Northern Lights in Norway: Why It’s the Ultimate Destination for Aurora Chasers
Are you wondering which country is better for witnessing the magical Northern Lights – Finland or Norway? Both of them offer some amazing Northern Lights experiences, but the answer depends on what you are looking for, as well as the time and location of your trip. Let’s explore the different options and find out which destination will suit you better.
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Location and Accessibility
Finland: Located in the far north of Europe, Finnish Lapland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. The most popular destinations in Finland for Northern Lights hunters are Rovaniemi, Levi, and Ivalo. These places are well-connected by flights and buses.
Norway: Norway, too, is located in the far north of Europe, and is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. The most popular destinations in Norway for Northern Lights watching are Tromsø, Alta, and Svalbard. While Svalbard is a remote destination with limited access, Tromsø and Alta are well-connected by flights and buses.
Best Time to Visit for Northern Lights
Finland: The best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland is between September and March. December and January are particularly popular months.
Norway: The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is between October and March. The period around the equinoxes, in late September and late March, is often recommended as the best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway.
Weather and Temperature
Finland: Finnish Lapland has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Temperatures can dip as low as -40°C, so you need to be well prepared for the extreme weather conditions. December and January are particularly cold months, with less daylight.
Norway: Norway has a milder climate than Finland due to its coastal location. The winter temperatures in Northern Norway range from -10°C to 0°C. However, it can get quite windy and rainy in coastal areas, so it’s important to dress in layers and be prepared for the weather conditions.
Activities and Experiences
Finland: Finnish Lapland offers a range of activities for Northern Lights enthusiasts, such as reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, husky rides, and ice-fishing. Finnish Lapland is also the home of Santa Claus Village, a popular attraction for families. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, with its unique glass igloos, is a great place to stay and watch the Northern Lights.
Norway: Norway offers a range of experiences for those who want to see the Northern Lights, such as dog sledding, reindeer sledding, snowmobiling and skiing. Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, is a great place to explore the Arctic wilderness, while Alta is known for its ice hotel and snowmobile safaris. The Svalbard archipelago, which is located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is the perfect place for adventurous travelers who want to explore the Arctic.
Conclusion
As you can see, both Finland and Norway offer amazing opportunities to see the Northern Lights, as well as different experiences and activities to suit different travelers. Whether you prefer a more remote and adventurous experience, or a more family-friendly vacation, both countries offer plenty of options. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
