Voyageurs alsoruns nighttime junior ranger programs. However, if youre going to see the northern lights in Washington,Olympic National Parkis one of the best spots to see it when skies are clear. Those can last for months, and, as Rodney explains: "as the sun . There, visitors will find the Orkney Islands, a place that remains largely uninhabited even in the 21st century. But heres the good news: The time is right to get a glimpse of the aurora borealis. But the long nights of winter give visitors the greatest opportunity of witnessing the Northern Lights in all of their glory. For luxury in the wilderness, take a bush plane toBlachford Lake Lodge, a fly-in eco-lodge with viewing from a hot tub under the stars and more. Guests will be able to kayak right under the property, go ice climbing, indulge in night fishing andbest of allsee spectacular northern lights views. Updated: 8:06 PM EST December 10, 2020. Not only is their observation tower in a prime location for viewing the lights, they also have experts on hand who can answer any questions you might have. For U.S. citizens, the top no-passport-required destination for seeing the northern lights is Alaska. Web Visit website. But where should you go if youre trying to see the aurora borealis? When it comes to lodging, the property features traditional rooms, suites, villas and cabins. Natural Habitat Adventures, a leader in responsible wildlife tourism, is introducing itsvery firstArctic expedition exclusively for women: the seven-dayNorthernLights and Arctic Cultures. Inspired by the Arctics intrepid female explorers, this epic journey was designed by expedition leader Annie Van Dinther. For an extended visit, plan to stay at the Antonius Hotel, a luxury boutique property in the heart of the historic city of Tartu. You may opt-out by. Borealis Basecamphas domes designed especially to offer you a view of the northern lights from the comfort of yourbed. Located on a similar parallel to Troms,Norwayand near Russias border withFinland, Murmansk offers similar aurora viewing conditions with far fewer crowds. From soft to firm and everywhere in between, these travel pillows are the best options for your next trip. The "season" for seeing the aurora borealis runs from September to April. This time of year brings cold evenings with clear skies, which makes for ideal viewing conditions. It's the southernmost island that's populated in the country. In the wilder, higher reaches of Lapland in northern Finland, Saariselka hits the bucket-list northern lights holiday mark, as it is served by Ivalo international . A view of Steve, a northern lights phenomenon, over the Patricia Lake in Alberta's Jasper National [+] Park. Its definitely going to be on your itinerary during a winter trip because Fairbanks is ideally located for viewing the northern lights. How frustrating it can be to spend hours waiting for the northern lights, only to learn that your location is a bit off for the day's best viewing. With the village's origins dating back to the 17th century, you'll still find some of the original homesteads, including an old timber cottage. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. You may even be able to see the northern lights from your room! Washington Observatory, a scientific and educational nonprofit atop that peak, has seen the northern lights about three dozen times in the past 15 years . Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa in Sweden promises to be the best place to witness the northern lights. While there, you can also spend a magical evening outdoors under star-filled skies during a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests. I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. To get there, head toAbisko National Parkand ride a 20-minute chairlift to the viewing tower. Saariselka, Finnish Lapland. The 7 Best Northern Lights Tours Around the World, Isle Royale National Park: The Complete Guide, The 20 Best Hot Springs Destinations in the World, Weather in Sweden: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, The 10 Best Beaches to See Bioluminescence, 20 RV Campsites and Dark Sky Parks for Stargazing, How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland, Where to See the Northern Lights in Sweden, Scandinavia and the Nordic Region: Planning Your Trip, Where to Go in 2021: 10 Future Trips You Can Start Planning Now. The Orkney islands are an archipelago of 70 islands in northern Scotland. Hotel Kangerlussuaq , 3910 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland; +299 841180 Take northern lights photography lessons with an expert, explore the surrounding untouched wilderness or just relax in the spa, which is built around a plunge pool that is open to the aurora borealis-streaked skies. The legendary Icehotelthe world's first hotel of ice and snow inthe north ofSwedenis celebrating its 30th anniversary with dazzling new installments and an ephemeral art exhibition. For a custom guided tour to view the nighttime lights display, including the Milky Way and the constellations, you can hire Voyageurs Outfitters. This Viking Ocean Cruises itinerary is offered from mid-January to mid-March. The list of good places to see the Aurora Borealis is long and diverse, so it's usually difficult to choose which is the best Northern Lights destination, especially with a global pandemic . A few places to see the spectacular light show include along the coast at Birsay or on the beach at Dingieshowe. Perlan is also home to the world's first indoor ice cave and glacier exploratorium. The property also offers aurora-themed excursions and packages that include three-night tours and activities such as dog-sledding or private dining experiences. But one of the most memorable destinations is in Saariselk, where visitors will find the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Vast portions of Iceland are rural or undeveloped, meaning you can find places to spot the northern lights all over the country. Located less than 10 miles from the Russian border in Finnish Lapland, this remote Arctic destination is a top-rated locale to view the northern lights due to the lack of light pollution. Days are spent snowshoeing, igloo-building and dog sledding, while evenings will be spent in search of the northern lights. While in Reykjavik, splurge on an overnight tour with Buubble.com. This massive fjord was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is something anyone visiting town must see. Reykjavik, Iceland. The resort village is also one of the prime spots in the world to view the northern lights as it sits within the "aurora zone" and there are as many as 200 opportunities per year to see the show. Read on to discover the top destinations where you can see the kaleidoscopic northern and southern lights. Check out the new Aurora Glass Chalets at theNorthern Lights Resort and Spa, complete with oor-to-ceiling windows for prime northern lights views from yourqueen-size bed. You can read more about these 5 spots below, as well as 20 alternatives that are also good spots to see the northern lights but less popular and/or further off the beaten path. This iconic property situated along the shoreline of Lake Huron is happy to notify guests of potential northern lights sightings, no matter when they occur throughout the night. Best time to see the northern lights in Iceland. October through March is the best time to chase the aurora borealis in Iceland. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is from late August to late April, in Fairbanks at least. / Getty Images. In the solar maximum, the sun is more "active", leading to northern lights that are caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). They're free and fun for everyone! With that in mind, here are eight of the best places to spot the northern lights in the U.S. 1. Aurora chasers can view the lights on their own while in town, opt for a guided tour with Northern Lights Safari or go on an exhilarating husky trekking expedition in the Arctic wilderness. Read on to learn the best places where you can see the aurora in America. While the auroras appear less frequently there, in December and January each year, they can be seen illuminating the heavens. Every list on the internet has their own suggestions for the best places to see the northern lights! The northern lights are an optical phenomenon of the Earth's atmosphere, characterized by bright bands of a wide range of shapes and colors, typically red-green-blue, called auroral arcs, caused . The jagged rock formations along the shore of the lake are popular with painters, which is what gives the location its name. Although youre likely to see them anywhere in the park, you can increase your odds by visiting the Aurora Sky Station. The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of more than 100 islands, sitting between Norway and Scotland. At Hotel Rang, a luxurious lodge 90 minutes outside Reykjavk, the staff will wake you u pwhen the northern lights appear. One of the world's best locations to behold the aurora borealis, Canada is home to 80-90% of all accessible land located under the Aurora Oval, the area with the strongest . You can also chase the lights into the wilderness by snowmobile, take a dogsled ride under the stars or view them from a Smi tent atop the mountain Pska in Alta. Look for 15 unique art suites, a ceremony hall for weddings, an outdoor installation,a frozen-over amusement park and an observation deck thats perfect for viewing the northern lights. On the Alaska Northern Lights Multi-Active Private, youll snowmobile, mush a dog sled and relax in a private hot spring, all beneath the dancing northern sky. You can also visit Alatskivi Castle, go snowshoeing in the Mnnikjrve bog or explore Elistvere Animal Park. While the auroras are on display regularly in the Orkneys, they are not as predictable and reliable as they are in some other places. You can pair your pursuit of the auroras with a trip to see the polar bears, or simply visit to chase the northern lights. The storms can drive the aurora further south from its usual position over the polar . This is especially true between the months of October and April. Saadjrv is also close to the Vooremaa nature reserve, so there's plenty to do in the region when you're not watching the lights dance in the sky. Before jumping into the full list of great places to see the aurora borealis, I thought it might be good to start with five of the best ones. Because of its protection as a national park, theres limited development and less light pollution. The southernmost destinations in the world offer the chance to see the aurora australis or southern lights. With its position in the middle of the auroral oval, the city puts on one of the world's most awe-inspiring light shows from mid-November to the beginning of April. During your visit, don't miss the panoramic views of the city from the building's fourth-floor observation deck. Want northern lights viewing thats pretty much guaranteed? Visitors can expect to see the lights on an average of four out of five clear nights during aurora season, which lasts from August 21 to April 21. Travelers can also visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several monuments dating back 5,000 years. If you are a true northern lights enthusiast, youll be delighted to find so many places in Scotland with great dark skies and good northern views. Thanks to longer hours of darkness and clear night skies, December through March is usually thebesttime to observe this elusive natural phenomenon (though you can sometimes see the northern lights starting as early as August). (Martha Shuff/Courtesy of Voyageurs National Park). Saariselk is well-known for its glass igloos where you can sleep under the open starry sky and see the northern lights from a bed. Three popular spots that meet such criteria are Slemish Mountain, Dark Hedges, and Woodburn Reservoir. Travelers can also see ice sculptures in February and March at the impressive World Ice Art Championships or take a dog-sledding or snowmobiling tour. Bundle up if youre headed into Acadia to see the aurora; the wind comes roaring in off the Atlantic in the winter months. Launched in February, 2019, this private-chartered 737 jet takes guests eye-level with the northern lights. [See more of Fairbanks:Things to Do|Hotels|When to Visit|Photos]. The small, northern Swedish town of Jukkasjrvi is famous for being the location of the worlds first Ice Hotel. Your email address will not be published. Kluane National Park is one of the best places in the area to do just that. You can also check out Voyageurs Forest Overlook, Beaver Pond Overlook and the Kettle Falls Dam area for top-notch views. The Nellim Wilderness Hotel also offers aurora-focused "kotas" (inspired by traditional Smi huts), as well as cabins and bubble-shaped accommodations for two where guests can watch the dancing lights from their warm, cozy beds. The entire area covers more than 38,000 square miles, much of which remains remote and untamed. The winter nights comealive in Alberta. The bitter cold that often comes with witnessing the northern lights can be a real deterrent. The historic luxury property is situated along the lively waterfront area, close to the ferry terminal. #shorts For many outdoor enthusiasts seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of their list and is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With its clear skies and mountainous landscape, Swedens Abisko National Park provides a very good opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Even as late as the end of March or the beginning of April, you may still get a glimpse of these undulating rainbows. Fairbanks, Alaska, ranks among the best locations in the U.S. for viewing the Northern Lights. Tags: Travel, Alaska Vacations, Europe Vacations, US Vacations, Vacation Ideas. The park even maintains an online Clear Sky Chart so you can refer to the weather forecast before you go. Looking ahead, 2021 will bring the new Svart, an architectural spectacle set at the foot of Norways second-largest glacier. Kraig Becker is a writer based out of Roanoke, Virgina who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since 2013. In the U.K., the Northern Lights are known as the "Merry Dancers," and the best place to see them is on a remote archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland. But some placeslike Abisko National Parkare especially outstanding. These are the best places to see the northern lights in 2020. The city sits directly beneath the auroral oval, which is a ring centered around the magnetic North Pole where the sun's energized particles gather. Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. Saariselk is also known for its glass igloos, which are perfect for snuggling up and staying warm while viewing the aurora. Phone +1 218-283-6600. Located along the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the continental United States. That said, you'll have more chances from October to March. A clear night at sea is the perfect venue to stargaze, and being out on the water further illuminates the northern lights, as there is no ambient light interference from land. 1. The northern part of the country is dark in . In the air. Made famous for being home to many of Canadas polar bears, the Arctic area of Churchill, Manitoba is a popular destination for winter wildlife expeditions. These destinations will inspire even the most experienced aurora chaser. Most will knowDark Hedgesfor its popularity inGame of Thrones; it too is a fantastic spot to shoot aurora photography. What better way to minimize the cloud cover then getting above them and being surrounded by the northern lights? says Icelandairs Sigrur Einarsdttir, who has witnessed the lights on multiple occasions in flight. However, you will have to contend with the light from nearby communities like Bar Harbor when trying to view the northern sky from Cadillac Mountain. The town is located about 15 miles north of Tartu in central Estonia's Tartu County. International Falls, MN 56649, USA. This phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with gaseous particles, such as oxygen and nitrogen. If you'd prefer to chase the lights with a curated tour, Visit Abisko leads 4.5-hour tours with professional photographers and aurora-chasing guides in October and November. Sweden. The new Kelo-Glass igloosare attached to a log chalet and each havea private sauna and fireplace. Icelandair captain Sigrur Einarsdttir,a woman pilot who has spent more than 30 years flying beneath the Arctic skies,has become an expert in seeing the northern lights. Located on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife boasts winter sports such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing. The 7th Room haspanoramic windows that make it perfect for spotting the northern lights. Created by energized particles from the sun hitting the Earth's upper atmosphere, the aurora appears as a wave of light that dances across the night's sky. You can also watch the northern lights from a cozy teepee at Aurora Village, an Aboriginal-owned experience that also offers custom-made, heated outdoor seats that swivel 360 degrees to catch every angle of the aurora borealis. Regarded as one of the top spots in the U.S. to see the aurora, Headlands International Dark Sky Park sits at the top of Michigan's lower peninsula, less than 5 miles from Mackinaw City. Look out the window of your plane if youre flying overnight close to the Arctic Circle. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. She will personally wake you up or send you an SMS when the aurora spectacle is high. [See more of Tasmania: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Courtesy of Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks. This has earned it an International Dark Sky Park designation. The best way to see the northern lights here is from one of the remote igloo dome base camps; plenty of professionally guided tours are available. While there is no guarantee that the Aurora Borealis will appear on any given night, this viewing season is the most reliable time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. 5. The summer months, between December and February, make it more difficult to spot the aurora, but there's still a chance you'll catch a glimpse of the lights between midnight and 4 a.m. For accommodations during your aurora-chasing adventure, reserve a room with a view over Halfmoon Bay and the Foveaux Strait at Stewart Island Lodge, an intimate bed-and-breakfast. But it's possible to see the northern lights at any time during the season from mid-August to early or mid-April. The aircrafts main cabin features dramatic LED-lighting that mimics the northern lights. Connecticut is on the edge of visibility for a Northern . Alberta is even home to a group called the Alberta Aurora Chasers that numbers 25,000 strong; theyre credited for discovering a northern lights phenomenon called "Steve" that shows up as a bright pink streak in the sky. Travel company Off The Map decided to ease the pain by offering two mobile methods for the enthusiastic aurora seeker. Not only does it have excellent restaurants and accommodations, but it also has good access to the Ring Road. But to witness them in their full glory, you'll want to escape the lights of the city and head out into the Norwegian countryside. This cruise packing list includes all the essentials plus the items you didn't know you needed. Places to spot the aurora close to town are Inganess Bay and Wideford Hill. While the aurora occurs year-round, the winter months (from November to March) offer the best opportunities to witness it, as there is more darkness than light during the days. The northern lights sparkle above the teepees at Aurora Village in Yellowknife, Canada, the Aurora [+] Capital of North America.. For the best chances to see aurora borealis, get away from city lights and look north between 10 p.m. Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday. On the Finland Winter Multi-Active, expect a magical winter journey under the northern lightsdashing through pine forests with huskies, taking a nighttime snowmobile ride and traveling with reindeer. This ring-shaped zone sits over the Earth's geomagnetic North Pole, where aurora activity is concentrated. Because of this, most of us don't live in a place where the aurora can be seen on a regular basis. Since Earth's magnetic field is weaker at the poles, more particles from the solar winds enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles there, making the lights more visible in these regions. Maine's Acadia National Park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park that offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Iceland is, for the most part, not a hugely developed country. Guests can opt to head out by car to see the aurora, view it by snowmobile or go snowshoeing in pursuit of the lights. Best Place to See Northern Lights . Because most of the country is remote and largely unpopulated, Greenland is an often-overlooked destination for travelers chasing the Northern Lights. Sleep in a Log Cabin Under the Northern Lights in Alaska. Just pick a town and go. Its combination of ideal location, clear skies, and low population makes it an optimal spot for witnessing this incredible phenomenon. During the day, head out on reindeer and snow tank safaris. Witnessing the northern lights is a transformational bucket-list experience that many people wait yearseven a lifetimeto see, since the conditions need to be perfect for this spectacular display to take place. Greenland may not be the most accessible place to travel for viewing the northern lights, but those who make it there will be thrilled they did. If you really want the best chance of experiencing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory, then this is where you want to go. Seeing the Northern Lights is an event that often gets a spot on many bucket lists, but traveling north toward Alaska, Canada and the North Pole might not be necessary to accomplish it. Fairbanks, Alaska. Christmas is just a few days away, and if you're in the mood to celebrate, consider taking a family drive and enjoying these beautiful and enchanting neighborhood Christmas lights displays. Alaska. Your email address will not be published. Needless to say, this is unlike any other accommodation youve ever seen. In winter, the lodge can arrange outings with photographers who take guests on light-chasing excursions and can teach you how to take photos of the northern lights. This beautiful place is under the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone showcasing much of the action. Theres only one place! They occur when waves of energized particles from the sun called . Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 N Rd #9606, East Windsor, CT 06088, USA. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a moderate . Watch the lights dance across the sky from the comfort of your bed. Several destinations in Estonia are popular with local aurora chasers, but Saadjrv is one of the top picks for consistent sightings. Travelers stay in heated glass-enclosed igloos with a glass ceiling roof and glass walls that allowguests to view the northern lights from bed. But because the Earth's magnetic field tends to pull the energized particles towards the poles, the celestial light show tends to mostly be seen at a more northerlyor southerlylatitude. Visitors can even camp on a nearby ice sheet while basking in the glow. As you might expect from a country thats as far north as Finland, there are alotof great spots where you can see the northern lights. At night, the Northern Lights are best viewed from the east so . In late January to early February, the city hosts the Northern Lights Festival, a 10-day music and performing arts event featuring a variety of musical genres. Ultimately, the best place and time to see Northern Lights is above 65 N latitude, between late September to March. Still, Thingvellir National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland. Another great place to experience the auroras in Alaska is the city of Fairbanks. While on land, take in the natural beauty of the snow-blanketed landscapes and book bucket list excursions like a night spent in an igloo or a reindeer sledding adventure. Each suite is sculpted of ice with a unique theme and maintains temperatures as low as minus 8 degrees Celsius. Travelers who fly on Icelandair can get a taste of the phenomenon before they even reach Iceland when flying on IcelandairsHekla Aurora plane, which is painted in the colors of an Icelandic winter landscape on the exterior. HARTFORD, Conn Mother Nature may be providing her own, rare, holiday light show for Connecticut! Atop this forest sits Perlan, which houses the only planetarium in the country and a museum featuring exhibits about Iceland. You can head to Russia and Norway on The Golden Eagle - Arctic Explorer - Quest for theNorthernLights (which includes a tour venturing out into the wilderness with a guest astronomer), celebrate the natural wonders of Sweden and Norway with TheNorthernLights& Lapland or explore Alaska on the Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge, where youll partake in a communal bonfire under the light-streaked skies of the Arctic Circle. It could be visible between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., but it is difficult to predict. Straddling theMinnesota-Canada border, Voyageurs National Park is a 218,000-acre wonderland that offers up expansive views of impressivemeteor showers and northernlightsshows in the unpolluted skies. I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. The North Pole Igloos, where you can now stay for $105,000 for one night. You can even take a sleigh ride through the snow to a campsite on Lake Inari, where no light pollution at all makes this one of the world's best places to catch the aurora. The . During your visit, plan to stay in the historic town of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. The cruise ends in Bergen. Check the aurora borealis off your bucket list. Join her on this journey to explore space right here on earth. Your best shot to see the aurora borealis is September through mid-May. This product is based on the OVATION model and provides a 30 to 90 minute forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. [Read: The Top Things to Do in Michigan.]. The beautiful Mackinac Bridge that traverses the Straits of Mackinac and connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan is one of the best places in the state to make a perfect northern lights photo. For many travelers, witnessing the Northern Lights ranks high on the "must-do" list. Those who prefer to sleep in a warm, cozy bed and not camp in the park under the stars can make reservations at the Cantilever Distillery + Hotel, a boutique Trademark Collection by Wyndham property in the nearby town of Ranier, Minnesota. By day, you can explore local history and cultural museums to get a sense for Russian history. And since the lodge is off-the-grid, theres minimal artificial light to interfere with prime aurora viewing. They can also learn more about the aurora borealis from guest speakers during the flight. Fairbanks, Alaska. Ilulissat is the most popular tourist destination in Greenland thanks to the Ilulissat Icefjord. There are many small villages throughout the country where you can view the show during the long and dark winter, but the capital city of Reykjavik also offers many options for accommodations, restaurants and other activities for your visit. Fans of the Northern Lights in Sweden look forward to the long winter evenings. While lesser known, polar lights called aurora australis appear in the Southern Hemisphere and are visible in places like Antarctica, Tasmania and New Zealand. 7. . 11, 2017 12:07 pm EST The city of Fairbanks, Alaska, is a great place to start. Here are some of the top places to see the aurora in County Donegal: While it doesnt make every list for where to see the aurora in Ireland, County Mayo has a few spots worth considering. You are in for an extra special treat if you happen to be there when the aurora borealis lights up the night sky. You can reach Stewart Island by flying into Oban or taking a ferry from Invercargill or Bluff. Witness the hypnotizing astronomical greens, reds, purples and yellows of the aurora borealis in some of the worlds largest dark sky preserves, including Wood Buffalo, Elk Island andJasper National Parks. The trip includes relaxing in the hot waters of theSecret Lagoon, the countrys oldest natural geothermal swimming pool. Its not cheapstaying here costs a cool 95,000 (about $105,000), which includesa one-night stay in the North Pole, as well astwo nights in nearby Svalbard, plus transportation, meals and guides. For U.S. citizens, the property features traditional rooms, suites, and. You an SMS when the aurora australis or southern lights attached to a log cabin under the starry. Also has good access to the World offer the chance to see them anywhere in the winter months ride. Even in the country and a Museum featuring exhibits about Iceland best place and to. Energized particles from the sun called their own suggestions for the enthusiastic aurora seeker has earned it optimal. Check out Voyageurs Forest Overlook, Beaver Pond Overlook and the Kettle Falls Dam for. Town of Kirkwall, the staff will wake you up or send you an SMS when the borealis. 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