Witnessing the northern lights or the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon many people dream of experiencing. These waves of dancing light have mesmerized generations on generations. Viewing the northern lights will be the experience of a lifetime and take sky-watching to another level. The aurora borealis occurs when the suns highly charged particles collide with the earth's atmosphere, and the earth's magnetic field forces these particles to go to the North or South Pole. This is why we can see the earth's natural light show in certain parts of the world.
Seeing the northern lights will be one of the most magical and unforgettable events. Planning a trip to view the northern lights may be daunting; however, there are many rare and stunning places to catch the northern lights. Here are the top ten destinations to see the northern lights.
10 Tromso, Norway
Due to its unique positioning above the Arctic Circle, Tromso is among the best locations to view the Northern Lights. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromso is typically from September to April. This beautiful city in Norway offers a long period to catch the dancing lights. The aurora borealis is strong in Tromso, Norway, and can sometimes be seen from the city! Different excursions, such as the Aurora Tour, are also available to view the lights!
9 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is one of the world's unique Northern Light viewing experiences. It is home to Icehotel, a hotel built from ice and snow. This will be one of the most magical ways to view the night sky and one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights. A trip to Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, will allow visitors to see the dancing lights and stay in unique accommodations.
Icehotel Address: Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
8 Yukon, Canada
Yukon is a mountainous landscape located in Canada. Yukon is a beautiful destination with glaciers, rivers, trails, greenery, and much more. January to April is a great time to visit Yukon to view the Northern Lights due to its darker skies in the winter months. Many different tours are available in the area to see the Northern Lights, and Yukon's unique geographical landscape will have visitors mesmerized by all its natural beauties.
7 Lapland, Finland
Head to Lapland, Finland, to catch the aurora borealis in a subarctic landscape. It is known for its vast wilderness and is excellent for those who want to experience the Northern Lights in a region with numerous winter outdoor activities. This is the perfect place for those looking for a winter wonderland and a light from the sky.
6 Orkney, Scotland
Located on the northeastern coast of Scotland, Orkney has one of the most beautiful natural landscapes. Orkney is a great destination to view the Northern Lights because of the lack of light pollution, and its geographical location makes for fantastic night sky views. The best time of the year to view the lights in Orkney, Scotland, is during the fall and winter, but be sure to pack warm clothes!
5 Yellowknife, Canada
There are many destinations in Canada to view the Northern Lights; however, with its northern location, Yellowknife is a great place to view the Northern Lights. Explore Canada's countryside and get the light show of a lifetime on a trip to Yellowknife to see the aurora borealis! However, it is advised to venture out of the city to eliminate light pollution for the best possible viewing.
4 Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska, is not only a great destination to see the aurora borealis, but the city offers much to do with its visitors, from historic sites, museums, restaurants, wilderness, and so much more. Planning a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, will not disappoint because it will be a vacation filled with magical adventures and is a great way to soak in Alaska Native Culture.
3 Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is full of things to do, from attractions, monuments, museums, city life, a vast history, and so much more. It will be an entertaining destination for those who want to experience a city and view the Northern Lights. Planning to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland, will be the trip of a lifetime and one for the books!
2 Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Located in Northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is known for its outdoor scenery with forests, cliffs, wetlands, and much more. It has a beautiful natural beauty that will keep its visitors mesmerized. It is a lovely destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to catch the Northern Lights. The best chance to view the aurora borealis in Voyageurs National Park is during the winter months.
1 Antarctica
Catching the auroras in this destination will be an unforgettable journey for the lucky travelers who can go to Antarctica. Due to their geographical location in the earth's Southern Hemisphere, these auroras are called the Southern Lights but hold the same magic. A trip to Antarctica to view these dancing lights will be a unique journey and not one traveled by many!