Places to See The Northern Lights
Photo from Flickr by Tanasha
The Aurora Borealis is one of the wonders of the world, caused by electrically charged particles from the sun hitting the earth’s atmosphere. The result of this collision is shades of green, pink and purple, dancing and shimmering, rippling and contracting across the sky. For many people, seeing the Northern Lights is something they must do before they die. If you’re among them, here’s where you can go to fulfil your dream.
If You’re in Europe
The Northern Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway and Finland are all convenient destinations for seeing the Aurora Borealis and many package holidays to these destinations will include a trip to some remote location where the Lights can be seen. You can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment in stunning, quiet surroundings or you can spend your time in the cool cosmopolitan centres that are Scandinavian cities. For a more intrepid journey to the Northern Lights, consider Iceland or Greenland. Sparsely inhabited and hostile in the winter months, these two islands offer extraordinary terrain and a very warm welcome.
If You’re in Asia
The Yamal Peninsula in Siberia is famous more for its enormous supply of natural gas than its convenient position for viewing the Northern Lights. Yamal means “end of the world” and may appeal to the more intrepid traveller less worried about comfort.
If You’re in North America
The best places to view the Northern Lights on the North American continent are Alaska and Canada. The best location in Alaska is around Fairbanks. In Canada you have a choice: Churchill, on the shores of Hudson Bay; Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory; and Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. The latter is favoured by Japanese tourists. Fairbanks and Churchill are both home to scientific research into the Aurora.
Guest post contributed by Sally Shaws, a freelance writer. She enjoys sharing her travel experiences and she also writes about the process of volunteering for medical trials alongside her travel and fitness interests.
