When Sky Plays Stage To The Dance Of Lights

Aurora borealis (northern lights) and aurora australis (southern lights), a natural phenomenon in which bright lights get splendidly displayed across the sky. Predominantly visible in the high-latitude regions, the aurorae are elusive but worth it. A collision between the sun’s charged particles and earth’s atmosphere particles results into a colorful and dancing light show. 

The aurorae are visible in a few locations around the world. Here is a list of best places to see the northern/ southern lights. 

See The Sky Light Up 

Iceland

Iceland is a country blessed with divine natural beauty and plentiful aurorae-viewing-sites. In Iceland, you can view the northern lights from anywhere, but the best viewing spots are the beautiful beaches of Iceland which offer clear skies. Seltjarnarnes in Reykjavik, Vik, Látrabjarg/Westfjords and, Eldborgahraun, Djúpavík are popular places to view the northern lights as well. 

• Best time to visit: Late August to early April

Alaska

To view the aurorae, a cold, long, dark nights with clear skies are the pre-requisites. All of these requisitions are taken care of entirely in Alaska, thus making it ideal for spotting the northern lights. Don’t be worried about facing the extreme cold weather as you can also gaze the sky from the steaming hot springs. Denali National Park of Fairbanks is a popular place in Alaska for viewing. Armed with its forecast system, they offer tours to take visitors away from city lights. 

• Best time to visit: Late August to mid- April

Northern Canada

Spotting the northern lights in Canada is no less than an adventure in itself. An Aurora paradise, Yukon in Northern Canada is a vast wilderness with untamed bears and caribou roaming freely. Within the country, Wood Buffalo and Jasper National Park with low light pollution are also popular viewing spots. 

• Best time to visit: Mid-August to early April

Norway

The gulf stream coastline, magnificent fjords and, Lyngen Alps along with bright aurorae make Norway the most picturesque spot. The ease to get around in the country adds to the comfort in chasing the northern lights. You can spot the northern lights at multiple locations, but Tromso is the most popular. Other areas include Svalbard, the Lofoten Islands, Harstad, Bodo, Alta, Andoya, and Lakselv.

• Best time to visit: Mid-September to late March

Sweden

Sweden is a famous destination for chasing the aurora, and its sparse population helps in lowering the light pollution the minimum. An added advantage of choosing this place for northern light spotting is milder temperatures as compared to other popular regions like Canada and Russia. Relax at the world’s first ICEHOTEL while nature puts up a spectacular light show. The other locations are Abisko, Tärendö, Jukkasjärvi, and Farnebofjarden National Park.

• Best time to visit: Mid-September to March-end

Finland

Finland is a less popular choice owing to its frigid temperatures. But the possibility of spotting aurorae from plentiful places nearly every other night makes it an optimal choice. However, you can relax in a glass-igloo and view the northern lights from the comfort of your bed. Destinations such as Nellim, Muotka, Saariselkä, Menesjärvi, Inari, Harriniva, Jeris, Torassieppi, and Kilpisjärvi are famous for viewing. 

• Best time to visit: Mid-September to March-end

Greenland 

Positioned perfectly in the aurora zone, Greenland is not yet famous amongst the aurora enthusiasts making it a perfect location to visit. But be prepared to face the lack of roads and travel through plane or boat. Ilulissat and Nuuk are famous spots for viewing. 

• Best time to visit: Mid-August to April-end

Russia

Russia showcases a fantastic display of northern lights, provided you brave up to the below-freezing temperatures of the Siberian winter. With low light pollution, long dark nights and cold temperatures make Siberia a perfect place to see the northern lights. The famous sites for aurora viewing are Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, Petrozavodsk.

• Best time to visit: September to March

New Zealand 

Southern lights are not as popular as northern lights but are nonetheless breathtaking. New Zealand is one of the popular places to view the aurorae. A combination of location and low light pollution make it a perfect spot to see the southern lights. The sites that are popular for spotting include Stewart Island, Lake Tekapo, Dunedin, Invercargill, The Catlins, Queenstown, and Christchurch.

• Best time to visit: March to September

Tasmania

The unique beauty of Tasmania only elevates the charm of aurora australis. Tasmania is the southernmost tip of Australia and presents the best odds for aurorae. Affordability and pristine nature are also a win-win on this trip. The Southern Peninsula (south of Hobart), Mount Nelson, Mount Wellington, Rosny Hill, Seven Mile, are few locations that are ideal for southern lights. 

• Best time to visit: March to September

Antarctica

Truly pristine and untouched, Antarctica is an aurora paradise. For an otherworldly experience of turquoise glaciers, penguins and snowy hills along with a mindblowing display of light in the sky, this place should be on your list. You can practically view the southern lights from any location here. 

•  Best time to visit: March