Seeing the Aurora: The Best Locations for Viewing the Northern Lights

Where you choose to go, be sure to plan your trip during the optimal viewing season and stay in accommodation that suits your budget and preferences. Here's a summary of the top 5 places to see the Northern Lights, including approximate costs, available accommodation options, time of year to visit, and closest airports:

1) Tromso, Norway

• Approximate cost: $50 per night and up

• Best time to visit: September to April

• Accommodation options: Budget hostels to luxury hotels

• Closest airports: Tromso Airport

• Unique aspect: You can view the Northern Lights from a traditional Sami lavvu (tent) and learn about the indigenous Sami culture.

Tromso is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" and is a popular destination for seeing the Northern Lights. The city offers several tours that take you to the best viewing locations, including a cable car ride to the top of a mountain for a panoramic view of the lights. In addition to viewing the lights, you can also enjoy other activities such as dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobiling. The city has several accommodation options, including budget hostels and luxury hotels.

2) Reykjavik, Iceland

• Approximate cost: $50 per night and up

• Best time to visit: September to April

• Accommodation options: Budget hostels to luxury hotels

• Closest airports: Keflavik International Airport

• Unique aspect: You can watch the lights dance over geothermal hot springs, adding an extra dimension to your experience.

Reykjavik is a vibrant city with a lively cultural scene and an excellent base for exploring the natural wonders of Iceland. The city offers several tours that take you to the best spots to see the Northern Lights, including places with minimal light pollution for clearer views. You can also rent a car and drive outside the city for a more private viewing experience. In addition to viewing the lights, you can also enjoy other activities such as visiting natural hot springs, exploring glaciers, and going on whale watching tours.

3) Abisko National Park, Sweden

• Approximate cost: $30 per night and up

• Best time to visit: November to February

• Accommodation options: Hostels, cabins, and hotels

• Closest airports: Kiruna Airport

• Unique aspect: The microclimate of Abisko National Park creates a "blue hole" in the sky, providing clearer views of the lights.

Abisko National Park is a remote location with a unique microclimate that creates clear skies, making it an ideal spot to view the Northern Lights. The park offers several guided tours that take you to the best viewing locations and provide information on the lights' science and history. You can also rent snowshoes or cross-country skis to explore the park during the day. The park has several accommodation options, including hostels, cabins, and hotels, with prices that fit different budgets.

4) Yellowknife, Canada

• Approximate cost: $80 per night and up

• Best time to visit: December to March

• Accommodation options: Hotels, motels, and lodges

• Closest airports: Yellowknife Airport

• Unique aspect: You can watch the lights from a heated teepee, complete with hot drinks and snacks.

Yellowknife is a remote location with minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot to see the Northern Lights. The city offers several tours that take you to the best viewing locations and provide information on the lights' science and history. In addition to viewing the lights, you can also enjoy other activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and visiting the nearby Indigenous communities to learn about their culture and traditions. The city has several accommodation options, including hotels, motels, and lodges, with prices that fit different budgets.

5) Rovaniemi, Finland

• Approximate cost: $50 per night and up

• Best time to visit: September to April

• Accommodation options: Budget hostels to luxury hotels

• Closest airports: Rovaniemi Airport

• Unique aspect: You can view the Northern Lights from a glass igloo, giving you an unobstructed view of the sky.

Rovaniemi is located in the heart of Lapland and offers a magical experience for viewing the Northern Lights. The city offers several tours that take you to the best viewing locations, including places with minimal light pollution for clearer views. In

addition to viewing the lights, you can also visit the Santa Claus Village and meet Santa himself. The village is open year-round and offers a variety of activities, including reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobile safaris. For a unique experience, you can also stay in an igloo or glass-roofed cabin for a one-of-a-kind view of the lights. Rovaniemi has accommodation options that suit different budgets, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Overall, visiting any of these top 5 places to see the Northern Lights will be an unforgettable experience. From the natural beauty of Iceland to the remote wilderness of Canada, each location offers its unique charm and attractions. Whether you're an avid traveler or a first-time adventurer, witnessing the Northern Lights is a must-do activity that should be on everyone's bucket list.