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Best Time to See Northern Lights In Europe
The Best Time of Day: The best time of day to view the northern lights is during the late evening to early morning, typically from 9 PM to 2 AM. This is when the sky is darkest, providing optimal conditions for seeing the auroras. The lights are often less visible in brighter conditions, so the darker the sky, the better the chances. Clear skies away from city lights further enhance visibility. Patience is key, as the auroras can be unpredictable and might require several hours of waiting for the best show.
The Best Time of Year: The best time of year to see the northern lights in Europe is between late September and early April, with peak viewing conditions from December to February. During this period, regions within the Arctic Circle experience long, dark nights, which are ideal for aurora sightings. The winter months offer the most consistent opportunities to witness this natural phenomenon, especially in locations like Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
The Best Time of Year: The best time of year to see the northern lights in Europe is between late September and early April, with peak viewing conditions from December to February. During this period, regions within the Arctic Circle experience long, dark nights, which are ideal for aurora sightings. The winter months offer the most consistent opportunities to witness this natural phenomenon, especially in locations like Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
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02
Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights
1. To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Europe, travel as far north as possible, to places such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland.
2. You should select specific months, especially between late September and early April when the nights are longer.
3. You should choose locations with clear skies to avoid cloud cover and stay away from city lights to get the darkest views of the sky.
4. You should be prepared to wait for extended periods, as the auroras can appear unpredictably.
5. For photography, use a tripod, long exposure, and wide aperture to capture the auroras.
6. You must keep an eye on Aurora forecasts through apps or websites to plan your viewing and dress warmly for the cold Arctic conditions.
7. While taking pictures is tempting, you need to be sure to also take time to enjoy the spectacle with your own eyes.
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03
Tromsø, Norway
This city is nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of northern Norway and is famous for its Northern Lights Europe experiences. It has a relatively stable climate, clear skies, minimal light pollution and vast open spaces, which makes witnessing the magnificent aurora easy here. You can head to the Prestvannet Lake, Telegrafbukta Beach, Kvaløya Island, Lyngen Alps, or Sommarøy Island.
Location: Island of Tromsø in northern Norway
Location: Island of Tromsø in northern Norway
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04
Ivalo, Finland
Also known as the "Gateway to Saariselka'', this quaint village offers seasonal sightings of the mystical Northern Lights. The best time to witness this spectacular light show is from late August to April. During this time, you can proceed towards the frozen Inari Lake over a reindeer-driven sledge and witness the aurora borealis paint the Arctic skies.
Location: By the Ivalo River in Lapland, northern Finland
Location: By the Ivalo River in Lapland, northern Finland
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05
Abisko, Sweden
Nestled between the Scandinavian Mountains and Lake Torneträsk, Abisko is one of the best places to watch the magical Europe Northern lights. The village has the highest recorded occurrences of aurora in the world. You can head to the bank of Lake Torneträsk to witness breathtakingly beautiful Northern Lights and their reflection on the serene lake waters.
Location: Heart of the Aurora Oval
Location: Heart of the Aurora Oval
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Reykjavik, Iceland
The best time to witness the spectacular phenomenon in Reykjavik is during the winter months from September to April. These months have long, dark, and clear nights that are ideal for witnessing Europe Northern Lights. You can visit the remote countryside like Thingvellir National Park, and Grótta Lighthouse to increase the chances of spotting the natural light show.
Location: Southwestern part of Iceland
Location: Southwestern part of Iceland
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Kiruna, Sweden
While the city centre of Kiruna has considerable light pollution, you can venture into the outskirts of the city, parks, and open spaces to spot the auroras. The Icehotel in Kiruna also offers great opportunities to marvel at the auroras dancing overhead.
Location: Northernmost part of Sweden
Location: Northernmost part of Sweden
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Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the capital city of Lapland and one of the best places to soak in the beauty of the Northern Lights in Europe. Head to spots like the vantage point of Arktikum Museum, Santa Claus Village, Ounasvaara Hill, and Ranua Wildlife Park to experience panoramic views of Europe's Northern Lights.
Location: Southern part Peräpohjola
Location: Southern part Peräpohjola
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09
Luosto, Finland
Luosto is also a prime location for witnessing the mesmerising dance of the Northern Lights in Europe. You can watch the ethereal glow of the auroras in places like Luosta Fell, Amethyst Mine, and Aurora Cabins.
Location: Sodankylä about 90 minutes from Rovaniemi airport.
Location: Sodankylä about 90 minutes from Rovaniemi airport.
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Alta, Norway
The best places to watch the auroras in awe at Alta are Altafjord, the amphitheatre at Alta Museum, and Alto Canyon. The glass-roofed igloos at Alta Igloo Hotel offer panoramic views of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.
Location: Norway's Northern Coast
Location: Norway's Northern Coast
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11
Kakslauttanen, Finland
Kakslauttanen is a renowned Arctic resort that offers breathtaking views of the Arctic sky getting painted in various shades and hues. The highlights here are the cosy, heated igloos that have glass roofs so that you can marvel at the painted sky right from your room.
Location: 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle
Location: 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle
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Honningsvåg, Norway
This sparsely populated city has minimal light pollution and thus offers ample opportunities to gaze at the colourful Northern Lights in Europe. While you can watch the aurora from the open spaces in Honningsvag, you can visit Nordkapp (North Cape) and Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve for improved spotting.
Location: Northernmost part of Mainland Norway
Location: Northernmost part of Mainland Norway
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Lyngenfjord, Norway
Lyngenfjord, the longest fjord in Tromso, Norway is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights Europe. It stretches for 82 kilometres in length and is said to divide the northern and southern Troms. The Lyngenfjord spans several municipalities, including Skjervøy, Nordreisa, Lyngen, Gáivuotna–Kåfjord, and Storfjord. The region gets the least rainfall in Europe which makes it ideal to watch the aurora borealis.
Location: Troms county, Norway
Location: Troms county, Norway
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Bodø, Norway
Bodø, a town in Bodø Municipality in the Nordland county in Norway is an amazing place to watch the colorful Northern Lights in Europe. Visit Bodø from September to April to maximize your chances of witnessing the spectacular natural light show. The best way to see the true beauty of the northern lights in Bodø is to go on dark, clear nights.
Location: Bodø is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway.
Location: Bodø is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway.
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Lofoten Islands, Norway
Lofoten is positioned within the heart of the Northern Lights Oval, also known as the Auroral Oval, an ideal location to witness the mesmerising display of Europe's Northern Lights.
Visiting during winter offers a greater chance of spotting the Northern Lights in Europe.
Location: Archipelago in Norway
Location: Archipelago in Norway
16
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Jukkasjärvi is a small village located in the Kiruna Municipality in the northern part of Sweden, within the Arctic Circle. It enchants visitors with its celestial spectacle—the Northern Lights. The best time to experience the Northern Lights in Europe is during the winter months, from late September to early April when the skies are dark and the auroras are most active.
Location: Kiruna Municipality in northern Sweden
Location: Kiruna Municipality in northern Sweden
17
Ilulissat, Greenland
Formerly known as Jakobshavn or Jacobshagen, Ilulissat is the largest town in western Greenland. This coastal town in Greenland offers some of the Best northern lights in Europe. The Ilulissat Icefjord and Disco Bay are UNESCO World Heritage Sites where you can witness breathtakingly beautiful views of the aurora lights reflecting off the big icebergs. Other popular places are Sermermiut Valley and the old Helipad. Hotel Icefjord Terrace has an exclusive large outdoor terrace to help its guests view this spectacular natural phenomenon conveniently.
Location: 350 km north of the Arctic Circle
Location: 350 km north of the Arctic Circle
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