Northern lights: Where to see the best light show

For some of the best northern light shows in the world, every traveler should include plans to go north to view the fantastic light show that nature puts on every year. It is a spectacular phenomena known as Aurora Borealis that lights the northern skies in several countries throughout the world. Scientists believe the lights peak at the end of each 11-year cycle, and 2013 is expected to be a peak year.

According to Fodor’s, a travel review site, http://www.fodors.com, the lights should be their brightest in the spring and fall of the year. Authorities say the best northern lights viewing is in Norway, where they claim the lights first show their fantastic colors each year between October and February. The Norwegians believe that because of their polar nights and northern proximity on the planet, the lights are easier to see. The optimal conditions are possible because of the cold nights with few clouds. The atmospheric gases come together to create breathtaking curtains of colors that can last for days. Cruises along the coast lines of Alta, Tromsa, Svalbard and Finmark are also popular. Cruise officials will issue wake-up calls in time for guests to view the lights on deck.

Fairbanks, Alaska is another favorite to view the “aurora oval.” Locals claim the brightest occurrences happen here more often than anywhere else in the world. According to the Fairbanks Visitors Bureau, there is an 80 percent chance of viewing the phenomena if you are there three nights in a row. Denali, Anchorage, Juneau and Sitka are also positioned well for optimal viewing.

Canadians believe some areas in Canada provide year-round viewing of the lights. The mountains and tundra’s at the northern-most parts are the most likely to offer spectacular views. The tundra of Nunavut in northeast Canada, the Yukon, located in the mountains to the northwest, Yellowknife, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba and Labrador all offer great viewing sites.

Iceland, located between North America and Europe, offers some spectacular views along Lake Myvatn. Travelers can fly into the country, schedule tours or drive themselves for an unforgettable trip through Iceland.

Content Provided by Spot55.com

Share this story!
Cherry Blossom Festival
The Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Festival takes place this weekend at the Seattle Center...
King Day 2025
King Day returns to honor the life, legacy and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr....

Related

What is eco-travel and how can I participate?
Eco-travel is environmentally and socio-culturally responsible travel that benefits the welfare of the locals. It causes minimal damage to the environment by limiting use of...
Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics
Traveling to the 2014 Winter Olympic or Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia? Plan ahead for safe and healthy travel....
Hot stones and high tea at Los Poblanos
I know a massage is effective when I realize I’m drooling. That’s my indication that the treatment is working towards its aim of achieving a...
For a small town, this island is big on appeal
When a destination continues to receive recognition and glowing accolades in major publications, it piques my curiosity. Such was the case with St. Simons Island,...
‘There is a little bit of boutique in all of us!’
When we begin to get back to travel, the boutique hospitality sector is due to boom. Travelers will want to stay at smaller, more intimate...
An architect and an heiress leave their mark on Springfield
Growing up in Chicago gave me access to several of Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Midwest. I learned to appreciate the architect’s style and...

BE IN THE KNOW

NWPT-Subscribe

Recent Posts

A Rose By Any Other Name Would Be… Shiso, Zisu, Hangul, Perilla?
Hydration: Are you drinking enough water?
AARP Washington Invests in Livable Communities with 2025 Grants
THE PASSAGE OF TIME…IN RHYME
We All Scream for Ice Cream

BE IN THE KNOW

NWPT-Subscribe

Recent Posts

A Rose By Any Other Name Would Be… Shiso, Zisu, Hangul, Perilla?
Hydration: Are you drinking enough water?
AARP Washington Invests in Livable Communities with 2025 Grants
THE PASSAGE OF TIME…IN RHYME
We All Scream for Ice Cream