It’s the ultimate bucket list item we dream of experiencing for ourselves one day, which is exactly why it’s the perfect gift for a loved one to receive! Perfect for all occasions and price brackets. Watch in awe as the sky lights up before your eyes. See green, pink, purple and orange lights appear above you and dance in the night sky.
In this blog, we’ve included our top five countries to find the best Northern Lights experiences and some fun facts about the magical natural wonder. Shop all northern lights gifts ranging in price so we guarantee there is a gift to account for everyone.
The top five destinations to see the Northern Lights
1. Northern Lights in Alaska
Alaska is America’s largest and most northern state. Its stunning landscapes of mountains and forests make it a picturesque and serene landscape to visit with friendly people along the way too.
View the Northern lights from a lodge sitting on the mountain ridges surrounding Fairbanks, Alaska. Enjoy snacks and warm beverages while you watch the lights from a cozy Alaskan home setting. Or, if you want the perfect shot, brave the cold and head outdoors to capture that magical image that will take pride of place on a wall at home.
2. Northern Lights in Canada
The home of maple syrup and poutine, what’s not to love? If you find yourself in the most northern parts of Canada, you have a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
When night falls in the northwest territories of Canada, head into the wilderness with your guide and join the hunt for the Aurora Borealis. Starting in Yellowknife, you’ll end up being only 400km south of the Arctic Circle.
3. Northern Lights in Sweden
In Sweden, begin your memorable night with a bit of fun - on a sleigh ride behind a snowmobile! A Northern Light’s experience in Abisko, Sweden will change depending on the season: in the early season, you’ll gaze from Abisko National Park, but when the ice on the lakes is thick enough, you’ll get to see the lights from one of the top viewing locations.
4. Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is one of our favourite travel destinations, with so many amazing adventures included to enjoy in an absolutely beautiful part of the world.
Hop in a private 4x4 vehicle in Reykjavik, where you will soon leave the city lights behind and head to areas that have been carefully selected.
Or, if wanting to see the lights from a different perspective, why not experience a Northern Lights Deluxe Cruise? One of our best sellers. Cruise along Iceland’s coastline and see the city sites from another point of view. While you wait for the magical lights to appear, simply enjoy the crisp ocean breeze and gaze at the starry night sky - you are in Iceland after all. Warm jackets are required.
5. Northern Lights in Norway
Norway is a mix of beautiful mountains and islands and has a coastline that stretches a massive 25,000 kilometres. Being situated in the North and neighbouring Sweden, it’s no surprise you can see the Northern Lights here also. If you are looking for a winter wonderland for your next holiday, look no further than Norway.
Time for Aurora Borealis trivia!
Now that we’re done listing our top five destinations to see the Northern Lights, let’s get to the fun part!
1. What’s the difference between the Aurora Borealis and the Northern Lights?
Tricked you… there is none! They are so amazing they have two names.
The lights were named Aurora Borealis by Galileo when the lights were visible in Italy. When he saw the lights he named it Aurora (dawn) Borealis (of the north).
2. Is the Aurora Australis fact or fiction?
It’s a FACT! The Northern Lights often get all the spotlight (pun intended), but we do get the Aurora here in the southern hemisphere too. The Aurora Australis can be seen in Hobart, Tasmania and New Zealand.
3. Did NASA launch a rocket into the Northern Lights?
They sure did! In January 2015 NASA funded a rocket to learn more about this natural phenomenon.
4. It is believed that the lights are spirits playing football with the head of a walrus?
Strangely, true.
5. True or false: The Aurora Borealis is always there, daytime or nighttime.
True. It has been proven by the Alaska Institute that there is always an Aurora. However, it is only visible to the naked eye at night.
We hope you’ve learnt some fun facts while looking at our Northern Lights listing. Click to read more on our Northern Lights gifts page here to gift a loved one. Don't miss out on our biggest experience sellers in Europe. Gift an item they will always remember. All gift purchases last for 3 years. Details are sent to the lucky recipient with a click of the button after checkout. We have you covered.
