Is this starry adventure on your bucket list?

"Out of nowhere, they appear, falling like silvery rain in the night sky, swirling and dancing across the northern horizon in complete silence—graceful, delicate, silent, and peaceful. They're a beautiful surprise." Leo Solstrom

Aurora Borealis shimmers in the night skies above Skagsanden Beach, Lofoten, Norway.

Witnessing the Aurora Borealis has inspired writers and poets through the centuries. This enchanting, indescribable phenomenon also graces the wish list of many travelers.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights?

Are the Northern Lights on your bucket list? If so, you're in luck. Researchers predict that the solar activity fueling the big, bright aurora will peak between 2023 and 2026. Solar cycles last for about 11 years, and the best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights in their maximum glory is during a peak.

The lights might appear on any clear, dark night from August to April, but the best time of year to view them is between October and March, when the sky is at its darkest. To improve your chances of spotting this spectacle, try to time your trip to a new moon.

The northern lights gleam in green circles behind Kirkjufell Mountain in Iceland.

Where can the Northern Lights be Viewed?

Your best bet is to travel as close to the Arctic Circle as you care to venture. Canada, Alaska, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are popular destinations.

Best Ways To See the Northern Lights

Travelers pursuing the northern lights have lots of options, from cruise ships to expert-led tours to glass-roofed cabins that allow for cozy, indoor sky-gazing:

Cruising North

Distance from light pollution gives cruisers an advantage in spotting the Northern Lights.

During the winter months, cruising to cold-weather destinations has gained favor with travelers yearning to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. Passengers forgo poolside relaxation in favor of dog sledding, wildlife-viewing excursions, and snowshoeing.

Long winter nights when the ship is far from any light pollution provide favorable conditions to see the lights. Many ships alert passengers when the lights are visible. Alternatively, travelers can head out on nighttime excursions with expert guides to places where the skies are clear and the chances of a late-night show are higher.

Sleeping Under the Stars

An igloo in Finnish Lapland offers prime nighttime viewing. Photo courtesy of 50 Degrees North

Rather than donning boots-parka-hat-glove-scarf and trudging through the snow, imagine viewing the starry spectacle from under your covers - the ultimate in cozy comfort!

Across the Arctic, small cabins with transparent roofs or large picture windows offer private accommodations with unobstructed views. One intriguing option is a cluster of modern igloos outfitted with wood-burning fireplaces, goose-down duvets, and high-tech telescopes overlooking a glacier in Norway.

Nighttime Safari

Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the best spots for viewing the Northern Lights in North America.

Guides often refer to aurora tours as safaris or hunts, as they pursue both the northern lights and the conditions necessary to view them. Scouting hilltops with clear skies or valleys far from city light requires expertise in area microclimates and their changing weather patterns. Guides continually review meteorologic conditions and forecasts to avoid impediments like thick clouds and fog.

In Fairbanks, Alaska (one of North America's best spots for viewing the Northern Lights), travelers might spend their days exploring Denali National Park or a local small town, then head out at night to search for the lights under Alaska's immense sky.

For Aurora Adventurers

Aurora hunting doesn't have to be slow-paced.

Adrenaline-seeking travelers can opt for a faster-paced daily itinerary that might include dogsled races across frozen lakes, woodland horseback riding excursions, and sky-high hot air balloon rides. Each nightfall brings a new opportunity to hunt for the elusive aurora.

Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

Low lighting and freezing temps make getting a clear photo of the lights tricky. Some tour guides have expertise in photography, but every traveler can come home with high-quality pictures if they follow a few basic guidelines:

1. Don't rely only on your phone

If the aurora is especially vivid, an iPhone set to the Night mode can get the job done, but consider investing in a DSLR camera with adjustable settings to capture some truly spectacular shots.

2. Practice in advance

Experiment with manually adjusting the camera in advance of your travels. A rule of thumb - low aperture, high ISO, and long shutter speed. Keep in mind that light conditions will dictate exact settings.

3. Keep it steady

A steady camera is imperative to minimizing the blurriness that comes with long exposure times. Bring a tripod along or take time to locate a dry, secure spot to balance the camera.

4. Pack a spare

The Arctic cold drains batteries quickly, so bring at least one extra and keep it warm in your interior coat pocket.

If seeing the Northern Lights is on YOUR bucket list, let Grand Journeys Travel deliver the experience of a lifetime! Contact us to start planning your adventure.