Live Your Best Lives
The 16-day long holiday of National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival is about to leave us. The brave ones will travel around the world for half a month (but the miserable tourism practitioners can only work in the office). The braver ones have even started to think about the winter vacation and Spring Festival.
Every winter, there is always a new popular outbound destination - that is to see the northern lights!
But every year we encounter the same problem, which is where to go to see the aurora?
This guide takes stock of the world's most popular aurora destinations, and deeply analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of major popular and niche aurora viewing destinations from multiple dimensions, so that you can have a basis for choosing an aurora travel destination and no longer be confused!
Aurora probability: 1-5 points, based on factors such as aurora intensity, local weather conditions, and season. The higher the probability of being able to observe the aurora with the naked eye, the higher the score.
Fun Index: 1-5 points. The more entertainment options you have besides aurora viewing, the more fun it is and the higher the score.
Photography Index: 1-5 points, including aurora photography. The more elements a local area has, the more suitable it is for photographers to squat and collect materials, the higher the score.
Consumption Index: 1-5 points, based on local accommodation, food, entertainment, transportation and other factors. The more you spend on the same itinerary, the higher the score.
Traffic index: 1-5 points, the more convenient the traffic, the more transportation options and the higher the frequency, the higher the score)
Rovaniemi & Saariselka
Aurora probability: 4.5
Fun index: 4 points
Photography index: 3.5 points
Consumption index: 4 points
Traffic index: 5 points
Thanks to convenient transportation, Rovaniemi is one of the most popular aurora viewing destinations in Finland and around the world. From Helsinki, you can fly directly to Rovaniemi, or take an overnight bus or train, saving significant time. Due to the high light pollution in Rovaniemi's urban area, it's best to drive to a remote location away from city lights at night to view the aurora. For the more affluent, book two nights at the Glass House Hotel and enjoy the spectacular aurora spectacle from the comfort of your own home.
Apart from the Northern Lights, Rovaniemi's biggest advantage is that there are many other activities to choose from. Dog sledding, reindeer farms, and snowmobiles are all easy to experience. The world's only officially certified Santa Claus works here. You can take an intimate photo with Santa Claus in Santa Claus Village, get a certificate of setting foot in the Arctic Circle, and then send a postcard from the Arctic to a friend.
▲Dog sledding is a must-do activity in the snow
▲Taking a photo with Santa Claus fulfilled a childhood dream
However, Rovaniemi also has obvious shortcomings. As a popular tourist city, there are many tourists here during the Aurora season, especially the Aurora fever in recent years, and a large number of Chinese tourists have also flocked here. If you want a more niche experience, it is best to go deeper into Saariselka and Inari in the northern part of Lapland.
Inari and Saariselkashan are relatively uncommon aurora viewing destinations, with obvious drawbacks: inconvenient transportation. Both require a flight to Ivalo Airport and then a car, and there aren't many local transportation options. However, their advantages lie in their less crowded, pristine environment, and a wide variety of traditional snow activities like skiing and dog sledding. Nearby is Inarihu, northern Finland's largest lake, and the area boasts numerous Finnish-style holiday cabins. Imagine enjoying a refreshing sauna in one of these traditional Finnish cabins, followed by a plunge into the icy Lake Inari—a truly thrilling Finnish experience.
Aurora probability: 3.5 points
Fun index: 5 points
Photography index: 5 points
Consumption index: 4.5 points
Traffic index: 4.5 points
Because of the wave of the World Cup, the majestic Viking war cry has once again written Iceland, which is at the end of the world, into the travel plans of many travelers. As the aurora season approaches, the wish to go to Iceland to see the aurora begins to stir again.
Unlike other popular aurora borealis destinations, which are primarily concentrated in certain cities within a given country, Iceland, nestled within the auroral belt, offers opportunities to observe the aurora borealis from anywhere in the country. On clear days, during peak auroral outbursts, the dazzling green fluorescent dance can be seen even in the dazzlingly lit heart of Reykjavik, the capital. Consequently, many postcard-perspective photos of Iceland's famous landmarks feature both a winter snowscape during the day and the graceful dance of the aurora borealis at night.
However, all this beauty is based on clear weather. In fact, the overall probability of observing the aurora in Iceland is not very high. The main reason is not that the aurora is not strong enough, but that the weather in Iceland is too changeable. In winter, there are many cloudy and snowy days, and it is not uncommon to have a blizzard for a week. Therefore, when traveling to Iceland to see the aurora in winter, you must always pay attention to the weather forecast. Of course, luck is the most important thing.
However, even though the observation rate of the aurora in Iceland is relatively low, travelers' enthusiasm for Iceland has not diminished at all. After all, in addition to the aurora, Iceland has so many fun things and unique scenery.
Iceland in winter offers a truly unique experience:
▼You can hike up the Vatnajökull glacier, the world's third largest glacier, and experience an interstellar journey.
▼Enter the magical blue ice cave that can only be entered in winter
▼Play the role of a rescue team member searching for the wreckage of a crashed plane
▼Walk to the black sand beach and pick up a piece of clear ice from the glacial lake
▼Find a hot spring, take off your clothes and jump in for a comfortable bath
For Iceland, there is no need to think that "it's a wasted trip if you don't see the aurora". The aurora is just the icing on the cake in your travel log. Chase it with a Buddhist mentality. When you happen to see the aurora dancing behind the clouds, you will truly understand the meaning of this trip.
Tromsø & Lofoten Islands
Aurora probability: 4 points
Fun index: 4.5 points
Photography index: 4.5 points
Consumption index: 4 points
Traffic index: 4 points
Tromsø
Tromsø is enveloped in the auroral belt year-round, offering a high success rate for observing the aurora borealis, making it Norway's premier aurora viewing destination. Although located within the Arctic Circle, Tromsø's climate remains relatively warm. Influenced by the Atlantic Current, winter nighttime temperatures average only -5°C, making it an ice-free port year-round. There are many ways to see the aurora borealis in Tromsø. You can join a local aurora tour to explore the countryside, where there's no light pollution, or enjoy a warm bonfire and hot meals in a traditional Sami tent while you wait for the aurora to appear. Alternatively, you can take a nighttime aurora viewing cruise out to sea.
In addition to the Aurora, you can also participate in regular snow activities such as dog sledding in Tromsø. Of course, there are also unique city scenery. For example, the Arctic Church is a landmark building in Tromsø. In short, Tromsø has convenient transportation and an airport.
Lofoten Islands
Due to the changeable weather on the Norwegian coast, the Lofoten Islands are not famous for the aurora, but it holds the titles of the world's most beautiful archipelago and the world's most beautiful fishing village. It is completely another kind of paradise, with snow-capped mountains all year round, majestic fjords, sea roads shuttling between small islands, and bright red fishing houses. Here, the aurora is just an unexpected surprise during the trip.
The Lofoten Islands are a relatively unspoiled destination, offering relatively few experiences. However, the boundless beauty alone is enough to captivate travelers. While transportation to the Lofoten Islands isn't always easy, with most people opting for a ferry from Bodo or a limited flight, this has helped the islands retain their pristine beauty.
Kiruna & Abisko
Aurora probability: 4 points
Fun index: 4 points
Photography index: 3 points
Consumption index: 4 points
Traffic index: 4.5 points
Kiruna
When traveling to the Lapland region in northern Sweden to see the Northern Lights, Kiruna must be your first stop. As the gateway to the Arctic Circle, it is a relatively developed city in northern Sweden with relatively more complete supporting facilities. Similarly, as a place to observe the Northern Lights, the city's light pollution has caused it a lot of trouble, so more travelers choose to pass through Kiruna and go to the Swedish village of Abisko further north.
Abisko
Abisko is only 37 kilometers away from the border of Sweden and Norway, and is adjacent to the Abisko National Park. The entire national park condenses the essence of Nordic natural landscape. Snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers and various animals are all the heart-warming attractions of travelers. On the night of the aurora explosion, riding a snowmobile under the gorgeous night sky is even more enviable!
Anchorage & Fairbanks
Aurora probability: 5 points
Fun index: 4 points
Photography index: 4 points
Consumption index: 5 points
Traffic index: 4.5 points
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, sits on the edge of the aurora belt, offering affordable accommodations. Many travelers choose to stay a few days here, using it as a stopover on their way to Fairbanks, which extends beyond the Arctic Circle. However, due to its low latitude, the aurora can be difficult to see when the aurora is low.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks lies in the heart of the auroral belt, nestled inland and protected on both sides by large mountain ranges. Its climate is stable and temperatures are moderate, with mostly clear skies and calm winds, and winter temperatures comparable to those in Beijing. As Alaska's second-largest city, it boasts excellent infrastructure and excellent hotels, including upscale properties like the Marriott. It's the perfect spot for observing the aurora, earning the nickname "The Northern Lights Capital." With over 200 days of aurora viewing annually, Fairbanks attracts a large number of travelers every winter to soak in the hot springs and witness the aurora.
In addition to viewing the aurora, there are also many entertainment activities here, such as traditional snow activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing. In addition, you can also take the only road to the Arctic Circle - the Dalton Road to the northernmost town in North America, obtain an Arctic Circle certificate, and admire the authentic polar landscape. Please note: The Dalton Road is privately owned and cannot be entered without a permit, so you must hire a professional travel company to take you to the Arctic Circle.
Special Recommendation
I highly recommend a two-night stay at the local Chena Hot Springs Resort. This resort, established before the nature reserve was established, is unique in the Fairbanks area and boasts the only natural hot springs in Alaska. Surrounded by mountains, you can observe the aurora borealis from a mountaintop cabin at night and enjoy various snow activities during the day. Despite its polar location, the resort boasts year-round streams and charming cabins. Soaking in the hot springs at night while watching the aurora appear across the sky is truly relaxing. There's no phone service or Wi-Fi here, making it completely isolated from the world. Snow, hot springs, delicious food, and the aurora borealis are the main themes here. Forget all distractions and enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Aurora probability: 5 points
Fun index: 4 points
Photography index: 4 points
Consumption index: 4 points
Traffic index: 4 points
Yellowknife, located on the edge of the Arctic, boasts a flatter terrain than other aurora viewing areas, with no high mountains blocking the low-altitude auroras. Its distance from the ocean prevents humidity from affecting visibility, and its location in the auroral belt significantly increases the chances of seeing the aurora. According to Tourism Canada, a three-night stay in Yellowknife offers a 95% chance of seeing the aurora.
You can go ice skating, fishing, snowshoeing on frozen lakes, or traverse the northern wilderness on a snowmobile. Or, you can experience dog sledding, led by handsome huskies, as you brave the polar climate and journey through the snowy forests to capture the vibrant snowy landscapes.
Alternatively, you can choose a local restaurant and savor northern delicacies like bison and pike. After a satisfying meal, slip into a warm bathtub and watch the aurora borealis twinkling in the sky amidst the steam. The dancing lights are like a silent and dazzling firework blooming in the sky.
Aurora probability: 4 points
Fun index: 3 points
Photography index: 4 points
Consumption index: 2 points
Traffic index: 3 points
Some say the Northern Lights symbolize good fortune, but the high cost of chasing them in places like Northern Europe often makes them seem like a luxury. Murmansk, however, is a relatively affordable aurora viewing spot within the Arctic Circle, offering minimal light pollution and affordable living conditions, making your dream of seeing the Northern Lights a breeze. While Murmansk may not command the same level of attention as Finland or Norway, its aurora rivals those in the more expensive Nordic regions. The following advantages will convince you to visit here.
Good location
Murmansk, located at 69 degrees north latitude on the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia, is the largest city within the Arctic Circle. More than 300 kilometers deep, Murmansk boasts the world's highest ice-free port, boasting aurora borealis.
According to incomplete statistics, there is a chance to see the aurora in Murmansk every winter half year (September to April of the following year), and the probability of aurora appearing is higher from November to February.
Short journey
It is more convenient to fly to Russia from major cities such as Beijing, and it saves more time than some aurora spots in Northern Europe.
Low price
The prices here are more reasonable than in Northern Europe, Finland and other places. In China, the period from the end of the year to the Spring Festival is considered a high-priced period for air tickets, but compared with the prices of chasing the sun in Europe and the United States, Murmansk is still in an advantageous position!
After reading this super-helpful guide, I'm sure you've already chosen your top aurora travel destination (what? I clearly want to visit every destination I've seen). However, there's still a lot to consider when planning an aurora adventure. For example: What should I bring? Is it cold in the Arctic Circle? What should I wear? How can I check if I can see the aurora? Can I capture good photos of the aurora with a standard camera? ...
Still not sure? No problem! Another super useful guide to Aurora Photography awaits! Guaranteed to help you master the art in just three days and dominate your social media feeds!
