8 best places to see the northern lights in 2024

The display will be the strongest until April.


Usually, northern lights can only be seen in countries that are part of the Arctic circle, such as Norway, Finland and Iceland. However, sometimes stars in places as far as the United States are fortunate to Locate the Aurora Borealis . And in 2024, the show will be the strongest in the past 20 years - and visible to places around the world.

"Depending on the solar activity models, it's also the best time to see the northern lights," explains Matthew Valentine , American sales manager at Havila trips . "The Aurora Borealis events are caused when geomagnetic storms on the sun sun on the magnetic field of the earth, and this creates cosmic waves which launch electrons in the atmosphere to form the dawn. Of course, there are High and low cycles of these solar disorders, and 2023-2025 will be a maximum solar activity period. "

Whether you make a cruise, you take a game by train by picturesque or that you steal towards a new state or a new country, you have a lot of options to attend this wonder when it is the brightest until april. Continue to read to discover the best places to see the Northern Lights in 2024.

Best places to see the northern lights in 2024

In relation: The 14 best winter destinations outside radar in the United States

1. Norway

Havila Voyages
Photo: Havila Kystruten's graciousness

No matter where you are in Norway, it is almost a guarantee that you can see the northern lights.

"Rich in experiences filled with outdoor adventure, such as dog shift, cross -country skiing, kayaking and mountain biking, Norway is one of the best places in the world to have an overview of the North Lights" , explains Valentine.

However, experts suggest that one of the best ways to attend the phenomenon is on a cruise ship. THE Havila Voyages Northern Lights Promise The cruise travels around Norway for 12 days, while the Aurora Expeditions Northern Lights Explorer Discovery Voyage begins in Norway and also explores Greenland and Iceland over three weeks.

"By venturing along the Norwegian coast in Norway, travelers will sail in a spectacular trollfjord, a throat flanked by steep mountains, and so narrow that it can only be accessible by small ships," said a Aurora shipping spokesperson. Travelers will also pass by Jan Mayen, who houses the huge Beerenberg volcano, known as the most northern active volcano in the world.

2. Greenland

Greenland Northern Lights
7774Ever / Shutterstock

Greenland is part of the Arctic Circle, so it is logical that it is one of the best places to see the northern lights. Kristen Czudak , the author behind Yonderlust Ramblings, specifically recommends Kangerlussua , a small town on the southwest coast of the country, for advanced exhibitions.

"Greenland as a whole, and Kangerlussuaq in particular, have extremely low light pollution due to the small population, which is ideal for identifying the lights of the North," explains Czudak. To see them, you can just look through your window or set aside a guided tour.

"There are far fewer crowds in northern tours in Greenland than in more known and easier to reach destinations, so you can have more experience for yourself," she adds.

If you opt for a cruise that includes Greenland, Aurora Expeditions says: "Along the eastern coast covered with Greenland glacier, visit the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormit, the most isolated and the most north-north of the region And explore ScoresBysund, the largest in the world in the world of fjord system and favorite hunting ground for local Inuit. "

In relation: 10 most beautiful blue water destinations in the United States .

3. Iceland

Iceland Northern Lights
Simon's Passion 4 Travel / Shutterstock

"There are many excellent views for the Northern Lights in the" land of fire and ice "between September and April", explains Birgir Jónsson , CEO of Playing airlines . "Travelers can plan Northern Lights visits to Reykjavik or relax and enjoy the show of a geothermal luxury spa at night."

Laurie Hobbs , director at Adventure Travel Exodus , shares can revel in northern lights thanks to exciting winter activities such as racket, dog sledding and cross -country skiing.

Aurora's expeditions add that, during their cruises, customers can "explore the region of Westfjords, which has exceptional landscapes with transparent and table mountains that plunge into the virgin sea and plant of the North Atlantic." Cruises also stop in the Hornstrandir peninsula, "one of the most remote and remote regions in Iceland," they say.

4. Finland

Lapland Finland
Andrea Flisi / Shutterstock

Alonso Marly , travel expert at Skylux trip , note that it is never a guarantee that you will see the northern lights, so your best bet is to direct you as far as possible. And in Finland, it means going to Finnish Lapland in the north of the Arctic Circle.

While here, Marly recommends admiring the lights of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort , as they have glass igloos and comfortable romantic vibrations.

"The complex also organizes northern light hunting expeditions for those who prefer more action and want to catch the lights while skiing or by rising a Rennes sled", explains Marly.

If you prefer relaxation, Finland has many other vision options from the North Enlightenment, from the seaside villas to comfortable cabins with large glass windows.

"While the Northern Lights appear on Finland about 200 nights a year, I can guarantee that this is an essential destination for a magical winter holidays and a unique travel experience in 2024" , add Marly.

In relation: 10 most relaxing tourist attractions in the world, reveals a new study .

5. Scotland

Scotland Northern Lights
Luca Quadrio / Shutterstock

Certain places in the north of Scotland are locations of choice to see the northern lights, including Inverness. The historic city is the capital of the Scottish Highlands and offers "emblematic castles, majestic mountains and unique fauna, including the famous Loch Ness monster" Visit Scotland .

Taylor Beal , owner and author of the travel blog Crossed with Taylor , said that the lights shone every evening this winter in these parts of Scotland this evening. The other destinations in the North that it recommends are the exterior Hebrides or the Shetland Islands.

6. Michigan

Michigan Northern Lights
Artur Korpik / Shutterstock

Seeing the North Lights does not always require a passport. Until April, they will be visible from the most northern parts of Michigan. As a rule, the areas of the upper peninsula offer better views, but the lower peninsula has seen the lights more often - thanks to the Solar max The earth currently lives.

"At Traverse City, visitors can spend the day to taste in the robust wine scene of the region, explore the comfortable city center and explore the magnificent landscapes and natural trails in places like Sleepy bear dunes And, at night, see the colorful lights, "said Trevor Tkach , president at Tourism City Traverse . He also recommends going to Point Lightthouse mission To have a chance to spot the display.

These places provide the optimal conditions of the dark sky which are necessary for the lights to appear shiny and vibrant.

In relation: The 10 best destinations for stars in the United States

7. Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska
Pung / Shutterstock

Alaska is known for its long winters and dark days, making it an ideal place to catch the Aurora Borealis. Brittany Betts , a travel expert at Smokymountains.com , suggest a visit to Alaska overnight. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"THE Alaska railway , in particular, has night railway experiences that allow you to see the lights from a different point of view, "explains Betts." You take off and jump in different places, spend the day doing winter activities, then enter the incredible views at night. ""

8. Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Jasper Canada Northern Lights
Alicia Beisel / Shutterstock

If you plan to stay in North America to attend the Northern Lights, then heading to Jasper in Alberta, Canada should be on your route.

"Sheltering the second largest reserve in the dark sky in the world and because of its geographical location, Jasper National Park is an incredible place for world class stars all year round, but also to see the northern lights, "said Tyler Riopel , Director of Destination Development at Tourist jasper .

The lights are the most likely to appear between 11 p.m. And 1 a.m., known as the "Magnetic Midnight" by the inhabitants.

"THE Jasper planetarium Offers Numerous Tour Options where guests can uses can powerful outdoor telescopes to see the Wonders of the Dark Sky, "Says Riopel." For an elevated option, guests can even book the Stargazer's lakeside Dinner, Which include dinner at aalto restaurant with lakefront views, Through time with some of the largest telescopes of Canadian rocks. ""

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