Questioning the perfect locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you’ll be able to open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every night time? We’ve bought you covered- listed below are essentially the most stunning locations in Europe to go to to extend your probabilities of seeing the Northern lights!
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Finest 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.
Significantly, severely spectacular.
Which I’m guessing you already know, or need to know, should you’re looking for the perfect locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this publish, we’re going to share the perfect locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that can assist you see them, by sharing the 4 predominant guidelines that the specialists 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 perfect place to see Northern Lights in Europe?
I hate to begin this publish off with some irritating information, however should you’re questioning the place in Europe are you able to see the Northern Lights, it’s essential know one factor first: there may be NO one finest 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 grasp!) however the essential 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.
Subsequently, the ‘finest 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 mentioned, there are some locations the place your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe improve dramatically and they’re constantly the perfect locations to go to. These are largely contained in the Arctic circle (though not usually instantly above the poles.)
In fact, you can even see the Northern Lights in different places 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 improve your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
There are 4 predominant guidelines that the specialists observe 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 straightforward, if you’re reserving a vacation, however should you do have the choice to be versatile and journey the place the forecast has the perfect prediction or the place the skies might be clearer, you’ll improve your probabilities of success quite a bit!
- 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 exhausting you strive. Persistence is essential.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Having mentioned 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. Actually, out of the 8 nights we’ve spent Aurora searching, 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 important journey since that is simply one of many finest 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 completely 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 number of the finest 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 instances, 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 an excellent vacation regardless. Personally, I believe that’s the finest plan.
Going to any of those locations is expensive- and also you don’t need to depart upset. 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 perfect month to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
The perfect time to see the Northern Lights in Europe and the perfect 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 present the lights an opportunity to indicate up.
Many individuals say Autumn or Spring are the perfect instances– winter is nearly TOO chilly.
Each instances 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 perfect month for the Northern Lights can generally range.
Sensible suggestions for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
- Verify the climate forecast- you’re searching for clear skies. There are additionally some web sites which share studies 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
- Permit about half-hour of darkness on your eye to regulate to the night time – making it simpler to do some private aurora images.
- Attempt to discover a location with an open view in the direction of the North- the Aurora tends to indicate over the North Pole
- Mountains and/ or lakes are good backdrops for AMAZING photographs when photographing Aurora
- After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are frequent instances for the Aurora to indicate up and are often the perfect 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’ll be able to set it up shortly for Aurora images
- Take a tripod for regular photographs
The place to see the Northern Lights in Europe
The locations beneath are the perfect locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe and are available extremely really helpful by lots of of travellers. In fact, there are different locations the place you’ll be able to 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 lately turn into some of the 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, severely) and can be some of the in style locations for Northern Gentle hunters.
Whereas searching for the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you’ll be able to 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 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 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!)
Basically, the possibility of seeing the Rovaniemi Northern Lights on clear nights as round 40%, which can not sound like a lot however is definitely superb!
Finest 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) might be good too- however the skies get lighter faster so there may be much less time.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – How one can 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 gentle temperature till mid-November, which suggests clearer skies. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Kiruna is known for the superb Ice Lodge which is constructed annually. You may keep in one of many rooms, or simply go to for a tour. It’s additionally one of many finest European cities to go to in Europe in winter.
Abisko, Sweden
However should you REALLY need 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 additionally to control the temperatures. And the whole lack of sunshine air pollution means even weak Aurora shows might be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is well the most effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair carry taking you as much as an remark lounge and restaurant on a mountaintop, the place you’ll be able to watch the Aurora while having fun with a 4-course meal. Wrap up warmly, however the views of the Abisko Northern Lights are SPECTACULAR!
Finest 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 enjoyable in stunning log chalets, distant from the world!
Getting there
There are each 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 might all the time street journey there use this publish for some superior street journey concepts in Europe.
To get to Abisko, you’ll need to make use of the prepare 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 properly is simply an added bonus! It’s additionally one of many least expensive locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Don’t anticipate large snowdrifts- however the lack of snow clouds is among the causes you get such excessive viewing stats in Iceland – making it the most effective locations to see Northern Lights in Europe.
Once more, the Gulf Stream works its magical magic (technical time period) and someway the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist maintain the temperatures hotter too!
Don’t get me fallacious, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve bought an important likelihood of seeing the Iceland Northern Lights.
Finest time to go to Iceland and See the Iceland Northern Lights?
October to finish of March. Autumn and Spring are thought-about the perfect instances.
Different actions to take pleasure in
Hire a automotive and do your personal tour- a 4×4 is a good concept! In any other case, ebook 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 now 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 lined 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 may be NO daylight. None.
That is why you stand such an important 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 apart from see the Svalbard Northern Lights
Canine sledding; Snowmobiling; Glacial Ice caving; Snow-shoeing; photographing Aurora excursions and normal Aurora searching 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 finest 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, should you’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, be sure you keep properly away from built-up areas on clear nights.
Finest 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 may be the Northern Lights Pageant– 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’ll be able to take pleasure in a few of these breathtaking locations to see in southern Norway and you might 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 perfect place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is within the Shetlands.
The Shetlands are the most effective 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, in order 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 singular tradition and heritage, with a number of Viking museums and memorabilia to discover while you’re ready for the Aurora to indicate up and doing a little scenic drives in Scotland.
Finest Place to See Northern Lights in Scotland and How one can get to Shetland
There’s a ferry, however I actually don’t fancy these stormy winter seas! One of the simplest ways is by airplane 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’ll be able to 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 may see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there isn’t a option to predict when this can occur and it occurs very VERY hardly ever (each few years or so.)
So don’t ebook your journey to Switzerland primarily based on that. (However do nonetheless go- Switzerland is AMAZING!)
READ MORE: Every part it’s essential learn about street journeys & campervanning in Switzerland
So, the place is the perfect 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 perfect locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me understand how you get on!
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