploration of the region, the Nellim Wilderness Hotel offers the perfect base with year-round activities, including aurora-chasing tours. Another good location to chase evasive Northern Lights is the remote wilderness of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James in Northern Quebec. 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. Without a doubt, Glacier National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Montana. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Treehotel, a treehouse hotel with northern lights views. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Voyageurs provides opportunities to view the Milky Way on clear evenings, especially in the summer. Travelers stay in heated glass-enclosed igloos with a glass ceiling roof and glass walls that allowguests to view the northern lights from bed. Kraig Becker is a writer based out of Roanoke, Virgina who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since 2013. Check out The Lodge at Black Rapids, a year-round hotel in the heart of the Alaska Range. Looking for a hidden gem in Alaska? But to witness them in their full glory, you'll want to escape the lights of the city and head out into the Norwegian countryside. Set in a remote part of northern Sweden, the property promises to be the ultimate place to catch the northern lights. With its clear skies and mountainous landscape, Swedens Abisko National Park provides a very good opportunity to see the Northern Lights. A number of local guide services offer unique Northern Lights tours for visitors. Inside those unique accommodations, they can watch the sky overhead without ever having to venture out into the cold arctic air. But first, there are a few things to know. While its far from Norway, Svalbard consistently ranks among the best places to see the northern lights in the world because its so far north it almost seems like youre at the north pole! 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. If you're lucky, you may just experience something magical. Or head to Takhini Hot Springs, where you can connect mind and body as you watch the aurora borealis while soaking in 107-degree mineral waters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a moderate . 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. Look out the window of your plane if youre flying overnight close to the Arctic Circle. Updated: 8:06 PM EST December 10, 2020. While you're at the property, take advantage of the guided Northern Lights Safari by snowmobile or embark on a Moose Safari on Horseback atop an Icelandic horse. Located 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, Troms is one of several top spots to view the northern lights in Norway. Another way to take northern lights viewing to new heights: aboard theAurora 360 Experience. Today its a prime destination to try and see the northern lights. This post was originally written in October 2020, and was updated most recently in December 2022. Kiruna: Sweden's northernmost city with a high-end "camp" (resort) designed for those seeking the Northern Lights. Some years they can be seen as early as August. However, all hope is not lost if you seek to view the aurora australis in Antarctica. Escape the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital with one of these refreshing weekend getaways. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch into Thursday. Northern Irelands northern county, Country Atrim, is a great option for trying to see the northern lights in this part of the Irish isles. There is even a Facebook group calledOrkney Aurora Groupwhere local residents and enthusiasts post the latest information. In Fairbanks, you can see the aurora almost anywhere on a strong night. If you're one of the lucky few people on the planet to travel to the southernmost continent on Earth Antarctica you'll have an adventure of a lifetime, especially when the aurora illuminates the sky. The forecast lead time is the time it takes for the solar wind to travel from the L1 observation point to Earth. 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. You can also check out Voyageurs Forest Overlook, Beaver Pond Overlook and the Kettle Falls Dam area for top-notch views. Ryan Knapp, a meteorologist for the Mt. You can also watch for elephant seals, leopard seals, wandering albatross and other species of birds. Still, Thingvellir National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland. Other activities visitors can enjoy in late summer include a ride on the Riverboat Discovery or panning for gold. The Arctic Circle is just 650 miles north and winter is DARK. Sweden is another Scandinavian country where the Northern Lights are visible from just about anywhere. All of the overnight accommodations in Voyageurs National Park require access to a boat or ferry, so if youre planning a trip consider staying in the nearby town of International Falls. Experts from the National Park Service are onboard to provide commentary, offering guests insight on what they are 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. For your stay, reserve accommodations at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart. But dont limit yourself: You can also spot the southern lights in the southern hemisphere. While the aurora occurs year-round, the winter months (from November to March) offer the best opportunities to witness it, as there is more darkness than light during the days. This spectacle is more elusive since there's less land mass in this part of the world and fewer viewing spots to see the show. Luxury adventure outfitter Butterfield & Robinson has expanded its winter offerings with a new collection of cold-weather expeditionsnorthern lights included. Expert aurora chasers recommend staying in the capital city of Hobart as a base. The jagged rock formations along the shore of the lake are popular with painters, which is what gives the location its name. Viewing the northern lights in Iceland with Butterfield & Robinson. That makes it a great destination for stargazing in general and for experiencing the aurora borealis specifically. Your best shot to see the aurora borealis is September through mid-May. With that in mind, here are eight of the best places to spot the northern lights in the U.S. 1. Northern Lights and arctic circle tour in Fairbanks. At the7 Fells Hostel in Finland, the ownerTinjaa retired backpackeris serious when it comes to spotting the lights. See the aurora borealis, aka the northern lights, across the northern tier of the U.S. this week, from Maine to Montana to Washington this week. Manitoba is best known for polar bears, the Hudson Bay, and the northern lights in winter. 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). Best Time to See Nothern Lights in Alaska: Late August through April. On the shores of Great Slave Lake, travelers have a 95% chance of spotting the lights. 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 largest urban area in Northern Norway and the world's third largest city above the Arctic Circle, Troms lies . There, you can have a guided night tour with a Swedish fika (coffee and a pastry) or indulge in a four-course meal. Murmansk is a roughly two-hour flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg, making it an ideal destination for visitors. Fairbanks, Alaska. The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of more than 100 islands, sitting between Norway and Scotland. These areas are located well within the auroral oval, a ring . The list of good places to see the Aurora Borealis is long and diverse, so it's usually difficult to choose which is the best Northern Lights destination, especially with a global pandemic . Because of this, most of us don't live in a place where the aurora can be seen on a regular basis. This is especially true during the winter months. Canada, Denmark, Finland, etc.) But if you're lucky enough to travel to see the aurora australis, you'll be rewarded with brilliant displays of color in shades of green, blue, purple, pink, or orange and gold. The northern reaches of Norway are nicely nestled within the Arctic circle, and the mega-long nights in winter make perfect aurora viewing conditions. The northern lights over the waters of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. The "season" for seeing the aurora borealis runs from September to April. While in Reykjavik, splurge on an overnight tour with Buubble.com. Keep your curtains open and you may even see the Northern Lights from your room. Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 N Rd #9606, East Windsor, CT 06088, USA. During the day, head out on reindeer and snow tank safaris. Photo credit: Mauri Joensen via Flickr. In fact, this is considered to be one of the best places on the planet to see the Northern Lights. The property also offers aurora-themed excursions and packages that include three-night tours and activities such as dog-sledding or private dining experiences. These months form the official Fairbanks, Alaska aurora season, when the night sky is dark enough for visible aurora displays. Alaska is in the Aurora ovalwhich is where the lights are most frequently seen. 5, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. For luxury in the wilderness, take a bush plane toBlachford Lake Lodge, a fly-in eco-lodge with viewing from a hot tub under the stars and more. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once! Heres another novel way to experience the magic of thenorthernlights: by rail. A view of the northern lights and the Aurora Sky Station. Maine's Acadia National Park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park that offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights. 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. Voyageurs is Minnesota's only national park; it's also unique in that, for much of the year, the water-based park's interior is accessible only by water. These tours take place in the Autumn months when the weather is still relatively warm. The Best Northern Lights Trips In The World Gallery By /Dec. Yukon is a top spot to view the lights in Western Canada. The Aurora might be visible at 45 degrees, 30 degrees or even lower on the horizon depending on its brightness. Options include everything from snowshoeing and dogsledding under the dancing lights to camping in a remote wilderness setting while the auroras blaze across the sky overhead. Plus, theres an observatory with a retractable roof for nightly northern lights viewing, as well as a staff of local astronomers who will show you the planets and the stars using Icelands largest telescope. See Related: Best Finland Igloo Hotels You Can't-Miss. The best way to see the northern lights here is from one of the remote igloo dome base camps; plenty of professionally guided tours are available. You may opt-out by. Where and when to see Northern Lights Best place and time to see Northern Lights. The Best Tourist Attraction in Every State, The Easiest Way to Renew an Expired Passport, California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. On the Golden Circle: Platinum Tour With Northern Lights, youll get the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure featuring handpicked sites within Icelands famousGolden Circleregion. To get there, head toAbisko National Parkand ride a 20-minute chairlift to the viewing tower. Borealis Basecamphas domes designed especially to offer you a view of the northern lights from the comfort of yourbed. Glacier National Park. Embrace the winter and set sail for the Arctic Circle to experience the aurora in northern Norway. How frustrating it can be to spend hours waiting for the northern lights, only to learn that your location is a bit off for the day's best viewing. Iceland is, for the most part, not a hugely developed country. There, on a clear night, you'll get an unfettered look at the sky, which from September through March, is often ablaze with bright colors. In fact, most guided tour options will visit Murmansk as part of the itinerary. When night falls on clear evenings, look for the light show in the southern sky. Many people overlook Greenland as an aurora destination, but Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Voyageurs National Parkis another great spot to see the northern lights in Minnesota. Murmansk is generally considered one of the top destinations in Russia for seeing the aurora. 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). Seeking out the northern lights in Iceland. There is a three-night package available where you can watch this amazing phenomenon from the comfort of a cabin. Your email address will not be published. Norway. Svart Hotel with a view of the northern lights. Officially named a Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper National Park is one of Albertas and Canadas most picturesque locations and is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot. The northern part of the country is dark in the early afternoon until late morning from the end of September to late March. / Getty Images. Destinations known for northern lights are often expensive. Here are some of thebest spots to see the northern lights near Fairbanksif you want to improve your chances during your trip: Want to sleep under the aurora? This beautiful place is under the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone showcasing much of the action. 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. Slemish Mountainprovides excellent foreground forastrophotography; its located outside the town of Ballymena but far enough to reduce light pollution. During other times of the year, Cunard also offers special Northern Lights cruises in Norway. Phone +1 218-283-6600. In addition to its strategic location, Whitehorse also has the longest season for viewing the northern lights in Canada.
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