5 Unique Ways to Experience the Northern Lights
Are you looking for a unique destination for your adventure-thirsty soul? If you haven’t been able to decide on any particular location yet, you should definitely try to experience the Northern Lights. The scenic splendor of the Northern Lights can be observed from many scenic locations around the world.
It’s not only seeing or observing the Northern Lights – it is experiencing a wonder you couldn’t even imagine was possible. There are many ways in which you encounter the lights and enjoy experiences which you will be a memory you will never forget!
Read on to discover more about the Northern Lights and what kind of adventures you can experience:
Northern Lights from Iceland for ‘Whale and Wildlife’ Experience
Photo by Jennett Bremer on Unsplash
If you want to have a bucket list experience of chasing the Northern Lights as well as whales, you must head towards western Iceland. Along with the wild lights, the wildlife adventure is surely going to be a memorable one.
In western Iceland, the Bay of Grundarfjordur, is a delight for wildlife lovers. Whales are present in abundance and so are different kinds of birds. The place is situated amidst the countryside in lava fields. You will be able to view the glacier-topped volcano of Snaefellsjokull – viewing the orca by daytime and the aurora by night.
Enjoy Snowshoe Shuffling Under Bright Northern Lights
Photo by Aaron Huber on Unsplash
Enjoying a winter trek under the Northern Lights during Christmas time and Holiday Season is an excellent experience. Strap on the snowshoes and progress into the Abisko National Park. This park is located amidst vast wilderness in Swedish Lapland.
Since the place is at a distance of about 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, the park is under atmospheric ‘blue hole’. You will experience absolutely clear skies at night and watching the Northern Lights in such an ambience is bliss. You can trek your way through pristine white landscapes, stay in remote cabins on shores of frozen lakes, track wildlife of the area. You can also try ice-climbing, dog-sledding and Nordic skiing.
Experience a Night Inside an Ice Sculpture in Sweden
This is a unique experience, which you will never forget in your whole life. The Icehotel in Swedish Lapland was the first of its kind in the world. Every year, around 60 rooms are built up with snow and with crystal clear ice. These are collected from the nearby frozen river.
While some of the rooms are simple, some are art suites with exemplary ice sculptures. Subtle lighting is used for maximum effects. You can spend the night in the snow room. Bed on reindeer skins and enjoy a real treat. Such things can only be experienced.
Canada’s Yukon
Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash
In Canada’s wild northwest is The Yukon. It is a vast region which comprises of spectacular landscapes, thriving native cultures and rustic frontier towns. This is one of the best destinations for watching the remarkable Aurora Borealis.
The best thing is that this natural splendor can be experienced from your own yurt, which comes with breathtaking interiors. There is a large circular skylight through which you can see the Northern Lights while lying down in bed. Various kinds of adventure activities can be enjoyed in the place, including snowshoeing, dog-sledding, fishing and most importantly, photography.
Experiencing Northern Lights on Horseback
Try exploring the vast icy north of Sweden on horseback or by a sled-dog this winter. This area is located in the historic Villa Batstad and abounds in immense natural splendor. Explore an excellent landscape of spruce forest, isolated trails and frozen lakes. Every day in the place brings in a new adventure.
There are various kinds of adventure activities in which you can indulge in the area, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, camping overnight in some traditional Sami tent and trying ice fishing.
You can enjoy the experience of riding on horseback through some ancient forests, where there is sound save the jangle of the bridles of the horses. The Northern Lights can be seen to play different games in the sky above the head.
Whether you are watching the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis from Finland, Sweden and Iceland or from Canada, the sight is certainly a memorable one. January and February are the most suitable months for clearly viewing this natural splendor.
However, it is also true that in many places the sights can be enjoyed until spring time as well. The colors that pass through the skies are simply unbelievable. Adding adventure activities to these accentuates the fun factor to a great extent.
Viewing the Northern Lights should be on the bucket list of every avid traveler.
Author’s Bio: Yogi and Suchna believe in taking the road less traveled and stumbling upon some hidden gems along the way! For over a decade, they’ve mapped their way across various continents, sniffed out unusual routes, discovered new flavors and stayed at quirky hostels. TheVillaEscape is their expression of soul travel. To check Northern Lights Finland you can catch up with them at TheVillaEscape.
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Yes!! The Northern Lights have been on my bucket list for so long. Was in Sweden last year but didn’t catch them.
The Northern Lights are on my bucket list too! I have friends in Sweden….maybe a trip is in order!
The Northern Lights are #1 on my bucket list and all of the experiences you described in areas you can see them sound wonderful!
I would love to see them from Iceland! Sweden is a close second!
Seeing the Northern Lights has been on my bucket list for 10 years now. I am determined to get there. Great article!
10 years? I think it’s time for you to plan something! 🙂
I have always wanted to see the northern lights. Out of your list I think I’d pick Sweden or Iceland. I have Swedish heritage and the ice hotel sounds fascinating. But I’ve always imagined stopping in Iceland on a trip to Europe. Maybe I’ll just do both in one trip 🙂
Those are the top two locations on my bucket list as well. I love your idea of stopping in Iceland when traveling to other places in Europe!
I think on Wow airlines all their layovers are in Iceland.
The Northern Lights are on our list! we look forward to seeing them in the near future.
My list too!!! 🙂
Great post! I saw the lights in Iceland, last year, but I would love the opportunity to see them again! In Sweden would be fabulous and especially on horseback! I think that would be an incredible experience.
I agree that viewing the lights from horseback in Sweden would be awesome!
The Northern Lights are definitely on my bucket list! I hoped to see them this past year in Iceland, but was unsuccessful! I’m hoping my trip to Greenland next year will prove to be luckier. Of the places on this list, I would love to see the Northern Lights in Canada!
Whoa, Kristen! You’re traveling to some pretty cool places next year!!
I would love to see the Northern Lights, and I had no idea there were so many different ways to experience them!
Yes, a trip to see the Northern Lights is at the top of my bucket list!
Whale watching and seeing the Northern Lights are both high on my bucket list!
Mine too! I hope you get to experience both very soon.
I was lucky enough to see the Northern Lights while I was working in the Northwest Territories, on Great Slave Lake! It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen!!
xo Chelsea
Very cool Chelsea!!
This sure is on my list! can’t wait to visit!!! Makes me want to go sooner!
Excellent Daph! I hope you get to go soon.
The Northern lights are on my bucket list. A few of my co-workers have already gone and can not say enough about it.
I’ll bet hearing your coworkers talk about the Northern Lights makes for some great stories!
This is definitely on my bucket list!!
Mine too WIlly!
I am ready to do this! Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome!
Seeing the Northern Lights in person is #1 on MY bucket list!! I’m not sure I’ll ever get to one of these wonderful places in your post, but I’m trying to talk hubby into a cruise to Alaska to see them. Thanks for re-igniting the fire!
Oh yes, a cruise to Alaska would be amazing!