Have you ever heard about northern lights? They’re also known as the aurora borealis, and are typically visible in the sky in the high latitude, namely Arctic and Antarctic regions. Where to see northern lights? Keep reading to discover the best places and learn what makes this phenomenon so special!

Table of contents

Northern lights – what are they? Origin & characteristics

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display that is often seen in the night sky in the northern hemisphere.

The lights are created when charged particles from the sun interact with the atmosphere. The particles are attracted to the earth’s magnetic poles, and when they collide with atoms in the atmosphere, they create a mesmerizing light show that can be seen in a variety of colors, including green, pink, purple, and red.

When is the best time to see northern lights?

When is the best time to see northern lights? Typically, it’s the period from September to April, when the nights are longer and the air is clearer. If you want to see the strongest lights, you should observe the sky between 9pm and 2am.

This natural phenomenon has been occurring for centuries. It’s a beautiful light display that can be seen in a variety of colors and it’s a great way to experience the night sky in a different way.

The northern lights can be observed in various corners of the world, but some of the best places to see them are in Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska.

What’s the best place in Europe to see northern lights?

What are the best places to see northern lights? Seeing the northern lights is a bucket-list item for many people, and with good reason – they’re an incredible natural phenomenon. If you’re thinking of chasing them, here’s a list of places you should visit:

  • Abisko, Sweden – Abisko National Park is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Europe. The park is located in the Swedish Lapland, close to the border with Norway. This area is known for its clear skies, making it an ideal spot for aurora watching.
  • Tromsø, Norway – the city is situated on an island, offering stunning views of the aurora. There are also plenty of tour operators organizing northern lights excursions, as well as other winter activities such as dog sledding and snowmobiling.
  • Reykjavik, Iceland – Reykjavik is a great option for those looking to see the northern lights without venturing too far north. The city is located just below the Arctic Circle, making it a good option for aurora watching.

best place to see northern lights

  • Rovaniemi, Finland – Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and another place where you can see northern lights. What are the best spots for watching aurora borealis? You should check out the top of Ounasvaara hill, or the banks of the Kemijoki river.
  • Yellowknife, Canada – the best time to see the northern lights in Yellowknife is between September and April, when the nights are long and dark. Head out of town to one of the many lakes, where you can set up a chair and blanket and enjoy the show.
  • Kiruna, Sweden – it’s one of the best places in the world to see northern lights in Europe, and there are many ways to enjoy this natural phenomenon. One option is to go on a guided tour, where you can learn about the lights while also admiring the stunning scenery. You can also head out on your own and try to spot the lights in the night sky.

Northern lights in Europe. The takeaway

The northern lights are a natural light display that is often seen in the night sky in the northern hemisphere. They’re a captivating sight and should be definitely put on a bucket list of everyone visiting countries like Finland, Norway or Ireland.

Are you looking for the best northern lights in Europe? Download the YouMap social mapping app and explore more noteworthy locations!