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. To help you narrow down a literal hemisphere of places to try and see the northern lights, weve pulled together the best places to see the northern lights from all of the posts weve written so far. Located along the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the continental United States. But one of the most memorable destinations is in Saariselk, where visitors will find the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Depending on your whims, your private pilot can whisk you away to soar over the sea cliffs; stop at a local winery to sample local vintages; or head south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Port Arthur, Tasmania's historic and most notorious prison. For the best chances to see aurora borealis, get away from city lights and look north between 10 p.m. Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday. This experience includes several sightseeing spots and a night spent under the magical northern skies in a bubble at the 5 Million Star Hotel. They're free and fun for everyone! The new Kelo-Glass igloosare attached to a log chalet and each havea private sauna and fireplace. This 13-day cruise itinerary departs from London for the North Sea with stops in ports of call that are top aurora-viewing locales, including Bod, Troms, Alta and Narvik. Its only a 15-minute drive to the Rainy Falls Visitor Center where you can admire the northern sky and aurora from the coast. 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. This ring-shaped zone sits over the Earth's geomagnetic North Pole, where aurora activity is concentrated. Read on to discover the top destinations where you can see the kaleidoscopic northern and southern lights. 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. Northern Lights and arctic circle tour in Fairbanks. Lets just say these are all of the best places to see the northern lights in the world you just have to choose how far youre willing to travel! Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). This natural wonder can be found here up to 150 times a year. 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. If you want to explore this remote Arctic region further and have the incredible opportunity to see Greenland's endangered polar bears Quark Expeditions offers a 20-day tour that starts in Toronto and sails round trip from Kangerlussaq in mid-September. Each of these destinations is relatively easy to reach, has good geographic position for viewing the northern lights, and is popular among aurora-chasers. Head to the newNorth Pole Igloos Hotel, a pop-up glamping concept in the northernmost place on earth. Thanks to a winter storm blowing in, The Northern Lights may be visible here in Connecticut! Canada's Yukon Territory is the North American equivalent of the Lapland region in Finland and Sweden. Iceland is, for the most part, not a hugely developed country. Expect viewings from a glass Aurora Pod, inside heated domes with 360-degree views, from an isolated cabin deep in the boreal forest and in a tepee warmed by a campfire at a dog mushers camp. The northern part of the country is dark in the early afternoon until late morning from the end of September to late March. On the shores of Great Slave Lake, travelers have a 95% chance of spotting the lights. Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland Best time and places, Seeing the Northern Lights in Canada Best time and places, Northern Lights in Norway The best times and places, 10 Best Things to Do at Lake Mead, Nevada, Orion Calendar 2023 Orion viewing planner, Best Time to See the Milky Way + 2023 Milky Way Chart. However, all hope is not lost if you seek to view the aurora australis in Antarctica. 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. Youll see a selection of aurora destinations in North America and Europe (we didnt include Siberia in Asia due to the difficulty of winter travel there!). Late-season expedition cruises to the last continent offered in March also bring the opportunity to view the southern lights and enjoy Antarctica's fleeting summer. 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. The route extends around the coastline of the entire country, allowing visitors to chase the Northern Lights each night based on their projected intensity and visibility. This iconic property situated along the shoreline of Lake Huron is happy to notify guests of potential northern lights sightings, no matter when they occur throughout the night. Lokacija: Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Wiseman, Utqiagvik, Nome. Experts from the National Park Service are onboard to provide commentary, offering guests insight on what they are viewing. Tags: Travel, Alaska Vacations, Europe Vacations, US Vacations, Vacation Ideas. The Iceland Winter Multi-Active Private is a five-day northern lights adventure that kicks off in Reykjavik and includes hikes through otherworldly landscapes and soaking in steaming hot springs. In addition to the aurora, Orkney is home to breathtaking coastal landscapes and more sheep than you can count. That's right - you don't need to board a plane to Norway in order to see this phenomenon. Still, Thingvellir National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland. Northern Irelands northern county, Country Atrim, is a great option for trying to see the northern lights in this part of the Irish isles. Visitors can even camp on a nearby ice sheet while basking in the glow. Escape the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital with one of these refreshing weekend getaways. Read on to learn the best places where you can see the aurora in America. It's also a quieter time to visit as many of the expedition lines have moved their ships to warmer regions around the world. best time and places to see Northern Lights in Sweden. Maine's Acadia National Park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park that offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights. The effect of the northern lights inside Icelandairs Hekla Aurora plane. Some years they can be seen as early as August. If you visit in March, plan to attend the monthlong Snowkings' Winter Festival, which features events and activities like a snow-carving competition, an ice slide, a snow castle, live music and more. At the time of publication, the SWPC's 3-Day Forecast projects a G1 watch starting early on December 10 with various levels of that lasting until the early morning hours of December 11. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! / Getty Images. What better way to minimize the cloud cover then getting above them and being surrounded by the northern lights? says Icelandairs Sigrur Einarsdttir, who has witnessed the lights on multiple occasions in flight. Gwen Pratesi and Amanda NorcrossJan. This territory is governed by the Cree, one of the largest groups of First Nations in North America. Pro-tip: Colettes Bed & Breakfastoutside Port Angeles has a north-facing property that looks out over the Straight of Juan de Fuca toward Canada. Looking for a hidden gem in Alaska? You can learn more about my mission here or read about me and the rest of the team here. With its arctic location and dark skies, Yellowknife is one of the most famous places in Canada to see the northern lights. the best Northern Lights hotels in Canada, the best time and places to see Northern Lights in Canada. But the country's landscapes are free of light pollution and often have clear skies, making it a great destination for adventurous travelers looking to avoid more popular places to see the auroras. Like its Scandinavian counterparts, darkness comes early and stays late throughout the fall and winter monthsa prime time to visit if you want to see the Northern Lights for yourself. However, if youre going to see the northern lights in Washington,Olympic National Parkis one of the best spots to see it when skies are clear. If you're up for the Arctic adventure, December is the ideal month to visit Abisko National Park, which is regarded as one of the best places on Earth to see the lights dance across the sky. 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. After a long wait, Swedens highly anticipatedArctic Bath Hotel and Spaa floating architectural wonderis finally set to open in January, 2020. But dont limit yourself: You can also spot the southern lights in the southern hemisphere. Your email address will not be published. Iceland is a popular destination for aurora watches, and for good reason. The mountainous island is the only place on the planet where it's entirely possible to see the aurora 365 days a year due to its latitude and its moderate seasonal and light changes. Courtesy of Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks. But the Northern Lights are so amazing that they are worth traveling for just to see them firsthand. McGulpin Point and Johnson Point are both good viewing spots; McGulpin Point Lighthouse is just outside the park but also a good contender. Despite this, you dont have to worry too much about light pollution interfering with your view. The "season" for seeing the aurora borealis runs from September to April. The glass igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland. 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. From big-city adventures to small-town escapes, these locales highlight some of Middle America's top destinations. New England is one of the most densely populated parts of the United States. Because most of the country is remote and largely unpopulated, Greenland is an often-overlooked destination for travelers chasing the Northern Lights. Explore the top hands-free travel bag options for a variety of adventures. This beautiful place is under the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone showcasing much of the action. However, these auroras are sudden and short-lived. Depending on the time of year, the six overwater cabins float on the Lule River or are frozen into it. There are also other stargazing opportunities throughout the year at Headlands. If you'd prefer to chase the lights with a curated tour, Visit Abisko leads 4.5-hour tours with professional photographers and aurora-chasing guides in October and November. The hotel also organizes an ice-cap tour nearby. 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. For a custom guided tour to view the nighttime lights display, including the Milky Way and the constellations, you can hire Voyageurs Outfitters. Even as late as the end of March or the beginning of April, you may still get a glimpse of these undulating rainbows. And since the lodge is off-the-grid, theres minimal artificial light to interfere with prime aurora viewing. "We wantedto create a spacefor womenwho are ready for the next big adventure of their lives,where they canfeel empowered to be themselvesin one of the wildest places on the planet," said Van Dinther. The park is located far away from any city lights which might interfere with your view. The best places in the world are usually closer to the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. CONNECTICUT A solar storm that made a "direct hit" to Earth Tuesday and more developing storms could trigger aurora borealis displays in Connecticut and in areas where the northern lights . This is especially true between the months of October and April. This post was originally written in October 2020, and was updated most recently in December 2022. The bitter cold that often comes with witnessing the northern lights can be a real deterrent. Theres only one place! Without a doubt, Glacier National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Montana. (Fairbanks is substantially farther north than Anchorage, and more close to the Auroral Oval.). The Stamford Town Center will turn into a 20,000-square-foot interactive holiday event featuring reindeer, lights and more until Dec. 24. The Shetlands are one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Scotland. There is even a Facebook group calledOrkney Aurora Groupwhere local residents and enthusiasts post the latest information. The largest urban area in Northern Norway and the world's third largest city above the Arctic Circle, Troms lies . Travelers stay in heated glass-enclosed igloos with a glass ceiling roof and glass walls that allowguests to view the northern lights from bed. A quality travel stroller makes a world of difference when traveling with little ones. US Travel: 25 Best Places To Visit In 2020, Where To Go Next: 27 Best Places To Travel In 2020, Ranked: The Worlds 10 Worst Cities To Live (3 Are In The US), This Cruise Line Is Making History With The First Women-Led Cruise, This is a BETA experience. One of the world's best locations to behold the aurora borealis, Canada is home to 80-90% of all accessible land located under the Aurora Oval, the area with the strongest . But there's another phenomenon that causes the northern lightscoronal holes. 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. That said, the city of Rovaniemi is among the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights. But some placeslike Abisko National Parkare especially outstanding. Saariselk is well-known for its glass igloos where you can sleep under the open starry sky and see the northern lights from a bed. You can catch an even better glimpse from the top of the Greenland Ice Cap. Top 5 Best Places to See the Northern Lights, 23. Northern Hemisphere. That makes it a great destination for stargazing in general and for experiencing the aurora borealis specifically. 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. Some of the most popular places are near towns or interesting geologic features, but if youre traveling Iceland on your own, you can set up pretty much anywhere on a good night and get a great view. 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. This densely wooded and hilly area in Reykjavik sits at 200 feet above sea level and has walkways and paths where you can see the nighttime show. For U.S. citizens, the top no-passport-required destination for seeing the northern lights is Alaska. From this vantage point, you'll be able to see the Snfellsjkull glacier; Keilir, a volcanic mountain; and Esja, the mountain of Reykjavik. However, you will have to contend with the light from nearby communities like Bar Harbor when trying to view the northern sky from Cadillac Mountain. Lapland is located within the Arctic Circle in the northernmost part of Finland. While the auroras are on display regularly in the Orkneys, they are not as predictable and reliable as they are in some other places. 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. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Hotel Kangerlussuaq , 3910 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland; +299 841180 I had the chance to visit Mayo Dark Sky Park last year just after they received dark sky park designation, and can attest that its incredibly dark here! At FinlandsKakslauttanen Arctic Resortyou can spythe northern lights through a glass igloo. The small, northern Swedish town of Jukkasjrvi is famous for being the location of the worlds first Ice Hotel. Located across Puget Sound from bustling and brightSeattle, you can make your way to the small communities of Port Angeles or Sequim to base yourself for a weekend chasing the aurora. In fact, its the only place in the world where the Northern Lights can be seen in thedaytime. the best Northern Lights hotels in Norway. Additionally, the Faroe Islands are less developed than other parts of Europe and this remoteness ensures a lack of light pollution to interfere with your aurora viewing. Those can last for months, and, as Rodney explains: "as the sun . 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. Best Place to See Northern Lights . The auroras are active in Voyageurs all year round and can be seen during any month of the year. During the summer, the days are long in Lapland, limiting the opportunities for the aurora borealis to appear. But where should you go if youre trying to see the aurora borealis? Your email address will not be published. It provides one of the best views of the aurora borealis you can possibly see. Its the best way to see thenorthernlights, explore ice caves and avoid the crowds. 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. Today its a prime destination to try and see the northern lights. The aircrafts main cabin features dramatic LED-lighting that mimics the northern lights. The tour company Hidden Iceland has launched new family-friendly private trips. As the days shorten in length, you may encounter dustings of snow across the otherworldly landscape and ice starting to form on the water's surface. Its not cheapstaying here costs a cool 95,000 (about $105,000), which includesa one-night stay in the North Pole, as well astwo nights in nearby Svalbard, plus transportation, meals and guides. Not only does it have excellent restaurants and accommodations, but it also has good access to the Ring Road. During your visit, don't miss the panoramic views of the city from the building's fourth-floor observation deck. If you're patient and the weather cooperates, chances are, you won't be disappointed. When it comes to wildlife viewing, humpback whale sightings are abundant, and you'll still see penguin colonies including king and gentoo penguins. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once! Milky Way Calendar 2023 Best Milky Way viewing planner, Even though Iceland is not above the Arctic Circle, there are very. (Getty Images). The Aurora Borealis. 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. The Nellim Wilderness Hotel also offers aurora-focused "kotas" (inspired by traditional Smi huts), as well as cabins and bubble-shaped accommodations for two where guests can watch the dancing lights from their warm, cozy beds. The town is located about 15 miles north of Tartu in central Estonia's Tartu County. Credit: Unsplash Headlands International Dark Sky Parkwas one of the first ten dark sky parks in the world, established in 2011! Best time to see the northern lights in Iceland. Bonus: The towns street lights are turned off every night to help maximize the viewing. 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. Located 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, Troms is one of several top spots to view the northern lights in Norway. Figuring out where to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks doesn't have to be difficult. However, almost every town on the south shore of Lake Superior offers a solid chance to see elusive northern lights. When geomagnetic storms are big enough, the northern lights can be visible as far south as . Look for 15 unique art suites, a ceremony hall for weddings, an outdoor installation,a frozen-over amusement park and an observation deck thats perfect for viewing the northern lights. [Read: The Top Things to Do in Michigan.]. It could be visible between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., but it is difficult to predict. Saariselk is also known for its glass igloos, which are perfect for snuggling up and staying warm while viewing the aurora. In a country where the Northern Lights are a common occurrence, Troms is quite possibly the best place to witness the light show for yourself. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can book two- or four-person igloos at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. To get there, head toAbisko National Parkand ride a 20-minute chairlift to the viewing tower. If youre willing to make the trek,Acadia National Parkis one of the best destinations in the region. One of the worlds best locations to behold the aurora borealis, Canada is home to 80-90% of all accessible land located under the Aurora Oval, the area with the strongest geomagnetic activityproducing the worlds brightest and most frequent displays of the northern lights. Absolutely! Widely referred to as "the Crown of the Continent", the park is a national gem for a multitude of reasons, not least because of the unparalleled views it boasts of the unfiltered night sky. The beautiful Mackinac Bridge that traverses the Straits of Mackinac and connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan is one of the best places in the state to make a perfect northern lights photo. Stewart Island is regarded as one of the top spots to see the brilliant display in New Zealand, with 85% of the island encompassed by Rakiura National Park, so there are few people and virtually no light pollution. It . Guests will be able to kayak right under the property, go ice climbing, indulge in night fishing andbest of allsee spectacular northern lights views. Here, the Northern Lights are common throughout the year, but due to the midnight sun, they aren't visible during the height of summer. Made famous for being home to many of Canadas polar bears, the Arctic area of Churchill, Manitoba is a popular destination for winter wildlife expeditions. That means that in the New England states, its hard to find a good dark sky! But because the Earth's magnetic field tends to pull the energized particles towards the poles, the celestial light show tends to mostly be seen at a more northerlyor southerlylatitude. Travelers can also visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several monuments dating back 5,000 years. You can also watch for elephant seals, leopard seals, wandering albatross and other species of birds. Fairbanks. Updated: 8:06 PM EST December 10, 2020. Mullet Peninsula, connected to the mainland at the town of Belmullet, has extensive coastline with expansive northern sky views. 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 places to see the aurora borealis offer little to no light pollution, clear skies and no precipitation. For a festive holiday experience in the winter, visit the Santa Claus House in the city of North Pole (around 15 miles southeast of Fairbanks). Inside those unique accommodations, they can watch the sky overhead without ever having to venture out into the cold arctic air. While the auroras appear less frequently there, in December and January each year, they can be seen illuminating the heavens. From soft to firm and everywhere in between, these travel pillows are the best options for your next trip. A view of the northern lights and the Aurora Sky Station. Since the northern lights can appearand disappearin a snap, its important to be on alert throughout the night. You can read more about these 5 spots below, as well as 20 alternatives that are also good spots to see the northern lights but less popular and/or further off the beaten path. By day, you can explore local history and cultural museums to get a sense for Russian history. This is due to its high latitude and proximity to major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. At the7 Fells Hostel in Finland, the ownerTinjaa retired backpackeris serious when it comes to spotting the lights. This Viking Ocean Cruises itinerary is offered from mid-January to mid-March. Its a truly fascinating place to stay while you wait for the Northern Lights to appear. I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. Between May to September, the weather is mild around Fairbanks and skies tend to be clear. Try to find a place where the sky is clear, dark and free of clouds. Tasmania sits approximately 150 miles south of Australia between the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Copyright, Juan Pelegrn. You may opt-out by. One of the most unique ways to view the northern lights? As one might imagine, the Faroe Islands are the best place to see the northern lights in Denmark. Liard River Hot Springs, further north, is a bucket-list must. Its combination of ideal location, clear skies, and low population makes it an optimal spot for witnessing this incredible phenomenon. Required fields are marked *, Hi! Its location on the auroral oval makes it an excellent spot to go hunting for the Northern Lights. At Hotel Rang, a luxurious lodge 90 minutes outside Reykjavk, the staff will wake you u pwhen the northern lights appear. The northern reaches of Norway are nicely nestled within the Arctic circle, and the mega-long nights in winter make perfect aurora viewing conditions. Hands down, Alaska is the best place to see the northern lights in the United States, thanks to its geographic location and dark skies . The Aurora might be visible at 45 degrees, 30 degrees or even lower on the horizon depending on its brightness. The city is located in the northern region of the state, which is ideal for viewing the aurora borealis. Artists Point, Grand Marais, Cook County - This location in Grand Marais supplies beautiful views of the lights at night and Lake Superior during the day. But first, there are a few things to know. Like Norway, Finland has plenty of great places to spot the Northern Lights, particularly in its Lapland region. For many travelers, witnessing the Northern Lights ranks high on the "must-do" list. Most often, those waves are green in color, but they can also be yellow, red, orange, blue, and even white. In the solar maximum, the sun is more "active", leading to northern lights that are caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). 3. While there, you can also spend a magical evening outdoors under star-filled skies during a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests. Connecticut is on the edge of visibility for a Northern . The rooms also feature beds with reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags so you can bundle up during the night. With the village's origins dating back to the 17th century, you'll still find some of the original homesteads, including an old timber cottage. The Faroe Islands, Denmark. The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of more than 100 islands, sitting between Norway and Scotland. Spotting the northern lights from The Lodge at Black Rapids in Alaska. With its position in the middle of the auroral oval, the city puts on one of the world's most awe-inspiring light shows from mid-November to the beginning of April. You can also visit Alatskivi Castle, go snowshoeing in the Mnnikjrve bog or explore Elistvere Animal Park. Lisa Jacobs/Flickr. Because of its protection as a national park, theres limited development and less light pollution. Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 N Rd #9606, East Windsor, CT 06088, USA. Keep your curtains open and you may even see the Northern Lights from your room. Ryan Knapp, a meteorologist for the Mt. You can pair your pursuit of the auroras with a trip to see the polar bears, or simply visit to chase the northern lights. This beautiful property is just minutes by foot from Oban village and the property will pick you up at the airport or ferry terminal for your stay. 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). You can also check out Voyageurs Forest Overlook, Beaver Pond Overlook and the Kettle Falls Dam area for top-notch views. Together with a visit to the festive visitor's center, you'll feel like you're immersed in a winter wonderland! 3. Take northern lights photography lessons with an expert, explore the surrounding untouched wilderness or just relax in the spa, which is built around a plunge pool that is open to the aurora borealis-streaked skies. Lapland is a region that stretches across the northernmost sections of Finland and Sweden and is home to the Indigenous Sami people. Sweden is another Scandinavian country where the Northern Lights are visible from just about anywhere. One of those special places is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness within Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Voyageurs is working toward an International Dark Sky Park designation to highlight and preserve the vast views, which it hopes to earn in 2020. That is due in large part to it being a sprawling, 218,000-acre wilderness that's almost completely free of artificial lights or manmade structures of any kind. For the more adventurous aurora seekers, head to the top of the Greenland Ice Cap for spectacular views of the lights: This impressive glacier covers 80 percent of the country and is accessible via the tiny town of Kangerlussuaq. HARTFORD, Conn Mother Nature may be providing her own, rare, holiday light show for Connecticut! It's situated in a forested area on Lake Saadjrv, which is one of the 10 deepest and largest lakes in the country. This resort town is around 70 miles north of the town of Rovaniemi, set among the picturesque and hilly landscape of Pyh-Luosto National Park. Troms is the largest city in northern Norway. These areas are located well within the auroral oval, a ring . See the northern lights without getting out of bed at one of these hotels. The tundra of Kalaallit Nunaat (the Greenlandic name for the country) is one of the best places on the globe to see the aurora, especially from October to April. There are rustic snow igloos surrounded bysnow or heatedglass igloos withprivatebathrooms. For your stay, reserve accommodations at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart. And the best place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is in the Shetlands. This phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with gaseous particles, such as oxygen and nitrogen. This is a short-term forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. Reykjavk makes an excellent base camp for visitors looking to explore everything that Iceland has to offer. Nestled in Canada's westernmost part, the views here of the aurora borealis are one of the best. CONNECTICUT A rare glimpse of the Northern Lights could treat Connecticut residents as the spectacular sky show is predicted to be visible in northern U.S. states on Saturday. If you're staying for several days, book accommodations with harbor views at the Scandic Ishavshotel. There is a three-night package available where you can watch this amazing phenomenon from the comfort of a cabin. (Martha Shuff/Courtesy of Voyageurs National Park). During other times of the year, Cunard also offers special Northern Lights cruises in Norway. Best places to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch into Thursday. To start planning your trip, use ourguide to stargazing in Acadia National Park. While no city is perfect for seeing the northern lights, Reykjavik, and Iceland in general, are well placed and have limited light pollution. Today the village boasts about 800 residents and more than 1,000 dogs. It also gets surprisingly dark here at night, which makes it a fantastic spot to view the Northern Lights. See Related: Best Finland Igloo Hotels You Can't-Miss. This excursion includes round-trip transportation to the resort from town, a soak in the hot springs, dinner at the on-site restaurant, a visit to the Aurora Ice Museum and an aurora viewing tour in a snowcat. best time and places to see Northern Lights in Norway. On the Finland Winter Multi-Active, expect a magical winter journey under the northern lightsdashing through pine forests with huskies, taking a nighttime snowmobile ride and traveling with reindeer. When night falls on clear evenings, look for the light show in the southern sky. And hardcore skiing families should set their sights on the remote Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, where you can lounge in the outdoor hot tub and scout the sky for the auroras after a day spent heli-skiing the pristine surrounding slopes. This massive fjord was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is something anyone visiting town must see. There is a chance that people in parts of Connecticut could get the rare chance to see the Northern Lights tonight after a change in the forecast late last night and it comes at a time when we . There are some accessible places . Nearby Kola Peninsula is a good place to hunt for the Northern Lights, and from December 24 to January 5, 2018, the city itself is opening a 'Snow Village' installation a town built entirely . This massive glacier, which covers 80% of the country, is accessible in Kangerlussuaq. The Best Tourist Attraction in Every State, The Easiest Way to Renew an Expired Passport, California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. Northern Lights Resort and Spa, Canada. Seeing the Northern Lights is an event that often gets a spot on many bucket lists, but traveling north toward Alaska, Canada and the North Pole might not be necessary to accomplish it. She grew up in Alaska, has lived across the U.S., and traveled around the world to enjoy the night sky from many different perspectives. The best time to visit is between December and March. [See more of Tasmania: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Greenland Travel offers five-day winter tours to Kangerlussuaq that include visiting Greenland's ice sheet, dog-sledding and viewing the northern lights. Cruise lines that offer March voyages include Scenic, Silversea Cruises, Aurora Expeditions, Viking and Ponant. Regarded as one of the top spots in the U.S. to see the aurora, Headlands International Dark Sky Park sits at the top of Michigan's lower peninsula, less than 5 miles from Mackinaw City. Before jumping into the full list of great places to see the aurora borealis, I thought it might be good to start with five of the best ones. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Among northern states, Michigan was one of the first to embrace the dark sky preservation movement. 11, 2023, Stacey Zable and Timothy J. ForsterJan. These towns on the Olympic Peninsulas northern coast are in the rain shadow of the mountains and have a good northern view if the weather cooperates. The park even maintains an online Clear Sky Chart so you can refer to the weather forecast before you go. With that in mind, here are eight of the best places to spot the northern lights in the U.S. 1. You can also chase the lights into the wilderness by snowmobile, take a dogsled ride under the stars or view them from a Smi tent atop the mountain Pska in Alta. The trip includes relaxing in the hot waters of theSecret Lagoon, the countrys oldest natural geothermal swimming pool. Idaho. 1. With Canada's Aurora | 360 you can see the northern lights at eye level. Washington Observatory, a scientific and educational nonprofit atop that peak, has seen the northern lights about three dozen times in the past 15 years . Its definitely going to be on your itinerary during a winter trip because Fairbanks is ideally located for viewing the northern lights. Which ones are still on your bucket list? Located on the Minnesota-Canada border, this park is open year-round but with limited services. Its position under the auroral oval also makes it an excellent spot to view the Northern Lights. Downpatrick Headis another option in County Mayo. In fact, most guided tour options will visit Murmansk as part of the itinerary. Destinations known for northern lights are often expensive. This ones just for the ladies. But a dedicated group of locals does chart the current activity and shares the best places to see the shimmering lights. If you are a true northern lights enthusiast, youll be delighted to find so many places in Scotland with great dark skies and good northern views. Stay away from places with street lightning such as Lerwick or you will be disappointed. The Shetland Islands are the British Isles closest to the North Pole. Manitoba is best known for polar bears, the Hudson Bay, and the northern lights in winter. Your best shot to see the aurora borealis is September through mid-May. Jkulsrln is a breathtaking glacial lake, and is one of Icelands greatest natural wonders and most popular tourist attractions. The optimal time for seeing the illuminated skies in the northern part of Sweden, in Swedish Lapland, is between early September and late March. Hostelworld is a great resource for affordable (under $30 per night) accommodations around the world to spot the northern lights. 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. 5. These durable carry-on bags are ideal for any upcoming vacation or business trip. Follow this author to stay notified about their latest stories. Visit Troms sells aurora-watching trips around the city of Troms in Norway. This makes them a good destination to see the northern lights in winter! The winter nights comealive in Alberta. The forecast lead time is the time it takes for the solar wind to travel from the L1 observation point to Earth. This is a hotel thats built entirely out of ice and snow every year. It also happens to be one of the most reliable places to see the Northern Lights, averaging 300 nights a year with the auroras overhead. 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. Spotting the aurora borealis from a train in Russia. Svart Hotel with a view of the northern lights. Weve ordered these alphabetically by country (i.e. Launched in February, 2019, this private-chartered 737 jet takes guests eye-level with the northern lights. The northernmost point in the county, this small peninsula has unobstructed views to the north all the way to the Arctic Circle! Heres another novel way to experience the magic of thenorthernlights: by rail. Check out the new Aurora Glass Chalets at theNorthern Lights Resort and Spa, complete with oor-to-ceiling windows for prime northern lights views from yourqueen-size bed. Finska. 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. 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. 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. During the day, head out on reindeer and snow tank safaris. Mackinaw City. 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. Kluane National Park is one of the best places in the area to do just that. In the U.K., the Northern Lights are known as the "Merry Dancers," and the best place to see them is on a remote archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland. A number of local guide services offer unique Northern Lights tours for visitors. 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. If this storm fizzles or you miss it, your chances of seeing the northern lights are greater than ever right now. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan, guide to stargazing in Acadia National Park, The 6 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Greenland, The 21 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Europe This Winter, The 8 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand. Over a typical winter, a keen observer checking the skies on every clear night could certainly expect to see the aurora several times, with a number of low-level displays and possibly one or two more spectacular ones. The Aurora Sky Station is one of the best vantage points to see the aurora in the park, with experts on hand to answer questions about the science behind this fascinating phenomenon. Many people overlook Greenland as an aurora destination, but Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. If you plan your vacation within these parameters, and allow at least 4 days for your stay, you have a very good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. 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. largest offer of Northern Lights hotels in the world. The entire area covers more than 38,000 square miles, much of which remains remote and untamed. The legendary Icehotelthe world's first hotel of ice and snow inthe north ofSwedenis celebrating its 30th anniversary with dazzling new installments and an ephemeral art exhibition. By Caitlin Morton. That's because the naturally-occurring light show might be visible in Connecticut and throughout New England . Slemish Mountainprovides excellent foreground forastrophotography; its located outside the town of Ballymena but far enough to reduce light pollution. The area is extremely remote, and visitors will also have the chance to see animals like .

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