Places to See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a natural wonder that are usually visible in the northern hemisphere. It is possible to see the northern polar lights in September and March. Northern Lights, also called "Aurora Borealis", which was named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas, are mostly greenish blue and sometimes dull red. 

The rest of the article includes the answers to questions such as how the Northern Lights, also called "Dance of the Spirits", occur, and when to see the Northern Lights.  

What are the Northern Lights?

It wouldn't be wrong to describe the aurora borealis, which is seen near the North or South Pole, as a wonder of nature.  We have already mentioned that the Northern Lights or Polar Lights, called Aurora, occurring in the North Pole are also called "Aurora Borealis". And the polar lights occurring at the South Pole are called "Aurora Australis". These fantastic lights, which are seen as colorful lines or circular forms, were taken as a divine sign in ancient times. 

These natural light displays in the sky occur as a result of the interactions between the particles from the Sun and the magnetic field of the Earth. So, it is possible to say that the Sun is the leading cause of the formation of these lights. Although the Northern Lights or Polar Lights are associated with Norway, it is possible to see this fantastic sky festival from many different countries.  

When to Watch the Northern Lights

March 21 and September 23, which are close to the equinox, are the most active times for seeing the Northern Lights more clearly. Its visibility during this period is explained as more particles thrown out by the sun interacting with the atmosphere in the Earth's magnetic field. 

Places To See Northern Lights

Where can you see the Northern Lights, which offer a fantastic visual feast? In which coordinates are they more visible? Here are the places to see the Northern Lights:

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø in Norway is a hidden city located 400 kilometers south of the North Pole, and is popular for the Northern Lights and the fantastic visual feast. The life here dates back to the Glacial Period. 

You can see the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway, particularly in March and October, which is the equinox period. It is possible to spot the Northern Lights throughout Norway in November, December, January and February. 

Svalbard, Norway

Norway is one of the countries to visit to see the Northern Lights.  Svalbard in Norway is situated between the 74th and 81st parallel. The Northern Lights season in Svalbard, coordinates of which are located in the Arctic region, is from February to November.  

Kiruna, Northern Sweden

Sweden is one of the countries preferred by those who want to see the Northern Lights. As in many cities in Sweden, March and September are particularly the best time to see the Northern Lights in Kiruna. It is possible to say that the best times to see the Northern Lights in Sweden are December and February, April and May, September and November. 

Kiruna, Sweden, offers a unique visual feast of the Northern Lights in December and February. Since Sweden is dark during these months, the Northern Lights are more visible. If you do not like cold and snowy times, then April and May would be ideal for you to see the Northern Lights. September and November are the months when the Northern Lights start.    

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is a place that is famous not only for its hot springs, glaciers and volcanic formations but also as an island country known for its unique natural beauties. Iceland is another country to visit to see the Northern Lights. Reykjavik, Iceland, welcomes visitors to see this visual show at certain times of the year. Mid-April and late August are the best times to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. 

Since the nights become longer in Iceland in September, October and November, you would be more likely to see the Northern Lights, particularly in the first two weeks of October. December, January and February witness the fantastic winter landscapes in Iceland. As it is dark for longer during these months, the beauty of the display of the Northern Lights peaks.

Greenland, Denmark

Among the places to visit to see the Northern lights, Greenland stands out as one of the most romantic destinations full of adventure. In Greenland, you can watch the fantastic dances of lights in the sky in February or November. 

Yellowknife, Northern Canada

Yellowknife is a place to visit to see the Northern Lights in Northern Canada. Its coordinates make it one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.  Wood Buffalo National Park and Jasper National Park stand out as the best spots to see the Northern Lights in the city. It is possible to watch the fantastic dance of the Northern Lights from mid-August to mid-April. 

If you have an endless interest in traveling to different destinations, then our article “Observation Terraces with the Most Beautiful View in Türkiye” on our Barut Hotels blog page will take you to different geographies.