If you were going to write a list of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts to us, the Northern Lights would have to be somewhere at the top. Shimmering, ethereal, magical and haunting, these multi-coloured atmospheric effects are the happy result of our magnetic poles bouncing solar particles off into the depths of space – and no less beautiful for it. For many, a chance to see the lights up close is nothing short of a trip of a lifetime, and they remain firmly near the top of many bucket lists. So, if you’re one of the tens of thousands of people planning their trip to see the lights this year, look no further. Below is our handy guide to doing exactly that, including the ‘how’, ‘why’, ‘when’ and indeed ‘where’ of aurora borealis hunting.
When to go
There’s a simple answer to this question: now. As in: literally now. See, the Northern Lights run on a cycle of ten or eleven years, and the 2012/13 season just happens to be the peak of the current one. From late last year to early next, the Lights will be at a level of intensity unparalleled for the best part of a decade – and those who wish to see them should make plans to do so immediately. In more practical terms, October/November or February/March are considered ‘peak time’ for viewing, although your chances of witnessing them over Christmas and New Years are still relatively good. The absolute latest you can leave it is probably April, although it’s a risky move to do so.
Where to go
There are plenty of places from where to witness this great spectacle, but the general rule of thumb is: the further North the better. If you’re based in Europe, this ideally means Iceland. Very close to the Arctic, sparsely populated and a heck of a lot easier to get to than the empty Northern wastes of Lapland, Iceland makes an ideal jumping off point for any aurora borealis watching adventure. Planes fly regularly from most major European airports to Reykjavik; from there you can either sign up for a light-hunting tour or take public transport out into a less light-polluted town. However, it should be noted that the lights are indeed visible from the Icelandic capital, although you’ll be seeing them at a much-diminished capacity. It’s best to head out the city if you’re serious about enjoying a good light show.
How
In an ideal world, you’d splash out an absurd amount of cash to gad about on snowmobiles for two weeks, hunting the lights like some celestial Indiana Jones. However, this isn’t an ideal world, and most of us probably can’t afford to do so. Luckily, there are plenty of more sensible options out there. One is to combine your Icelandair northern lights holiday with a Reykjavik city break, with the primary focus being on the capital. Another is to rent a cabin for a few days just outside a city and spend most of your time relaxing. Tour operators will be able to arrange evening excursions for you or, if you’re really strapped for cash, you can simply select a hostel in a quiet town and make sure you pop outside frequently in the evenings. If you can afford a wilderness excursion we strongly encourage you to do so – although amazing in the city, the Lights are even better when viewed in pitch darkness.
In Case of Disappointment
A word of warning: if you visit Iceland with the single goal of seeing the Lights, there is always a risk of disappointment. Tour operators recommend you select a package holiday or give yourself plenty extra to do so a sighting becomes a perfect bonus to cap the trip, rather than the reason for going in and of itself. That way, you’ll have a wonderful time whether you ultimately get to see the lights or not.
