The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is one of this world’s great natural wonders: a phenomenon whereby atmospheric gases and solar particles collide to create a spectacular light show between late November and March. There are plenty of locations from which you can view the Northern Lights, so if you are looking for winter holiday destinations, here are five to consider…
1. Tromsø, Norway
This city, located in the north of Norway, is one of the best spots from which to see the Northern Lights. As the largest city in the Arctic Circle, it also has plenty to keep you occupied on your Christmas 2013 holidays. Drive from Tromsø to the North Cape to see the lights, or stay in the city itself for your Aurora Borealis viewing – and for the Northern Lights festival, which takes place between January and February.
Tromsø, Norway by Lars Tiede
2. Shetland, UK
You don’t need to take your winter holiday far from home for a chance to see the Northern Lights. Closer to the North Pole than the rest of the British Isles, the island also boasts dramatic scenery, great walks and lots of wildlife to spot. Sightings can vary greatly, however: they can be fleeting, or can appear on and off for an entire night. Island accommodation is cheap, but travel can be more expensive – consider visiting during January’s Viking Fire Festival to make the trip into a longer winter holiday.
Shetland islands, Scotland, UK by Peter Van den Bossche
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is not only a great place from which to see the Northern Lights, but is one of the most easily accessible destinations for Arctic holidays from the UK. Return flights from Edinburgh, Luton and Bristol are very affordable, and the city itself has a wide range of accommodation options and Northern Lights tours. A dedicated exhibition and information centre – Aurora Reykjavik – is dedicated to the phenomenon, and while you can choose to stay in the city to watch the display, there are also plenty of coach tours, boat trips and other options for those who want to travel outside of the city.
Reykjavik, Iceland by O Palsson
4. Mount Nuolja, Sweden
Located in the Abisko National Park is Sweden’s Mount Nuolja, which is home to the Aurora Sky Station: the country’s very own Northern Lights centre. The centre is located 250 kilometres deep inside the Arctic Circle, which gives holidaymakers a great chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis for themselves. Flights go from London to Kiruna, with many tour companies offering transfers, so that you can enjoy this Lapland holiday.
Northern lights in Abisko, Sweden by bjaglin
5. Kilpisjärvi, Finland
Ideal if you like your winter breaks to be spent in remote locations, Kilpisjärvi borders three countries, is home to a beautiful lake and has a fantastic record when it comes to Northern Lights viewings. Kilpisjärvi itself is a fairly remote and quiet village, but sits on the Northern Lights route and so offers various accommodation options. Public transport also connects Kilpisjärvi with other parts of Finland, Sweden and Norway.
Kilpisjärvi lake and Saana fell, Finland by Jann Kuusisaari
When you’ve decided where you’re going you need to start thinking about two things; do you know how to take a decent picture of the Northern Lights and is your winter jacket good enough to look after you in the Arctic?
Olivier de Ridder is a well travelled journalist with a particular fascination with the Arctic. He has seen the Northern Lights 17 times.