Top 5 Places in the World to See the Aurora Borealis

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the world’s most amazing sights. It’s usually seen as a pale green colour, but there are times when it can show shades of red, yellow or even blue. They appear in many different shapes and it can give the sky a very eerie glow—but it’s nothing to be scared of! Rather, it’s a spectacular site that is worth a holiday, and here is a list of the top 5 places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. These are in no particular order, so feel free to visit any (or all!) of these places to get an up-close view of this wonder.

1. Alaska

If you live in the United States, then Alaska is probably the most convenient place to view the Aurora Borealis. As with most viewing locations, you’re going to have to move as far as possible from the city lights if you want the best possible view. You can check the University of Alaska’s Northern Lights forecast if you want a good idea of where in Alaska you should travel for the best view. Fairbanks, Bettles and Fort Yukon are great places to get lodging and fantastic views of the Aurora Borealis.

2. Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is conveniently located right near major Aurora Borealis viewing sites, making it the perfect city to travel to for its bustling nightlife and amazing views. The Aurora Borealis over Iceland is best viewed away from the lights of the city, but you can still get a glimpse of the eerie green sky on the borders of the city if you don’t plan to travel further out.

3. Denmark

Thanks to the many remote Denmark-owned islands in the Norwegian Sea, there are many places to view the Aurora Borealis without having to escape from the light pollution within major cities. These areas are fairly remote, however, so you’ll have to get used to not having leisurely amenities. Fortunately, the remote location gives people an amazing view of the lights in all their glory.

4.  Canada

Canada is another excellent place to view the Aurora Borealis and remains one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers. Yukon is a great place to visit during the winter if you want to catch the Aurora Borealis more than just once, and there are plenty of local amenities and lodges to stay at. Alternatively, you could visit Edmonton, Alberta if you want to be closer to a major city and be within driving distance of viewing the lights.

5. Finland

Finland is a fantastic place for a holiday and with the added draw of Santa Claus, you can even convince children to come along for all of the winter festivities. There are wonderful tours, beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities to take part in. The Aurora Borealis is one of the biggest selling points of a holiday to a place such as Lapland, but you can also indulge in the other attractions such as sleigh riding with huskies or reindeer.

IMAGE SOURCE