Whether in a movie, in a photo that circulates through social networks or in a painting, we have all heard about the northern lights and seen some images of it. It is one of the most spectacular phenomena of nature and one of the greatest wonders that a person can see in his life. However, to get there, it is important to keep in mind that the Northern Lights can be seen at certain times of the year and in certain areas of the world. Next, we will tell you about the best places to see the northern lights.
What are the Northern Lights?
The northern lights are effects that occur when the electrically charged particles that make up the solar wind are diverted to polar regions and collide with the upper layers of the atmosphere. What this does is they emit energy in the form of light. When that happens, colours are formed that spin and dance through the skies generating this unique show. In 1619, Galileo Galilei named this the Northern Lights, because Aurora is a reference to the Roman goddess of Dawn and Boreas, who is the Greek God who represents the wind.
The best months to see the Northern Lights are January and February, which are the coldest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. But it is important to get close to the Arctic Circle and further north to see it. However, if you are lucky, in this area the chances of observing these northern lights are greater, because you can find up to 200 nights with them in a year.
Best destinations to see the Northern Lights
We will now talk about some of the best destinations to see the Northern Lights, especially in the months of January and February.
Iceland
Undoubtedly, one of the safest destinations for those who want to be guaranteed to see the Northern Lights is Iceland. It is a place that receives thousands of tourists every year who go in search of its landscapes taken from a science fiction book, with its natural frozen areas, its thermal lakes, and its active volcanoes, but also for its northern lights.
One of the great advantages of this country has to do with the fact that it is not necessary to go far from the cities to see the northern lights, although it is true that it is recommended to move a little away from the areas with more artificial lighting. So likely is the sight of this natural spectacle that some hotels have wake-up calls to notify tourists in case the phenomenon occurs in the middle of the night.
If you want to travel to this country to see the northern lights, one of the best alternatives in terms of accommodation is Hotel 101. It is in the heart of Reykjavik, in a place that stands out for its pure air and water and its great vegetation. This hotel is in a strategic area, next to the city’s administrative buildings and the Icelandic Opera House. With an elegant interior and an exterior that reflects the history of Iceland, this hotel offers a unique sense of comfort for its visitors.
Finland
The countries of Northern Europe are without a doubt one of the best alternatives to see a northern lights. Finland is no exception. Also considered the happiest country in the world, it is an incredible destination for its landscapes in general and for its northern lights. In Finland, it is possible to access hotels that are shaped like igloos, where the ceilings are made of thermal glass to be able to see the Northern lights without having to get out of bed and shelter from the cold. Many myths and legends have been built regarding this area. For example, many Japanese couples choose to travel to this region for their honeymoon because a legend holds that children conceived during an aurora borealis are born lucky.
Canada
But Europe is not the only destination that can be visited to see a northern lights. Canada is also one of the most sought-after areas for it. While it is true that the auroras cannot be seen from the country’s big cities, travellers can head north to more distant areas. The cities where there are more chances to enjoy northern lights are Churchill, the Yukon region and Yellowknife.
Russia
Traveling to Russia to areas prone to Northern Lights sightings can be difficult due to the very low temperatures in the region. However, some places in this country offer incredible views not only of the northern lights but also of the natural icy landscapes of the area. One of the places par excellence in this sense is Kola, in the Arctic Circle.
Norway
Finally, we return to Europe to talk about one of the most sought-after destinations when it comes to the Northern Lights. This is Norway. Cities like Alta and Kirkenes, in the Province of Finnmark, and other places like the Lofoten Islands are unique places to enjoy this natural spectacle. They have daily flights from Oslo and hotels prepared for visitors. So frequent is the sighting of the Northern Lights in this country that there are cruise ships that offer this tour, promising their travellers that if they do not see a Northern Lights, they should not pay for the trip.
For those interested in traveling to Norway to see the northern lights and its beautiful natural landscapes, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, located on the banks of the Alta River, has a perfect location in the heart of Finnmark, in the north of the country. It is in an imposing structure of snow and ice that is rebuilt every year during the winter. It offers unique accommodation to enjoy various experiences in this northern part of the world.
