It doesn’t get much more magical than viewing the Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis. However, reaching the Northern Lights can be difficult. Few commercial airlines offer direct flights to these remote locations in the Northern Hemisphere, which is why travelers opt for a private jet charter that will help enjoy the adventure.
Where are the best places to see the Northern lights?
This solar phenomenon can be viewed from some of the northernmost countries in the world, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, and even Alaska in the United States. Here are our top picks for the best viewing opportunities.
If this trip is on your bucket list, use this mini guide to start planning your escape.
Lofoten and Svalbard in Norway
It is possible to see the Northern Lights all over Norway, but the best viewing spots tend to be in the Arctic Circle.
The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago located north of the Arctic Circle. These 400 islands are covered with mountains and peaks, and their coastlines are ideal for seeing the Northern Lights.
Svalbard also offers great hiking and sleigh rides pulled by huskies.
To reach Svalbard by private jet, you’ll want to fly into Svalbard Longyearbyen, a small airport that’s designed for private jet access.
Igloos in Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland is home to 200,000 reindeer, 183,000 people and, of course, Santa.
The Northern Lights are visible for 200 nights out of the year. Many choose the Christmas season to visit Lapland, combining a visit to Santa in the daytime with evenings spent chasing auroras.
For those who prefer to stay indoors, some accommodation options allow you to view the Northern Lights without getting cold. One of the most popular is the Kakslauttanen Igloo West Village, which features small wooden igloos equipped with a dome for a clear view of the sky.
To reach Lapland by private jet, you’ll want to fly into Finland’s Ivalo Airport, which is located about 30 minutes from Kakslauttanen.
The Canadian Rockies
Jasper National Park is the largest nature reserve in the Canadian Rockies makes for prime viewing of the Northern Lights. The area has also been called “the world’s best preserved sky”, with stars and constellations clearly visible to the naked eye.
In addition to its famous sky, the peaks and glaciers are home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Greenland’s Glaciers
In Greenland, The Northern Lights are visible from September to April. This Arctic landscape of glaciers, lakes and mountains offers a breathtaking view of the green and red lighting streaked across the night sky.
Located between the mountains and the sea, the western city of Kangerlussuaq and its region offer more than 300 memorable locations where the clear sky allows uninterrupted viewing. The more adventurous go to the Greenland glacier to see the northern lights reflect off the ice.
Similar to Greeland, Alaska’s prime viewing season for the Northern Lights takes place from September through April, with lights peaking in March. This is the time when Alaskan skies tend to be the clearest, making for even better viewing.
The more northern destinations in Alaska will be your best opportunities. Fairbanks offers sporadic viewing, while southern places like Juneau and Anchorage will probably offer nothing. Stick to areas like Barrow, Haystack Mountain, or the prestigious Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Ready to start planning your getaway and check the Northern Lights off your bucket list? Contact Access Jet Group today for pricing and availability.
