Norway Tips & articles

Nov 15, 2011 2:55:05 AM

Northern Lights: a how-to guide

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Aurora borealis (the northern lights) in a forest.

• David Tipling
• Lonely Planet Photographer

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There are few phenomena that capture the imagination like the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights appear only at high latitudes on dark nights from September to March, and lucky star-gazers can witness anything from an ethereal green glow on the horizon to pulsating scarlet streaks across the sky. Countries across Scandinavia, as well as Canada, Alaska, Russia and even Scotland, are home to this seasonal spectacle and travellers cross the globe in the hope of glimpsing it.

The liveliest phase of the 11-year solar cycle is now, meaning that this winter could bring the fieriest displays in years. So it’s little wonder that so many travellers are poised to search out the gleaming horizons of the north. But the Northern Lights are as fickle as they are inspiring, so aurora-hunters need a hefty dose of luck along with good planning. Weather, timing and light pollution can spell the difference between celestial wonder and a freezing night spent looking at your watch.

So how do you maximise your chances of seeing this heavenly light display, and can do you it on a shoestring? We’ve gone through mountains of Northern Lights wisdom from our experts and online community to bring you top tips for seeing the Northern Lights.

The basics

What are the Northern Lights? Lonely Planet gives you the science behind the spectacle, along with two other phenomena you can witness in the chilly Arctic skies.

Where can I find them? Our Thorn Tree community tells you where to head north, with some helpful tools to plan your journey.

How long do they last and how easy are they to photograph? Our online community explains the aurora’s fleeting mystery and gives helpful photography tips on capturing its full glory.

Planning your trip

How do I decide where to go? There’s a lot of Arctic circle to choose from, but help is at hand: some locations have an excellent reputation for frequent sightings, allowing you to hedge your bets on blazing skies. Thorn Tree’s travel brains have lined up the top aurora spots worldwide, helping you to find out more about the best Northern Lights destinations in Scandinavia, North America and Canada.

How do I jazz up my dream trip? After touching down in one of these frosty locations, there’ll be no shortage of tours by bus and car to take you to key viewing points. But there are ways to do the trip in style, from Norway’s Hurtigruten ferry to gazing out from one of Scandinavia’s Ice Hotels.

And how do I see the lights without joining a tour? Shoestring sky-gazers rejoice, you can see this spectacle on a budget. Lonely Planet’s online community muses on the best regions in Iceland to catch the celestial show, top picks around Norway’s Tromso to maximise your chances and how to self-drive your way to a Northern Lights experience in Norway or Canada.

Winter magic: more travel inspiration for the chilly months

With Russian ice sculptures, migrations of reindeer and the appearance of London’s playful side, there’s plenty of other magic in the winter months. Discover Lonely Planet’s seven wonders of winter.

If all this talk of cold is making you chilly, remember that one of the best things about Scandinavian winter is saunas.

Aurora Borealis isn’t the only dazzling display you could meet on your travels. Believe your eyes with Lonely Planet’s shortlist of the world’s strangest optical illusions and mirages.

Ready to plan your aurora trip? Seize the day with Lonely Planet’s guides to Scandinavia, Canada and Alaska.

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