Let’s talk about science first. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are natural lights that appear in the sky in regions near the Arctic Circle. They show up when charged particles from the sun, such as protons and electrons, strike gases in Earth’s atmosphere. After the collision, the charged particles release green, pink, red, and purple lights. If you are preparing to explore the Northern Lights and have already checked some of the best travel insurance online, here are some places you can pack your bags for.
Top Places to See the Northern Lights
Here is the list of eight places to view the Aurora Borealis:
Tromso, Norway
Famous as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic,’ this place has many things to offer tourists. Besides watching the Northern Lights, drive to the Arctic Cathedral to admire its architecture and visit the Polar Museum to learn about the tales of Arctic expeditions. Don’t miss the Fjellheisen Cable Car to view the surrounding fjords.
To visit this place, you can take a direct flight from Oslo or other European countries to Tromsø Airport (Langnes). If you have a decent budget, you can take a cruise or the Hurtigruten coastal ferry.
Swedish Lapland
Located in the far north of Sweden, the untouched wilderness and rich Sámi culture are something you cannot afford to miss. When here, visit the world’s first Ice Hotel in Kiruna. If you love hiking or are looking for aurora spotting, head to Abisko National Park.
To reach Swedish Lapland, you can take a flight from Stockholm to Kiruna Airport or Luleå Airport. Another option is to take an overnight train from Stockholm to Kiruna or Abisko.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital city of Iceland, and also the northernmost capital in the world, offers the best view of the Aurora Borealis between September and April. Some must-visit attractions here are Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall.
You can also spare some time to relax in the geothermal spa at the Blue Lagoon. Once done, head to the Old Harbour area to spend quality time at cafés, shops, or on whale-watching tours. To reach Reykjavik, fly to Keflavík International Airport, which is around 50 km from the city. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car.
Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
Do you know that Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, was once the hometown of Santa Claus? Maybe not. Ideal for viewing the Northern Lights from September to April, when visiting here, do explore Santa Claus Village, Arktikum Museum, and the Science Centre. If you love clicking polar animals in natural settings, Ranua Wildlife Park is the place to go. A winter visit to Rovaniemi also lets you enjoy husky and reindeer safaris and snowmobile rides.
To visit Rovaniemi, you can take a direct flight or opt for an overnight train journey from Helsinki with sleeper cabins.
Ilulissat, Greenland
Located on Greenland’s west coast, this town is famous for the Ilulissat Icefjord, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Inuit culture. You might not be aware, but the icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord are part of one of the fastest-moving glaciers on Earth.
When here for the Northern Lights, make sure your travel bucket list includes the Ilulissat Museum and Disko Bay. To visit Ilulissat, you can fly from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, followed by a domestic flight to Ilulissat Airport.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard, Norway, is a remote Arctic archipelago located halfway between the North Pole and mainland Norway. Not only famous for the Northern Lights, Svalbard’s main settlement, Longyearbyen, is a must-visit because of its museums and cosy cafés.
When in Svalbard, do visit the Global Seed Vault, which houses seeds from almost all the world’s crops. You must also visit the abandoned Soviet mining town of Pyramiden. To visit Svalbard, you can take flights from Oslo and Tromsø connecting to Longyearbyen Airport.
Alaska, United States
Located in the United States, Alaska has two hot spots where you can watch the Northern Lights. One is Fairbanks and Denali National Park, and the other is Chena Hot Springs.
Besides the aurora borealis, there are countless things to explore in Alaska. You can visit Glacier Bay National Park, Kenai Fjords, Anchorage, and Juneau.
To reach Alaska’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport or Fairbanks International Airport, you can easily get a flight from Seattle, Chicago, or Los Angeles. A cruise ship from Vancouver is another option.
Yellowknife, Canada
The capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, makes the perfect destination for Northern Lights due to its location directly under the auroral oval. There are many places to explore in Yellowknife, you can take a tour to the Bush Pilots Monument, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Frame Lake, and Old Town.
To reach Yellowknife, you can fly directly into Yellowknife Airport (YZF) from major Canadian cities like Edmonton, Calgary, or Vancouver. Alternatively, if you love adventure, you can drive via the Mackenzie Highway and experience remote areas along the way.
Conclusion
For Indian travellers seeking to witness the Northern Lights, the countries listed above offer some of the best opportunities. Each destination provides unique experiences, from staying in glass-roofed cabins to engaging in traditional winter activities. However, before you fly, make sure you have purchased international travel insurance. A travel insurance policy comes in handy for last-minute trip cancellations, medical emergencies at your destination, lost or delayed baggage, and a loss of passport.
