Where and when to see the northern lights

Not everyone has seen one of the most beautiful spectacles on our planet. What is the Northern Lights Hunt? This is a journey to various points of the Earth to be able to observe with your own eyes how a fantastic green curtain sways in the sky, in which reddish flashes flicker. So where and when can you see the northern lights? What territories will give a chance? As for the south of the planet, this is Antarctica and the adjacent territories. However, in reality, few manage to be there. The Northern Hemisphere offers many more options. On the mainland Eurasia is, first of all, the countries of Scandinavia, Finland, the north of Russia. In North America - Canada and Alaska. That is, a zone reaching a diameter of about 3 thousand km around the poles of the Earth.

It is best to observe this natural phenomenon in spring and autumn, late in the evening - until midnight. The swaying curtain looks especially beautiful and bright on frosty nights. It is also desirable that the observation is not interfered with by the "urban light" - that is, the lights of large cities. Therefore, it is preferable to go to a deserted place for a couple of hours. Which countries and cities should you go to to enjoy the spectacle?

Where to see the northern lights in Russia

The vast country opens up truly endless possibilities for northern lights lovers. However, there are also disadvantages. First of all, these are severe frosts in those regions where you are going to go. And, of course, in the Russian provinces, the service in settlements will be appropriate. But still…

Polyarny, Murmansk region

It is located on the shore of the Kola Bay, 30 km from Murmansk. You can admire the radiance here, starting in September. It has a beautiful emerald green color and appears frequently.

Settlement Vidyaevo, Murmansk region

A small village 40 km from Murmansk. In general, if you choose where to go on your "shine hunt", the Murmansk region is the best choice. It is relatively close to travel here from Moscow, but you will find yourself at 68 parallel north latitude. That is, if you go here at the right time of the year, then most likely you will see the glow.

Pechenega, Murmansk region

The settlement is of an urban type, which means that you can live here in comfortable conditions, and transport links are established. And the radiance in the fall can be seen already at a temperature of + 10 C.

Murmansk

Of course, this is a large city and, directly in Murmansk, it is inconvenient to observe the aurora borealis. Therefore, for observations, it is better to go to its surroundings. But in Murmansk you can stay in a good hotel and afford a varied cultural program. “For the shine,” it is worth going, for example, to the village of Teriberka, where the filming of the film “Leviathan” took place. In addition, there are many travel agencies in Murmansk that will take you to the place and time when you are most likely to see the aurora. Agency specialists work in contact with meteorologists, so their services will not disappoint you. However, it is still better to come to Murmansk not for a day, but for several days. There are a lot of attractions in the region, and you will have a good time, and also, for sure, look at the northern lights.

Vorkuta

Here, in Komi, people are accustomed to the polar lights. You can see him even in August. Still, it is preferable to hit the road at the end of autumn. At this time, there is already snow in Vorkuta. And it is worth paying attention to one danger that may lie in wait for a traveler. It is worth settling in Vorkuta, where the service is developed. But when you drive out of town to enjoy the shine, it's easy to pull off the road and get bogged down in the snow. This danger is especially great in the dark.

Arkhangelsk

You can also see the northern lights in Arkhangelsk. However, observers agree that the spectacle here does not look as impressive as in the Murmansk region. Choosing Arkhangelsk, it is worth staying at this option. Settle here, in comfortable conditions, and watch the "heavenly curtain" go further north, where the radiance is brighter and more colorful.

Khibiny, Kola Peninsula

If you are not strong in geography, then the phrase "Khibiny Mountains" can make you associate with Mongolia or China. In fact, the Khibiny is the Kola Peninsula, a place located not far from Murmansk. One of the best options for observing the northern lights. The Khibiny is located on a hill, the air here is purest, and during the hours of shine the sky is simply fantastic. However, there may be problems with accommodation. If you cannot get a job in hotels - some of them are closed during the cold season - then you should think about accommodation in a recreation center. They move around the territory here, mainly on snowmobiles.

Khatanga village, Krasnoyarsk Territory

Not everyone will go to Khatanga. Remember the movie "Taimyr Calls You"? Now, this is right here. Taimyr Peninsula. Although the natural conditions here are not bad at all, there are no extreme frosts, and the average annual temperature is -12-13 C. It is most convenient to get here by plane from Norilsk or Krasnoyarsk. But when you find yourself in Khatanga, you will see even more beautiful northern lights than in Iceland, where all of Europe admires it.

Where to see the northern lights in Europe

Now let's move on to Europe. If you have already traveled to its southern and central countries, then it's time to head north. Here you can enjoy the modern level of comfort and at the same time see an unforgettable sight in all its glory.

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

To get to Longyearbyen, you need to go to Norway. Spitsbergen is a place of amazing beauty, and besides, it is one of the closest to the pole on the planet: 78 degrees north latitude.
You will have to fly here from Russia with a stopover, and the ticket will cost a pretty penny, but the polar lights are observed here regularly, and in terms of brightness and variety of shades it has no equal.

Tromsø and Alta, Norway

This is also Norway, but already the continental part of the country. You can choose one of the cities to observe the aurora. The most suitable 2 are Alta and Tromsø. It is about 70 degrees north latitude, so only an Arctic expedition will take you closer to the pole. The tourist service is well developed, you can find both a hotel of any level and an inexpensive hostel. They also offer special aurora sightseeing tours.

Abisku, Lappland, Sweden

The Swedes, without false modesty, call this place "the best on Earth to watch the northern lights." In latitude - the same as the Murmansk region - it is located on the 68th parallel. Tourists appreciate Abiska, a small town, because it is located in a beautiful national park, away from major cities - and on a hill. That is, everything, as if on purpose, is arranged in order to admire nature and see the radiance. However, the hotel is quite expensive here. In this case, you can settle in one of the towns of Swedish Lapland and come to Abiska by car.

Lapland, Finland

The Finns have their own word for the northern lights, which came from ancient legends. It sounds impressively "revontulet".Finland has long been mastered by the Russians and, perhaps, many will prefer this option to others. It's easy to get here from St. Petersburg, and Finland itself is a fabulous country. About which, once having been here, many then remember with nostalgia. It is better to travel to Lapland in late winter or early spring. In clear weather, the aurora can be seen almost every night. Only the sky covered with clouds can prevent you from enjoying the spectacle.

Akureyri, Iceland

If you are not comfortable with the cold, then Iceland is your choice. The warm Gulf Stream protects this place from severe frosts. The average temperature at the time of the year when you can see the northern lights hovers around 0 C. But at the same time, in Iceland, it is often cloudy, rainy weather, in which you will not be able to enjoy the spectacle. Better to go to the north of the country, to Akureyri. Another "bonus" of Iceland is that nowhere will you take such beautiful photos of the aurora as here. And besides, the pictures will include the magnificent nature of Iceland.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Scotland is understandable, but the Isle of Skye? Maybe you should give yourself this trip literally to the end of the world? And if, by the will of fate, you find yourself in England, then you cannot make a better choice. The solar wind - it is its charged particles, penetrating into the upper layers of the atmosphere, ignite the heavens with witchcraft green fire. So, the solar wind comes here often. In Europe, you will no longer find such a wonderful place to observe the aurora borealis and the stars. But it's better to come here during the winter months. Where to stay? Best of all, Portree is a fisherman's favorite, stunningly beautiful. The houses here are painted in all colors of the rainbow, there are cafes and shops, and around is the unforgettable nature of Scotland and its endless bright blue sky.

Where to see the northern lights in North America

Well, now we are moving to North America. Of course, the northern lights can be seen in Canada, but the most suitable place is Alaska. Do not be afraid of the harsh climate - then go ahead.

Alaska, USA

Many tourists come here precisely to admire the fantastic spectacle of the northern lights. Moreover, you can see it throughout the year. However, the best viewing period is from late summer to late spring. The Indians believed that when a radiance appears in the sky, it means that the souls of the dead began to dance. Of course, going on such a long journey, you need to carefully plan your trip. The endless snowy desert and the sky burning with green and red flashes - you will never forget this sight. It is best to stay in Fairbanks or come to Denali National Park.

It is here that the glow appears most often, and, in addition, it is possible to settle here with comfort. Another option. Many local guides will offer you to go further north with them. Thus, you will feel like a "polar wolf", the hero of Jack London's novels, and the spectacle of the polar lights will generously reward you for all the inconveniences you have endured. In short, the northern lights can become one of the brightest impressions of your life. Take the time and energy to see it with your own eyes.

Places where you can see the northern lights on the map