The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are beautiful atmospheric phenomenon created when solar wind strikes the Earth’s ionosphere. Photographs do not do it justice, it must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. For the best chance of catching the aurora in action, plan your trip in the dark months — late autumn to early spring –and when there is no full moon or impending storms. Tthe further north you go, the better.
1. North Cape
One of the favorite spots for watching the Northern Lights is Nordkapp, appropriately referred to as the North Cape of Finnmark. You can leave the city lights far behind and climb onto the rocky cliffs or book passage aboard a cruise ship for a great view of the action.
2. Tromso
Tromso offers ringside seats for watching the Aurora Borealis. But even when they are not available, visitors can still enjoy shows about the land of the Midnight Sun at The Northern Lights Planetarium.
3. Kirkenes
Dress warm and climb aboard a bus or snowmobile to ride out into the winter landscape on one of the popular tours from the town of Kirkenes. Far away from the city lights, you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea while you wait in the dark to be dazzled by the display.
4. Pasvik Valley
For a real arctic adventure, set out from Kirkenes by dogsled into the Pasvik Valley which runs along the Russian boarder of Finnmark. During this five hour evening tour, you can have dinner in the wilderness and return to your nice warm room after your Aurora experience — unless you are staying in the Snow Hotel!
5. Vesterålen Islands
The tiny Vesterålen Islands situated in the extreme north. Consequenlty, they offer spectacular views of the Northern Lights without all the light pollution given off on the mainland.
6. Lofoten
Groups of up to 15 people regularly hike into the back country of the Lofoten archipelago to enjoy the pitch dark skies for viewing the Aurora in all its glory. Since the Gulf Stream keeps the temperature moderate, a hike into the back country is much more pleasant than on the mainland.
7. Andøy
A new popular spot for aurora watching is Andoy, where strange phenomenon have been captured in recent aural photographs. This notoriety is leading many researchers and curious tourist to include Andoy on their tour of the Northern lights.
