Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis, or the Polar Lights.
No matter what you call them, they have captured the imaginations of travelers for centuries. Many people have seeing the Northern Lights as the top of their bucket list, and many people spend years chasing them with no success. This is a guide of how to set yourself up for the success of chasing down the northern lights, and why it only took us one try.
Know Where to Go
Selecting the perfect location is crucial for an optimal Northern Lights experience. Popular destinations include Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Canada’s Yukon Territory, and Alaska, generally places to the North. Each place has its own pros and cons for planning a Northern Lights scouting trip. It is important to research the best time to go, as well as the local weather conditions and light pollution levels. In a couple of places around the world, you can find hotels and cabins specifically designed for viewing the lights and even some hotels that will give you an aurora wake-up call.
Know When to Go
It’s not just where you go, but also when. The timing is key for planning your trip. For us, we set ourselves up for the most likely time we could expect to see the lights. It was absolute luck that we got to see them on 3 different nights, but there is almost no guarantee at any time you will see the northern lights. Understanding when it is possible to see them is your first step for success. If you find yourself in Alaska in July, you’ll be a lot less likely than if you find yourself in Svalbard in the height of winter. We learned that during the autumn or spring equinox, the chances of the northern lights making an appearance is higher, with brighter and stronger displays, so we planned ours as close to the spring date as we could. Research the location you are planning to visit for the best time to go for the highest possible chance.
Go With an Expert
Joining a guided Northern Lights tour can significantly enhance your experience, let the experts guide your way. Experienced guides know the best viewing spots and have valuable insights into the lights’ behavior and history. They can also provide photography tips to help you capture the perfect shot. We booked a couple of different tours during our trip to Iceland. The really cool thing was that they offer a free do-over if you don’t see the lights on your first trip. We also got a chance to experience a northern lights boat tour, so its possible to book any number of different unique experiences.
Watch the Forecast
The worst possible feeling is hearing others in your hotel lobby talk about the amazing lights they saw last night, while you just comfortably slept the night away. Download a couple of different weather and aurora predictors. That way, you can set notification alerts so you don’t miss any shows. It is also important to monitor the weather forecasts, as clear skies are essential for a successful Aurora sighting. Cloudy weather can obstruct the view, so it’s important to be flexible with your location scouting and timing.
Have Patience
Be prepared to wait. It could be hours, it could be days. And prepare for the cold, warm jackets, hats, gloves. The lights do not operate on anyone’s schedule, so build a couple of days into your itinerary to give yourself the best possible chance. We were lucky enough to see the lights on our first, second, and third nights in Iceland, but not on the last 3 nights, so it’s really anyone’s guess. The people who arrived the days after us had to wait another 4 days before the lights were present again. So, it’s important to be patient with the lights, we promise, when they do arrive, it will be worth the wait.
Check out our YouTube video of the night was saw some of the most powerful Northern Lights in Iceland:
Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights can feel really daunting, but if you are successful, the reward will be breathtaking. With a little research, planning, patience, and a little luck, you’ll give yourself the best chance for success. Prepare to be captivated by the awe of the Northern Lights, leaving a mark on your travel memories. So, pack your bags, follow this guide, and get ready to embark on an enchanting adventure to the chase of the Northern Lights.
The Savory Suitcase 