Iceland, Norway, Alaska, Finland, Canada, and perhaps other countries at high latitudes are prime locations for seeing the Northern Lights in 2022. A worldwide epidemic makes it even more challenging to decide where to travel to view the Northern Lights since the list of suitable spots to observe the Aurora Borealis is broad and varied. But have no fear. I've spent a lot of time shooting the Aurora Borealis in different parts of the world, and in this post, I'll tell you which nations are the ideal ones to visit if you want to check it off your list of must-dos.
Fairbanks (Alaska)
Fairbanks is a prime location for viewing the northern lights because it lies right beneath the aurora borealis oval. The vast majority of auroral activity takes place in this area, which lies directly over the North Pole. It's also possible to see the lights during the aurora season (21 August - 21 April) on more than 80% of clear evenings. Later in the summer, guests can take a trip on the Steamboat Discoveries and pan for gold. Travel to the North Pole to see Santa this holiday season. In both February and March, visitors to the area for the World Ice Art Contest can also enjoy dog sledding and snowmobile trips.
Tromsø (Norway)
Troms, one of the numerous excellent locations in Norway from which to see the northern lights, is 320 kilometers (220 miles) above the Arctic Circle. From the end of September towards the end of March, the north half of the nation has a gloomy period from the afternoon and evening till late morning. As a result of the total absence of light, the aurora may be seen more clearly. If you need a break from stargazing, the contemporary city of Troms has many attractions, such as the stunning Arctic Cathedral, to keep you occupied. The Northern Lights Conference is a 10-day music but instead performing arts festival that takes place in the city from the end of January to the beginning of February.
Lapland (Finland)
Northern Finland, known as Lapland, is entirely inside the Arctic Circle. The best time to see the northern lights coincides with the end of August as well as the beginning of April when they appear around 200 times every year. As many as 200,000 reindeer and the Sámi people (the only Indigenous group throughout the European Union territory) call Finnish Lapland home.
Orkney (Scotland)
These fascinating islands are one of the greatest sites in Scotland for observing the northern lights since they are situated only 10 miles from the country's north shore. The aurora, called "Mirrie Dancers" in the native language, is best seen in the fall and winter. Clear skies and chilly nights are perfect for stargazing around this time of the year. Birsay's shoreline and the beach at Dingieshowe are only two examples of where you can glimpse the incredible light display.
Yellowknife (Canada)
Located in Canada's Northwest Territories, Yellowknife may be referred to simply as the "Aurora Capital of North America." Since it is located directly in the heart of the auroral oval, the government puts up one of the largest spectacular light displays anywhere from the middle of November until the beginning of April. You may get a glimpse of the Northern Lights from late summer to early autumn since this phenomenon can be seen on up to 240 occasions a year. Yellowknife, situated on Great Slave Lake's northern coast, seems to be a fantastic place to enjoy winter activities like ice fishing as well as cross-country skiing. Throughout March, there is the fortnight Snowkings' Winter Festival, where you can enjoy snow sculpture competitions, ice slides, snow fort building, musical performances, and more.
Jukkasjärvi (Sweden)
Swedish Lapland in the country's far north is where you want to go from early September through late March to enjoy the lit sky. Located on the Torne River, some 130 kilometers (81 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, the sleepy Swedish town of Jukkasjärvi is a prime spot for seeing the Northern Lights. The settlement dates back to the 17th century, and a number of the original dwellings, such as an ancient wood cottage, are still standing today. There are now over 800 people living in the community and over a thousand canine inhabitants.
Reykjavik (Iceland)
Those interested in searching again for aurora borealis throughout Iceland should go between October and March. During long, dark winters, visitors may visit one of the numerous tiny towns scattered around the nation to see the show. However, the nation's capital of Reykjavik also has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and other attractions to keep you occupied. Travel to skjuhli to see the Northern Lights without the distraction of city lights. You can enjoy the nightly display from the pathways lighting walkways in this hilly, forested part of Reykjavik, which is 200 meters above sea level.
Conclusion
One of Earth's most breathtaking and sought-after vacation experiences is seeing the northern lights. Perhaps it is due to the incredible show of color created by collisions of particles as well as molecules high in Earth's atmosphere, which can be seen as a kaleidoscope of whirling shapes and moving lights over the blackness of night. Perhaps the allure of the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, stems from the fact that so many variables need to be in place before one can see them, but then again, there is only a little window of time during which to do so.
