Questioning the perfect locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you possibly can open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every evening? We’ve acquired you covered- listed here are essentially the most lovely 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
If you happen to’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 wish to know, should you’re looking for the perfect locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this submit, we’re going to share the perfect locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that will help 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 under)
Prepared? Let’s dive in!
The place is the perfect place to see Northern Lights in Europe?
I hate to start out this submit off with some irritating information, however should you’re questioning the place in Europe are you able to see the Northern Lights, it is advisable know one factor first: there may be NO one finest place to see the Northern Lights.
They’re a shifting 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 vital factor to know is that they’re NOT there on a regular basis and the place they seem can change every evening, and even all through the evening.
Due to this fact, 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 stated, there are some locations the place your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe improve dramatically and they’re persistently the perfect locations to go to. These are principally contained in the Arctic circle (though not typically instantly above the poles.)
After all, 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 submit.
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 chances 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 simple, in case you are 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 shall be clearer, you’ll improve your probabilities of success loads!
- Be PATIENT– and settle for that it’s of venture. There’s NEVER any assure of seeing the Aurora in anywhere, regardless of how laborious you attempt. Endurance is vital.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Having stated 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. In reality, 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 checklist!
It was a fantastic journey since that is simply one of many finest European cities to go to in winter and we spent each evening sitting on deck in FREEZING temperatures, watching the Aurora swirl overhead and mirror on the ocean. It was totally 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 automobile in Iceland, so drove miles into the wilderness to benefit from the present with none mild air pollution in any respect! It was fairly superior.
Each instances, we selected our journey based mostly on a risk of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different sights which allowed us to have vacation regardless. Personally, I believe that’s the finest plan.
Going to any of those locations is expensive- and also you don’t wish to depart disenchanted. So decide 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?
One of the best 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 point out up.
Many individuals say Autumn or Spring are the perfect instances– winter is sort of 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 typically range.
Sensible suggestions for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
- Examine the climate forecast- you’re on the lookout for clear skies. There are additionally some web sites which share experiences of photo voltaic exercise and the chance of you seeing the Aurora every evening.
- Get far-off from cities and different mild air pollution, together with roads
- Enable about half-hour of darkness on your eye to regulate to the evening – making it simpler to do some private aurora images.
- Try to discover a location with an open view in direction of the North- the Aurora tends to point out over the North Pole
- Mountains and/ or lakes are good backdrops for AMAZING images when photographing Aurora
- After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are widespread instances for the Aurora to point out up and are often the perfect time of day to see Northern Lights
- Wrap up warmly- you’re going to be exterior for some time
- Discover ways to use your digital camera and analysis settings beforehand so you possibly can set it up rapidly for Aurora images
- Take a tripod for regular images
The place to see the Northern Lights in Europe
The locations under are the perfect locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe and are available extremely really useful by a whole bunch of travellers. After all, there are different locations the place you possibly can 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 just lately develop into one of the fashionable Northern Lights locations in Europe. It’s additionally one of many first locations in Europe that the Aurora tends to be visible- typically as early as mid-August!
Rovaniemi, Finland is the house of Santa (no, severely) and can be one of the fashionable locations for Northern Mild hunters.
Whereas on the lookout for the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you possibly can even keep in log or glass igloos/ cabins specifically inbuilt areas away from mild air pollution to permit you a greater probability of seeing them out of your doorstep!
Finland has a low inhabitants ratio, so has lovely darkish skies free from mild air pollution, loads of gorgeous 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 may even be capable of do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)
Normally, 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 probability 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 you can get there
There are direct flights to Rovaniemi airport (Santa’s airport!) from UK and Europe in the course of the winter.
Northern Lights Sweden
Kiruna, Sweden
Sweden is the least populated nation in Northern Europe. Which implies much less mild air pollution. Which implies extra probability to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Sweden additionally enjoys a reasonably delicate temperature till mid-November, which implies clearer skies. Which implies extra probability to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Kiruna is legendary for the wonderful Ice Lodge which is constructed every year. You’ll be able to 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 wish 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 in addition to control the temperatures. And the entire lack of sunshine air pollution means even weak Aurora shows might be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is well among the best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair raise taking you as much as an statement lounge and restaurant on a mountaintop, the place you possibly can 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 evening, Swedish Lapland tour, snowshoeing, skimobiles or enjoyable in lovely log chalets, far-off from the world!
Getting there
There are day by day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you will get a flight to Kiruna. You can even get a prepare from Stockholm, together with the evening prepare which simply appears like enjoyable! Or, you possibly can all the time highway journey there use this submit for some superior highway 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 may see the Iceland Northern Lights as effectively is simply an added bonus! It’s additionally one of many least expensive locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Don’t count on big snowdrifts- however the lack of snow clouds is likely one of the causes you get such excessive viewing stats in Iceland – making it among the best 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 unsuitable, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve acquired a fantastic probability 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
Lease a automobile and do your individual tour- a 4×4 is a good concept! In any other case, e book 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 now we 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 will probably be hibernating or hiding!
Throughout the summer season, the solar by no means units in Svalbard, and in the course of the winter (November to February), there may be NO daylight. None.
For this reason you stand such a fantastic probability of seeing the Svalbard Northern Lights – it may actually seem at any time of the day or evening.
In October and February, you’ll expertise a twilight and ‘daybreak’ with blue mild, which can be wonderful 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 biggest 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 point out off on.
For finest views, attempt to get out of the 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 effectively 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 competition 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 possibly can take pleasure in a few of these breathtaking locations to see in southern Norway and you possibly can prolong 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 among the best 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, so that they’re not precisely subsequent to the Scotland Mainland, which you’ll 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 lot of Viking museums and memorabilia to discover while you’re ready for the Aurora to point out up and performing some scenic drives in Scotland.
Finest Place to See Northern Lights in Scotland and How you 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 possibly can see Switzerland Northern Lights. However not typically.
Sometimes the Aurora Borealis is so sturdy that it’s going to attain all the way in which south and you may see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there is no such thing as a method to predict when it will occur and it occurs very VERY hardly ever (each few years or so.)
So don’t e book your journey to Switzerland based mostly on that. (However do nonetheless go- Switzerland is AMAZING!)
READ MORE: Every thing it is advisable learn about highway 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 probability!
Protected travels as you journey to the perfect locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me know the way you get on!
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