Planning your winter holiday? Catch the northern lights – 2024 is hailed as the best year in over a decade – at countries like Iceland, Finland and Canada.
What’s your dream travel experience? For some, it’s splashing cash on a stay at a five-star resort or an old money destination. For others, it’s upping the story factor by exploring lesser-known gems or a dark and historic tour. If you love to travel during the winter season for skiing, may we suggest the northern lights?
Why you need to catch the northern lights at least once in your life
Otherwise known as the aurora borealis, it’s an elusive spectacle. Green, purple, and red lights bombard the sky and turn it into a gorgeous show of nature. Thanks to an interaction of solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field, we get to see one of the most spectacular performances in the world. Because it’s a natural occurrence, the lights can appear and disappear in a blink of an eye. If you manage to catch the display, consider yourself lucky!
The northern lights can technically happen at any hour, so there’s no best season to catch them. However, there are some things you can do to boost your chances. First of all, the darker and clearer the sky, the better. Some say between September to April is the best time, thanks to winter’s long nights. That means more opportunities to chase the aurora. The best sightings are also said to happen between 11pm to midnight.
Fun fact: the northern lights come with their own superstitions! Some stories describe the aurora as human spirits, while others say it’s manifestations of gods. The general consensus is to never whistle, wave, sing, or shout at the lights because it might scare them off.
Experts say 2024 will bring some of the most vibrant auroras. Because the sun is reaching the peak of its 11-year cycle (aka the solar maximum), solar activity is boosted. That means more chances to potentially spot some of the best auroras! Ready to pack up your winter wear?
Where to see the northern lights
1. Svalbard
Tucked between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a remote Norwegian island that’s a little out of the way. It’s said that you have the chance to catch the northern lights even at lunchtime! This chilly spot is known for its untouched arctic wildlife and polar winters. Because of its extreme location, there’s no daylight in Svalbard during winter. That means aurora chasing can happen all day, every day.
The Funken Lodge is a cosy boutique hotel that offers an excellent breakfast – the perfect fuel before you go off on your adventure. It offers a northern lights package where you’ll spend an evening at Camp Barentz. Another popular choice is Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg, an old miners’ barracks that’s been transformed into this quaint establishment. Psst: take the opportunity to experience dog sledding during your stay here!
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
It’s no surprise that Iceland’s capital is a top pick for anyone looking to catch the northern lights for the first time. Despite its dense population, locals in the area say you can still see the northern lights here. Just head to any of the local parks and escape from the city’s artificial lights to better your chances.
The Hotel Reykjavik Grand is a top choice among travellers. It’s stylish and has everything you need for a great stay while being conveniently located in Reykjavik’s business district. For a more unique experience, give the Reykjavik Domes a try. You might even be lucky enough to catch the aurora as you relax in your very own private bath or hot tub.
3. Abisko, Sweden
The little town of Abisko sees hordes of tourists flocking to it as people make the trip to catch the ever-elusive northern lights. It’s for good reason because Abisko is supposedly the best place to catch the aurora borealis. The area has some of the best conditions, as it’s relatively free from light pollution and clouds. The Aurora Sky Station remains undefeated as the top spot for stunning sights. You can even book a northern lights dinner for a taste of Nordic cuisine and magnificent views.
Meanwhile, the Stf Abisko Turiststation is located in the heart of Abisko National Park, which is convenient for anyone looking to embark on fun activities. Besides catching the northern lights, you can enjoy the warmth of a wood-heated sauna or go on a snowshoe hike.
4. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Boasting over 300 clear nights a year, there’s nowhere quite like Kangerlussuaq. It’s mentioned time and again as an easily accessible location for anyone looking to hunt down the northern lights in Greenland. You can thank its relatively stable climate and limited use of streetlighting for that. Don’t forget about the diverse fauna here, too!
Hotel Kangerlussuaq is a convenient accommodation option as it’s based within Greenland’s largest international airport. With easy access to the ice cap, you can go hiking, fishing, dog sledding, and potentially spot some musk oxen.
5. Tromso, Norway
If bustling city vacays are your thing, take a trip to Tromso. Thanks to its location in the middle of the Northern Lights Oval, the lights are pretty visible from most places, including the city. Tromso combines the best of two experiences for city dwellers. Despite its locale in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, the city is teeming with cultural events, concerts and nightlife spots.
You can’t go wrong with a stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The city-centre location means you’ll be a stone’s throw away from cultural attractions. If you’re not catching the northern lights during winter, it’s a great place to rest your head and attend music festivals in the summer. Or, head to the Scandic Grand Tromso and book a private or custom tour.
6. Kakslauttanen, Finnish Lapland
In Finnish Lapland, the northern lights are visible for most of the year (roughly 200 nights) at various locations in the wilderness, including the tiny village of Kakslauttanen. It’s located right at the edge of the wilderness, along the road to the Arctic Sea. We hear the water is so pure that you can drink right from the stream.
If waiting for the gorgeous light display in the cold doesn’t sound appealing to you, picture marvelling at the dreamy sight from the comforts of a warm, plush bed. At Finland’s Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, you can enjoy sensational views of the spectacular light show from a cosy glass igloo (which also includes toilets and access to saunas and showers).
7. Yukon, Canada
Heads up, serial roadtrippers. With its many well-maintained highways, quaint stops and campgrounds, Yukon is a self-driving paradise. If you’ve got the chops (and know-how) to be an independent northern lights hunter, book an RV and kick off your aurora-gazing trip at Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital. As the gateway to Canada’s northern wilderness, Whitehorse is a great starting point for other gorgeous viewing spots, including the mountainous Kluane National Park and the sand dunes in Carcross Desert.
If you’re not one for van life, that’s okay. We won’t judge if you book a stay at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa instead. The aurora glass chalets are made for gazing at the sky in eager anticipation of the lights. And you’ll be just a few steps from amenities like the spa, lounge, and bar.
8. Alaska, United States of America
How seriously does Alaska take northern light chasing? Well, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has set up an aurora forecast on its website, so that’s your cue to visit. There are multiple locations within this state that you can pop by for all your northern lights hunting needs.
Two things are commonly experienced when chasing the northern lights: cold and fatigue. But at Chena Hot Springs Resort in Fairbanks, none of them are a concern. Sink into the soothing mineral waters of the natural hot springs as you take in the entrancing aurora lights above. Chena’s obscure location spells zero light pollution, resulting in awe-inducing, unfiltered views of the grand displays. Tip: after spending the day exploring the resort’s majestic surroundings, take a quick nap before heading to the springs.
Be sure to pack your warmest winterwear, because chasing the northern lights is no joke!