London, May, 2024: hundreds of early-to-bed, early-to-risers woke up to regret when videos of the Northern Lights over the Thames flooded social media.
The Northern Lights are typically only visible in the upper region of Great Britain, making their appearance over all of Scotland, Wales, and England truly a literal sight to behold. Londoners were lucky: many of Europe’s countries are not visited by Aurora Borealis.
Let’s shine a light on the European countries where you can see the Northern Lights with the naked eye.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Johner Images.
Which countries are best for viewing the Northern Lights?
If you want to see the Northern Lights, head north — like, north north. You’ll want to be as close to the Arctic Circle as possible for the best viewing experiences. Finland, Norway, and Sweden are ideal countries, as are Canada, Iceland, and Greenland. The United States — specifically Alaska — hosts a show, too.
What months can you see the Northern Lights in Europe?
From the final days of September until the last days of March is the best time period to see the Northern Lights in Europe. Makes sense, considering that the sunlit days are shorter and the dark night sky reigns longer. Your best bet is in the dead of winter, especially in far north areas where “polar night” keeps the sun away all day.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland turns its sights to the celestial skies between September and April. You will have the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights within this period. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Thingvellir National Park are two superb places to go Northern Lights spotting in Iceland.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld. Image Location: Hamnoy, Reine, Lofoten Islands, Norway
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is between September and April, with September, October, March, and April being peak months. Also, make sure you set that alarm clock: you’ll want to be up and at ‘em around midnight.
Can you see the Northern Lights in summer?
No, it’s rare that you’ll see the Northern Lights in summer. But, as with other magical things, just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean Aurora Borealis isn’t there. Solar storms throw light from the sun to our sky constantly. We don’t generally see them for two reasons: artificial light pollution and lack of darkness. In Norway, for instance, the midnight sun means there’s no chance of seeing the Northern Lights in July.
Can you see the Northern Lights in the UK?
Well, if you were standing outside in London during May of 2024, you sure did. Strong storms can push the Northern Lights to the southern parts of the United Kingdom, but typically, you can see the Northern Lights only in the northernmost parts of the UK. Our tip? Head up to the Scottish Highlands or into an International Dark Sky Park like Snowdonia or Northumberland.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Anton Petrus. Image Location: Norway
FAQs of the Northern Lights
While you’re waiting to see the Northern Lights in Europe, here’s what you need to know about Aurora Borealis so you can actually understand what you’re looking at (and technically smelling and hearing).
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are a type of aurora seen near the North Pole. Aurora Borealis is what we call the auroras that are visible near the Earth’s North Pole, hence the name “the Northern Lights”. The Southern Lights, aka Aurora Australis, are auroras visible near the Earth’s South Pole.
What causes the Northern Lights?
Auroras are the byproducts of solar storms created by the sun. When the energy from these electrical, gaseous outbursts penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field, they react with the gasses in our atmosphere to produce light. The green and red lights are produced by oxygen while the purple and blue lights are produced by nitrogen.
Who named the Northern Lights “Aurora Borealis”?
Galileo Galilei was the first person to use the term “aurora borealis”. This is one dude who spent a lot of time looking towards the heavens, and although his initial reasoning for the cause of the Northern Lights is incorrect (that it was sunlight manipulated by the atmosphere), he’s still well-deserving of being the one to name this phenomenon.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld. Image Location: Skagsanden, Ramberg, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Does Aurora Borealis happen every night?
No, Aurora Borealis doesn’t happen every night. The Northern Lights are, technically, present year-round — but they don’t obey our mortal calendars. Aurora Borealis is caused by solar activity and our atmosphere. If the sun’s a-stormin’ and our atmosphere’s geomagnetic conditions are right, the Northern Lights occur regardless of the time of year — now seeing them is a different story.
How long will the Aurora Borealis last?
We’re train people, not scientists; but we suspect Aurora Borealis will last until the sun burns out. How long do the Northern Lights last? Viewing windows can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. That’s why planning, preparation, and punctuality are so important when trying to spot the Northern Lights in Europe.
What not to do at the Northern Lights?
The biggest “what not to do” regarding the Northern Lights is to leave your visit up to fate. Granted, not every Northern Lights tour guarantees a sighting; but if you’re dead-set on seeing them, make sure you plan ahead. Stay at a hotel that offers wake-up services specifically for viewing windows. If you need to drive out to a viewing spot, try to find an organized tour or shuttle service. And don’t bet it all on a single night; even when, statistically, you should be able to see Aurora Borealis, there’s a chance you could miss it by a night or two.
What happens if you whistle at the Northern Lights?
Some indigenous cultures believe that the Northern Lights are the souls of the dead. Whistling at the Northern Lights would draw their attention. Depending on the culture, it’s believed these spirits would either whisk you away, never to be seen again; or chop off your head and kick it around. Fingers crossed your traveling partner isn’t a Chatty Cathy.
Do the Northern Lights have a smell?
Some people claim that they’ve smelt the Northern Lights: sulfurous, ozone-y, metallic, and burning have been some of the descriptions. The smell is created by the electrical activity of the Northern Lights; and to smell them, you need to be facing into the wind.
Do the Northern Lights make noise?
Yes, the Northern Lights do make noise, but good luck hearing it even if the oohs, aahs, and crickets are quiet. Some people have claimed to hear a static noise, kind of like white noise or static pops. Science says that solar particles and gas particles colliding with each other can cause sounds as a result of the Earth’s magnetic field being disturbed.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Steffen Schnur. Image Location: Lofoten, Norway
Tips for photographing the Northern Lights
Turn that flash off and temper your expectations if taking a selfie on your cellie. You’ll want to steady your camera with a tripod or set still against a sturdy object. A wide aperture and a low shutter speed are your best friends, no matter the camera you have. And don’t forget that the darkness is important, but you’ll also want a gorgeous foreground to bask in the dazzling Aurora Borealis light.
How do you live track the Northern Lights in Europe?
You can live-track the Northern Lights in Europe via AuroraLabs. If you’ve got serious FOMO from missing the Northern Lights over London, AuroraWatch UK will alert you to when Aurora Borealis may be visible over the UK.
What time will the Northern Lights be visible tonight?
We don’t keep track of solar schedules, but we do watch train schedules with just as much patience and persistence. Download the Trainline app and we’ll help you get to parts-north in Europe where you may be able to see the Northern Lights tonight.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld. Image Location: Sommaroy, Troms, Norway
