Dream of watching the Northern Lights, but not sure where to see them? If you’re looking for the best place to view Aurora Borealis, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to discover some of the best places to witness this breath-taking natural phenomenon…
A spellbinding history
Aurora Borealis was named by the Italian astronomer, Galileo Galilei, in 1619, after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas. However, people have been fascinated by the Northern Lights since the beginning of civilization, with the enchanting displays depicted in French cave paintings as old as 30,000 BC.
So, where is best to see the Northern Lights? If you want to gaze up at red, green, and violet lights dancing across the heavens, there are places you’re more likely to see them. However, one thing to bear in mind when you’re thinking about where to view Aurora Borealis is these celestial light shows are a natural phenomenon, so there’s no guarantee you’ll definitely get to see them. This is why planning your Northern Lights adventure is so important – it’ll give you the best chance of catching this amazing spectacle!
Where and when to see the Northern Lights
Fortunately, when you sail with Swan Hellenic, we know where and when to find these magnificent light displays. Aurora Borealis are dependent on various factors, including solar particles interacting with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, and optimal weather conditions. This means these unforgettable light shows are easier to see on dark, cloudless nights during the autumn and winter months. The Northern Lights can be seen in various countries found within, or near, the polar or auroral zones (regions where solar activity means auroras are most likely to be spotted).
The aurora zone
Also known as the Northern Lights belt, the aurora zone is a latitudinal oval between 65-72°N. Aurora Borealis most commonly occur within the geographic area beneath this oval, which is where the most auroral frequency and intensity occurs. Places like Iceland, Finland, and the northern regions of Norway are located within this zone.
Countries to cruise to
When it comes to which countries you can see the Northern Lights in, you can rest easy knowing Swan Hellenic can take you where you need to go. Here are five of the top spots to see Aurora Borealis…
Iceland
Places such as Reykjavik provide excellent chances to see the Northern Lights. Iceland’s position near the Arctic Circle makes it an Aurora Borealis hotspot. Wherever you voyage with us, Iceland offers a mystical setting to observe these dazzling displays.
Norway
This stunning Nordic country is a great place to see Aurora Borealis. The northern regions, such as Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, are prime aurora-spotting territory. Tromsø has one of the highest chances of spotting the lights in the world!
Finland
Thanks to its dark winter skies, low light pollution, and impressive solar activity, Finland is an ideal location to experience the wonderful Northern Lights. When these right conditions combine, you’ll have a good chance of seeing the aurora magically illuminate the sky!
Canada
Northern regions, such as Nunavut’s Akpatok Island and Iqaluit offer wonderful viewing conditions for the Aurora Borealis. The enchanting natural light shows are often visible during the autumn and winter months here when the nights are longer.
Greenland
The world’s biggest island, Greenland is a prime location for aurora viewing. This captivating destination is close the Arctic Circle and its pristine landscapes provide an unforgettable canvas for the elusive Northern Lights.
Ready to plan your Aurora Borealis voyage with Swan Hellenic?