Aurora Adventures:
Your Guide to Chasing the Northern Lights

Northern lights are natural light displays seen in the polar regions.
They are caused by the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the sun.
This interaction releases energy in the form of light, creating shimmering, colorful waves that can appear green, red, and purple, though other colours like pink, blue, and yellow can also occasionally appear.

Where to catch the Northern Lights 

These lights are best viewed in regions close to the Arctic Circle such as Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska.

Chasing the Northern Lights from Tromsø in Norway, Lapland, Abisko and Kiruna in Sweden is highly recommended. 

When to catch the Northern Lights

The ideal time to see them is during winter, from late September to early April, when nights are long and dark.
Clear skies are crucial because clouds can obstruct the view of the Northern Lights.

The lights are usually most visible between 10 PM and 2 AM, though they can sometimes be seen earlier or later.

Essential Insights

A weekend trip might not be enough to see the Northern Lights because several factors can influence their visibility:

1. Weather Conditions: The weather in northern regions can be unpredictable, with cloudy skies often obscuring the Northern Lights.
   Staying longer increases the chances of having clear nights.

2. Solar Activity Variability: The Northern Lights are caused by solar activity, which varies from day to day.
   Extending your stay allows you to experience a wider range of solar conditions, improving the likelihood of a display.

3. Moon Phases: A bright moon can diminish the visibility of the Northern Lights. Planning a longer stay gives you the opportunity to see the lights during darker phases of the moon.

4. Patience and Timing: The Northern Lights don’t appear on a strict schedule, they can show up at any time during the night.
   A longer stay means more nights to try and catch the best displays, which might not coincide with a short weekend trip.

5. Tour Availability: Northern Lights tours often get canceled due to poor conditions.
   A longer trip provides more flexibility to rebook tours on better nights.

Chasing the Northern Lights on your own?
Here’s what You need to know

When embarking on an expedition to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, there are crucial considerations to ensure a memorable and successful experience. Here are some tips:

1. Dress warmly: Wear multiple layers, thermal underwear, a warm hat, gloves, and insulated boots to stay comfortable in the cold weather.
   Carry hand and feet warmers with you as they can be incredibly useful during long waits that might last for hours

2. Bring snacks and drinks: Pack some snacks and hot drinks to keep yourself energized and warm while waiting for the auroras to appear.

3. Stay hydrated: Don't forget to bring water or other hydrating beverages to stay hydrated, especially in cold, dry conditions.

4. Charge your devices: Make sure your camera and phone are fully charged so you can capture the magic of the Northern Lights and stay connected in case of emergencies.
   Keep in mind that batteries drain faster in cold weather. Bring a power bank with you.

5. Use a Tripod: If you're planning to take photos, bring a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady and capture clear, sharp images of the auroras

6. Be Patient: Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed, so be patient and prepared to wait for them to appear.
   Sometimes they show up early, and other times you might have to wait for hours

7. Check the Forecast: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and aurora forecast to plan your outing accordingly and increase your chances of a successful viewing experience.
   You can use various applications to check the forecast.
   We used My Aurora Forecast app

8. Find dark spots: Look for locations away from city lights and other sources of light pollution to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

   Here's a list of places to consider driving to from Tromsø for Northern Lights viewing:

   Close to Tromsø:

   • Skibotn: Located inland, this area offers dark skies away from coastal lights, making it ideal for observing the Northern Lights.
     (We practically drove to Skibotn every single night while staying in Tromsø)

   • Sommarøy: An idyllic island community surrounded by beautiful beaches and clear waters, offering unobstructed views of the Northern Lights. (We went to Sommarøy one night but unfortunately we didn't witness the Northern Lights due to weather conditions)
     PS: it can get very windy in Sommarøy

   • Kvaløya: Tromsø's neighboring island boasts diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, providing various vantage points for Northern Lights sightings

   Far from Tromsø:

   • Lyngseidet: Situated at the base of the Lyngen Alps, this area offers dramatic scenery and ample opportunities for aurora photography.

   • Senja: Norway's second-largest island offers rugged coastlines, fishing villages, and mountainous terrain, creating stunning backdrops for aurora viewing

   • Narvik: A bit further south, Narvik provides opportunities for aurora viewing along with its rich history and scenic surroundings.

   • Abisko National Park (Sweden): Just across the border, Abisko is renowned for its clear skies and Northern Lights displays, making it worth the long drive

   • Kilpisjärvi (Finland): Positioned in Finland's northern reaches, Kilpisjärvi provides prime conditions for observing the Northern Lights, boasting a secluded location, limited light pollution, and a high latitude

   These destinations offer diverse landscapes providing ample opportunities for Northern Lights viewing and photography

We hope you found this post engaging and we look forward to seeing your Northern Lights photos ! Share it with us on Instagram