Chasing the Northern Lights: Your Ultimate Guide to Aurora Adventures in 2024-25

After years of chasing the elusive Northern Lights across Finland, Norway, and Sweden, I finally experienced the magic of the aurora borealis in Eastern Greenland. This unexpected encounter was unlike anything I had imagined—remote, breathtaking, and utterly surreal. I also had the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland, but the experience was different. While I could see them from my hostel window in Reykjavik, the lights weren’t as vibrant due to the city’s light pollution. Nonetheless, the thrill of finally capturing this natural phenomenon after years of anticipation was indescribable.

If you’re planning a trip to capture the aurora borealis, September and October are prime months to go. Let me take you through the best places to see the Northern Lights, how to photograph them, and everything else you need to know to make your Northern Lights adventure unforgettable.

How Are the Northern Lights Formed?

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are formed when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are carried toward Earth by the solar wind, and when they interact with gases like oxygen and nitrogen, they create stunning lights that dance across the sky. The colour of the lights depends on which gas is being excited: oxygen produces green and red lights, while nitrogen creates blue and purple hues.

Solar storms increase the intensity and frequency of these lights, which is why it’s important to track the Kp index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) when planning your aurora adventure. The higher the Kp index, the more vibrant and widespread the Northern Lights will be.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and April when the nights are long and the skies are dark. September and October are particularly ideal because the weather is not as harsh as in the winter months, and solar activity is still high after the summer solstice.

From personal experience, I saw the Northern Lights five times during these months in both Greenland and Iceland. In Greenland, the skies were much darker, making the lights appear brighter and more vivid. In Iceland, while I could spot them from Reykjavik, it wasn’t as intense due to the light pollution. For the best view, head out of urban areas to more isolated spots with minimal artificial light.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights in September/October

Here are the top destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis during the autumn months:

• Eastern Greenland: One of the most remote and pristine locations, Eastern Greenland offers an untouched wilderness where the Northern Lights dance above glaciers and fjords. I saw the aurora illuminate the sky over Sermilik Fjords, creating a magical, almost alien atmosphere. The lack of light pollution makes it one of the best places in the world to capture the Northern Lights.
• Iceland: Iceland is a dream for photographers. With locations like the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the Northern Lights add to the country’s already breathtaking landscapes. Although Reykjavik offers viewing opportunities, you’ll get clearer views by heading out to more remote areas. Consider getting a campervan for this exciting celestial chase. This aurora borealis 4×4 campervan will take you to top spots for viewing the lights; it will also make for a cozy viewing experience. The views from the skyroof and windows mean you stay warm and dry inside the van while waiting for the ethereal lights to appear.
• Norway: Tromsø, Senja Island, and the Lofoten Islands are some of the top places to see the Northern Lights in Norway. These areas are above the Arctic Circle, where auroral activity is higher and the skies are clearer.
• Sweden: Head to Abisko National Park or Kiruna in northern Sweden. These regions are known for their consistent clear skies, making them ideal for aurora chasers looking to capture vibrant displays.
• Canada: The northern regions of Canada, particularly Yellowknife and parts of Yukon, are also renowned for their spectacular aurora displays.
• Russia: Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula are also excellent locations for chasing the Northern Lights. These regions offer stunning natural landscapes and fewer tourists, making them a hidden gem for aurora hunters.

Tips to Avoid Clouds and Crowds

To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, consider these tips:

1. Choose Your Dates Wisely: Avoid peak tourist seasons. Visiting mid to late September or early October can help you escape the larger crowds.
2. Weather Forecasting: Use apps like My Aurora Forecast and Aurora Alerts to track auroral activity and check the weather forecast for cloud cover. Aim for nights with clear skies, as cloud cover can obstruct your view.
3. Remote Locations: Head to less frequented spots away from urban light pollution. National parks and remote wilderness areas often provide stunning views and fewer people.
4. Flexible Itinerary: Stay for several days and be prepared to chase the lights. The aurora is unpredictable, and the best displays might happen when and where you least expect it.
5. Travel During the Week: Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, so plan your aurora hunting during the week, if possible.

Northern Lights Travel Guide: Tips and Tricks

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1. Research and Planning: Planning is crucial when it comes to aurora chasing. Choose destinations with minimal light pollution and high auroral activity. Apps like Aurora Forecast can help you monitor solar activity and predict the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights.
2. Camera Gear: To photograph the Northern Lights, pack a wide-angle lens (10-24mm), a tripod, and a camera with manual settings. The Northern Lights move fast, so a steady tripod and a fast shutter speed will help you capture them in all their glory. Bring spare batteries, as cold weather can drain your camera gear faster than usual.
3. Camera Settings:
   • ISO: Set your camera’s ISO between 1600-3200 to capture enough light without too much noise.
   • Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or f/4) to let in as much light as possible.
   • Shutter Speed: Start with a shutter speed between 1/10s to 1/30s. Experiment with longer exposures to capture more movement in the lights, but be mindful that too long exposure may blur the aurora’s details.
   • Manual Focus: Focus manually on the stars or distant lights. Automatic focus may struggle in low-light conditions.
4. Clothing and Accessories: Dress in layers, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Insulated jackets, thermal base layers, and waterproof boots are essential. Bring hand warmers and a headlamp to navigate in the dark.
5. Check the Kp Index: The Kp Index measures geomagnetic activity. For the best aurora displays, aim for a Kp index of 4 or above. You can track this on apps like My Aurora Forecast.
6. Join a Guided Tour: To maximize your chances of seeing and photographing the Northern Lights, consider joining a guided tour. Companies like PolarQuest offer packages that take you to some of the best viewing locations in East Greenland and other Nordic countries, which are ideal for Aurora Borealis viewing.

My Experience Shooting the Northern Lights

Witnessing the Northern Lights in Eastern Greenland was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The lights illuminated the glaciers and fjords, creating a landscape that felt almost otherworldly. I used a wide-angle lens and manual settings to capture the full extent of the aurora’s movement across the sky.

In Iceland, I saw the Northern Lights from my room window in Reykjavik, but the experience was not as dark and dramatic due to the city lights. However, when I travelled to the more remote areas like the Golden Circle, the Northern Lights were much more vibrant.

Best Countries for Northern Lights and Why

• Greenland: Minimal light pollution, dramatic landscapes, and high auroral activity make Greenland one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. The isolated Sermilik Fjords area is particularly stunning for aurora photography.
• Iceland: With its diverse landscapes, Iceland offers fantastic opportunities to capture the Northern Lights. Combine aurora hunting with geothermal baths at the Blue Lagoon or scenic trips to Diamond Beach.
• Norway: Known for its long polar nights, Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands offer consistently strong aurora activity.
• Canada: The Northern Lights in Canada can be seen in places like Yellowknife, which is often regarded as having some of the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights due to its geographic location and clear skies.
• Russia: The Kola Peninsula and Murmansk region provide excellent opportunities for chasing the Northern Lights, with fewer crowds and stunning natural settings.

Tours and Cost of Northern Lights Trips

Northern Lights tours vary in cost, ranging from $100 to $2,000 per person, depending on the location and duration. In Greenland and Iceland, multi-day tours often include accommodation, meals, and guided aurora hunts. While it may seem pricey, the experience of seeing the Northern Lights in some of the world’s most remote and beautiful locations is well worth the cost. If you are staying in the Icelandic capital, Northern Lights Tours in Reykjavik, Iceland, can cost between $58 and $503, depending on the type of tour. Some of the companies that you can use are Icelandia, Hidden Iceland, and Reykjavik Excursions. I took a few small group tours with Icelandia (Thorsmork Jeep Tour) and Hidden Iceland (Enchanting Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour, Golden Circle, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2-Day Tour), and I was really impressed by them. Detailed blogs about my experience travelling with them coming soon.

While you can do a stand-alone Northern Lights tour in any of the above countries, I would highly recommend doing a more immersive trip like visiting East Greenland and Sermilik Fjords with PolarQuest. Not only will you get to see the best Northern lights of your life, but you’ll also get to experience the best trip of your life. I can vouch for this from my personal experience.

Final Thoughts

Witnessing the Northern Lights in both Greenland and Iceland was an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply want to experience the magic of the aurora, September and October offer the perfect conditions for a Northern Lights trip. With the right planning, gear, and a bit of luck, you too can capture one of nature’s most stunning phenomena.

Further Reading

Polar Connections: A Journey from the Arctic to Antarctica

Journey Through East Greenland’s Sermilik Fjords: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure

Greenland Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for an Unforgettable Adventure

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