Buzz
Join us to explore 7 of the most magnificent places on Earth where travelers can immerse themselves in the masterpiece of the aurora.
7 Stunning Locations for Aurora Observation
Auroras are fascinating natural phenomena most prominently seen near the Earth's polar regions. This phenomenon occurs due to collisions between solar wind particles and gases in the atmosphere.
During auroras, the sky displays continuous bands of moving and shifting lights, resembling shimmering ribbons of silk overhead.
Auroras occurring in the Northern Hemisphere are known as the northern lights or aurora borealis, while those in the Southern Hemisphere are called the southern lights or aurora australis.
National Geographic has curated 7 of the most magnificent places where travelers can immerse themselves in the realm of the aurora.
Iceland
The pristine night skies along the coastal roads of this island provide ideal conditions for aurora viewing, with Mount Kirkjufell being the prime spot.
Iceland is not only renowned for the aurora but also worth visiting for its myriad landscapes: glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and more.
Best time to visit: Late August to early April.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Just 2 degrees from the North Pole and near the international airport and Denali National Park, Fairbanks is the prime spot for the most exquisite aurora viewing in the United States. This place even has a dedicated aurora weather forecast article to serve tourists.
Best time to visit: Late August to mid-April.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife is the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, situated by the large Slave Lake – the second-largest lake in the region – famous for its aurora-viewing village. Special activities for this unique tourism sector thrive here.
Canada is also an aurora tourism paradise, thanks to its low latitude and minimal light pollution. Other locations across the maple leaf land like Wood Buffalo National Park and Jasper National Park are equally ideal for observing the aurora.
Best time to visit: Mid-August to early April.
Tromsø, Norway
This is the largest urban area in northern Norway, located about 217 miles from the Arctic Circle. Thanks to the Gulf Stream current, the sea here has temperatures resembling temperate zones. Tromsø boasts stunning scenery with numerous fjords and the ethereal Lyngen Alps mountain range.
The village of Ersfjordbotn, just 12 miles from Tromsø, is an excellent spot for perfect aurora viewing. Other famous locations to witness this phenomenon include the Lofoten Islands, as well as the towns of Alta, Nordkapp, and Kirkenes further north.
Best time to visit: Mid-September to late March.
Northern Sweden and Finland
Kiruna, the northernmost town in Sweden, serves as a hub for various aurora viewing attractions such as ice hotels, Abisko National Park, and the Sami cultural preserves. The weather here is colder than in Norway but relatively stable.
In Lapland region of Finland, Rovaniemi is considered the capital, from where travelers embark on exploring national parks blanketed in winter white. Against this backdrop, the aurora appears truly romantic.
Best time to visit: Mid-September to late March.
Greenland
If you wish to venture deep north to witness the aurora, northern Greenland is the ideal destination. However, even the southernmost tip of this island can offer stunning auroras, especially at the Qaleraliq glacier.
Best time to visit: Late April to early August.
Tasmania and New Zealand
You've probably heard more about the northern lights than the southern lights because there are fewer aurora viewing spots in the southern hemisphere, with Tasmania (Australia) and New Zealand being prominent among them.
Due to their proximity to the Antarctic continent, coupled with their serene nightscapes, these two locations make it easy for you to witness spectacular southern auroras.
Best time to visit: Anytime throughout the year, but ideally during the equinoxes in spring or autumn.
By Trọng Nhân/Tuổi Trẻ
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References: Mytour Travel Handbook
TravelExperts.comJuly 7th, 2017
