What are your chances of spotting the Northern lights, especially in a country like Portugal? The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, are a dazzling celestial phenomenon. They are caused by solar storms and giant flares from the sun sending blasts of charged particles toward our planet.
So when these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, the glowing colors are the result. Often it takes diverse colors, brightness, movements, and shapes.
But the most common color is green followed by violet hues. Now let’s talk about the best locations for spotting the Northern lights.
Best countries for spotting the Northern Lights
The best locations to enjoy the Northern Lights lie within the auroral oval. This is a ring-shaped zone encircling the Arctic. So, this region experiences the highest frequency and intensity of auroral displays.
Some such countries include Iceland, Northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, Alaska, and Northern Canada. Aurora borealis usually occur between 60 and 75 degrees which covers the northern parts of the countries listed above.
Also note that while sightings at lower latitudes are uncommon, powerful solar storms can often push the auroral oval further south. This creates rare viewing opportunities. Read this article on the 10 Best Portugal Food Experiences
This is exactly what happened on the 5th of November 2023, when the aurora borealis was spotted in Portugal. The colorful lights even reached Texa and North Carolina.
For the places with the highest possibilities of spotting the Northern Lights, you would generally see it during winter. However, let’s talk about some of the most popular places for spotting the Northern Lights.
Iceland
Iceland is super famous for spotting the Northern Lights. During winter, you can join a dedicated tour to hunt for them. One of the most recommended places for experiencing them is Akureyri. The region is located almost within the Arctic Circle and it has slightly longer hours of darkness. So you have a bigger window of opportunity to see the auroras. Another great place to view the northern lights is Reykjavik.
Norway
Northern Norway also sees its fair share of the aurora, especially in winter. The region with towns like Tromso, Lofoten archipelago, and Kirkenes are great places for experiencing the aurora. You can even extend your trip, to enjoy the Northern lights from other regions. For instance, the North Cape is a great location to bask in the northern lights, as though they were dancing above you from the deck of the ship.
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Swedish Lapland is a great place to have a charming winter experience, complete with viewing the Northern Lights. You could also consider taking a trip to the Abisko National Park. This park is known for its famous Aurora Sky Station. From there you can take a guided tour to see the northern light.
Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the best places to view the northern lights. In truth, it’s located directly under the auroral oval. Visitors to this place often view it on an average of four out of five clear nights during the aurora season. This is between late August to late April.
Svalbard
Svalbard is located 78 degrees north and steeped in darkness for more or less three months from November to mid-February. Hence, here’s the place to enjoy the northern lights anywhere between 6 am and 6 pm. In February, there are long nights and short days to ramp up your experience. And besides the northern lights, you might just find a polar bear or two.
Nellim, Luosto and Rovaniemi (Lapland), Finland
Like the Swedish Lapland, you’ll enjoy excellent aurora viewing opportunities in the winter months and the midnight sun experience in summer. Finnish Lapland is home to the Sami people, the only recognized Indigenous group in the European Union region.
And the town of Rovaniemi, the region’s largest city is a great base for your expedition. You could consider spending a magical evening under the star-filled skies during a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride at the picturesque and hilly landscape of the Pyha Luosto National Park.
Nellim is also a great spot to view the northern lands. This village is located a stone’s throw from the Russian border and is a top-rated spot because of the lack of light pollution.
Orkney, Scotland
Orkney is known for its enchanting and mostly uninhabited islands about 10 miles off Scotland’s remote northern cast. It’s one of the best places for spotting the Northern Lights in the UK. You’ll especially love visiting the coast of Birsay (or the Broch of Gurness) and the Heart of the Neolithic Orkney, which are fantastic spots for your aurora expedition.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories is arguably known as the “Aurora Capital of the World”. Here, you’ll enjoy the most enchanting light shows. It’s even possible to see the northern flights up to 240 days a year, especially from mid-November to April.
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Greenland is also a great place, especially for adventurous aurora seekers. And the most spectacular views can be enjoyed from the top of the Greenland Ice Cap. This spectacular glacier covers 8f the country.
It is accessible via the tiny town of Kangerlussuaq. Kangerlussuaq is found on a fjord right along the Arctic Circle. So, you have a decent chance of viewing stunning auroras from this location.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
This is one of the top spots in the US. It’s also a great place to enjoy the fantastic northern lights, especially during spring and fall. You’ll also love that the park has its online clear sky chart, where you can view the weather forecast before you visit. Nevertheless, there are other stargazing opportunities here, such as viewing the Milky Way in the summer months, and meteor showers in late summer evenings.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is located on the international border between Minnesota and Ontario. It’s a great place for year-round aurora viewing in the evenings. However, you can also view the Milky Way on clear evenings, in summer. That said, winter offers the maximum aurora viewing experience. Regardless, Voyageur is only accessible by boat. So you can join a dedicated boat cruise to the 218,000-acre labyrinth of boreal forests, streams, and lakes. But it’s also possible to come on our own. Almost any campsite is a great spot for viewing the northern lights.
Stewart, Island, New Zealand
Some far-south destinations like New Zealand also offer fantastic aurora viewing experiences. You can especially access this island by flying from Invercargill or taking a ferry from Bluff. That said, this isn’t a year-round destination to view the auroras. You should visit between June to August which is New Zealand’s winter months and a great time to see the northern lights.
What is the best month to see the Northern lights?
The best time to see the Northern lights is in winter for maximum sky-gazing. However, spring and autumn offer a good blend of aurora activities around the equinoxes plus milder temperatures, and stable weather conditions. The strongest lights would usually happen between 9 pm and 2 am though the best sightings are between 11 pm and midnight.
And especially, you should always step away from the big cities and town lights in that country you decide to visit, to truly enhance your chances of seeing the northern lights. Guided tours are usually the absolute choice. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can find bus tours, boat tours, and hunting trips often wrapped up as aurora-watching packages.
But you can always book a stay in the countryside. That way, you could simply glance up from your accommodation and enjoy the dark sky. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t only plan to see the Northern Lights. Often in winter such locations have other fun activities. So experience the wintry landscapes while keeping an eye out for the auroras.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Portugal?
Portugal is located in Southern Europe. And while it’s closer to the Northern Lights’ usual viewing areas, it’s relatively far from the Arctic Circle. That said, Northern Portugal can experience occasional weak authors, especially during strong solar activity. But these sightings are rare and unpredictable. Such a rare sighting happened in November 2023, when the northern lights were captured by Miguel Marques, in Figueira da Foz. Do note that this sighting wasn’t seen by the human eye, because the auroras as expected were weak.
Where is the best place in the world to see the Northern lights?
No one location’s called the best place to see the northern lights. It’s all about picking locations that are more northerly than others. That’s why locations like Central and Northern Alaska, large areas of Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Northern Quebec in Canada, Iceland, and Far northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland stand out.
Are the Northern lights better in Iceland or Alaska?
Alaska and Iceland are known for their spectacular light shows. So choosing between both locations isn’t about their aurora light shows, but more about what’s convenient to you. In Alaska, Fairbanks is one of the best spots. In Iceland, Reykjavik offers one of the best aurora viewing experiences.
Tips for Enhancing your Northern Lights Experience
Consider Guided Tours:
Guided tours offer a valuable way to maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, especially for first-time visitors. They come in various forms to cater to different interests and budgets:
- Bus Tours: These provide transportation to prime viewing locations, often outside city limits, ensuring minimal light pollution. Experienced guides can share their knowledge about the aurora and the region, adding context and depth to your experience.
- Boat Tours: Embark on a unique adventure by exploring the aurora from the water. Some tours offer heated cabins and refreshments, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the light show while navigating scenic landscapes.
- Photography Tours: Led by professional photographers, these tours equip you with the knowledge and skills to capture stunning images of the Aurora Borealis. Learn about camera settings, composition techniques, and post-processing tips to immortalize your unforgettable encounter.
Choose Accommodation Wisely:
Light pollution significantly hinders the visibility of the Northern Lights. To optimize your viewing experience, consider:
- Rural Locations: Opt for accommodations situated away from city centers and artificial lights. Look for lodges, cabins, or eco-resorts nestled in remote areas with clear skies and minimal distractions.
- Stargazing Facilities: Some accommodations cater specifically to aurora enthusiasts. These options may offer features like rooftop viewing platforms, heated outdoor areas, or even wake-up calls when the aurora appears.
- Transparent Accommodation: Consider unique options like glass igloos, cabins with skylights, or even heated tents, allowing you to gaze at the aurora from the comfort of your bed under a blanket of stars.
Plan a Multi-Faceted Trip:
While the Northern Lights are undoubtedly a highlight, consider incorporating other activities into your trip:
- Winter Activities: Embrace the winter wonderland by participating in activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, or even reindeer herding. These adventures can add another layer of excitement and cultural immersion to your experience.
- Local Attractions: Explore the unique culture and history of the region you’re visiting. Visit museums, and historical sites, or engage in local crafts and activities. This enriches your trip and provides lasting memories beyond the aurora.
- Photography Opportunities: Even if the Northern Lights remain elusive, capture the beauty of the winter landscapes, local wildlife, or charming towns. Utilize your photography skills to document your journey and create a visual narrative of your adventure.
Wrapping Up
Spotting the Northern Lights is amazing. Fortunately, there are several places you can visit to enjoy this experience. However, you should make your trip a multi-faceted one. That way you can have loads of fun doing other activities while waiting for the Northern Lights to show off. Embrace the adventure, savor the winter landscapes, and keep your eyes peeled for the breathtaking display of nature’s light show. The Northern Lights may not appear on every clear night, but the memories you create and the knowledge you gain will undoubtedly illuminate your journey.
