Best place to see northern lights in Europe

One of the most spectacular occurrences in nature is the Northern Lights, which is definitely on our bucket list. For hundreds of years people have been traversing miles and miles of landscape to catch a mere glimpse of this natural phenomenon. Some believe that 2012 was the best time to view these lights, but according to experts  in an article in The Telegraph there will be twin peak of solar maximum in autumn 2013 and winter of 2014, which means now might be one of the best times in history to view the life. These lights can be seen from many angles and places, but there are some places which are best to view northern lights, and they are also affordable for travelers even on a strict budget. Fore more information check out The Aurora Zone and our list of top destinations.

Iceland

Tourists find it the most affordable and easy to access, you should visit here in May as there are the highest chances of getting lights there which you can view and can have fun.  You can stay there as long as you want and on your trip also enjoy thermal vents and active volcanoes!

Finland – Ivalo

Finland is a relatively cheap flight if you are traveling from the UK, though you might want to consider a drive there if you are on the mainland. Another possible solution is to fly directly to that area near the arctic Russia border, and from there you can also go “aurora” hunting to explore lights.

Sweden – Kiruna

Also in Scandinavia is Sweden, which competes with Iceland for best viewing of the northern lights. It is true, that Stockholm, the nation’s capital, is no cheap city, but who can put a price on the northern lights? Specifically however is the city Kiruna, which is accessible quite easily by train or a car. In fact,  from Finland you can get to Kiruna in 7 hours by road.

Norway, Tromso

Tromso will soon be full of tourists because of the football games in November, hence a great chance to view the northern lights. The best place to see the lights is the North Cape. While there, you can also join the festival of aurora lights in Tromso which is held in January and February.

UK, Scotland

If you are a UK resident then perhaps you can go without flying to Iceland or Scandinavia. Indeed, there are several latitudes for viewing the northern lights, for example, the Faroe Islands. Careful however, as it becomes chilly near the Arctic Circle!

In particularly active years, you don’t need to travel a long way as you can see it even from Scotland. Imagine, living out in the suburbs and seeing the northern lights from your very own window? What a treat! Particularly in areas where there is less traffic (hence less pollution); lights are visible, clear and beautiful – as they should be. Better than a late night movie, that’s for sure!

So gear up for any opportunity to see this spectacular light show. It truly is a once and a lifetime experience (unless of course, you live in the suburbs of Scotland)!

photo credit: nate2b via photopin cc