Lights of the dead for some, divine celestial streaks for others, the aurora borealis or polar lights are part of these terrestrial treasures, these natural treasures that our planet offers us. This luminous phenomenon is explained by a simple chemical reaction between the nitrogen and oxygen atoms that make up our atmosphere and solar particles. When they come into contact with each other, the latter ignite, leaving incandescent streaks. Evocative of dreams, magic and a unique enchantment, here are the ten most beautiful destinations to escape and contemplate this unparalleled spectacle.
N°1 - Urho Kekkonen national park (Finland)
This natural park of 2 550 km²located in the north of Finland, is a paradise for hiking and trekking in the wild Lappish taiga. Track large mammals or snowy owls in the primeval forests by day, then climb the rounded tundra-covered mountains at dusk for a spectacular view of the shimmering trails, which range from indigo blue to emerald green.
N°2 - Kakslauttanen (Finland)
The Kasklauttanen Artic Resort is a paradise to contemplate these extraordinary natural phenomena, while staying in your own little comfort. Here, the concept is to spend a cozy night in glass igloos, with these nitescent undulations as a ceiling. An original way of observation to forget the extreme temperatures and the permanent wind blowing in these northern regions.
N°3 - Kangerlussuaq (Greenland)
Visible 300 days a year, the chances are very high to observe the Northern Lights in Kangerlussuaq. The American Science Foundation has understood this, and has even built a base a few miles from the city to study them. In the middle of the wilderness and still preserved, wake up your adventurer spirit by moving around with your sled dogs while sleeping in rudimentary and old shelters.
No. 4 - Fairbanks, AlaskaThe
N°5 - Salekhard (Russia)
Lost on the polar circle, almost 2 000 km north-east of Moscow, stands the small town of Salekhard. Named "Nger Kharp" meaning the light of the dead by the locals, the northern lights are a unique spectacle here. Indeed, the Nenets, a nomadic Russian people, believe that these celestial lights come from the souls of their ancestors joining the tundra to hunt.
N°6 - New Zealand / Novaya Zemlya (Russia)
Orphaned from its native Russia, this island, larger than the Netherlands and Belgium combined, hosted nuclear tests in the 20th century. Indeed, it is here that the "Tsar Bomba", the most deadly bomb in the history of humanity, was conceived. But rest assured, things have changed since then. The archipelago has regained a stable level of radioactivity and nature is gradually regaining its rights. The sky has remained the same, and the purple colors of the northern lights are always present.
N°7 - Reykjavik (Iceland)
You dream of seeing the Northern Lights, despite a small budget? Reykjavik is by far the best alternative. Some people say that the enchantment can be spoiled by cloudy skies which make it difficult to see them. But here the nights are darker than elsewhere which intensifies the phenomenon. Affordable excursions from Reykjavik take place every day during the season, you can also rent a car and go to the Thingvellir National Park classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A wonderful observation point.
N°8 - Aurora Sky Station (Sweden)
The best place in all of Sweden to observe the Northern Lights. Located in the Abisko National Park at 900 meters above sea level, the station benefits from weather conditions often close to perfection with a dry and not very cloudy climate. To get there, you have to take a chairlift that will take you to the Aurora Porch, a terrace where you can watch the light trails from 8 pm to midnight, wrapped up in a warm blanket. Out of season, the station is transformed into a sun observatory, for an equally impressive show.
No. 9 - Murmansk (Russia)
