Five of the best: Places to see the Northern Lights
Iceland
Iceland offers visitors one of the best chances of a clear view of Northern Lights anywhere in the northern hemisphere. The ‘Aurora Ovals' are the belts around the poles where the auroras are formed, and Iceland provides the perfect vantage point to watch the kaleidoscope of colour that ensues overhead. Due to Iceland's location, the Northern Lights can normally be seen whenever there is clear sky. Add that to the fact they can be seen after only a short drive from Reykjavik and Iceland becomes a very attractive option.
Yukon
In Yukon, the Northern Lights shine over a glittering landscape of snow-melt lakes and white-capped mountains filled with a wealth of opportunities for nature lovers of all kinds. Hikers are spoilt for choice with the wide array of walks available, and Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, is a big draw for climbers. Angling opportunities are endless, but for those who would rather ride the water than watch it roll by, there are just as many kayaks.
Sweden
Those looking for a Swedish tint to their Northern Lights experience have the opportunity to venture into the wilds of Lapland. The Tornetrask Lake is the ideal base for a Swedish Northern Lights experience. At 70km (43 miles) long, it's an attraction in itself, but more importantly, it boasts a rare climate that means even when the rest of Sweden is shrouded in fog, this area stays clear. A ski lift to the 914m-high (3,000ft) Nuolja peak takes you within touching distance of the solar explosions overhead.
Norway
Whether you want to enjoy Northern Lights from the comfort of a cosy boat or be out in the elements on the back of a dog sled, nowhere boasts more alternative activity options than Norway. You can also whizz around Norway's Arctic north by snowmobile or train. After all that exertion, why not spend a night in the Kirkenes Snowhotel. Just remember to wrap up warm.
Scotland
There's no need to go gallivanting round the northern hemisphere to catch a glimpse of the fabled Northern Lights. Known as Fir Chlis in Scots Gaelic, or simply merry dancers, the view of the Northern Lights from north Scotland even features in one of Scotland's best loved classic songs. The majestic Hebrides are one of the best places in the UK to see the lights as well as being a tranquil place to unwind.
26 October 2009
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Travel Deals
-
Finland Family holidays There is something about the snow in Finland that makes you wonder if the locals sneak out at night and spray it with a coat of brilliant white paint – it
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
