Introduction
Explanation of what the Northern Lights are and why they are a popular attraction
Brief overview of Scandinavia as a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights
Preview of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Scandinavia
Tromsø, Norway
Description of Tromsø’s location and climate
Explanation of why Tromsø is a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights
Recommended activities and tours for viewing the Northern Lights in Tromsø
Abisko, Sweden
Description of Abisko’s location and climate
Explanation of why Abisko is a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights
Recommended activities and tours for viewing the Northern Lights in Abisko
Finnish Lapland, Finland
Description of Finnish Lapland’s location and climate
Explanation of why Finnish Lapland is a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights
Recommended activities and tours for viewing the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
Svalbard, Norway
Description of Svalbard’s location and climate
Explanation of why Svalbard is a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights
Recommended activities and tours for viewing the Northern Lights in Svalbard
Reykjavik, Iceland
Description of Reykjavik’s location and climate
Explanation of why Reykjavik is a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights
Recommended activities and tours for viewing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik
Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
Best time of year to visit Scandinavia for viewing the Northern Lights
Clothing and gear recommendations for staying warm while viewing the Northern Lights
Camera settings and photography tips for capturing the Northern Lights
Introduction
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. This collision creates a beautiful and awe-inspiring display of colors and lights in the night sky, including shades of green, pink, and purple.
The Northern Lights are a popular attraction for tourists and travelers, drawing people from around the world to witness this stunning natural spectacle. Scandinavia is one of the prime locations for viewing the Northern Lights, thanks to its proximity to the North Pole and clear skies.
In this blog, we will explore the best places to see the Northern Lights in Scandinavia, including Tromsø and Svalbard in Norway, Abisko in Sweden, Finnish Lapland in Finland, and Reykjavik in Iceland. We will also provide recommendations for activities and tours for viewing the Northern Lights in each location.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is a city located in northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle. Due to its location, Tromsø has long nights and short days during the winter months, making it a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. Additionally, the city is surrounded by mountains and fjords, providing a stunning backdrop for the aurora.
Some recommended activities and tours for viewing the Northern Lights in Tromsø include a Northern Lights reindeer sled tour, a Northern Lights cruise, or a Northern Lights bus tour. These tours take you away from the light pollution of the city, giving you a better chance to witness the lights in all their glory.
Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is a small village located in Swedish Lapland, near the Norwegian border. Its location in a valley surrounded by mountains makes it an ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights. The village also has a microclimate that often leads to clear skies, providing even better viewing opportunities.
One recommended activity for viewing the Northern Lights in Abisko is to take a chairlift up to the top of the mountain for an unobstructed view of the sky. The Abisko National Park also offers guided tours for Northern Lights viewing, as well as snowmobiling and dog sledding experiences.
Finnish Lapland, Finland
Finnish Lapland is a large region in northern Finland that is known for its stunning natural landscapes and prime Northern Lights viewing opportunities. The region is home to several national parks and wilderness areas, providing plenty of opportunities to witness the lights in their natural habitat.
Some recommended activities for viewing the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland include a Northern Lights snowmobile safari, a reindeer sleigh ride under the Northern Lights, or a visit to the Snow Village, which is made entirely of snow and ice and features a Northern Lights-themed hotel room.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a remote archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Its location within the auroral oval makes it a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights, with a high likelihood of seeing the lights from late autumn to early spring.
Recommended activities for viewing the Northern Lights in Svalbard include a Northern Lights photography tour, a snowmobile tour to the top of a mountain for unobstructed views, or a Northern Lights sailing tour.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, may not be as remote as the other locations on this list, but it still offers prime Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Its location on the edge of the Arctic Circle means that the Northern Lights can often be seen from the city on clear nights.
Recommended activities for viewing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik include a Northern Lights boat tour, a Northern Lights helicopter tour, or a Northern
Lights bus tour that takes you outside of the city to escape light pollution.
Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
When planning your trip to Scandinavia to view the Northern Lights, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora:
Visit during the winter months, when the nights are longest and the skies are clearest.
Dress in warm layers, including thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
Wear warm boots and gloves, as well as a hat and scarf to protect your face and ears from the cold.
Bring a camera and tripod to capture the stunning display of lights.
Use a low aperture setting and long exposure time to capture the colors and movement of the aurora.
In conclusion
Scandinavia offers some of the best opportunities to view the Northern Lights, with locations like Tromsø, Abisko, Finnish Lapland, Svalbard, and Reykjavik providing stunning backdrops and prime viewing opportunities. With the right preparation and planning, witnessing this natural phenomenon in person can be an unforgettable experience.
