One of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) has captivated travelers, scientists, and dreamers for centuries. Scandinavia, with its northern location and vast wilderness, offers some of the best vantage points for experiencing this mesmerizing natural light show. The region is home to several Aurora Sky Stations, purpose-built observation points that provide optimal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Whether you’re a first-time observer or an experienced aurora chaser, these sky stations provide a unique opportunity to witness one of Earth’s most beautiful displays.
1. Abisko Aurora Sky Station – Sweden
Located in Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland, Abisko Aurora Sky Station is considered one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. The location benefits from a microclimate that offers clear skies, even when other nearby areas are covered by clouds. It’s no wonder that Abisko has become a favorite among aurora enthusiasts.
- Why Visit: Abisko is renowned for its consistently clear skies, which provide optimal viewing conditions for the Northern Lights. The Aurora Sky Station, located atop Nuolja Mountain, sits far above the tree line, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and the aurora overhead.
- What to Do:
- Cable Car Ride: Visitors can take a chairlift or cable car ride up to the Aurora Sky Station on Nuolja Mountain, which offers a perfect elevated vantage point for viewing the Northern Lights.
- Aurora Photography Tours: The station offers expert-led photography tours to help you capture the perfect shot of the aurora.
- Northern Lights Dinner: Experience a traditional Swedish dinner at the Sky Station, followed by an immersive aurora experience as the lights dance across the sky.
- Best Time to Visit: The Northern Lights can be seen from late September to mid-April, but the peak season is between December and March, when the nights are longest and the skies darkest.
- Additional Tip: For a true Arctic experience, stay at the nearby Abisko Tourist Station, where you can enjoy cozy accommodations in a remote wilderness setting.
2. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finland
In the heart of Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort provides a unique way to experience the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own glass igloo. Situated in Saariselkä, Finland, the resort is famous for offering an immersive aurora-viewing experience from specially designed accommodations that provide clear, panoramic views of the night sky.
- Why Visit: The resort is located in a prime position to view the aurora, away from city light pollution, and the igloos offer a warm, cozy way to watch the lights without stepping outside into the cold. Kakslauttanen is one of the most luxurious ways to experience the Northern Lights.
- What to Do:
- Stay in Glass Igloos: Book a stay in one of the resort’s glass igloos or snow igloos for an unforgettable experience where you can watch the aurora from the comfort of your bed.
- Husky Safaris: Go on a husky sledding adventure through the snow-covered forests under the Northern Lights.
- Reindeer Rides: Experience the magical atmosphere of the Arctic as you take a reindeer-pulled sled across snowy landscapes.
- Aurora Hunting: The resort offers special Northern Lights safaris, where guides take you to the best spots for aurora viewing based on weather conditions.
- Best Time to Visit: Late September to March. The best chance of seeing the Northern Lights is from December to February, when the skies are darkest and the snow-covered landscape adds to the magic.
- Additional Tip: Don’t miss the resort’s Sauna World, where you can relax in a traditional Finnish sauna after a long day of winter activities.
3. Lyngen Lodge – Norway
Located in the Lyngen Alps of Norway, Lyngen Lodge offers an idyllic and secluded setting for Northern Lights viewing. With its remote location, far from city lights, and breathtaking natural surroundings, it provides a perfect base for aurora seekers who want to combine Northern Lights hunting with other Arctic activities.
- Why Visit: The Lyngen Alps are known for their stunning mountain views and pristine fjords, and the Northern Lights are often visible dancing over the peaks. Lyngen Lodge offers an intimate experience, with the added benefit of excellent food and cozy accommodations.
- What to Do:
- Northern Lights Viewing: The lodge offers guided aurora viewing sessions, where you can relax in the comfort of a traditional lodge while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.
- Winter Activities: Take part in a variety of activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, all while surrounded by pristine natural beauty.
- Northern Lights Photography: Join a photography workshop at the lodge to learn how to capture the aurora with the help of expert photographers.
- Best Time to Visit: Late September to early April is the prime time for viewing the aurora, with the peak period being from December to March.
- Additional Tip: Lyngen Lodge is also known for its local cuisine, with delicious meals served in a cozy, rustic setting that includes fresh Arctic ingredients such as reindeer, fish, and berries.
Conclusion
Scandinavia offers some of the world’s best locations for viewing the Northern Lights, with Aurora Sky Stations providing the perfect base for a memorable Arctic adventure. From the clear skies of Abisko in Sweden to the remote eco-friendly cabins in Norway, these unique destinations offer the opportunity to experience the Northern Lights in style. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious glass igloo experience in Finland or a cozy lodge surrounded by the Lyngen Alps, there’s no shortage of options to witness the beauty of the aurora in its full glory. The key to a successful aurora trip is to plan for the right season, prepare for cold conditions, and immerse yourself in the magical landscape of Scandinavia’s northernmost regions.
