The aurora borealis is the visual result of solar particles entering the Earth's magnetic field in the upper atmosphere, and becoming ionised. Its intensity depends on the solar activity and the acceleration rate of these particles.

They appear as dancing lights high in the sky and vary in colour. They are usually green, but sometimes they can also be violet, red, pink, orange and blue. Their colours depend on the ionised elements.

However, solar activity is not regular. Even if it is a dark and clear night, if there is hardly any solar activity there may be no chance of seeing auroras, no matter how far north you are. Similarly, on a summer's day the sky may be full of northern lights but you cannot see them because of the brightness of the sun.

Where to see AURORAS BOREALES?

For this you have to go to the Arctic Circle and further north.

The aurora can is mostly seen along the strip linking central Alaska, Canada, the southernmost tip of Greenland, Iceland and the northern part of Scandinavia.

Up to 200 nights with aurora borealis per year can occur in that part of the Earth.

The aurora borealis dancing high above is a natural phenomenon so powerful and unique that it changes life on Earth.

Finland is one of the best places to observe the auroras.

When is the best time to see the Aurora Borealis?

the best time of the year is winter in areas close to the poles, where in the months from the end of October to the end of March, even April, there are hardly any hours of sunlight.

The problem is that in arctic areas in winter the days with clear skies are very rare, and not all of them have the same climate and conditions.

January and February are the best months to see one of nature's most beautiful phenomena. The best time of day to see them is about two hours before and after midnight, and they can last from thirty seconds to several hours. Although you need a good dose of patience, the "northern lights" are elusive and capricious, so enjoying one of these magical moments becomes an even more coveted landmark. It is a breathtaking spectacle that must be seen at least once in a lifetime.

Our favourite places to see the northern lights.

Our favourite places to see the auroras according to our personal experience are based on the quality of the auroras, the beauty of the places to see them and the accessibility for a trip from Spain.

We have not included places where it is a real ordeal to get to and which are absolutely cut off from the world.

Hella - Iceland

Kállfafel - Iceland

Reykjavik - Iceland

Kirkenes - Norway

Lofoten - Norway

Svalvard - Norway

Rovaniemi - Finland

Ruka - Finland

Tasiusaq - Greenland

Polar Lands Camp in Qaleraliq - Greenland

Murmansk - Russia

Kiruna - Sweden