Northern lights are among the most impressive natural phenomena on earth. They can be seen near the magnetic poles in the latitudes of the Arctic Circle, i.e. in the polar regions. In the northern hemisphere, it is called aurora borealis, while in the southern hemisphere it is called aurora australis. The magical magic of light only appears on polar nights, when the sun does not appear above the horizon for weeks. Many people dream of seeing the Northern Lights at least once in their lives.
How are auroras formed?
Auroras are related to the solar wind, small charged particles, and the Earth’s magnetic field. Since the Earth’s magnetic field is weakest at the poles, the solar wind causes the air molecules in the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere to glow there. Oxygen molecules produce green light and nitrogen molecules produce violet light. Although auroras are usually only seen in the polar regions, they can even be observed in Germany and other areas of Central Europe during high solar activity. Sometimes they only last a few minutes, but sometimes fans can enjoy the magical natural phenomenon for hours.
When and where is the best time to observe the Northern Lights?
If you want to see the fascinating Northern Lights with your own eyes, you can travel to northern Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland or the polar regions of Canada and Alaska in winter. The easiest way to travel is to the north of Europe, to Norway, Sweden, Finland or Iceland.
Popular spots for observing the Northern Lights are Tromsø in northern Norway, Kiruna in the Swedish part of Lapland and Rovaniemi in Finland. Statistically, however, auroras are most often seen in the north of Iceland. But even in the Icelandic capital, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are still relatively good. The months of February and March are recommended as travel times. It is particularly spectacular to rent a snowmobile and use it to stalk the Northern Lights. Most visitors to the polar regions want to see the Northern Lights outside the cities, where light pollution is the lowest.
The chances are good, for example, in Abisko National Park in Sweden, Thingvellir National Park in Iceland and Denali National Park in Alaska. Greenland and the Canadian Arctic are much more difficult to access.
The experience of staying in an ice hotel, such as the ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi, which artists redesign every year, is unforgettable. Entire suites are equipped with magnificent ice sculptures. In Sweden and Finland there are several ice hotels and igloos of a similar type.
Giveaway: Inspired by the Northern Lights: Win 1 Furby Galaxy from Hasbro – Glow in the Dark
The newest member of the Furby family shines in the colors of the Northern Lights and can glow in the dark!
The Northern Lights feeling is now also available in children’s rooms: The new Furby Galaxy makes it possible. His coat colors are inspired by the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights and on top of that, Furby and his accessories can glow in the dark. Like the other Furbys of the latest generation, this cute little creature is also an interactive toy friend. He reacts when he is hugged, his head stroked, shaken or fed with his own pizza trailer (or finger). Your child’s voice activates the 5 different game modes: Dance Party, Parrot, Clairvoyance, Let’s Chill and Light Show. In the latter, his ears shine in a play of colors reminiscent of the Northern Lights. With over 600 phrases, jokes, songs, and more, Furby invites you to play. And the more a child does this, the more fun is unlocked! Furby can be styled with pearls that sparkle in the dark, and your kids can even create great fashion accessories for themselves.
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Northern Lights in the Southern Hemisphere
Most holidaymakers in search of the Northern Lights visit the northern polar regions, but it is also possible to marvel at the Northern Lights in the southern hemisphere. Because Aurora australis is in no way inferior to Aurora borealis in terms of beauty. Trips to Antarctica are still rare, but in the south of New Zealand the chances are relatively good. Especially in September and March, the Northern Lights often appear in the southern sky. In southern Chile and Argentina, visitors see southern lights between March and October. You can combine this with a trip to the glaciers such as the Perito Moreno, among other things.
Other attractions and activities during a trip to the Northern Lights
Depending on where the trip to the Northern Lights takes you, you can combine it with a visit to other attractions. An entire Christmas village has been established in Rovaniemi, Finland, because this city on the Arctic Circle is considered the official home of Santa Claus. Nevertheless, the many artificial lights interfere with the observation of the Northern Lights. In Rovaniemi, a detour to the Arctic science centre Arktikum is also worthwhile. Travelers in northern Norway almost always want to see the North Cape, which is considered the northernmost point of Europe. First and foremost, however, are the spectacular landscapes of Northern Europe and Alaska between fjords, glaciers and mountains. The only downside: in winter, when the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are greatest, it stays dark for most of the day. Nevertheless, it remains an unforgettable experience to cross the Nordic winter landscapes by dog sled and let the snow-covered silence work its magic on you. It is also worthwhile to celebrate Christmas in the Arctic Circle and immerse yourself in the regional customs. In general, reindeer and dog sleds are among the oldest means of transport in the polar regions. Of course, the Nordic countries also offer excellent ski slopes; there are also many great cross-country ski trails. Active travellers and winter sports enthusiasts also get their money’s worth in the Nordic winter.
The right clothing for seeing the Northern Lights
Warm clothing is essential when a trip to the Northern Lights is imminent. Thermal underwear as well as thick socks and waterproof shoes are essential. Sweaters should be made of wool or fleece. For a winter hike, snowshoes and telescopic poles are a must. The same applies to scarves and woolen hats. The neck is protected with a scarf. Last but not least, it is important to pack undergloves for photography and a warm jacket (and pants) to enjoy the Northern Lights and the polar landscapes to the fullest.
