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Questioning the most effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you may open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every night time? We’ve obtained you covered- listed below are probably the most stunning 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
In the event you’ve ever been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern lights, both in Europe or elsewhere, you’ll know that they’re BREATHTAKING.
Critically, significantly spectacular.
Which I’m guessing you already know, or wish to know, when you’re looking for the most effective locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this put up, we’re going to share the most effective locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that will help you see them, by sharing the 4 primary guidelines that the consultants say to comply with if you wish to see the Northern Lights in Europe (extra on these under)
Prepared? Let’s dive in!
The place is the most effective place to see Northern Lights in Europe?
I hate to start out this put up off with some irritating information, however when you’re questioning the place in Europe are you able to see the Northern Lights, it’s essential to know one factor first: there’s NO one greatest place to see the Northern Lights.
They’re a transferring 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 fake to know!) however the necessary 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 inconceivable 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 stated, there are some locations the place your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe improve dramatically and they’re persistently the most effective locations to go to. These are largely contained in the Arctic circle (though not usually instantly above the poles.)
After all, you can too see the Northern Lights somewhere else within the excessive latitudes of the Northern hemisphere, like Alaska, Greenland or Fairbanks in Canada, however we’re focussing on Europe for this put up.
Professional Tricks to improve your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
There are 4 primary guidelines that the consultants comply with if you wish to improve 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 maintain the sky clear
- Be versatile. I do know this isn’t simple, if you’re reserving a vacation, however when you do have the choice to be versatile and journey the place the forecast has the most effective prediction or the place the skies will likely be clearer, you’ll improve your probabilities of success lots!
- Be PATIENT– and settle for that it’s a bet. There may be NEVER any assure of seeing the Aurora in anyplace, regardless of how onerous you attempt. Persistence is vital.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Having stated all of the above, don’t keep on with the foundations too rigidly.
We’ve been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern Lights on 7 separate nights. In truth, out of the 8 nights we’ve spent Aurora looking, just one was unsuccessful. We’ve been very lucky- and we’ve damaged rule quantity 2 just about on a regular basis.
Our first journey was a Hurtigruten cruise from Tromsø up the Norwegian coast, previous Nordkapp and to the Russian border. It was a unbelievable 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 we spent each night time sitting on deck in FREEZING temperatures, watching the Aurora swirl overhead and mirror on the ocean. It was totally magical.
The second time was in Iceland. We flew in to Reykjavik and stayed in a small lodge on the South Coast, and noticed the Aurora 3 out of 4 nights whereas we explored a few of the greatest waterfalls in Europe.
We 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, we selected our journey primarily based on a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different points of interest which allowed us to have a great vacation regardless. Personally, I believe that’s the greatest plan.
Going to any of those locations is expensive- and also you don’t wish to go away dissatisfied. 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 simply’ve by no means heard of!
What’s the most effective month to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
The most effective time to see the Northern Lights in Europe and the most effective 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 most effective occasions– winter is sort of TOO chilly.
Each occasions we’ve been has been March, however we all know many individuals who’ve seen them in different months- it truly is luck of the draw and why the most effective month for the Northern Lights can generally range.
Sensible ideas 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 distant from cities and different gentle air pollution, together with roads
- Enable about half-hour of darkness on your eye to regulate to the night time – making it simpler to do some private aurora pictures.
- Attempt 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 widespread occasions for the Aurora to indicate up and are normally the most effective time of day to see Northern Lights
- Wrap up warmly- you’re going to be outdoors for some time
- Learn to use your digicam and analysis settings beforehand so you may set it up rapidly for Aurora pictures
- Take a tripod for regular pictures
The place to see the Northern Lights in Europe
The locations under are the most effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe and are available extremely advisable by tons of of travellers. After all, there are different locations the place you may 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 turn out to be 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- generally 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 may even keep in log or glass igloos/ cabins specifically in-built 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 stunning darkish skies free from gentle air pollution, loads of beautiful surroundings together with lakes to mirror the Aurora and a hotter temperature till November.
(These lakes are additionally the proper spot to check out ice fishing in Finland– you may even be capable of do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)
On the whole, the possibility 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 massive snowfalls arrive. Snow= cloud= not a lot likelihood to see the sky! Spring (March/ April) could 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 throughout 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 Resort which is constructed every year. You may 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 when you REALLY wish to improve 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 could be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is definitely among the best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair raise taking you as much as an statement lounge and restaurant on a mountaintop, the place you may 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 get pleasure from
Husky sledding, excursions photographing Aurora within the lengthy polar night time, Swedish Lapland tour, snowshoeing, skimobiles or stress-free in stunning log chalets, distant from the world!
Getting there
There are day by day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you may get a flight to Kiruna. You may as well get a prepare from Stockholm, together with the night time prepare which simply feels like enjoyable! Or, you can all the time street journey there use this put up for some superior street journey concepts in Europe.
To get to Abisko, you will have to make use of the prepare or bus from Kiruna.
Northern Lights Iceland- one of many most cost-effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe
Iceland is a cool vacation spot in its personal right- the truth that you may see the Iceland Northern Lights as effectively is simply an added bonus! It’s additionally one of many most cost-effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Don’t count on 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 best locations to see Northern Lights in Europe.
Once more, the Gulf Stream works its magical magic (technical time period) and by some means the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist maintain 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 of the most effective occasions.
Different actions to get pleasure from
Lease a automotive and do your individual tour- a 4×4 is a good concept! 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 after we went and we remorse it. So now now we have 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 coated in untouched glaciers, HUGE mountains and a variety of wildlife (though in winter a lot of it will likely be hibernating or hiding!
Throughout the summer time, the solar by no means units in Svalbard, and throughout the winter (November to February), there’s NO daylight. None.
For this reason you stand such an awesome likelihood of seeing the Svalbard Northern Lights – it may 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 in addition to see the Svalbard Northern Lights
Canine sledding; Snowmobiling; Glacial Ice caving; Snow-shoeing; photographing Aurora excursions and normal Aurora looking excursions
Attending to Svalbard
Svalbard has the world’s most northern airport accepting scheduled flights. The most typical 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 maintain the sky clear AND give an incredible backdrop for the Tromso Norway Northern Lights to indicate off on.
For greatest views, attempt to get out of town for the evening- there are LOADS of Tromso Northern Lights tour choices which let you do that! Alternatively, when you’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, be sure you keep effectively 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 get pleasure from in Tromso
Canine sledding; Snowmobile excursions; Polar bear museum and in January there’s the Northern Lights Competition– a music pageant 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 prepare from Oslo, the place you may get pleasure from a few of these breathtaking locations to see in southern Norway and you can lengthen 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 most effective place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is within the Shetlands.
The Shetlands are among the best 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 will 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 a lot of Viking museums and memorabilia to discover while you’re ready for the Aurora to indicate up and performing some 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! The easiest way 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 brief (and considerably shocking reply!) is that sure, you may see Switzerland Northern Lights. However not usually.
Often the Aurora Borealis is so robust that it’s going to attain all the best way south and you’ll see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there isn’t any method to predict when this can occur and it occurs very VERY hardly ever (each few years or so.)
So don’t guide your journey to Switzerland primarily based on that. (However do nonetheless go- Switzerland is AMAZING!)
READ MORE: Every thing it’s essential to find out about street journeys & campervanning in Switzerland
So, the place is the most effective place to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Wherever you might be and they’re on the similar time! Seeing them is breathtaking and unforgettable. I sincerely hope you get that likelihood!
Secure travels as you journey to the most effective locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me know the way you get on!
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