An incredible natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights can surprise even seasoned travelers with the elusive dance of colorful lights in the night sky. Sometimes it's not easy to see him. However, there are several places on planet Earth, a visit to which will allow you to fully enjoy the light show, directed by nature itself.
1. Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to watch the northern lights as the city is located directly below the auroral oval. It is especially likely to witness this unique natural phenomenon from August 21 to April 21, when the sky remains clear on average four out of five nights.
In late summer, you can also go for a ride on the Discovery riverboat or go gold mining, visit the city of the North Pole, home of Santa Claus, or go on a dog sled tour. In February and March, the city hosts the World Ice Art Championship, where you can see amazing sculptures made of ice.
2. Tromso, Norway
From late September to late March, northern Norway is dark from early evening to late morning. Therefore, located above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights, Norway Photo: Christer Olsen / Wikimedia Commons
In addition, it is a modern city with a lot to see and do when free from sky-watching. The beautiful Arctic Cathedral is located here, the "Northern Lights" art festival is held, which is a 10-day event with the participation of singers, musicians, dancers.
3. Lapland, Finland
This resort town is located about 100 kilometers north of Rovaniemi and is surrounded by the scenic hilly landscape of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Here you can watch the northern lights about 200 nights a year. In addition, Lapland is known as the home of Santa Claus, the Sami people, the only indigenous people in the European Union, and as many as 190,000 reindeer.
4. Orkney Islands, Scotland
Situated on the remote northern coast of Scotland, this group of picturesque islands invites travelers to enjoy a natural light show in the fall and winter, when evenings turn chilly and skies here.
You can also see breathtaking coastal landscapes, more than one can count sheep and monuments of the Neolithic period, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
5. Yellowknife, Canada
Northern Lights, Canada Photo: Xander / Wikimedia Commons
Yellowknife is the northwestern capital of Canada. Due to its location in the center of the auroral oval, this city boasts some of the most impressive light shows in the world. The best time to watch the Northern Lights in Yellowknife is in January and lasts until early March.
6. Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
It is believed that you can fully enjoy the northern lights in Sweden during the darkest months - from December to March. However, in Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland, travelers can see the sky lit up with colorful lights from late August to mid-April.
Here you can book rooms at the world's first ice hotel, whose rooms are decorated with ice sculptures and beds equipped with reindeer skins.
7. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Greenland may not be the most accessible place to travel, but those who manage to get here will be rewarded with amazing views of the natural light show.
The small town of Kangerlussuaq is located on a fjord right along the Arctic Circle. The clear skies here 300 days a year make it an ideal spot to watch the Northern Lights. Particularly impressive views open from October to April.
