The Northern Lights – also known as the Aurora Borealis – is Mother Nature’s most extraordinary worldly spectacle.  Due to a collision of electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere a mesmerising multi-coloured light display can be seen in the night sky.  The bright luminous displays come in many different shapes and colours – green and pink are the most common shades. 
 
We bring you the five best places in the northern hemisphere to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights. 
 
Sweden
 
Thanks to Sweden’s proximity to the Arctic Circle the country lies within an auroral oval zone, it is one of the world’s greatest places where natives and visitors can enjoy front-row seats to see the magnificent Northern Lights. 
 
Located in the high Swedish mountains, Björkliden is perfect to catch a glimpse of the beautiful incandescent light show or various other locations in Swedish Lapland are recommended.  The best chance of getting exclusive views of the Northern Lights is usually during the winter months on a cold night when the sky is dark and clear. 
 
Norway
 
The Northern Lights can be seen all over Norway but the three best places to feast your eyes on the fascinating Aurora Borealis can be found in Northern Norway – Troms, Lofoten Islands and Finnmark (Norwegian Lapland).  Each year Tromso plays host to the Northern Lights Festival where artists from a range of genres perform so visitors can enjoy the eclectic sounds of music whilst taking in the splendour of the Northern Lights. 
 
These areas boast vast land with diverse scenery, dramatic fjord-indented coastline to miles upon miles of peaceful plains and open skies free from light pollution which make them great places to absorb the magical ambience of the Northern Lights. 
 
Scotland
 
The autumn and winter seasons are not always a pleasant time to visit Scotland particularly due to the cold climate but it offers the best opportunities to observe the rare Northern Lights.  The dark night sky comes to life with a rainbow curtain of red, violet, green and gold shades and has fascinated mankind for thousands of years.
 
The North of Scotland is the most suitable location to spot this awe-inspiring spectacle all the while enjoying the great refreshing outdoors and Highland air.  Other areas include: Orkney with its stunning coastline, alluring cliffs and idyllic countryside – where the Northern Lights are known locally as ‘The Merry Dancers’ – Thurso and Inverness. 
 
Finland
 
You are guaranteed not to miss a single moment of the breath-taking Northern Lights in the heart of Lapland at the Aurora Chalet where people are given a special aurora alarm which alerts them when the Northern Lights appear.  Here visitors can also enjoy snow-based activities. 
 
Take a trip to Lake Inari to catch a radiant glance of the dazzling lights which is complemented by the sparkling reflection from the clear water.  The best time to visit is between November and February. 
 
Greenland
 
Greenland provides a picturesque setting of striking mountains and glistening cool waters which accentuate the natural beauty of the Aurora Borealis.   The Northern Lights occur all year round here – due to Greenland’s convenient base within the Auroral Oval – but cannot be seen during the summer months due to the midnight sun. 
 
Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in Greenland to see the illuminating lights – it has 300 days in a year with clear skies making it the ideal backdrop to gaze at this captivating occurrence.  
 
Overall
 
Wherever you have the chance to witness the Northern Lights the phenomenal experience in itself will be like no other just be sure to take your camera to capture the rare moment. 
 
2012 and 2013 is a Solar Maximum period – this means the sunspot activity that produces the Northern Lights is increased – which means there are even more chances to see the vibrant Aurora Borealis that flamboyantly light up the sky.  Solar Max occurs every eleven years in accordance with the solar cycle so there’s no better time to witness this extraordinary and wonderful happening than the present.

Share this article: