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Where & When to Catch a Glimpse of the Northern Lights

Where & When to Catch a Glimpse of the Northern Lights

Don’t miss out on your chance to skygaze the Northern Lights!

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, have captivated lucky audiences for centuries. In ancient Scotland, the Lights were known as “Merry Dancers” that battled in the sky for the favor of a beautiful woman. In Greenland, an Inuit tribe believed the phenomenon to be dead souls lighting the way to the afterlife. Have you always wanted to witness the magic of the Northern Lights yourself? Discover the best locations and seasons to catch the spectacle! 

Iceland 

To see the Northern Lights in Iceland, consider visiting late August through early May. The Lights are most vibrant when the sky is clear, so check the forecast before you go. The best places to see the Aurora are Grótta, Öskjuhlið, Vík, and þingvellir National Park. Head out to one of these locations at night, and remember to dress warmly! 

Norway 

Tromsø, Norway is within the auroral ring, which means that it’s a great place to witness the Lights! The best times of the year to go are between October and mid-March. Every winter, the Norwegian city hosts the Northern Lights Festival. The festival offers live music, lectures, exhibitions, and more! 

Scotland 

In January, sightseers flock to the Shetland Islands in Scotland to see the Lights. The Shetland Islands are close to the North Pole, and visitors can catch a vibrant array of Lights from this vantage point. The Shetland Islands are located off the mainland of Scotland, but travelers can also see the Lights from the northern Highlands of the country! 

Canada 

Stargazers can catch the Northern Lights from almost anywhere in Alberta, Canada. Wood Buffalo and Jasper National Parks are two of the largest Sky preserves in the world, and boast incredible views of the Lights. 

Alaska 

Much like Tromsø, Fairbanks sits in the auroral ring. Alaska is one of the greatest places to see the Northern Lights, and they’re often visible from August to May. Grab a cup of coffee, and head outside after 10 p.m. for your best chance of witnessing the Aurora! 

Travel the World with AESU!

AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.

Experience an exhilarating adventure on the Costa Rica ExplorerCosmopolitan, Euro Focus, Great Escape tours! Search for the Northern Lights on the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival Tour! 

2020 tour dates are now available! If you have any questions or want help booking your European adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website. Follow AESU on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

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