7 ideal destinations for aurora hunting.

The aurora borealis is a unique astronomical phenomenon formed by electromagnetic radiation, creating streaks of light in various colors across the sky. Auroras occur near the Earth's poles, hence the names "northern aurora borealis" and "southern aurora aurora australis." Whether or not you can see the aurora depends on your luck, but the aurora season is generally predicted to run from early October to the end of March, with December, January, and February being the peak months for seeing the aurora. According to National Geographic, there are seven of the best places in the world for tourists to experience aurora hunting.

Iceland

The clear night sky along the coastal roads is what makes it ideal for tourists from near and far to witness the aurora borealis. According to National Geographic, the best viewing spot in Iceland is at the summit of Kirkjufell mountain, or you can also spot the aurora in the suburbs of Reykjavík. Besides aurora hunting, visitors can also experience many other unique sights such as glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers.

When to go: Late August to early April.

Fairbanks, Alaska

This location is considered the best place to see the aurora borealis in the entire United States, situated just two degrees from the North Pole, near the international airport and Denali National Park. Visitors even have a dedicated aurora forecast website (auroraforecast.gi.alaska.edu) for easy tracking.

When to go: Late August to mid-April.

Yellowknife, Canada

Canada is also considered a paradise for aurora viewing, thanks to its geographical location at a low latitude and minimal light pollution. The best aurora viewing spot here is Yellowknife, the capital of Northwest Canada. Located on Lake Slave – the second largest in the region – Yellowknife is particularly famous for its Aurora Village. Visitors can participate in many special activities specifically designed for aurora hunting. Besides Yellowknife, Wood Buffalo National Park and Jasper National Park are also ideal locations for viewing the aurora.

When to go: Late August to mid-April.

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway, located about 217 miles from the Arctic Circle, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, the sea temperature here is very moderate. Tromsø's scenery is also impressive, with beautiful fjords and the dreamy Lyngen Alps. Near the city is the village of Ersfjordbotn, a great place to see the aurora borealis, only about 12 miles (~20km) from Tromsø. Other popular aurora-watching locations include the Lofoten Islands, and the more remote northern towns of Alta, Nordkapp, and Kirkenes.

When to go: Mid-September to the end of March.

Northern Sweden and Finland

The town of Kiruna, located in the far north of Sweden, is considered a transit station connecting tourists to many aurora viewing spots, such as the Ice Hotel, Abisko National Park, and the Sami Cultural Reserve. A short drive from the town reveals another fantastic aurora viewing location. The weather here is colder than in Norway but relatively stable. Rovaniemi, the capital of Finland's Lapland region, is a gateway to nearby national parks during winter. When the landscape is covered in a blanket of white, with condensation, snow, and frost forming unique "tykky" patterns on the trees, the romantic appearance of the aurora borealis against this backdrop will be an unforgettable experience for visitors.

When to go: Mid-September to the end of March.

Greenland

Northern Greenland is an ideal location for aurora viewing if you want to venture further north. However, you can still see the spectacular and captivating aurora borealis as far south as the island's southernmost point, such as at the Qaleraliq Glacier, where small icebergs still float during the summer.

When to go: Mid-August to the end of April in the south and the end of August to mid-April in Nuuk.

Tasmania (Australia) and New Zealand

We often hear more about the aurora borealis than the aurora aurora southerly because there are fewer places in the Southern Hemisphere where you can see it. However, there are two prominent locations where you can observe the aurora aurora southerly: Tasmania (Australia) and New Zealand. Because they are located in Antarctica and experience the tranquil nighttime, you can easily admire the spectacular aurora borealis there.

When to go: You can go all year round, but the ideal time is around the spring or autumn equinox.

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