Hunting the Northern Lights
Many a bucket list includes a trip to see the Northern Lights, the natural and surreal light display of vibrant hues of blue, green, pink and violet dancing across the sky. We’ve all seen the photos, but just imagine how spectacular it would be to see them in person!
I’ve recently been working on my first trip request for clients who wanted to see the Northern Lights and I expect that I will start to see more of these in the future! While it’s not always guaranteed that you will see the Lights (aurora borealis, technically), we can still plan an amazing and unique travel experience that you won’t soon forget.
When to see the Northern Lights
Generally, there’s a chance to see the lights on any dark, clear night between late August and April but the best time of year to see them is when it’s darkest: October through March. Since there is a limited amount of time to see the lights, you definitely want to book this trip in advance! Consider booking 9-12 months ahead of time if you can. As of early February 2023, September in Alaska is already booked out!
And Where to see them
It’s gonna be cold no matter where you go to see the lights, so pack your warmest parkas and boots. If you want to stay rather close to home, consider traveling up to Alaska (Fairbanks is known as one of the best places in the world to see the Lights) or into the Canadian Rockies. Your other option is to travel to Iceland or Scandinavia - Norway, Finland, and Sweden are also excellent places to see the lights.
Where you’ll stay
Since seeing the Lights can be unpredictable (and oftentimes in the middle of the night), there are incredible resorts popping up with igloos and cabins - think goose-down duvets, cozy fireplaces, and high-tech telescopes - where you will sleep under the stars…and you won’t even have to leave your bed to see the aurora borealis. You’ll get a “wake-up call” letting you know it’s time to see the light show and you can do so from your warm and cozy bed. One place I am really excited about is Borealis Basecamp, where I am planning to send my clients this coming Fall. You won’t be bored during your stay - aside from wake-up calls to see the lights, you can also do a sled dog tour, fly over Alaska in a helicopter, or take a sunset snowcoach tour with champagne.
Another unique option is The Icehotel in Sweden - it’s the world’s first and largest hotel built out of snow and ice (and melts every Spring!). The hotel also offers traditional rooms and chalets if that’s more your speed. You’ll have time to explore the saunas on site, participate in a Nordic tasting dinner, or try your hand at ice sculpture.
If you’re interested in combining lights viewing with hot springs, you’ll find some in Alaska, just outside of Fairbanks. You can also enjoy the rituals of Scandinavian saunas if you choose to stay in Norway, Finland or Sweden. With a visit to Finnish Lapland (230km north of the Arctic Circle) and a stay at Aurora Queen Resort, you’ll have time to meet reindeer and huskies, venture out on cross-country skis or snowshoes, and enjoy the calm of the Finnish countryside. There’s even an option to take an overnight husky safari into the wilderness for prime viewing.
If you’re looking for a more active way to see the lights, some partners offer “safaris” where you can hunt the lights and the clearest sky in which to see them. Your guides will know the best places - far from artificial lights, hills where sky should be clear - as they continuously check meteorological forecasts to plan the best place for travelers to see the lights. You can also embark on a horseback ride through the woods, snowmobiling or dog sledding across frozen lakes or rivers toward the clearest skies, or flying closer to the lights in a hot-air balloon high above the clouds. Even if you don’t see the lights, imagine how exciting it will be to take home those memories of dog sledding through Finland!
And, if cruising is what you’re looking for there are options to do Northern Lights expedition cruising with partners like Aurora Expeditions. Travel around the Arctic Circle between Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. You'll have time to visit the northernmost volcano in the world (Mount Beerenberg) and see the world’s largest fjord system in Greenland. While at sea, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of glaciers and icebergs during the day and hopefully see the lights at night.
What to Bring on Your Northern Lights Trip
Warm clothes of course! Along with my partners, I can help provide you with packing guidelines to ensure you are well prepared for your trip. At some of the properties, they will also offer you extra-warm clothes and boots so you don’t have to worry about packing them!
A nice camera - While your iPhone might be able to capture the beauty of the aurora borealis, you’ll be better off with a DSLR camera with adjustable settings to really get the best images. It's best to practice adjusting the settings in advance! The general rule is low aperture, high ISO, and long shutter speed, but may depend on lighting conditions. You may even want to bring a tripod to help keep the camera steady during those long exposure times.
An extra camera battery - Batteries are likely to drain faster in the Arctic cold so bring a spare and keep it someplace warm!
I can’t wait to send my clients off to see the Northern Lights this Fall…and I am also wanting to plan my own trip near the Arctic Circle to see them for myself! If this trip is on your bucket list, let’s make it happen next Winter!