Tips to organize your travel to hunt the Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon that occurs when the solar particles contact with our atmosphere and, although it is one of the most beautiful shows in nature, seeing it can become a complicated mission. That is why today we give you some indications of where to start.
Where and when to see the Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis can be seen from different points, all of them close to the Arctic Circle: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland. There are times that it is visible in other more distant countries like Scotland, Denmark or Estonia. But the further north you are, the easier it will be to contemplate it. And if it's above the Arctic Circle line, the better.
The best months to see the Aurora Borealis are between September and March, which are the darkest months at night.
Travel time
If you've already chosen destinations and dates, you should know that seeing the Aurora Borealis or not, will depend on how the weather is and how close you are to a big city.
That is why we recommend that, when planning the activities of the trip, leave at least two or three nights to try to see it. It is a pity to bet everything on a single day if the sky is cloudy.
And the next recommendation is to get away from the city. In all places where you can see the Aurora there are quite a few companies dedicated to seeing them, where they will take you to more rural areas and with less light pollution. You can also rent a car an look for it yourself.
But if your goal is to see the Aurora Borealis the more nights better, there are also hotels and cabins practically in the middle of nowhere where you can live the polar life at day and lie down with a hot drink to contemplate the sky at night.
What to bring?
If you are contemplating this show of nature, you can’t forget your camera. And if it is a good one, better. Camera and tripod are going to be the perfect combination. If you don’t have much experience in photography, don’t worry. In many excursions the guides themselves help you to configure your camera to get the best of it. And you can always search the Internet for hundreds of manuals and tutorials to take pictures as an expert.
As for clothing, keep in mind that it is the coldest months and that you are going to be near the Polar Circle, so be prepared for sub-zero temperatures. In addition you will see the sky standing in the open, so protect yourself well so as not to ruin your night. Wear some layers of quality thermal clothing that keep you warm and insulate you from moisture, wind and cold. Nowadays it is not difficult to get quality mountain clothes and at a good price.
If you are already preparing to organize your trip, remember that in most countries we have recommended you use a currency other than Euro, but don’t worry, at Eurochange you can buy the currency you need for your trip at the best price and with total availability.
Enjoy the trip!
