What Are The Northern Lights
The bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere. They are also known as aurora borealis and polar lights, and as their name indicates, the phenomena are best observed on dark skies in the Nordic region at high latitudes, especially during the winter months.
How are the Northern Lights Phenomena Called
The polar lights are also called aurora borealis, but in various countries, people have invented sayings for this magical light, namely in:
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Sweden's Northern lights are “the light of blood”
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Estonia: “waves from a blood-red sky or a sea of flames”
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Finland: an old myth about a fox with a fur that sparkled as it ran through the forests
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Greenland: the myth about the souls of the stillborn babies play ball with the skulls of the walrus of the afterbirth
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Scotland “Lord Derwentwater’s light”
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England: “the merry dancers”
When is the Northern Lights Season
The polar lights season can vary depending on the location, as the absence of natural light is important, as well as the weather and the air pollution. The season starts at the end of August and lasts until mid-April, but it varies from one location to another.
The winter season in the Arctic lasts from late September to late March - early April. During this time, the Arctic sky is dark enough for the Northern Lights to be visible in the right conditions. The aurora is most present around the equinoxes in March and September.
On Svalbard, the blue phenomenon appears at the end of January, awakening all our senses after a long polar night. Being able to see the horizon and the blue mountainsides is a mystical sight, year after year.
What Causes The Northern Lights Phenomena
The aurora borealis is an atmospheric phenomenon appearing in waves of light reflecting in various colours due to the solar flares entering the atmosphere.
On Earth, the auroral signatures have probably changed a lot over thousands of years together with the atmosphere, and the strength and direction of the earth’s magnetic field. However, the electrically charged particles of solar activity entering at high-speed in the Earth's atmosphere are the cause of the phenomenon. The Earth's magnetic field then sends these solar flares towards the poles which gives birth to the fascinating dance of the lights.
The aurora borealis dancing patterns also vary with the activity of the sun, as a result of the interaction of the solar wind and our atmosphere. In the north, the majestic green colours are found in the sky in the magnificent auroral night play while the surfaces are bright and covered in a blanket of snow and reflect almost all radiation from a low sun.
What Colours Are The Northern Lights
Auroral displays appear in many colours although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains, or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow.
At more southern latitudes the surfaces are vegetated and a lush green, absorbing almost all solar radiation. The light in the south creates fiery dark red sunsets, short blue evenings, and long black nights. The Arctic, however, is painted in pretty pastel colours with white and bright surfaces giving long light-blue evening hours and light-red sunsets.
Why Do People Go on Northern Lights Tours
People seeking the northern lights adventure are nature lovers chasing the natural phenomenon of the dancing lights. Admiring the aurora zone is an awe-inspiring experience that winter travellers search to see while travelling to the best spots and destinations, especially in Northern Europe.
The Arctic light inspires great art and gives us experiences of these eternal moments, reminding us of the power and beauty of raw nature. Artists write and paint the light and tourists strive for the best chance to catch the eternity of the dancing lights against the dark sky through photography and film.
Northern Lights holidays are a true delight for people of all ages that want to see the aurora borealis and check it off their bucket list, while winter tour lovers are travelling from one destination to another striving to find the best places where they can admire the aurora borealis in all its glory every year.
Where Are the Northern Lights
This auroral zone where the natural phenomenon appears can be spotted within a 2.500-kilometre radius around the North Pole, but it can also be spotted in further areas depending on the Solar eruptions. This zone is also where many Northern lights tours take place and this is where the aurora borealis can best be spotted due to the dark winter nights in the northern parts of the world.
When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights
Depending on the location, the best time to spot the aurora borealis is between late August to early April.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights From
The aurora borealis can be spotted from outside the city so observers can see the Northern Lights without the impact of the city lights, regardless of the location. The most popular destinations for the Northern Lights search are in the countryside in regions and destinations such as:
Baltic Travel Company organises Northern Lights tour package and holiday to various destinations where you can best witness the merry dancers.
Can You See Northern Lights in Scotland
The aurora borealis can be witnessed in the northerly parts of Scotland, outside the city and far from artificial light pollution. The most popular destinations to spot the aurora Polaris are Shetland and Orkney.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Sweden
Yes, the polar lights can be experienced in Sweden as well. The most popular destination to go see the aurora borealis in Sweden is the Swedish Lapland, around the Arctic Circle and the Aurora zone.
Can You See Northern Lights in Norway
Norway is one of the best bet countries where you can easily spot the aurora Polaris in the Northern parts of the country during the Nordic winter thanks to the early dark sky.
Can You See Northern Lights in Iceland
Yes, Iceland is the most sought-after country for witnessing the polar lights, as it is situated in the Southern part of the Arctic Circle.
Can You See Northern Lights From Reykjavik
The merry dancers can be spotted from Reykjavik, however, it is best to seek this experience outside of the city lights and pollution would not block the solar activity manifesting the polar lights in the same way as they do in the countryside.
Can You See Northern Lights in Lapland
Yes, especially in the Northern part, where they can be spotted for the duration of the Nordic winter, while in the Southern part they can only be witnessed around 20 nights per season every year.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Oslo
Although it may be possible to experience the polar lights in Oslo, the chances to do so are slim, as the light pollution is so high that they will not be as visible, so it is an incomparable experience to the countryside where the dark sky of the winter nights makes the phenomenon possible.
How to Plan a Trip to See the Northern Lights
To plan your trip to see the polar lights, there are a few things to take into consideration first:
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the time of the year - try to book your holiday during the northern lights season
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to see the northern lights, go to the recommended destinations outside the city where the phenomenon is best spotted
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book your northern lights holiday ahead of time and aim to spend at least 5 days to be able to fully experience the dancing lights show as it may differ from one night to another depending on the weather
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take a camera with you to document the northern light show and compare evenings, angles, or different locations
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make sure you have packed snacks and get warm clothes for winter activities to make sure you enjoy the experience despite the cold weather
How to Book Northern Lights Tour
Baltic Travel Company offers Holidays to see the aurora, including but not limited to: Northern Lights tour packages, weekend breaks, cruises and lots of opportunities for you to browse. Aurora holidays are available from October to April. An aurora itinerary is also available though both flights and accommodation is limited. Polar lights holidays and trip packages are in high demand with travellers from around the world wishing to see this phenomenon so we would urge early booking.
Browse the available Northern Lights tours and holidays at the top of the page and book the holiday that appeals to you best.
On an Arctic Cruise itinerary is also possible to see the Northern Lights from the waterside, which is the ideal place to see the Aurora reflected in the water. Northern cruises are also possible in Norway. Packages to view the Northern lights in Norway also include cruises, which are a truly amazing way of watching aurora borealis from a whole new perspective. If you decide to Cruise to the Polar lights, you will see the sea frozen and possible need an icebreaker to get to your destination. Northern lights cruises are currently being requested by a global audience and booking early is highly advisable.
If you use the Polar Express, even there you can see the aurora borealis. A Northern Lights tour will include a number of chances to see the Lights and Northern Lights tours also give you the opportunity to see more of the surrounding areas and city lights in Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
How Long Is the Northern Lights Tour
The length of the tour depends on the holiday package you choose to book, it can be minimum 4 days to 7 days or more. We advice seeing the northern lights on a 1-week tour to get the best offer and visit the best places during winter months, experiencing not only the polar lights, but winter tours and activities as well.
Which Northern Lights Tour is the Best
The best northern lights tour is the Arctic Combo that lasts 1 week during which you will get to visit Tromso, Hurtigruten, and to Kirkenes where you will be accommodated at the Snow Hotel, the North Cape, while also experiencing winter activities. The price includes the return flight tickets, the accommodation, the transfers, the experiences and the food, and the package is ATOL protected.
How Much is Northern Lights Tour in Iceland
It depends on the time of the year, the holiday destination, type and length that you are booking, but the prices vary from from around £ 1,460 pp to from £ 4,515 pp.
Your Northern Lights Holiday
Book your Northern Lights tours and holidays today, experience this life-changing view and tick it off your bucket list.
Northern Lights trips and holidays fill up quickly, make sure you book early. Northern Lights Lapland, Northern Lights Tromso, Northern Lights Kiruna, Northern Lights Lofoten Islands, Northern Lights Vesteralen are all possible. Northern Light holiday experiences are truly amazing, so book your tour choosing the best spots for you to go see the Northern Lights!