Questioning one of the best 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 received you covered- listed here are essentially the most lovely locations in Europe to go to to extend your possibilities of seeing the Northern lights!
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Greatest 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, should you’re looking for one of the best locations to see the majestic Aurora Borealis.
On this put up, we’re going to share one of the best locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, plus do our greatest that can assist you see them, by sharing the 4 essential guidelines that the specialists 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 one of the best place to see Northern Lights in Europe?
I hate to begin this put up off with some irritating information, however should you’re questioning the place in Europe are you able to see the Northern Lights, you want to know one factor first: there’s 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 components of the Earth’s ambiance (most of which I don’t fake to grasp!) however the essential 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.
Subsequently, 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 possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe improve dramatically and they’re persistently one of the best locations to go to. These are largely contained in the Arctic circle (though not typically instantly above the poles.)
After all, you may also 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 put up.
Professional Tricks to improve your possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
There are 4 essential guidelines that the specialists comply with if you wish to improve the probabilities 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 simple, in case you are reserving a vacation, however should you do have the choice to be versatile and journey the place the forecast has one of the best prediction or the place the skies shall be clearer, you’ll improve your possibilities of success quite a bit!
- Be PATIENT– and settle for that it’s a raffle. There may be NEVER any assure of seeing the Aurora in anyplace, irrespective 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 keep on with the foundations too rigidly.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to see the Northern Lights on 7 separate nights. Actually, out of the 8 nights I’ve spent Aurora searching, just one was unsuccessful. I’ve been very lucky- and I’ve damaged rule quantity 2 just about on a regular basis.
The primary journey was a Hurtigruten cruise from Tromsø up the Norwegian coast, previous Nordkapp and to the Russian border. It was a implausible journey and ticked so many issues off my bucket checklist!
It was an amazing journey since that is simply one of many greatest European cities to go to in winter and I 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. I flew in to Reykjavik and stayed in a small lodge on the South Coast, and noticed the Aurora 3 out of 4 nights whereas exploring a number of the greatest waterfalls in Europe.
I 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 instances, I selected our journey based mostly on a risk of seeing the Northern Lights, however with different points of interest which allowed me 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 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 one of the best month to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
One of the best time to see the Northern Lights in Europe and one of the best 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 offer the lights an opportunity to point out up.
Many individuals say Autumn or Spring are one of the best instances– winter is sort of TOO chilly.
Each instances I’ve been has been March, however I do know many individuals who’ve seen them in different months- it truly is luck of the draw and why one of the best month for the Northern Lights can generally differ.
Sensible suggestions for Photographing Aurora and seeing the Northern Lights in Europe
- Test 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 chance of you seeing the Aurora every evening.
- Get distant from cities and different gentle air pollution, together with roads
- Enable about half-hour of darkness on your eye to regulate to the evening – making it simpler to do some private aurora pictures.
- 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 good backdrops for AMAZING pictures when photographing Aurora
- After Twilight or simply earlier than daybreak are frequent instances for the Aurora to point out up and are normally one of the best time of day to see Northern Lights
- Wrap up warmly- you’re going to be outdoors for some time
- Discover ways to use your digicam and analysis settings beforehand so you’ll be able to set it up rapidly for Aurora pictures
- Take a tripod for regular pictures
The place to see the Northern Lights in Europe
The locations beneath are one of the best locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe and are available extremely really useful 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 lately turn into one of the crucial in style 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 one of the crucial in style locations for Northern Gentle hunters.
Whereas in search of the Rovaniemi Northern Lights, you’ll be able to even keep in log or glass igloos/ cabins specifically in-built areas away from gentle air pollution to permit you a greater probability 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 proper spot to check out ice fishing in Finland– you may even have the ability to do it whereas watching the Finland Northern Lights overhead!)
Basically, the prospect of seeing the Rovaniemi Northern Lights on clear nights as round 40%, which can not sound like a lot however is definitely excellent!
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 probability to see the sky! Spring (March/ April) will be good too- however the skies get lighter faster so there’s much less time.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland – The right way to 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 gentle air pollution. Which implies extra probability 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 probability to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Kiruna is legendary for the wonderful Ice Resort which is constructed every year. You may 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 should 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 whole lack of sunshine air pollution means even weak Aurora shows will be seen right here. That’s why Abisko is definitely probably the greatest locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Abisko additionally has the Aurora Sky Station , which is an open chair carry taking you as much as an remark 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!
Greatest time to Go to Sweden and See the Sweden Northern Lights?
September to finish of March
Different actions to get pleasure from
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 each day flights to Stockholm from the UK and Europe and from there you will 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 at all times highway journey there use this put up for some superior highway 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 least expensive 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 nicely is simply an added bonus! It’s additionally one of many least expensive locations to see the Northern Lights in Europe.
Don’t count on large snowdrifts- however the lack of snow clouds is likely one of the causes you get such excessive viewing stats in Iceland – making it probably the greatest locations to see Northern Lights in Europe.
Once more, the Gulf Stream works its magical magic (technical time period) and someway the temperatures are barely hotter than they need to be. All these volcanoes additionally assist maintain the temperatures hotter too!
Don’t get me flawed, it’s nonetheless chilly in winter, however get away from the cities and also you’ve received an amazing probability 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 one of the best instances.
Different actions to get pleasure from
Hire a automobile and do your personal tour- a 4×4 is a good concept! 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 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 coated in untouched glaciers, HUGE mountains and a variety of wildlife (though in winter a lot of it is going to 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.
This is the reason you stand such an amazing probability 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 gentle, which can be wonderful to see. (Listed below are another concepts for nice locations to see in Europe in October)
Different issues to do in Svalbard in addition to see the Svalbard Northern Lights
Canine sledding; Snowmobiling; Glacial Ice caving; Snow-shoeing; photographing Aurora excursions and basic Aurora searching excursions
Attending to Svalbard
Svalbard has the world’s most northern airport accepting scheduled flights. The commonest 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 most important 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 an incredible 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, should you’re touring Norway in a motorhome or campervan, you should definitely keep nicely 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 get pleasure from 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 get pleasure from 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 one of the best place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is within the Shetlands.
The Shetlands are probably the greatest 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 novel 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.
Greatest Place to See Northern Lights in Scotland and The right way to get to Shetland
There’s a ferry, however I actually don’t fancy these stormy winter seas! The easiest way 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’s going to attain all the best way south and you’ll see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. However there isn’t a method 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: Every little thing you want to learn about highway journeys & campervanning in Switzerland
So, the place is one of the best place to see the Northern Lights in Europe?
Wherever you might be and they’re on the similar time! Seeing them is breathtaking and unforgettable. I sincerely hope you get that probability!
Protected travels as you journey to one of the best locations to see Northern Lights in Europe – and let me understand how you get on!
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