Are you ready to set out on a quest for the celestial dance of the Aurora Borealis? This guide is essential to witnessing one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles—the Northern Lights.
More than just a visual delight, this adventure takes you into our planet's colder, darker regions. Here, under expansive, starlit skies, the vibrant colors of the aurora come alive, captivating observers from around the globe.
Best Time to Go Aurora Hunting: Winter to Early Spring
The optimal period to witness the Northern Lights spans from mid-September to April. Generally, the farther north you travel, the more extended and darker the nights become, enhancing your chances of seeing the aurora.
Remember that the aurora doesn't appear on demand, so patience and late nights are needed. In northern Scandinavia, darkness prevails from early afternoon to late morning from late September through late March, setting a perfect stage for aurora viewing.
For those hesitant about enduring the intense cold of the polar winter, September and October offer somewhat warmer weather. However, auroral zone displays during these months tend to be less frequent and intense.
Statistically, auroral activity increases around the equinoxes in March and September, offering a strategic window for enthusiasts.
Enhance Your Experience with a Guided Tour
The most budget-friendly option is to reserve a spot on an exclusive small group Northern Lights tour. Here, you'll join a select group in a guided vehicle that roams in search of the perfect, secluded spot to view the lights away from other onlookers.
During the high season, many famous roads can become crowded with parked tour buses, diminishing the sense of wonder and spontaneity. Thanks to the ease of cross-border travel within the Schengen Area, tour operators may even take you from one country to another, such as from Norway to Finland, if the conditions are more favorable for viewing in the neighboring country.
Include Local Activities in Your Itinerary
When planning your Northern Lights Hunt expedition, enrich the experience by incorporating local activities into your itinerary. Exploring iconic routes like Iceland's Golden Circle adds a vibrant layer to your adventure.
This famous loop takes you through some of Iceland's most stunning landscapes, including the geothermal wonders of Geysir, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the historic Thingvellir National Park.
Experience the Geothermal Majesty of Geysir
The Geysir geothermal area, part of the Golden Circle, is a must-visit for its dramatic geysers and bubbling hot springs. Here, you can witness the powerful eruptions of Strokkur, which sends boiling water up to 30 meters in the air every few minutes.
Walking through this steaming geothermal landscape connects you with Iceland's volcanic activity and offers unique photo opportunities against a surreal backdrop.
Discover the Grandeur of Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss, or 'Golden Falls,' is one of Iceland's most iconic and breathtaking waterfalls. This massive waterfall tumbles 32 meters into a rugged canyon, creating a mist that often catches the light to form rainbows, adding to its mystical allure.
Gullfoss's sheer power and beauty make it a profound stop on the Golden Circle tour. It provides a spectacular display of nature's force and beauty.
Explore the Historic Depths of Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a site of geological and historical significance. It is not only the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates but also the birthplace of the Icelandic Parliament, established in 930 AD.
Visitors can walk between continents on the Almannagjá fault and immerse themselves in the park's rich history and natural beauty. Thingvellir offers a reflective journey back in time and is essential for understanding Iceland's cultural heritage.
Engage in Unique Icelandic Experiences
In addition to these natural marvels, you can engage in various local experiences. Whether you relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of a geothermal spa, go on a snowmobile excursion across glittering glaciers, or horseback ride with Icelandic horses through rugged terrain, these activities connect deeply to the environment and culture.
Each of these experiences complements your primary quest of chasing the auroras, making your journey not just a hunt for the lights but a comprehensive exploration of all the region has to offer.
Dress Appropriately for Cold Weather
Chasing the Northern Lights is a magical but freezing activity. You'll usually be outside for a long time to see them well. The deep winter nights north of the Arctic Circle can get as cold as -20°C, and the wind can make it feel even colder.
You'll enjoy watching the Northern Lights activity more if you dress warmly. Start with a base layer of merino wool thermals, which keep you warm and dry. Add a middle layer like a fleece jacket for extra warmth, and wear a snowsuit or a down coat with windproof pants as your outer layer for the best protection.
Wear a woolen hat, winter boots, and gloves—glove liners can give you extra warmth. Hands often get cold first when you're trying to take pictures so that hand warmers can be a big help.
Also, carrying a thermos with a hot drink and a flash light can help keep you comfortable while you watch the fantastic lights.
Capture the Magic with Quality Photography Equipment
Taking a quick photo of the Northern Lights with your smartphone is easy—switch to "night mode," keep your phone steady, and use the regular lens. However, if you want to capture the aurora display in more detail, you'll need a DSLR camera.
Set your camera to manual mode, adjust the focus to infinity, and mount it on a tripod. Lower the aperture (f-stop) as much as possible for the best light capture. You should also increase the ISO for better sensitivity in low light and set a long exposure time of about 15-20 seconds to capture the movement and color of the lights.
To enhance the colors further, use photo-editing software like Photoshop. If you're serious about learning how to take stunning photos of the aurora display, consider joining a photography-themed tour where professionals can guide you and provide expert tips to fellow aurora hunters.
Ensure You Never Miss a Show with Wake-Up Alerts
The Northern Lights can appear anytime from dusk to dawn, but the most spectacular displays often happen around midnight—when most people are usually asleep after a day out in the cold. Check if your hotel provides an aurora alarm to ensure you don't miss these magical moments.
This service sends a wake-up call to your room when the lights become visible, often with a simple button press. Make sure to ask about this feature when you book your stay so you're ready to witness the aurora zone whenever it graces the sky.
Increased Chances of Seeing the Lights
Staying longer in the Arctic increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The aurora borealis can be tricky to catch, as clear skies and solar wind activity affect when and where they appear.
Extending your trip gives you more nights to see the lights. This also means more time to enjoy the area, try different activities, and learn about local life.
A more extended visit helps you make the most of good weather, boosting your chances of seeing this fantastic light show.
Stay Updated with Daily Aurora Forecasts
Keeping up with daily aurora forecasts is crucial for spotting the Northern Lights. These forecasts can tell you when the conditions are suitable for the lights to appear, helping you plan your viewing nights more effectively.
Most regions where the aurora is visible provide updates through websites and local weather stations. Make it a habit to check these forecasts every day during your stay so you can choose the best time to head out and experience the stunning display without missing a beat.
Seek Clearer Skies Away from Urban Lights
Finding the darkest skies possible, similar to stargazing conditions, is essential for the best Northern Lights viewing. Areas with less light pollution offer more transparent and more spectacular views, so while a town or city might serve as a convenient base, you should consider traveling into more remote areas like the mountains or across the tundra when the aurora activity is predicted to be high.
In these secluded spots, the colors of the aurora appear more vivid, and you might even witness the famous arc of lights stretching across the sky. To enhance your experience, carry a red-light head torch. This keeps your hands free for photography, preserves your night sky vision, and helps your eyes adjust to the dark smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Witnessing the Northern Lights is an adventure into nature's most enchanting spectacle. From planning your visit during the peak viewing months to integrating local cultural experiences, each aspect is designed to enhance your aurora chase.
Dressing warmly and equipping yourself with the right photography gear ensures you capture the beauty of the lights while staying informed through daily forecasts, maximizing your viewing opportunities. This trip is not just about seeing the aurora but embracing the Arctic adventure and making unforgettable memories under the starlit sky.
Ready to start your journey? Visit our website to plan your perfect Northern Lights expedition today.
FAQs
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The optimal time to see the Northern Lights is between late August and mid-April, with the highest activity around the spring and autumn equinoxes. Outside these months, the prolonged daylight of summer makes it nearly impossible to view the aurora.
Where can I see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are visible under the 'auroral oval' in high-latitude regions around the Arctic, including parts of Alaska, Northern Canada, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. They can sometimes be seen further south during periods of intense solar activity.
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are caused by interactions between the Earth's atmosphere and charged particles from the sun. These particles collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, creating vivid displays of light visible from the ground.
