The Aurora Borealis is the most beautiful natural phenomenon. However, for many ages, it was something mysterious and unexplained. Even though we understand why this happens due to scientific studies, the Earth will never stop impressing us because no two light shows are alike. If you want to find out where is the best place to see the Northern Lights, make sure to read through this detailed article.
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Admiring the Aurora Borealis is only available in a few places around the world. There is no doubt that the limited possibility of observing the colorful sky makes it even more special. Both, visitors to the North or South Pole can enjoy the opportunity of watching celestial lights in the Sky.
Stay in Glass Igloo and admire beautiful Northern Lights in Finland
The information that you will find here is based on personal experiences and long-searched facts from the books. Focusing on this phenomenon was one of the motifs of my master’s thesis. In addition, I have also asked the best travel experts to share their individual views of watching the Northern Lights in different parts of the world.
I hope that those interesting facts about the Northern Lights will make this topic inspire you so much that the trip to the furthest corners of the world may become real.
Northern Lights Name Origin
For many years the Northern Lights had different names. The current name was proposed by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. Aurora is derived from the name of the Roman goddess of dawn. On the other hand, Borealis is a name that means a person bringing the cold to the north.
The Latin name of the Aurora Borealis has its counterpart – Aurora Australis. It specifies the same phenomenon which is occurring in the south pole. Australis means the South and it is connected with the name of the continent of Australia.
Legends and history of the Northern Lights
The first reference to the Aurora Borealis is written in the Old Testament. It is a metaphorical description that perfectly shows the Northern Lights. You can also find memories of this phenomenon in Greek literature. On the other hand, the oldest references in classical literature date back to the year 1557.
The stories of the Northern Lights go back 2500 years. However, scientific studies that satisfactorily determine the causes of this phenomenon occurred in the past few decades. Contemporary studies have confirmed the existence of celestial lights on all planets in the Solar System. An extremely powerful phenomenon occurs on Jupiter.
Northern Lights in Ancient Times
A large part of the ancient observation of this phenomenon occurred in Rome and Greece. Modern studies estimate the occurrence of the Northern Lights in this area from 1 to 3 times in 10 years. The historical records show that celestial lights appeared around 8-9 times before the year 300 BC. There is an opinion that the Northern Lights were visible about 55 times before the birth of Christ.
Fall of the Rome caused a decrease in the number of literature, from which we could learn more about the Northern Lights. However, this phenomenon was observed in places like China. The first possible observations date back to 2600 BC. The Aurora Borealis was determined by animal names and also associated with the terms fire and stars.
Northern Lights in the 18th century
There are thousands of stories about the Northern Lights but more advanced observations of the Aurora Borealis started in the nineteenth century. In that period people discovered a connection with the Sun. They had no idea that the Northern Lights were linked to a celestial body at the time.
In every culture were different legends about this colorful light phenomenon. In some places, people were scared of the Northern Lights. They did not want to allow their kids to be outside while the Aurora Borealis were visible in the sky. They thought that phenomenon can kill them. Some of them believed that if they will wear hats, their hair will not burn off.
Legends about the Northern Lights
In many regions, the Northern Lights were associated with disasters or bad signs. In northern Canada, people thought it was the creation of spirits that were happy because the Sun was away.
Indians from North Dakota thought that the Northern Lights were formed by fires of dead enemies. However, some of the tales were connected with other signs, for example, in Finland, the legend was associated with a fox that touched mountains with his fur, and caused celestial lights in the Sky.
More romantic beliefs appeared in Denmark. People were saying that these lights were caused by swans that were far from the north. They thought that swans were trapped in the ice and every time the animals tried to escape using their wings it made reflections, which formed the Aurora Borealis
Legends about the Northern Lights in the 16th century
In the sixteenth century, this phenomenon was appearing frequently in Europe and people who had never seen it before started making their conceptions of the Northern Lights.
Some people believed in battles in heaven and in that lights were caused by fights with swords. Fears of the Northern Lights appeared also in other parts of Europe because the sixteenth century was a time of big solar activity.
During that time, the occurrence of the Aurora Borealis increased dramatically. Civilizations that had not witnessed this phenomenon regularly were more superstitious about it. We can find what people thought about the Aurora Borealis in the description of these celestial lights over Bohemia:
“The fire running down the two pillars from God might be seen by the people, the night watchman on the towers sounded the alarm bells; when the people saw it they were horrified and said that no such gruesome spectacle had been seen or heard of within living memory… Wherefore, dear Christians, take such terrible portents to heart and diligently pray to God, that he will soften his punishments and bring us back into his favour, so that we may await with calm the future of our souls and salvation. Amen.”1
1 Eather Robert H., Majestic Lights, the Aurora in Science, History, and the Arts, Washington, American Geophysical Union, 1980, p. 44
This quote demonstrates the fear of the people who first time saw that celestial lights.
When and where can you see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can be visible in any place in the world but the chance of seeing them far away from the North or South Pole is very rare. When the sky is dark and clear, this phenomenon is easily visible in northern Scandinavian countries, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska.
Even in these areas, it is not guaranteed that we can see the Northern Lights at any time. The best time to observe these celestial lights is between September to the end of March, at night from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. The sky is clearer in the spring than it is in the fall.
During the winter 60 percent of the Aurora Borealis can be behind the clouds. The intensity of the Northern Lights is connected with an eleven-year cycle. The maximum activity is in the middle of the solar cycle.
Visibility of the Northern Lights depend also on other factors such as clouds, moonlight, urban pollution, or just luck. Advanced technologies help to predict the perfect observation time of this phenomenon. The Northern Lights forecasts categorized this activity from Kp=0 (minimum activity) to Kp=9 (maximum activity).
Creation of the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are caused by particles that are thrown away from the Sun. That protons and electrons are “directed by the Earth’s magnetic field towards the polar regions.” 2 Interactions with nitrogen and oxygen of these particles make visible glows.
2 Ham Anthony, Lonely Planet Norway, United States, Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd, 2011, p. 66
We can compare this to a situation that happens when we turn on our television. There are electrons on one of the sides of the picture tube. This particle is pulled by magnets to the other side. Electrons strike substances which is the result of appearing images on the screen.
The Aurora Borealis is like a huge television screen. All reactions occur near South and North Poles. Gases that are struck by particles in a magnetic field glow like substances at the back of a television screen. All things needed for the appearance of the Northern Lights are a magnet, gases, and particles from the Sun.
The colors of the Northern Lights depend on the particles and height of this phenomenon. Reactions with oxygen up to 60 miles create yellow/green colors in the Sky. Above 200 miles it gives red glows. Purple lights can be visible above 60 miles when nitrogen struck in the atmosphere.
Forms of the Northern Lights
The shapes of Aurora Borealis are various. There is an infinite number of forms. It seems to me that is very valuable to know at least a few kinds of these shapes. I will try to describe some of them.
Arcs
To begin with, arcs are the first example of the Aurora Borealis shapes. They often extend from east to west and are smooth at lower levels. Arcs can be also with some rays.
Bands
Other types are bands that can be continuous, folded, or look like a curtain. They can also have vertical rays which disappear far up in the Sky.
Bands with rays
During one night the Aurora Borealis can appear in many forms. In the late evening, they are usually shapes of arcs that can transform into arcs with rays or bands. With more luck, you can also see the corona which is the most spectacular form. The rays are going out from one point which makes it look very beautiful.
Corona
It has been observed repeatedly that this central point is directed at the Earth’s magnetic field. The viewer is under the corona. It can look like a rain of colorful lights or falling arrows. When the corona disappears the Northern Lights start to be very active. Ribbons and light belts are appearing in the Sky. A few moments later the forms are vanishing and appear again.
Patches
Last fundamental forms are patches and glows. Patches are small parts on the Sky which look like colorful, translucent clouds. Generally we can see them later in the night.
Glows
The Northern Lights can be also diffuse. That kind of example is glow. Even during a dark night, it is not always visible. Other types of Northern Lights are bright enough to read a book at night.
Carl Störmer created the first Aurora Borealis classification, which he published in “the Photographic Atlas Of Auroral Forms” 3 in 1930. 33 years later his classification was revised with a new edition of “International Aurora Atlas”. 4
3,4 Eather Robert H., Ibidem, p. 2
Glows are lights with blurred boundaries. Not only the shape but also the behavior of this phenomenon can describe the Aurora Borealis. It can be quiet when the shape does not change for a longer time; pulsating from 5 to 10 times per second or flaming.
In the last example bursts of lights start at the base of the shape and move higher. Somewhere at the top, they disappear. As well brightness can be different from very low to very strong. Professional viewers are aware of a more detailed classification of these celestial lights’ shapes or behaviours.
Shapes of the Northern Lights – Summary
To sum up, the shapes of the Aurora Borealis are unique and the forms presented above are enough for the amateur observer. Currently, scientists use computer technologies to identify more complicated shapes.
People have discovered what these celestial lights are as technology has advanced. The fear of this phenomenon, which ruled for many years has been forgotten. In areas where the Northern Lights appear frequently, it has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Modern technologies allow us to prepare the Aurora Borealis forecast for the coming 27 days (sun rotation time).
When staying in Scandinavian countries there is no guarantee that we will see the Aurora Borealis. Despite forecasts, they can be unpredictable and occur at an unexpected time.
Where to see the Northern Lights?
60° and 75° latitude is the most common location for the occurrence of the Northern Lights.
There are a lot of places where you can see the beautiful Northern Lights. You can enjoy colorful night shows for example in Iceland near Reykjavik. Finland is also a perfect place to admire this phenomenon. Some of the most popular points include also Nellim and Ivalo located in Lapland. Scotland, the least frequently chosen destination, can also impress with the spectacular Northern Lights.
Northern lights in Norway
Norway passed the hard way since World War II. The country was occupied by German armies. In that period Norway was one of the poorest countries in Europe. The situation had changed because now it is one of the richest in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist destinations where you can see the Northern Lights.
Tromsø
Tromso Latitude: 69° 38′ 56.04″ N
It is well known that Sweden and Norway belong to places abundant in this phenomenon. After analyzing different locations with high frequencies of occurrence of the Northern Lights, the city of Tromsø is one of the best places where you can see them.
Check out one-of-a-kind Northern Lights tour: Overnight Lavvo stay with Fjords, Whales & Aurora
There is a lot of information about Tromsø as one of the most famous places to start a journey around Norway. About 100 years ago it was a base for many polar explorers. In that city, Roald Amundsen, one of the most popular travelers set up a crew for his expedition.
Admire the Northern Lights on a cruise from Tromsø
My ranking is based on the reviews which define Tromsø as the best place to observe the Aurora Borealis. The relevance of those opinions confirms the fact that the city is in the middle of the Northern Lights zone. Rotation of the planet results in that person living there can see this phenomenon around 6 pm and at midnight again.
Do you love fast cars? Enjoy Northern Lights with Tesla Experience
It is the second largest city in the Arctic Circle (after Murmansk in Russia). Tromsø became popular with visitors from the South. When they first time came there, they did not expect that civilized city in far Norway so they called it “Paris of the North.” 5 Tromsø was also known as “Gateway to the Arctic.” 6
5 Ham Anthony, Lonely Planet Norway, United States, Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd, 2011, p. 33
6 Proctor James, Ibidem, p. 149
Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø
There are many amazing festivals in Norway. One of them is for example the Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø. This event dates back to 1988. Annually, people gather together to listen to music and dance. Nowadays, the Northern Lights Festival attracts many people from all over the world.
Visit incredible Ice Domes and look out for Reindeer!
The midnight sun in Norway
In summer people living in Tromsø experience the midnight sun (from the end of May to end of the July). During wintertime in southern Norway, the Sun is visible for 6-7 hours. From the end of November to half of January, the Sun does not appear at all in Tromsø. During that period the Sun is below the horizon but in the city, there is no complete darkness. People can see the Moon, stars, or the Northern Lights which enlighten this city.
Northern lights in Iceland
Snaefellsness Peninsula
Snaefellsness Peninsula Latitude: 64° 52′ 13.0008″ N
By Chris from the Around the world with me
One of the best places to see the northern lights is the Snaefellsness Peninsula in Iceland. The Snaefellsness Peninsula juts out if the western side if the island, seemingly reaching towards Greenland.
Due to its rugged mountainous landscape and the fact that you’re never more than a few minutes’ drive from the coast, the weather on the peninsula is chaotic and unpredictable. That might not sound ideal for getting clear skies, but as Arctic regions are usually quite cloudy in the winter, the fast-moving weather of the peninsula means that you’re likely to get at least some clear skies almost every night. You just need patience.
On top of its ever-changing weather, the geographic location of Snaefellsness is almost always along the path of the solar winds and often has high KP forecasts. Clear skies and a high KP index are what you’ll need for a magical night of northern lights.
And have you seen how strikingly beautiful the peninsula is? Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and a view of the northern lights over the sharp, iconic peak is what winter dreams are made of.
When should you visit Snaefellsness Peninsula?
The best times to visit Snaefellsness for the Northern Lights are October and late March-April. The weather isn’t quite as bad as those brutal Icelandic winters, and solar storms are frequent around the equinoxes. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to get outside for some daytime activities like horse riding and hiking.
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula?
The most spectacular place to view the northern lights is from the Kirkjufell waterfall. That will allow you to see the mountain when the sky lights up green above it. However, there are many great spots to stop along the road that follows the peninsula’s coast.
Rent a car in Reykjavík and explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula on your own
For the best chance to see the lights in the comfort of your accommodation, you’ll want to stay outside of the towns. Nothing beats a warm Icelandic cabin, and the Halsabol Sumarhus cabins on Kirkjufell are the perfect spot to have a beer in the hot tub with the northern lights above. Another great location is also Kast Guesthouse, which is close to the natural geothermal pool. Once you visit the Snaefellsness Peninsula you’ll always want to return again!
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park Latitude: 64° 15′ 26.1756″ N
By Victoria of Iceland Trippers
Located just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park was established in 1930 and is one of the most popular stops on the Golden Circle. And that is mainly because this is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world.
Additionally, this place is where the country’s very first parliament was founded between the 10th and 18th centuries. Locally, though, this parliament is referred to as Alþing. And remnants from this institution still exist.
In fact, they can be seen at the historic Þingvellir Church and within the ruins of several stone structures around the park. So, if you want to learn more about this UNESCO site’s incredible history, head to the visitor’s center and enjoy an interactive exhibit about the park that will take around an hour to complete.
You’ll also love that this park is home to several natural features like the Silfra fissure, which is a perfect snorkeling spot since the water is extremely clear.
Snorkel in Silfra during winter and take amazing Underwater Photos
You can sign up for one of the Iceland Northern Lights tours and take advantage of the naturally dark skies that make it incredibly easy to spot. Plus, clouds sometimes stay on along the coast and don’t make their way here, making the Northern Lights simpler to see.
Admire the Northern Lights and Whales on a cruise from Reykjavik.
Also, enjoy the contrast of the dark lava rocks here with the stunning lights dancing through the sky. And as with most places in Iceland, the best time to visit and enjoy this amazing spectacle is between October and March.
Where to stay nearby Thingvellir National Park?
Then, when you’re ready to call it a night, head back to the capital and spend a luxurious night inside one of the gorgeous rooms at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.
It’s a sleek, contemporary hotel where guests can relax inside an on-site spa and enjoy a wide array of upscale services.
Evindarhólar
Evindarhólar Latitude: 63° 30′ 0″ N
Is it possible to capture Northern Lights with a phone?
Yes! Our picture above was taken with HUAWEI P20 Pro, which was the best mobile phone for night photography during our visit to Iceland. Although we love new gadgets, so we are currently testing Samsung Galaxy Ultra S22, which provides the best photo quality for mobiles in the market!
This remote place located a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik is an amazing spot to admire the Northern Lights in Iceland. A row of Welcome Holiday Homes by tall Icelandic mountains provides a beautiful setting for sky photography.
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is just a 20-minute walk from Welcome Holiday Homes. You can swim there in Iceland’s oldest outdoors swimming pool before Aurora Hunting.
Check out Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit Iceland
Instant access to beautiful scenery while you are relaxing in one of the Welcome Holiday Homes makes Northern Lights chasing stress-free.
Just download the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app which will notify you about the Northern Lights in your current location. The light show in the sky can be very quick, so make sure that you won’t miss it!
During our Winter Trip to Iceland, it was the only place where we saw the Northern Lights. Clear sky and high solar activity are essential, so choose the best time to visit Iceland and stay for a night in the total wilderness.
Read My Guide about Trip to Iceland
If you want to go even further, Fosshotel Nupar is like an arctic base in Iceland. It is a long modern building which offers infinite views of mountains and glaciers.
Fosshotel Nupar is located a 1 hour 40 minutes drive from Evindarhólar or 3 hours 40 minutes from Reykjavik. You will not miss the Northern Lights even when you are sleeping. The hotel staff will take care of informing you about the colors dancing in the sky.
Vik
Vik Latitude: 63° 25′ 9.9984″ N
By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Vik, located along the South coast of Iceland, is perhaps best known for its dramatic landscapes. For example, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach offers inky shores, rugged sea stacks, and dramatic cliffs of columnar basalt. It’s so otherworldly-looking, it’s famously been used as a shooting location for Game of Thrones.
But, thanks to its limited light pollution and stunning surrounding scenery, Vik also happens to be one of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights. While the Aurora Borealis is visible from late August through mid-April throughout Iceland, the best time to see this incredible phenomenon is September through March.
Iceland is strongly associated with its Viking foundations. In Norse mythology, the Northern Lights were believed by some to be the reflection of the shields and armor of the Valkyrie, who chose which soldiers lived and died in battle.
While there’s no guarantee you’ll get to spot any Valkyrie while you’re here, there are plenty of incredible places to hunt down the Northern Lights in Vik. For example, the Vik I Myrdal Church, with its jaunty red roof, would make a picturesque foreground in your Northern Lights photos.
Alternatively, if you want a cozy place to watch the Northern Lights, consider heading 20 minutes west to Seljavallalaug Pool, which is nestled between the green Icelandic highlands and considered to be one of the best hot springs in Iceland. Could there be any better way to spend a night in the Land of Fire and Ice than soaking in a hot spring and keeping a watchful eye out for the Northern Lights?
Where to stay in Vik?
While you’re in Vik, consider booking a stay at Hotel Vík í Mýrdal, a mid-range hotel that makes a clean, modern building feel very cozy and hygge. It’s the perfect place to warm up after a night chasing the aurora!
Northern Lights in Finland
Pyhän Asteli Aurora Igloos & Suites
Pyhän Asteli Resort Latitude: 67° 2′ 59″ N
By Bradley from Dream Big Travel Far
Another excellent place to see the Northern Lights is from an igloo hotel. It’s especially great for those who want to experience a few days of quiet. Pyhän Asteli Aurora Igloos & Suites is a four-star hotel ensconced in the heart of Pyhätunturi, a ski town in the east of Lapland in Northern Finland.
Nestled in an area with much-reduced light pollution, your chances of seeing an aurora are higher. Stay in one of their igloo-styled chalets with glass domes as ceilings, and you can stay up to spot the bewitching polar lights right from the comfort of your own bed. It really is such a relaxing and easy way to watch the Northern Lights.
Pyhän Asteli Aurora Igloos & Suites is also a short drive from Ski Resort Pyhä
The property itself offers every imaginable facility you’ll want for a pleasant stay: shared lounge, barbecue, sauna, restaurant, free WiFi and parking, and even bike hire! Best of all, it’s only three minutes away from the beach, which means you can spend the day enjoying the coastal view and the night hunting for the Northern Lights.
At Pyhätunturi, you can experience the ultimate snow holiday. With reindeer roaming free and husky safaris to horse riding trails, country skiing, and ice climbing, the possibilities are endless. It’s truly a fantastic place to celebrate Christmas in Lapland.
Moreover, Finland is famous for having The Everyman’s Rights, which states that all of the country’s nature is free for all to enjoy. This means that you can explore the surrounding woods on foot and bask in the cool breeze without the limits.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi Latitude: 66° 30′ 11.0124” N
By Megan from Megan Starr
One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights is in Rovaniemi, Finland. Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland and the northern part of the country. The clear (but dark!) skies and low light pollution make it an epic place to witness the Aurora.
If you’re an expert in finding the Northern Lights, you can head almost anywhere in Northern Finland and spot them. However, if you’re a rookie, you will find it much easier to book a tour to do so and Rovaniemi has a handful of tours that will take you into the wilderness to spot the Northern Lights.
