Questioning the most effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you may open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every evening? We’ve acquired you covered- listed below are essentially the most lovely locations in Europe to go to to extend your probabilities of seeing the Northern lights!
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Greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe
Should you’ve ever been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern lights, both in Europe or elsewhere, you’ll know that they’re BREATHTAKING.
Critically, significantly spectacular.
Which I’m guessing you already know, or wish to know, in case you’re looking for the most effective locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this publish, we’re going to share the most effective locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that can assist you see them, by sharing the 4 fundamental guidelines that the consultants say to comply with if you wish to see the Northern Lights in Europe (extra on these beneath)
Prepared? Let’s dive in!
The place is the most effective place to see Northern Lights in Europe?
I hate to begin this publish off with some irritating information, however in case you’re questioning the place in Europe are you able to see the Northern Lights, you could know one factor first: there may be NO one greatest 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 elements of the Earth’s environment (most of which I don’t faux to know!) however the necessary 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 ‘greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe’ is unattainable 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 mentioned, there are some locations the place your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe enhance dramatically and they’re constantly the most effective locations to go to. These are principally contained in the Arctic circle (though not typically instantly above the poles.)
After all, you can too see the Northern Lights elsewhere within the excessive latitudes of the Northern hemisphere, like Alaska, Greenland or Fairbanks in Canada, however we’re focussing on Europe for this publish.
Professional Tricks to enhance your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
There are 4 fundamental guidelines that the consultants comply with if you wish to enhance 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 straightforward, in case you are reserving a vacation, however in case you do have the choice to be versatile and journey the place the forecast has the most effective prediction or the place the skies will likely be clearer, you’ll enhance your probabilities of success quite a bit!
- Be PATIENT– and settle for that it’s a big gamble. There’s NEVER any assure of seeing the Aurora in anyplace, regardless of how exhausting you attempt. Endurance is essential.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Having mentioned all of the above, don’t keep on with the principles too rigidly.
We’ve been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern Lights on 7 separate nights. Actually, 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 incredible journey and ticked so many issues off my bucket checklist!
It was an ideal journey since that is simply one of many greatest European cities to go to in winter and we spent each evening sitting on deck in FREEZING temperatures, watching the Aurora swirl overhead and replicate on the ocean. It was totally magical.
The second time was in Iceland. We flew in to Reykjavik and stayed in a small resort on the South Coast, and noticed the Aurora 3 out of 4 nights whereas we explored among the greatest waterfalls in Europe.
We rented a automobile in Iceland, so drove miles into the wilderness to benefit from the present with none gentle air pollution in any respect! It was fairly superior.
Each occasions, we selected our journey based mostly on a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different sights which allowed us to have vacation regardless. Personally, I feel that’s the greatest plan.
Going to any of those locations is expensive- and also you don’t wish to go away upset. So choose 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 most effective month to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
One of the best time to see the Northern Lights in Europe and the most effective 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 provide the lights an opportunity to indicate up.
Many individuals say Autumn or Spring are the most effective occasions– winter is sort of TOO chilly.
Each occasions 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 most effective month for the Northern Lights can typically fluctuate.
Sensible suggestions for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
- Test the climate forecast- you’re on the lookout for clear skies. There are additionally some web sites which share stories of photo voltaic exercise and the probability of you seeing the Aurora every evening.
- Get distant from cities and different gentle air pollution, together with roads
- Permit 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 the direction of the North- the Aurora tends to indicate over the North Pole
- Mountains and/ or lakes are good backdrops for AMAZING pictures when photographing Aurora
- After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are frequent occasions for the Aurora to indicate up and are normally the most effective time of day to see Northern Lights
- Wrap up warmly- you’re going to be outdoors for some time
- Learn to use your digicam and analysis settings beforehand so you may set it up rapidly for Aurora images
- Take a tripod for regular pictures
The place to see the Northern Lights in Europe
The locations beneath are the most effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe and are available extremely advisable by a whole bunch of travellers. After all, there are different locations the place you may 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 turn into probably the most standard 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, significantly) and can be probably the most standard locations for Northern Mild hunters.
Whereas on the lookout for the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you may even keep in log or glass igloos/ cabins specifically inbuilt areas away from gentle air pollution to permit you a greater likelihood of seeing them out of your doorstep!
Finland has a low inhabitants ratio, so has lovely darkish skies free from gentle air pollution, loads of beautiful surroundings together with lakes to replicate 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 have the ability to do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)
Usually, 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!
Greatest time to go to Finland and see the Finland Northern Lights
September- November (earlier than the massive snowfalls arrive. Snow= cloud= not a lot likelihood to see the sky! Spring (March/ April) will be good too- however the skies get lighter faster so there may be much less time.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – Easy methods to get there
There are direct flights to Rovaniemi airport (Santa’s airport!) from UK and Europe through the winter.
Northern Lights Sweden
Kiruna, Sweden
Sweden is the least populated nation in Northern Europe. Which implies much less gentle air pollution. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Sweden additionally enjoys a reasonably delicate temperature till mid-November, which suggests clearer skies. Which implies extra likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Kiruna is known for the superb Ice Resort which is constructed every year. You possibly can keep in one of many rooms, or simply go to for a tour. It’s additionally one of many greatest European cities to go to in Europe in winter.
Abisko, Sweden
However in case you REALLY wish to enhance 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 beautiful place is VERY distant, however is within the mountains, whose winds assist to maintain the skies clear but additionally to manage the temperatures. And the entire lack of sunshine air pollution means even weak Aurora shows will be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is definitely among the best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair elevate taking you as much as an statement lounge and restaurant on a mountaintop, the place you may watch the Aurora while having fun with a 4-course meal. Wrap up warmly, however the views of the Abisko Northern Lights are SPECTACULAR!
Greatest 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, distant from the world!
Getting there
There are every day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you may get a flight to Kiruna. You may also get a practice from Stockholm, together with the evening practice which simply feels like enjoyable! Or, you can all the time street journey there use this publish for some superior street journey concepts in Europe.
To get to Abisko, you will have to make use of the practice or bus from Kiruna.
Northern Lights Iceland- one of many most cost-effective 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 most cost-effective locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Don’t anticipate enormous 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 in some way the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist maintain the temperatures hotter too!
Don’t get me mistaken, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve acquired an ideal likelihood of seeing the Iceland Northern Lights.
Greatest time to go to Iceland and See the Iceland Northern Lights?
October to finish of March. Autumn and Spring are thought-about the most effective occasions.
Different actions to take pleasure in
Hire a automobile and do your personal 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 after we went and we remorse it. So now we’ve 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 it will likely be hibernating or hiding!
Throughout the summer season, the solar by no means units in Svalbard, and through the winter (November to February), there may be NO daylight. None.
That is why you stand such an ideal likelihood of seeing the Svalbard Northern Lights – it might actually seem at any time of the day or evening.
In October and February, you’ll expertise a twilight and ‘daybreak’ with blue gentle, which can be superb to see. (Listed below are another concepts for nice locations to see in Europe in October)
Different issues to do in Svalbard moreover see the Svalbard Northern Lights
Canine sledding; Snowmobiling; Glacial Ice caving; Snow-shoeing; photographing Aurora excursions and common 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 a tremendous backdrop for the Tromso Norway Northern Lights to indicate off on.
For greatest views, attempt to get out of town for the evening- there are LOADS of Tromso Northern Lights tour choices which let you do that! Alternatively, in case you’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, make sure to keep effectively away from built-up areas on clear nights.
Greatest 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 Competition– a music pageant 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 practice from Oslo, the place you may take pleasure in a few of these breathtaking locations to see in southern Norway and you 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 most effective 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 indicate up and doing a little scenic drives in Scotland.
Greatest Place to See Northern Lights in Scotland and Easy methods to get to Shetland
There’s a ferry, however I actually don’t fancy these stormy winter seas! One of the best ways is by aircraft from both Bergen in Norway or a number of airports in Scotland.
Are you able to see the Northern Lights in Switzerland
The quick (and considerably shocking reply!) is that sure, you may see Switzerland Northern Lights. However not typically.
Often the Aurora Borealis is so sturdy that it’s going to attain all the best way south and you may see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there isn’t any method to predict when it will occur and it occurs very VERY not often (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: The whole lot you could find out about street journeys & campervanning in Switzerland
So, the place is the most effective place to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Wherever you’re and they’re on the similar time! Seeing them is breathtaking and unforgettable. I sincerely hope you get that likelihood!
Protected travels as you journey to the most effective locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me understand how you get on!
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