Questioning the perfect locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe? Looking for that PERFECT European location the place you’ll be able to open your door and see the Aurora Borealis twinkling overhead every evening? We’ve bought you covered- listed here are essentially the most stunning locations in Europe to go to to extend your possibilities of seeing the Northern lights!
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Finest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe
In case 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 perfect locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this put up, we’re going to share the perfect locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that can assist you see them, by sharing the 4 most important guidelines that the consultants 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 begin this put up 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’s NO one greatest place to see the Northern Lights.
They’re a transferring pure phenomenon and solely happen within the excessive latitudes in each hemispheres. Their look is predicated on many elements of the Earth’s ambiance (most of which I don’t faux to know!) 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 ‘greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe’ is not possible 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 possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe improve dramatically and they’re persistently the perfect locations to go to. These are largely 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 put up.
Professional Tricks to improve your possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
There are 4 most important guidelines that the consultants 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 hold the sky clear
- Be versatile. I do know this isn’t simple, 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 perfect prediction or the place the skies can be clearer, you’ll improve your possibilities 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 onerous you strive. Endurance is vital.
The place are you able to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Having mentioned all of the above, don’t persist with the principles too rigidly.
We’ve been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern Lights on 7 separate nights. The truth is, 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 listing!
It was a terrific 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 mirror on the ocean. It was completely 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 a number of the greatest waterfalls in Europe.
We rented a automotive 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 occasions, we selected our journey based mostly on a risk of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different points of interest which allowed us to have a great 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 depart dissatisfied. 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 just’ve by no means heard of!
What’s the perfect month to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
The perfect 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 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 perfect month for the Northern Lights can generally differ.
Sensible ideas for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
- Examine the climate forecast- you’re in search of clear skies. There are additionally some web sites which share experiences of photo voltaic exercise and the probability 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 to your eye to regulate to the evening – making it simpler to do some private aurora images.
- Attempt to discover a location with an open view in the direction of the North- the Aurora tends to point out over the North Pole
- Mountains and/ or lakes are excellent backdrops for AMAZING photographs when photographing Aurora
- After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are widespread occasions 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 outdoors for some time
- Learn to use your digicam and analysis settings beforehand so you’ll be able to set it up shortly for Aurora images
- Take a tripod for regular photographs
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 beneficial by tons of of travellers. After all, there are different locations the place you’ll be able to 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 out to be some of the standard Northern Lights locations in Europe. It’s additionally one of many first locations in Europe that the Aurora tends to be visible- generally as early as mid-August!
Rovaniemi, Finland is the house of Santa (no, significantly) and can be some of the standard locations for Northern Mild hunters.
Whereas in search of the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you’ll be able to even keep in log or glass igloos/ cabins specifically inbuilt areas away from mild air pollution to permit you a greater likelihood of seeing them out of your doorstep!
Finland has a low inhabitants ratio, so has stunning darkish skies free from mild air pollution, loads of beautiful surroundings together with lakes to mirror the Aurora and a hotter temperature till November.
(These lakes are additionally the proper spot to check out ice fishing in Finland– you would possibly even be capable to do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)
Generally, the prospect 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 massive snowfalls arrive. Snow= cloud= not a lot likelihood to see the sky! Spring (March/ April) might be good too- however the skies get lighter faster so there’s 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 throughout 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 likelihood to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Sweden additionally enjoys a reasonably gentle 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 Lodge which is constructed annually. You’ll be able to 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 improve your possibilities 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 manage 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 finest 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’ll be able to 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 stunning log chalets, far-off from the world!
Getting there
There are each day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you may get a flight to Kiruna. You can even get a practice from Stockholm, together with the evening practice which simply feels like enjoyable! Or, you would all the time street journey there use this put up for some superior street journey concepts in Europe.
To get to Abisko, you will want 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 would possibly see the Iceland Northern Lights as properly 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 large snowdrifts- however the lack of snow clouds is without doubt one of the causes you get such excessive viewing stats in Iceland – making it among the finest locations to see Northern Lights in Europe.
Once more, the Gulf Stream works its magical magic (technical time period) and one way or the other the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist hold the temperatures hotter too!
Don’t get me improper, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve bought a terrific likelihood 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 occasions.
Different actions to take pleasure in
Lease a automotive and do your individual tour- a 4×4 is a good thought! In any other case, ebook 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 we have now to return!)
Attending to Iceland
There are frequent flights to Rekyjavik from the UK and Europe.
Northern Lights Norway
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a bunch 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 time, the solar by no means units in Svalbard, and throughout the winter (November to February), there’s NO daylight. None.
Because of this you stand such a terrific likelihood 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 superb to see. (Listed below 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 hold the sky clear AND give a tremendous backdrop for the Tromso Norway Northern Lights to point out off on.
For greatest 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, in case you’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, be sure you keep properly 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’s the Northern Lights Pageant– 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’ll be able to take pleasure in a few of these breathtaking locations to see in southern Norway and you would 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 finest 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 numerous 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 quick (and considerably stunning reply!) is that sure, you’ll be able to see Switzerland Northern Lights. However not typically.
Often the Aurora Borealis is so sturdy that it’ll attain all the way in which south and you may see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there is no such thing as a solution to predict when this can occur and it occurs very VERY not often (each few years or so.)
So don’t ebook your journey to Switzerland based mostly on that. (However do nonetheless go- Switzerland is AMAZING!)
READ MORE: The whole lot you could learn about street 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 likelihood!
Secure travels as you journey to the perfect locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me understand how you get on!
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