The lights of the dead for some, divine celestial streaks for others, the aurora borealis or polar lights are part of the terrestrial treasures, the natural riches 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, the latter ignite, leaving incandescent trails. Evoking dreams, magic and a unique enchantment, here are the eleven most beautiful destinations to escape and contemplate this unparalleled spectacle.
1. See the northern lights at Urho Kekkonen national park in Finland
Covering 2,550 km², Urho Kekkonen National Park is Finland's second largest, and one of Europe's last great wildernesses. This hiking and trekking paradise combines all the characteristics of Arctic nature in the heart of its forests, which extend even beyond the Russian border. Given the vastness of the park, maps are absolutely essential. However, several marked trails can be covered in a day, with circuits ranging from 1 to 6 km, or a 40 km trek along the Nuorti River. By day, track large mammals, or snowy owls in the primary forests, then climb at dusk over the rounded tundra-covered mountains offering spectacular views of these shimmering streaks, oscillating from indigo blue to emerald green.
Read more: What to do in Finland The 17 most beautiful places to visit
To book: Want to see the northern lights? Put all the chances on your side by booking this guided tour from Rovaniemi, located in Urho Kekkonen National Park.
2. Levi in Finnish Lapland
The aurora borealis season, one of the wonders of the Arctic, runs from late August to early April, offering a wide window of opportunity to visit Levi at different times of the year. Located north of the Arctic Circle, the village of Levi isideally positioned to admire these natural phenomena of exceptional beauty. Just 8 km from the center of Levi, you can also watch the Northern Lights from the Aurora Pyramids, located in the Elf Village. It's a must-see activity when visiting Lapland at this time of year!
Read more: What to do in Levi, Finnish Lapland? 10 must-sees! and Finnish Lapland road trip in 15 days: the best itinerary
What to book: Enjoy an unforgettable experience when you book this Northern Lights hunting trip by snowmobile in Levi. You'll traverse the enchanting winter landscape, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight and the twinkling of stars aboard your snowmobile.
3. See the Northern Lights from your bed at the Kakslauttanen Hotel in Finland
One of the igloos at the Kakslauttanen Hotel © Istockphoto - sysimages
This hotel, with its thirty or so high-quality chalets, may seem classic at first glance, but it hides a few surprises. In winter, a dozen snow igloos, equipped with reindeer skins and wool carpets, are built, with interior temperatures fluctuating between -3°C and -6°C. The Kasklauttanen Artic Resort is a paradise for contemplating the Northern Lights in comfort. Here, the concept is to spend a cosy night in glass igloos, with these nitescent ripples as a ceiling. An original way to observe the extreme temperatures and constant wind that sweep across these northern lands.
Book now: interested in this memorable experience? Click here to book your igloo at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and watch the northern lights from your bed!
Good to know: Make life easier for yourself and enjoy a comfortable, private transfer between Rovaniemi and Kakslautanen by minibus by booking right here.
4. See the Northern Lights at Kangerlussuaq in Greenland
View of the aurora borealis near Kangerlussuaq © Istockphoto - RubyRascal
Where to go to see the Northern Lights? Visible 300 days a year, there's a very good chance of seeing the aurora borealis in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. The American Science Foundation understands this, and has even built a base a stone's throw from the town to study them. In the midst of unspoiled wilderness, awaken your adventurous spirit as you travel by sled dog and sleep in rudimentary, old-fashioned shelters.
Read more: What to do and see in Greenland? The 15 most beautiful places
5. Where to go to see the Northern Lights? Fairbanks, Alaska
Aurora borealis in Fairbanks © Istockphoto - NotYourAverageBear
The summit of Dome Ester and the Chatanika area on the edge of the city of Fairbanks are ideal vantage points for admiring these phenomena. You can even keep up to date with forecasts provided by the University ofAlaska's Institute of Geophysics. If you're unlucky enough not to catch a glimpse, you can always console yourself by attending the annual Ice Festival, where ice constructions are exhibited and dog sled races are held.
Read more: What to do and see in Alaska The 15 must-sees
To book: Go here to book your Northern Lights tour from Fairbanks. When you spot the aurora borealis, you can get out of the car to admire this iconic spectacle, and your guide will take photos of you in front of this unforgettable phenomenon.
6. In Salekhard, Russia
An aurora near the town of Salekhard © Istockphoto - DarthArt
Lost on the Arctic Circle, almost 2,000 km northeast of Moscow, lies the small town of Salekhard. Named "Nger Kharp" by the locals, meaning the light of the dead, the Northern Lights are a unique spectacle here. The Nenets, a nomadic Russian people, believe that these celestial lights come from the souls of their ancestors returning to the tundra to hunt.
7. In New Zealand / Novaya Zemlya, Russia
Aurora borealis on the New Zealand archipelago © Istockphoto - Arina Borevich
Orphaned from its native Russia, this island, larger than the Netherlands and Belgium combined, hosted nuclear tests in the 20thcentury . Indeed, it was here that the "Tsar Bomba", the deadliest bomb in human history, was conceived. But rest assured, things have changed since then. The archipelago has returned to a stable level of radioactivity, and nature is gradually reclaiming its rights. As for the sky, it remains the same, and the crimson colors of the aurora borealis are still visible.
8. Where to go to see the Northern Lights? Reykjavik, Iceland
An aurora borealis near Reykjavik© Istockphoto - coolkengzz
Do you dream of seeing the northern lights on a budget? Reykjavik is by far the best alternative. Some say that the enchantment can be spoiled by often cloudy skies, which reduce the chance of catching a glimpse. But the nights here are darker than elsewhere, which intensifies the phenomenon. Affordable excursions from Reykjavik take place every day during the season, or you can rent a car and drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A wonderful vantage point.
Read more: Must-sees in Reykjavik and the Golden Circle and What to do in Iceland? The 15 most beautiful places to visit.
To book: Discover one of the world's greatest natural phenomena by booking this guided excursion from Reykjavik in search of the Northern Lights.
9. At Aurora Sky Station in Sweden
Northern lights in Abisko Park © Istockphoto - F14r3
Where to go to see the Northern Lights? The best place in Sweden to see the northern lights. Located in Abisko National Park at 900 meters above sea level, the resort enjoys weather conditions that are often close to perfection, with a dry, cloudless climate. To get there, you need to take a chairlift to the Aurora Porch, a terrace where, wrapped in a warm blanket, you can watch these luminous trails from 8 p.m. to midnight. Out of season, the resort transforms itself into a sun observatory, for an equally impressive spectacle.
Read more: What to do in Sweden The 23 most beautiful places to visit
To book: Click here to book your snowmobile Aurora hunt from Abisko and enjoy an unforgettable experience in Sweden.
10. Where to see the Northern Lights? Murmansk, Russia
Aurora borealis near Murmansk © Istockphoto - Murmansk Slastnikov
In Murmansk, the aurora borealis is a spectacle that attracts almost two hundred visitors a year. Located on the northern Kola Peninsula beyond the Arctic Circle, the city is a true ambassador of the aurora, with its centuries-old setting, crystal-clear lakes, massive fir trees and Sami relics. Here, flamboyant lines alternate from pale green to red, and sometimes you'll even be able to make out some purple hues.
11. Whitehorse, Canada
Polar aurora in Whitehorse, Yukon © Istockphoto - HeatherECampbell
Who hasn't dreamed of following in the footsteps of Jack London's famous fictional heroes in Canada's Far North? Stepping into the shoes of a trapper, led by his sled dogs through desolate lands, seeing sparkling ripples of color superimposed on the starry sky. And what better place to witness this parade than the Yukon Territory and the Northern Tales and Travel observation site? Here, in winter, the darkness is total! All this, just twenty minutes from Whitehorse.
To book: Embark on an unforgettable Northern Lights viewing excursion with EPIC NORTH Tour Experiences in Whitehorse by booking right here.
So, tempted by this selection of places to go to see the Northern Lights? Take a look at our airfares and book now !
