Spying the Northern Lights in Scandinavia

The Northern Lights are also referred to as their more scientific name, Aurora Borealis. They are considered a natural light display that can be seen mostly in higher-latitude regions of the world. While you can choose to visit many different areas to see the Northern Lights, I think Scandinavia offers some of the best views. That means the Scandinavian regions of Sweden, Finland, and Norway must be high up on your Northern Lights viewing list. And who wouldn’t want to take a vacation in Sweden, Finland, and Norway??!!

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia

The most solar activity, which is what creates the Northern Lights, occurs between March and April and September and October. However, the best time to see the Northern Lights is between November and February. The reason for this is the nights are much darker during those months. And the darker the better for seeing this brilliant light display!

Best Place to See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia

Porjus, Sweden

The charming town of Porjus, Sweden is the best place for seeing the Northern Lights. Approximately 400 people live there, so light pollution is never an issue. You can easily see them from any of the lakeside accommodations. But if you want even better views, you can head over to Sarrus or Muddus National Parks.

Abisko National Park, Sweden

Abisko is another national park in Sweden that has incredible viewings of the Northern Lights. You will find this national park to the north of Kiruna. Inside Abisko is a blue hole. That blue hole is a section of the sky that will always remain clear, no matter what weather conditions exist everywhere else in the park. An excellent place to begin your Northern Lights viewing adventures at this park is over at the Aurora Sky Station.

Juhannuskallio, Finland

Juhannuskallio can be found at the top of Ounasvaara Hill in Finland. It is a small town that grows in size during the winter months. It is during those months; you can see the Northern Lights the best. This destination is also perfect if you want additional experiences with your Northern Lights adventure. There are many Northern Lights tours in Finland available that include sledging, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. You can even do a spiritual walk in Juhannuskallio with a Nordic shaman while viewing the Northern Lights.

Finnish Lapland

The Finnish Lapland is way up in northern Finland and you are guaranteed darkness twenty-four hours a day during most of the year. While there are never any guarantees for seeing the Northern Lights, this area gives you the best odds. It is said the Northern Lights are present in Lapland at least 200 nights during the coldest and darkest months of the year.

North Cape, Norway

The North Cape is a popular destination in northern Scandinavia. This area is on a 1,000-foot cliff. It is a perfect destination for viewing the Northern Lights. And that alone is why at least a quarter of a million people visit each year.

Alta, Norway

One of the very first Northern Lights observatories was opened in Alta, Norway. That should show you how spectacular the Northern Lights are in that Scandinavia region. During a vacation in Norway, you will have so many other things to do in this area though. When you are not spying the Northern Lights, you can do a little husky sledding and even stay in the igloo hotel.

These are the best places for seeing the Northern Lights in Scandinavia. Each location may seem better than the one before, so you may have difficulty choosing where you want to go. No worries, because we can plan an amazing Scandinavian vacation that will have you visiting each destination! That way you can compare the Northern Lights in many Scandinavian destinations and see which one is your all-time favorite!

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