Know the Places to Witness the Spectacular Northern Lights

Sometimes, a natural phenomenon can be so surreal that it takes time to soak in its beauty fully. You suddenly become thankful for your existence- you are just glad to witness the moment or occurrence. Watching the northern lights can be a soul-stirring experience for the uninitiated. Besides, there are few places on Earth where you can watch them. So, what are northern lights, and where can you go to watch this amazing natural spectacle? Let's find out.

What Are the Northern Lights?

Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, are a spectacular natural phenomenon visible in the sky in high-latitude regions, especially the countries near the Arctic circle. 

The solar wind causes disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere, altering the trajectories of the charged particles, which then precipitate into the upper atmosphere. Due to this phenomenon, the ionised particles in the atmosphere emit colourful lights making the sky beautiful.

What Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?

The Northern lights phenomenon occurs throughout the year. However, you may find them hard to spot during the summer season due to the bright sunlight. So, the winter season, especially between January and March, can be the best time to see the Northern Lights when the nights are cold and dark. 

Best Places to See the Northern Lights Around the World

• Norway

Norway, popularly known as the land of the midnight sun, is one of the most popular places in the world to see the Northern lights. The northern reaches of this Nordic country are situated well inside the Arctic circle. This region's exceptionally long winter nights provide the perfect opportunity to view the northern lights. 

• Finland

Northern Finland, particularly the Lapland region, faces exceptionally long and cold winters when the entire region is under a permanent snow cover. It is one of the best places to see the northern lights, where they can be visible for 200 nights a year.

Moreover, Finland is popular among tourists for the spectacular natural landscape found throughout the country. The country is dotted with beautiful lakes and thick pine forests, and about 40 national parks spread from the Lapland in the north to the southern shores of the Gulf of Finland.

Club Mahindra operates some great hotels across Finland in Turku, Katinkulta, Kuusamon Tropiikki, Saariselkä, Saimaa, Salla, and Tampere. So if you happen to visit these regions or the nearby places, you can always stay in the Club Mahindra resorts for the familiar warmth and hospitality.        

• Sweden

Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe and has a diverse climate. While the usual climate is mild in the south and centre of Sweden, the northern region has a subarctic climate characterised by long and cold winters. So, north Sweden can be one of the best places to see the northern lights if you visit there in the winter months (October to March). 

Apart from hunting for the northern lights, you can also indulge in winter sports activities like skiing, snowshoe hiking, ice fishing etc. Moreover, club Mahindra has Holiday Club resorts at both Åre and Ekerum, where you can comfortably stay with your family to enjoy the Swedish winter. 

Apart from the places mentioned above, you can find the northern lights in a few other countries like Iceland, Scotland, and Greenland. Watching the northern lights is a travel wish for many avid travellers. The experience is so fulfilling and overwhelming that you may not want to strike it off your bucket list even if you've visited once. Instead, you might return to these lights more often.