Roberta Aguirre
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular natural phenomenon that occurs when oxygen and nitrogen atoms collide with solar winds and accelerate along the Earth's magnetic field. This natural light show is visible from various locations across the globe, and many airports offer easy access to viewing points. Travellers can fly into capital cities like Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki, and then head to more remote destinations like Kiruna in Sweden, Tromsø in Norway, Rovaniemi in Finland, or Reykjavik in Iceland. For those short on time, the airport in Fairbanks, Alaska offers the chance to see the Northern Lights just a mile outside the city, and flights to Edmonton provide access to Yellowknife, another prime viewing location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports in the US to see Northern Lights | Fairbanks, Anchorage, Houghton, Edmonton, Yellowknife |
| Airports in the UK to see Northern Lights | London Heathrow, London Gatwick |
| Airports in Sweden to see Northern Lights | Stockholm Arlanda, Kiruna, Lulea |
| Airports in Norway to see Northern Lights | Tromsø, Oslo |
| Airports in Canada to see Northern Lights | Edmonton |
| Airports in Iceland to see Northern Lights | Reykjavik |
| Airports in Finland to see Northern Lights | Rovaniemi |
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Tromsø, Norway
One way to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø is by joining an organised tour or cruise. The Electric Northern Lights Cruise departs from the pier near Skarven Kro restaurant and offers a 3- to 4-hour journey into the Arctic fjords. The cruise crew monitors weather conditions and navigates towards the clearest skies, increasing the likelihood of witnessing the Northern Lights. Throughout the cruise, guides share stories and assist with photography.
For a different perspective, the Fjellheisen gondola takes visitors to the top of Mount Storsteinen, offering panoramic views of the city and its surrounding mountains. The rooftop bars in Tromsø also provide opportunities to admire the cityscape and, if lucky, the Northern Lights. Additionally, the Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral) is an architectural landmark that hosts Northern Lights concerts, creating a magical experience.
Tromsø is more than just a viewing spot for the Northern Lights. It is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, modern cuisine, and abundant natural attractions. The city boasts interesting museums, art galleries, and festivals throughout the year. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, whale watching, and hiking. Tromsø's fjords can be explored through boat tours, providing opportunities to admire the scenery and possibly spot the Northern Lights.
With its range of activities and attractions, Tromsø, Norway, offers a well-rounded experience for those seeking to witness the Northern Lights in a captivating Arctic destination.
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Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna is a small city in Swedish Lapland, sitting 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. It is Sweden's most northerly city, with a population of around 22,000. The countryside surrounding Kiruna is known for its snowy mountains, boreal forests, alpine tundra, marshes, rivers, and lakes.
Kiruna is an excellent destination to see the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The city's location within the auroral oval, or Aurora Belt, means that the Northern Lights appear regularly from September to early April, with sightings sometimes occurring as early as the end of August and lasting through parts of April. The Northern Lights are often visible as early as 4 pm during the winter season, and they can be seen almost every night. The Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) has an aurora application that enables you to receive real-time notifications when there are Northern Lights over Kiruna and its surrounding areas.
Kiruna offers a range of accommodation options for those seeking to witness the Northern Lights. The Icehotel, located in the hamlet of Jukkasjarvi, is just a 15-minute drive from the Kiruna Airport. Each winter, the hotel is rebuilt from ice cut from the Torne River and transformed into a shimmering ice sculpture by artists and architects. The hotel is open from December to April, coinciding with the peak season for Northern Lights viewing. The Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge and the Arctic Gourmet Cabins are also popular choices for those seeking a secluded and immersive experience in nature.
To capture the Northern Lights through photography, it is essential to be patient, dress warmly, and use appropriate camera equipment. Local photographer Paulina Holmgren recommends using a camera with high ISO settings, opting for a maximum aperture, and experimenting with long shutter speeds and wide-angle lenses.
Kiruna is accessible via the Kiruna Airport, with direct flights available from Stockholm.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is known to have more auroral frequency and intensity, and its capital, Reykjavik, is a great place to start your Northern Lights adventure. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are visible mainly between October and March each year in the Nordic region.
You can fly into Keflavik Airport, and you may even see the lights on the plane or on the drive from the airport. However, luck is always a factor when hunting the aurora, and there are no guarantees. The lights are created by solar storms, and many natural factors must align for them to occur and be visible. You will need dark skies and clear weather, and even then, you might not see them.
To maximise your chances of spotting the lights in Reykjavik, you need to find the darkest place possible with fully clear skies. There are several good spots in and around the city. The Seltjarnarnes peninsula, in the northwesternmost point of the capital region, has minimal light pollution, and on clear nights, you have a great shot at seeing the lights. The Grotta Lighthouse is another excellent backdrop for the Northern Lights. There's also a geothermal tub on the peninsula called Kvika Foot Bath, where you can warm up while waiting. Oskjuhlid hill is another recommended spot, and the forest surrounding the Perlan Museum is very dark, offering excellent viewing conditions. There are also relatively dark parks in Reykjavik, including Klambratun, Hljomskalagardur, and Ellidaardalur. The first two are within walking distance of the city centre.
If you want to increase your chances of seeing the lights, consider a guided tour that will take you to the best viewing spots. You could also visit the Blue Lagoon, a popular attraction away from the city with less light pollution, but you must book well in advance.
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Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks offers a range of tours to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. You can take a one-day tour to the remote town of Coldfoot, above the Arctic Circle, or stay overnight in one of the many elegant, clear-roofed igloos just outside the city. These igloos are the only ones in North America and are specifically positioned to maximise your viewing of the Northern Lights.
If you prefer to venture out on your own, you can drive to nearby vantage points including North Pole, Cleary Summit, Murphy Dome, Chena River State Recreation Area, or up the Dalton Highway to Coldfoot and beyond. Many accommodations in Fairbanks also offer wake-up calls when the Northern Lights are out.
To help you plan your trip, you can use the Aurora Tracker, a digital tool that predicts Northern Lights viewing opportunities for six locations in the Fairbanks region. The Geophysical Institute's Aurora Forecast page also provides useful information, including a magnetometer monitor, an all-sky camera, and an animation of auroral activity over the Northern Hemisphere in the last 24 hours.
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Yellowknife, Canada
To reach Yellowknife, you can fly into Yellowknife Airport (YZF), which is conveniently located just a short drive from the city centre. The airport offers regular flights to and from other major Canadian cities, making it easily accessible.
Once in Yellowknife, you can embark on a Northern Lights watching tour. These tours are designed to maximise your chances of witnessing the awe-inspiring lights. Experienced guides will lead you to the best viewing locations, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Some tours even offer additional perks such as professional photography services, hot drinks, and snacks.
The city of Yellowknife itself has a fascinating history, evolving from a small Aboriginal community into a thriving mining town. Beyond the Northern Lights, Yellowknife offers a range of attractions, including scenic locations and the famous Ice Castle during the winter months.
When visiting Yellowknife to chase the Northern Lights, it's important to keep in mind that clear skies are essential for optimal viewing conditions. Forecasts for the lights can be unpredictable, and even last-minute changes can occur. However, with the right guidance and a bit of luck, your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife are exceptionally high!
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Frequently asked questions
Some good airports to see the Northern Lights include:
- Kiruna, Sweden
- Tromsø, Norway
- Rovaniemi, Finland
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Edmonton, Canada (closest international airport to Yellowknife, another good viewing destination)
Some good US airports to fly from to see the Northern Lights include:
- Newark or Chicago (east side)
- Los Angeles (west coast)
- Fort Lauderdale, for Florida residents
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs within the latitudes of 65 to 72 degrees north. The best time to see them is during the winter, especially in November, December, or January. However, good displays can also be seen in late autumn and early spring.
