If you have been fortunate enough to witness the Northern lights, whether, in Europe or abroad, you know how breathing they are.
Sincerely, this is incredible.
That’s all well and dandy…But if you haven’t yet witnessed the magnificent Aurora Borealis, I’m sure you’d like to know where to look for them and how to improve your chances of viewing them on your trip.
We’ll provide the greatest spots in Europe to see the Northern lights in this post, as well as try our best to assist you in seeing them.
Let’s get started!
Where is the best place to see the Northern lights in Europe?
There is NO one best place in Europe not to be the bearer of bad news. Where in Europe can you see northern lights in case you wondering, there’s one thing you need to notice first: the greatest spots to observe the Northern Lights in Europe fluctuates from month to month because they are a dynamic phenomenon (even week to week).
However, there are a few sites in Europe where you may frequently see the Northern Lights (or at least with a rise in the likelihood).
How to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe-tips
If you want to enhance your chances of viewing the Northern Lights in Europe, there are four major criteria that professionals follow. these are the following:
- Between October and March, go north of the Arctic Circle.
- Away from the shoe, head inland. Mountains are beneficial because they assist in keeping the sky clear.
- Be adaptable. I realize it’s not easy to be flexible when scheduling a vacation, but if you have the opportunity to travel where the prediction predicts the best weather or where the sky will be clearer, you’ll greatly improve your odds!
- Be patient -and understand that you’re taking a chance! No matter how hard you try, there is never a guarantee that you will view the Aurora in any location. Patience is a virtue.
Where can you see the northern lights in Europe – break the rules!
On seven successive evenings, we were fortunate enough to view the Northern Lights .in fact, only one of the eight evenings we spent Aurora hunting was bust. We’ve almost always broken rule number two.
Our first vacation was a Hurtigruten voyage up the Norwegian coast from Tromso. This was a fantastic trio because this is easily one of the best European cities to visit in the winter and we spent every evening on deck in Super cold temperature changes watching the Aurora swirl overhead and reflecting on the ocean. It was completely enchanted.
The second occasion took place in Iceland. We slept in a modest motel on the South Coast and watched the Aurora Borealis three out of four nights while visiting some of Europe’s most beautiful waterfalls.
We hired a car in Iceland and went miles into the woods to watch the display in complete darkness! It was a fantastic experience.
We planned our trips both times based on the likelihood of viewing the Northern Lights, and with other sights that ensured we had a nice time regardless. That, in my opinion, is the finest strategy. Visiting any of these locations is costly, and you don’t want to be disappointed. As you chase the Northern lights in Europe, choose a location where there is something else amazing to do (like RV skiing in the Alps!).
What’s the month for Northern Lights and when to see the Northern lights in Europe?
The ideal time to see the Northern Lights in Europe, as well as the best months to observe them, is from October to March, north of the Arctic Circle. As the sun goes down early up here, there is plenty of darkness to allow the lights to appear.
Autumn or Spring, according to many, is the nicest seasons-winter is nearly too chilly. The best month for the Northern Lights has been March both times we’ve traveled, but we know many people who have seen them in other months-truly it’s luck of the draw, which is why the best month for the Northern Lights can often vary. (Are you planning a trip to Europe in the fall? Here are some fantastic suggestions for locations to visit).
Practical tips for Photographing aurora and seeing Northern Lights In Europe
- Get away from cities and other sources of light pollution, such as roadways.
- Allow around 30minutes for your eyes to acclimatize to the darkness, which will make personal aurora photography easier.
- Try to find a spot with a clear view of the north .as the Aurora Borealis is known to appear over the North Pole.
- When photographing Aurora, mountains and/or lakes provide amazing backdrops.
- The Aurora usually appears after sunset or shortly before sunrise, and this is considered the greatest time of day to witness the Northern lights.
- wrap up warmly because you’ll be out for a while!
- learn how to use your camera and research settings ahead of time so you can easily set it up and start shooting.
Where to see northern lights in Europe
The locations listed here are the greatest sites in Europe to see the Northern lights, according to hundreds of travelers. There are other areas in Europe where you may see the Northern Lights, which is part of the enjoyment!
On certain (rare!) occasions, they’ve been reported to be visible as far south as Manchester, England!
Northern Lights In Finland
Finland has recently become one of Europe’s most popular sites for viewing the Northern Lights. It’s also one of the first spots in Europe to see the Aurora Borealis, which can appear as early as mid-August!
Rovaniemi, Finland, is one of the most popular destinations for the Northern Lights hunters. You can even stay in log or glass cottages designed away from light pollution while hunting for the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, giving you a chance of viewing them right from your doorstep!
Best time to visit Finland to see the northern lights
Before the heavy snowfalls arrive, from September-November, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to see the sky because of the snow and clouds. march/April can be enjoyable as well, although the skies lighten more quickly, limiting the amount of time available.
