Say goodbye to the hot summer, and the northern hemisphere ushers in the comfortable autumn and winter, and the aurora season also quietly kicks off, from the current October to the end of next year in March.
Simply put, the aurora is actually a “light show” of the cooperation between the sun and the atmosphere, which is a colorful light formed by the high-energy charged particles from the sun being carried away from the sun by the “solar wind” and being attracted by the Earth’s magnetic field to strike the molecules or atoms in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
Many people know that the aurora is also the synonym of “luck”, and whether it is successful depends on the combination of weather conditions and the movement of solar particles. Therefore, no one can guarantee that 100% can see the aurora at any time and anywhere. In order to increase the chance of encountering the aurora, before setting off, it is essential to make a good light-chasing strategy.
Today, this article compiles for everyone the top ten extremely beautiful destinations where you can immerse yourself in feeling this fluorescent satin.
Canada, Yellowknife
Yellowknife is located in the northwest of Canada and is known as the “capital of the world’s aurora”. Here, there is less rain in winter and no clouds in thousands of miles, which is a world-class aurora viewing place. Yellowknife has 2 aurora seasons every year, one is still warm from mid-August to the end of September, and the other is the cold winter from mid-November to the following April. People can take a sled to search for the wonderful light source dance on the frozen Great Slave Lake, or stay in a warm small house and enjoy the splendid colorful light through the transparent dome.
Alaska, Fairbanks
Fairbanks can be said to be the most well-known “capital of the aurora borealis”. As the only city in the aurora belt, it is located at 65 degrees north latitude and is the most convenient place to see the aurora. Throughout the year, there are more than 200 days where it can be directly viewed. According to the Alaska Tourism Bureau, during the aurora season, the probability of seeing the aurora in Fairbanks for 3 consecutive nights is 90%, and the probability of successfully chasing the light for 4 consecutive nights is 98%.
Iceland, Kálfað
In fact, the entire Iceland can view the northern lights, and Kálfað is a small village. Because the night sky here presents a ink-black color, when the aurora passes through the entire island, there is a high chance of seeing the green light source throughout the night sky. In addition to the northern lights, we can also enjoy the natural beauty of glaciers, lava, and mountains and forests.
Norway, Tromsø
Tromsø is located in the center of the aurora oval area and is known as the “gateway to the North Pole”. It has a super long aurora season, and there are opportunities to enjoy it from September to the following April. Here, the magnificent fjords, urban night views, and aurora can all be seen at a glance. The Lofoten fishing village surrounded by silver-coated mountains in the winter presents a mysterious and quiet picture under the aurora. With the addition of the North Atlantic warm current, this isolated island has also become the warmest aurora observation place.
Sweden, Abisko
Abisko is the northernmost village in Sweden, and it takes about 1 hour by car from the Swedish airport. Near it is a national park named Abisko, which has been rated as the best aurora observation place in the world by “Lonely Planet”. It is far away from the city, without light pollution, and mostly sunny, so the effect of watching the northern lights is excellent. The aurora sky station is located in the middle of the aurora zone, surrounded by three sides of mountains, the air is fresh and clean, and most of the time the sky is clear and cloudless, creating excellent conditions for observing the aurora at the Abisko aurora station.
Finland, Ivalo
Ivalo is located at 72 degrees north latitude and belongs to the polar area of the Arctic Circle. It is not only a sacred place to view the aurora, but also has Finland’s northernmost airport – Ivalo Airport. Every year from November to the following April is the peak tourist season in Ivalo. At this moment, there are everywhere with the sky-full snow scene, and you can also personally participate in popular winter projects such as husky sleds, snowmobiles, and ice fishing. The northern lights are called “the fire of the fox” by Finns, probably because of the mystery and uncertainty of the northern lights.
Iceland, Sandgerdi
Located in a small fishing village on the southern peninsula of Iceland, Sandgerdi is a good place to chase the northern lights. Although it is close to Reykjavik and the tourism industry is increasingly developed, Sandgerdi still maintains a quiet atmosphere, and the surrounding sea is often reflected with charming northern lights.
Norway, Kirkenes
Kirkenes is located at the junction of Norway, Finland, and Russia, in the center of the Arctic circle, and is the most beautiful seaside town in the world and also the most famous place in Norway to produce king crabs. Some people say that the aurora in Kirkenes always comes quietly. Just a moment ago, it was still continuous drizzle, but after a while, it was clear after the rain, and the aurora also appeared in the air in an instant.
Norway, ALTA
The town of ALTA, which is known as the “City of the Northern Lights”, is located at 70 degrees north latitude and is the largest town in the Finnmark county in northern Norway. Here, the pine forest is covered and surrounded by mountains, quite with the taste of a hermit. ALTA is located below the aurora oval area, with a stable climate and mostly sunny weather, the sky is clear, and most nights can see the northern lights. And ALTA has the world’s first astronomical observatory for the aurora, and every aurora season attracts tourists from all over the world to come and experience it.
Finland, Inari
In Finland, when summer gives way to the long winter, the northern lights will miraculously appear. The further north you go, the greater the chance of seeing the aurora. Inari in the northern part of Finland is the most suitable place in the Lapland region to see the aurora. The northern lights in Finnish are revontulet (phonetically: Aurora), which can be literally translated as “the fire of the fox”, and the place where this fire burns most brilliantly is the Inari Lake. In Inari Lake, in winter, it is possible to walk on the lake surface to wait for the aurora. You may as well take a walk on the lakeside, and maybe you can see the green aurora dancing on the horizon.
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