Fascination of Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful and spectacular phenomena that the Earth has to offer. Many dream of witnessing the fascinating play of colors in the sky live, but few fulfill that dream.

However, once you have seen the Northern Lights, you will be impressed. Here, you will experience something you will remember for a lifetime! To prepare for your unique trip to the Northern Lights, we answer all the questions that arise about this natural spectacle. Learn here what a Northern Light is, how it forms, where and when you can see the Northern Lights, the difference between Northern Lights and Southern Lights, and much more! We also provide some great tips and tricks for capturing the Northern Lights through photography and show you how to travel to see them affordably. Read on to get informed!

The Northern Lights are light phenomena in the sky that occur in the polar regions around the North and South Poles. They are caused when charged particles from the Earth's atmosphere collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the upper atmosphere. There are two types of Northern Lights: the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). The Northern Lights occur in the Northern Hemisphere (north of the equator), while the Southern Lights occur in the Southern Hemisphere (south of the equator). In the Northern Hemisphere, you will find the continents of Europe, Asia, North America, and the majority of Africa, as well as the largest island in the world, Greenland. In the Southern Hemisphere, the continents of Antarctica and Australia, most of South America, and a small part of Africa, as well as almost the entire Malay Archipelago are located. The appearance of the Northern Lights can vary greatly. From glowing ribbons and curtains to cloud-like formations, everything is included. However, glowing colors are their signature. Whether the lights shine in green, blue, or red depends on how far away the excited molecules are. Green light phenomena occur at distances of 80 to 150 kilometers from Earth, while blue or red light phenomena occur up to 600 kilometers away.

The Northern Lights occur when solar energy from the solar wind collides with the Earth's atmosphere. The sun constantly emits matter, in addition to light and heat. This process is called the solar wind. The small particles that travel during this process are made up of protons and electrons. After some time, they collide with the Earth's magnetic field, creating an electric charge. When the charged particles collide with molecules in our atmosphere, energy is exchanged, and the molecules begin to glow. The luminous phenomena in the sky are what we call the Northern Lights. The fact that the lights occur almost exclusively in polar regions is due to the fact that the magnetic field lines along which the particles move all enter and exit the atmosphere in these regions. Depending on the time, the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis appear with varying intensity. The reason for this is so-called solar eruptions. During these eruptions, the solar wind turns into a solar storm, and the entire process occurs more quickly and violently, resulting in stronger Northern Lights. In such a case, the Northern Lights can even be seen from Central Europe. Such solar storms occur approximately every eleven years, but that doesn't mean that a strong solar storm may not occur out of the ordinary.

Northern Lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter months from September to March, when the nights are darker and longer. In the Southern Hemisphere, you can observe the Northern Lights best from March to September, as it is winter there at that time. A clear, ideally cloudless sky is crucial for good visibility.

You can view the Northern Lights in the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden, as well as in the northwest of Finland. The neighboring country of Iceland also delights with this colorful natural spectacle. Good for us, because Iceland, Norway, Sweden, or Finland are not far from us and easily accessible.

But Northern Scotland, Svalbard, Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Northern Siberia also invite you to enjoy the color display in the sky. Since these places are located north of the Arctic Circle, they are referred to as Northern Lights. The question of when to see the Northern Lights can be precisely answered: in the winter months, mostly between September and March. For the Southern Lights, only a rough timeframe can be indicated. During this period, the fascinating Aurora Australis appears only briefly and then disappears just as quickly. However, the highest probability of seeing them is during the winter months at the South Pole, between March and September; that is, opposite to our seasons. You'll learn in detail where and when you can best see the Northern and Southern Lights!

Travel Guru Tip: Stay away from artificial light. The darker the night, the clearer the view of the Northern Lights. You should thus avoid residential areas with illuminated buildings and streetlights. Instead, prefer hilltops and lakeshores, as you have a better vantage point from the elevation and expanses. The natural spectacle is likely most visible from the sea-how about experiencing the Northern Lights on a cruise?

The classic among the places where you can observe the Northern Lights is Scandinavia. For bargain hunters, Iceland is particularly interesting. Because trips to Iceland are much cheaper than trips to Norway or Finland. You'll have to dig deeper into your pockets if you're heading to Canada, Alaska, or Greenland. However, you can admire many other natural phenomena that characterize these places alongside the Northern Lights. All three countries show you a world far removed from our own, making for unforgettable journeys.

During the dark winter months, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are highest. In the winter months of November to January, the sun rarely rises at the North Pole. It only slightly dims around midday; otherwise, it is dark both day and night. For this reason, you have the perfect conditions during this period to see the Northern Lights in the sky. The chances of seeing the Northern Lights are also high during the transitional months of September and October, as well as February and March. In the following, you will learn where and when you can best see the Northern Lights in various locations in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Icelanders are among the lucky ones who get to enjoy the Northern Lights spectacle in the sky for about seven months of the year. Travelers from the U.S. and surrounding areas can also rejoice! Because Iceland is not far from us, and there are often great travel deals available!

Starting from September, the beginning of the dark season in Iceland, until the end of March, you have good chances of seeing the Northern Lights during your vacation. You just have to hope that the weather cooperates and the sky is mostly cloudless. You can admire the lights from virtually any location on the island, especially from remote areas without any artificial lighting. The best time for viewing is at night, when it is darkest. Particularly popular among travelers is Thingvellir National Park, located outside the capital Reykjavik. But even the capital Reykjavik invites you to witness the natural spectacle with its countless untouched green spaces and parks. A special recommendation is Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Located at the northwest tip of Reykjavik, you have the perfect conditions around the lighthouse, where there is little habitation, to see the magnificent Northern Lights in your Icelandic vacation without light pollution. The Öskjuhlíð hill is also a good spot to view the Northern Lights in Iceland.

The Northern Lights occur particularly frequently in the northern parts of Norway. In the city of Tromsø, which is located north of the Arctic Circle, the activity is highest. Here you often have the chance to observe the spectacle for hours during the day.

The Northern Lights in Northern Norway usually appear in green hues. A permanent exhibition at the University Museum in Tromsø shows you how the Northern Lights form. Here, you can even get hands-on and generate your own Northern Lights in a designated box. If you happen to have bad weather on your trip and don't get to see the actual display, head to the University Museum to get a sense of how beautiful the Northern Lights can look! In Northern Norway, there are additional opportunities to see the Northern Lights. At North Cape and in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located in the Arctic Ocean, you will find perfect conditions to witness this natural spectacle! As it is dark in Northern Norway between afternoon and morning from late September to late March, this is the perfect time to observe the Aurora Borealis.

Due to its proximity to the North Pole, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland are very high. Particularly good weather conditions prevail thanks to the microclimate in the area around Abisko. It rarely rains here, and the sky remains cloudless.

In Abisko National Park, you have the best chance to see the Northern Lights at the Aurora Sky Station. The station is located at the top of the 900-meter-high Nuolja Mountain. One phenomenon that will astonish you here is the 'Blue Hole of Abisko.' Above the 70-kilometer-long Torneträsk Lake, a patch of clear sky remains amidst the surrounding clouds, resembling a mysterious hole. Other places in Sweden where you can see the Northern Lights include Kiruna and Lulea. The best time for viewing the Northern Lights in Sweden is during the transitional phases from autumn to winter and from winter to spring. You may also have the opportunity to see them in the winter.

As in Swedish Lapland, the Northern Lights also appear in Finnish Lapland during the dark season. Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland. This sparsely populated region is particularly known for its midnight sun and the Northern Lights. It also has many wonderful ski resorts, subarctic wilderness, and stunning views.

In Northern Finland, you have good chances to view the fascinating Northern Lights from various vantage points. The view is particularly pronounced from Mount Luosto, which rises to 514 meters and is located in the municipality of Sodankylä in Central Lapland. A popular spot to admire the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Finnish village of Nellim, which is situated on Lake Inari, Finland's third-largest lake. In Northern Lapland, the best chances to see the Northern Lights are from September to March. On about every second night, the sky is clear, paving the way for the fiery color spectacle in the sky. In Southern Finland, you may get lucky and see the Northern Lights, but the probability is lower. They only appear in Southern Finland about ten to twenty days a year.

In Northern Scotland, the Northern Lights also regularly flash. You have the best chances of witnessing this spectacle on the northern islands of the country. The Aurora Borealis has also been sighted as far south as Edinburgh. With a bit of luck, you might even see the Northern Lights during a tour through the Scottish Highlands.

The best time for viewing is during the dark autumn and winter months, between October and March. The optimal conditions for seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland occur when you stay in dark locations where there is no artificial light or other light sources. Moreover, the sky should be cloudless and clear. This is especially likely on cold nights. If you stay awake until the early morning and wait for the spectacle, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland improve even more! In addition to the Scottish island groups in the north, Shetland and Orkney, the cities of Wick, Nairn, Portknockie, and Cairn O'Mount in Northern Scotland are also very good locations for viewing the Northern Lights. From the Isle of Skye, which is connected to Scotland's northwest coast by a bridge, you also have a great view of the Northern Lights if the other conditions are met.

In northwestern regions of Canada, the probability of seeing the Northern Lights is high. Popular spots are British Columbia and Alberta, where you can view the Aurora Borealis.

In the Northwest Territories, such as the town of Yellowknife, you also have good chances to admire this natural phenomenon. Additionally, Wood Buffalo National Park and Jasper National Park are well-suited, as they are light-protected areas free from artificial light sources, where the beautiful displays of the night sky stand out even more. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is between September and May. Due to high solar activity, the celestial phenomena occur more frequently here.

Directly next to Canada, in the northernmost U.S. state of Alaska, the bright colors are repeatedly observed. Here, the Eagle River Nature Center outside of Anchorage is especially good for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Generally, the entire region around Anchorage is popular among Northern Lights enthusiasts.

Fairbanks, the second-largest city in Alaska, and its surroundings are also very suitable. From Denali National Park, you have perfect conditions to observe this luminous fascination in the sky. In addition, the University of Alaska offers a daily forecast on where and how pronounced the Northern Lights are expected to be. The best months to see the Northern Lights in Alaska are between September and March.

Sadly further away from us, but with the best chances to see the Northern Lights, Greenland cannot be missing from this list.

With about 300 clear nights a year, the town of Kangerlussuaq-which conveniently also has an international airport-is the perfect place to observe the dancing lights. Guided Northern Lights tours are also available from here. Other popular and suitable spots in West Greenland include the capital Nuuk and Disko Bay in Baffin Bay. The optimal time to view the Northern Lights in Greenland is from late August to early April. However, the best conditions occur in the dark winter months. To travel to Greenland, you must make a stopover from the U.S. Direct flights are available via Copenhagen in Denmark or Reykjavik in Iceland.

And now, listen closely: Yes, Northern Lights have also been sighted in Germany! When particularly strong solar eruptions occur, the colors can even be visible as far south as Southern Germany. Of course, it also has to be a starry night, and you should be outside of big cities. Your best chances are, of course, in Northern Germany.

In 2014, a photograph from Gülpe in Brandenburg made headlines, showing violet-pink polarized lights fading into a yellow tone. Seeing Northern Lights in Germany is very unlikely, but possible. This happens when solar activity is particularly high, leading to immense eruptions. This is most likely to occur during the winter months. The best conditions for seeing a Northern Light in Germany are dark, light-pollution-free areas, a starry night, and minimal to no clouds in the sky. The best time for this is in the winter months. According to forecasts from the American NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Northern Lights in Germany could appear from around 11 PM to 5 AM. However, there is no guarantee. A bit of luck is also needed.

The Northern Lights are widely known here. However, very few realize that Polar Lights can also be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. These are called Southern Lights or Aurora Australis and rival the Northern Lights! On the contrary! Because the regions at the South Pole are broader and less populated than those at the North Pole, the expressiveness of the Southern Lights is even stronger. You can indulge in the show over vast expanses and enjoy the unique moment.

If you ever spend a vacation in Australia, New Zealand, or - a bit more exotic - perhaps even in South Georgia, you now know that you can also observe the Polar Lights there. This is possible on the island group of South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the Stewart Islands in New Zealand, in Ushuaia, Argentina, in Tasmania, and, of course, in Antarctica. All extraordinary places that not only offer Southern Lights but also unique wildlife and plant life. For example, on the Falkland Islands, you can experience penguins in the wild. The best travel time for the Southern Lights is during the winter months at the South Pole. They occur between March and September, which coincides with summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern Lights occur less reliably than the Northern Lights, making them harder to predict. Additionally, they disappear very quickly. Therefore, you must give them some time to enjoy witnessing them.

You finally booked your long-awaited trip to the Northern or Southern Lights and are lucky enough that all the conditions are right? Then prepare for a magical moment! If you want to capture this moment for eternity, you should pay attention to a few things so that you don't get any unpleasant surprises when you look at the photos back home.

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee for the perfect photo despite these tips. But they might help some to get a better shot. If that too does not work out, just let it go and enjoy the moment. No photo can compare to the image and the feeling in your memory! We wish you an exciting and beautiful time on your Polar Lights trip!

In the video, you get an impression of the Northern Lights in Alaska!

Video: The Aurora Chasers(R) by Ronn & Marketa Murray

Now that you have learned everything you need to know about the Northern Lights, it's time for you to embark on your personal Northern Lights journey! At each travel destination, we have already sent you on to offers above. Treat yourself to experience this natural phenomenon live at least once in your life; it's a highlight, we promise! The most affordable trips to see the Northern Lights for us are to Northern Europe. Therefore, we present you here with affordable travel offers to Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Check it out and find your perfect Northern Lights trip! We wish you a fantastic time and good luck that you can enjoy the spectacle for a long time!

See Lapland trips

See Iceland trips

More Polar Lights inspirations