Questioning the very best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you possibly can open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every night time? We’ve obtained you covered- listed here are essentially the most lovely locations in Europe to go to to extend your probabilities of seeing the Northern lights!
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Greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe
When you’ve ever been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern lights, both in Europe or elsewhere, you’ll know that they’re BREATHTAKING.
Significantly, significantly spectacular.
Which I’m guessing you already know, or need to know, in the event you’re looking for the very best locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this publish, we’re going to share the very best locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that will help you see them, by sharing the 4 principal guidelines that the consultants say to observe if you wish to see the Northern Lights in Europe (extra on these beneath)
Prepared? Let’s dive in!
The place is the very best place to see Northern Lights in Europe?
I hate to begin this publish off with some irritating information, however in the event you’re questioning the place in Europe are you able to see the Northern Lights, you might want to know one factor first: there’s NO one greatest place to see the Northern Lights.
They’re a shifting pure phenomenon and solely happen within the excessive latitudes in each hemispheres. Their look is predicated on many components of the Earth’s ambiance (most of which I don’t faux to grasp!) however the vital factor to know is that they’re NOT there on a regular basis and the place they seem can change every night time, and even all through the night time.
Due to this fact, the ‘greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe’ is unimaginable to pinpoint. That is precisely the identical because the Aurora Australis within the Southern Hemisphere for the southern lights in New Zealand and Australia.
That mentioned, there are some locations the place your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe enhance dramatically and they’re constantly the very best locations to go to. These are principally contained in the Arctic circle (though not usually instantly above the poles.)
After all, you may as well see the Northern Lights elsewhere within the excessive latitudes of the Northern hemisphere, like Alaska, Greenland or Fairbanks in Canada, however we’re focussing on Europe for this publish.
Professional Tricks to enhance your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
There are 4 principal guidelines that the consultants observe if you wish to enhance the probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe:
- Get North of the Arctic Circle (between October and March)
- Get inland, away from the ocean. Nationwide Parks and mountains are good as a result of they assist preserve the sky clear
- Be versatile. I do know this isn’t straightforward, in case you are reserving a vacation, however in the event you do have the choice to be versatile and journey the place the forecast has the very best prediction or the place the skies might be clearer, you’ll enhance your probabilities of success quite a bit!
- Be PATIENT– and settle for that it’s of venture. There’s NEVER any assure of seeing the Aurora in anyplace, irrespective of how onerous you strive. Endurance is essential.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Having mentioned all of the above, don’t stick with the principles too rigidly.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern Lights on 7 separate nights. In truth, out of the 8 nights I’ve spent Aurora searching, just one was unsuccessful. I’ve been very lucky- and I’ve damaged rule quantity 2 just about on a regular basis.
The primary journey was a Hurtigruten cruise from Tromsø up the Norwegian coast, previous Nordkapp and to the Russian border. It was a implausible journey and ticked so many issues off my bucket record!
It was an awesome journey since that is simply one of many greatest European cities to go to in winter and I spent each night time sitting on deck in FREEZING temperatures, watching the Aurora swirl overhead and replicate on the ocean. It was completely magical.
The second time was in Iceland. I flew in to Reykjavik and stayed in a small resort on the South Coast, and noticed the Aurora 3 out of 4 nights whereas exploring a few of the greatest waterfalls in Europe.
I rented a automotive in Iceland, so drove miles into the wilderness to benefit from the present with none gentle air pollution in any respect! It was fairly superior.
Each occasions, I selected our journey based mostly on a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different points of interest which allowed me to have a superb vacation regardless. Personally, I believe that’s the greatest plan.
Going to any of those locations is expensive- and also you don’t need to go away disillusioned. So choose someplace the place there’s something else superior to do (like motorhome snowboarding within the Alps!) as you chase the Northern Lights in Europe.
RELATED: Weird Customs and traditions in Europe that you just’ve by no means heard of!
What’s the very best month to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
The very best time to see the Northern Lights in Europe and the very best Northern Lights months are October- March, when north of the Arctic Circle. The solar units very early up right here, which permits loads of darkness to offer the lights an opportunity to indicate up.
Many individuals say Autumn or Spring are the very best occasions– winter is nearly TOO chilly.
Each occasions I’ve been has been March, however I do know many individuals who’ve seen them in different months- it truly is luck of the draw and why the very best month for the Northern Lights can typically fluctuate.
Sensible suggestions for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
- Examine the climate forecast- you’re on the lookout for clear skies. There are additionally some web sites which share reviews of photo voltaic exercise and the probability of you seeing the Aurora every night time.
- Get far-off from cities and different gentle air pollution, together with roads
- Enable about half-hour of darkness to your eye to regulate to the night time – making it simpler to do some private aurora images.
- Try to discover a location with an open view in direction of the North- the Aurora tends to indicate over the North Pole
- Mountains and/ or lakes are good backdrops for AMAZING pictures when photographing Aurora
- After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are frequent occasions for the Aurora to indicate up and are often the very best time of day to see Northern Lights
- Wrap up warmly- you’re going to be outdoors for some time
- Discover ways to use your digicam and analysis settings beforehand so you possibly can set it up shortly for Aurora images
- Take a tripod for regular pictures
The place to see the Northern Lights in Europe
The locations beneath are the very best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe and are available extremely really useful by lots of of travellers. After all, there are different locations the place you possibly can see the Northern Lights in Europe- that’s a part of the enjoyable!
I’ve heard tales about them being seen as far south as Manchester, England on some (uncommon!) events!
Northern Lights Finland
Finland has just lately change into one of the crucial in style Northern Lights locations in Europe. It’s additionally one of many first locations in Europe that the Aurora tends to be visible- typically as early as mid-August!
Rovaniemi, Finland is the house of Santa (no, significantly) and can be one of the crucial in style locations for Northern Mild hunters.
Whereas on the lookout for the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you possibly can even keep in log or glass igloos/ cabins specifically inbuilt areas away from gentle air pollution to permit you a greater likelihood of seeing them out of your doorstep!
Finland has a low inhabitants ratio, so has lovely darkish skies free from gentle air pollution, loads of gorgeous surroundings together with lakes to replicate the Aurora and a hotter temperature till November.
(These lakes are additionally the right spot to check out ice fishing in Finland– you would possibly even be capable of do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)
On the whole, the prospect of seeing the Rovaniemi Northern Lights on clear nights as round 40%, which can not sound like a lot however is definitely excellent!
Greatest time to go to Finland and see the Finland Northern Lights
September- November (earlier than the large snowfalls arrive. Snow= cloud= not a lot likelihood to see the sky! Spring (March/ April) will be good too- however the skies get lighter faster so there’s much less time.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – Tips on how to get there
There are direct flights to Rovaniemi airport (Santa’s airport!) from UK and Europe through the winter.
Northern Lights Sweden
Kiruna, Sweden
Sweden is the least populated nation in Northern Europe. Which implies much less gentle air pollution. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Sweden additionally enjoys a reasonably delicate temperature till mid-November, which implies clearer skies. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Kiruna is legendary for the superb Ice Lodge which is constructed annually. You possibly can keep in one of many rooms, or simply go to for a tour. It’s additionally one of many greatest European cities to go to in Europe in winter.
Abisko, Sweden
However in the event you REALLY need to enhance your probabilities of seeing the Sweden Northern Lights, then head north from Kiruna to the little city of Abisko and the Abisko Nationwide Park.
This gorgeous place is VERY distant, however is within the mountains, whose winds assist to maintain the skies clear but in addition to manage the temperatures. And the entire lack of sunshine air pollution means even weak Aurora shows will be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is definitely among the finest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair elevate taking you as much as an remark lounge and restaurant on a mountaintop, the place you possibly can watch the Aurora while having fun with a 4-course meal. Wrap up warmly, however the views of the Abisko Northern Lights are SPECTACULAR!
Greatest time to Go to Sweden and See the Sweden Northern Lights?
September to finish of March
Different actions to take pleasure in
Husky sledding, excursions photographing Aurora within the lengthy polar night time, Swedish Lapland tour, snowshoeing, skimobiles or stress-free in lovely log chalets, far-off from the world!
Getting there
There are every day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you will get a flight to Kiruna. You can even get a practice from Stockholm, together with the night time practice which simply appears like enjoyable! Or, you would at all times highway journey there use this publish for some superior highway journey concepts in Europe.
To get to Abisko, you have to to make use of the practice or bus from Kiruna.
Northern Lights Iceland- one of many least expensive locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe
Iceland is a cool vacation spot in its personal right- the truth that you would possibly see the Iceland Northern Lights as nicely is simply an added bonus! It’s additionally one of many least expensive locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Don’t anticipate big snowdrifts- however the lack of snow clouds is without doubt one of the causes you get such excessive viewing stats in Iceland – making it among the finest locations to see Northern Lights in Europe.
Once more, the Gulf Stream works its magical magic (technical time period) and one way or the other the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist preserve the temperatures hotter too!
Don’t get me flawed, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve obtained an awesome likelihood of seeing the Iceland Northern Lights.
Greatest time to go to Iceland and See the Iceland Northern Lights?
October to finish of March. Autumn and Spring are thought-about the very best occasions.
Different actions to take pleasure in
Lease a automotive and do your personal tour- a 4×4 is a superb thought! In any other case, guide onto a number of excursions to go to Geysers, Volcanoes, Glaciers, Waterfalls, boat cruises and the Blue Lagoon (which we DIDN’T do once we went and we remorse it. So now we have now to return!)
Attending to Iceland
There are frequent flights to Rekyjavik from the UK and Europe.
Northern Lights Norway
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a gaggle of islands north of the Northern coast of Norway. It’s the northernmost inhabited place in Europe and it’s well-known for its polar bears.
Svalbard lies within the Arctic Ocean midway between Norway and the North Pole. It’s distant, desolate and an ideal place to see Norway Northern Lights!
It’s lined in untouched glaciers, HUGE mountains and a variety of wildlife (though in winter a lot of it is going to be hibernating or hiding!
In the course of the summer time, the solar by no means units in Svalbard, and through the winter (November to February), there’s NO daylight. None.
This is the reason you stand such an awesome likelihood of seeing the Svalbard Northern Lights – it might actually seem at any time of the day or night time.
In October and February, you’ll expertise a twilight and ‘daybreak’ with blue gentle, which can be superb to see. (Listed here are another concepts for nice locations to see in Europe in October)
Different issues to do in Svalbard moreover see the Svalbard Northern Lights
Canine sledding; Snowmobiling; Glacial Ice caving; Snow-shoeing; photographing Aurora excursions and basic Aurora searching excursions
Attending to Svalbard
Svalbard has the world’s most northern airport accepting scheduled flights. The commonest route is from Oslo which takes 3 hours- not many locations in UK or Europe have scheduled flights to Longyearbyen.
NOTE: You WILL want a passport or different Authorities-issued ID to get to Svalbard.
Tromso, Norway
Tromso is the most important metropolis in Northern Norway. It’s north of the Arctic circle and, though it’s on the ocean, it’s surrounded by fjords and mountains which assist preserve the sky clear AND give a tremendous backdrop for the Tromso Norway Northern Lights to indicate off on.
For greatest views, attempt to get out of the town for the evening- there are LOADS of Tromso Northern Lights tour choices which let you do that! Alternatively, in the event you’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, make sure you keep nicely away from built-up areas on clear nights.
Greatest time to go to Norway and see the Norway Northern Lights?
September- April
Different actions to take pleasure in in Tromso
Canine sledding; Snowmobile excursions; Polar bear museum and in January there’s the Northern Lights Pageant– a music competition showcasing native and worldwide artists starting from classical to jazz!
Attending to Tromso
Loads of direct flights to Tromso from UK and Europe. There’s additionally a practice from Oslo, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a few of these breathtaking locations to see in southern Norway and you would prolong your keep to go to the well-known Lofoten Islands.
Northern Lights Scotland
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Shetland, Scotland
Are you able to see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
Completely! And the very best place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is within the Shetlands.
The Shetlands are among the finest locations to see the Northern Lights in Scotland. The Arctic Circle is simply 650 miles north and winter is DARK.
The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of greater than 100 islands, sitting between Norway and Scotland. They’re technically nearer to Norway than Scotland, so that they’re not precisely subsequent to the Scotland Mainland, which you’ll be exploring as a part of this unmissable Scotland itinerary!
15 of the Shetland Isles are inhabited and, though they’re very distant, they’ve a novel tradition and heritage, with numerous Viking museums and memorabilia to discover while you’re ready for the Aurora to indicate up and doing a little scenic drives in Scotland.
Greatest Place to See Northern Lights in Scotland and Tips on how to get to Shetland
There’s a ferry, however I actually don’t fancy these stormy winter seas! One of the best ways is by aircraft from both Bergen in Norway or a number of airports in Scotland.
Are you able to see the Northern Lights in Switzerland
The quick (and considerably shocking reply!) is that sure, you possibly can see Switzerland Northern Lights. However not usually.
Often the Aurora Borealis is so sturdy that it’s going to attain all the way in which south and you’ll see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there isn’t any strategy to predict when it will occur and it occurs very VERY not often (each few years or so.)
So don’t guide your journey to Switzerland based mostly on that. (However do nonetheless go- Switzerland is AMAZING!)
READ MORE: Every little thing you might want to learn about highway journeys & campervanning in Switzerland
So, the place is the very best place to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Wherever you’re and they’re on the identical time! Seeing them is breathtaking and unforgettable. I sincerely hope you get that likelihood!
Secure travels as you journey to the very best locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me understand how you get on!
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