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The Northern Lights experience
When conditions are favourable, this fantastical display lights up the skies above the Arctic.
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Kayte Platts Wednesday 17 November 2010 |
Like me, some people fall under the spell of the Northern Lights simply by hearing stories or seeing pictures of this unusual phenomenon. Undoubtedly, the allure of the Aurora is strong and even for those lucky enough to have seen the lights, once is probably never enough!
The Northern Lights are typically seen between the months of September and March, preferably under a clear, cloudless sky and away from artificial light. However, sightings over cities such as Reykjavik have proved to be just as spectacular as those over wilderness areas in deepest Lapland. Displays can vary in intensity and duration, shape and form having no regulation, with each display being totally unique.
When conditions are good this fantastic display lights up the skies above the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions making places such as Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway ideal locations for viewing opportunities.
Obviously there is no guarantee that you will see them. A lot of package breaks include a Northern Lights expedition. These expeditions can be affected last minute however, by adverse weather conditions. There is also the added disadvantage that you have to do an awful lot of standing around in the sub zero temperatures. It seems to be all about getting the right tour guide also and one that does not give up their pursuit easily.
By all accounts when the phenomenon is finally witnessed, it is a wonderful and unique experience and well worth the hours hanging around in the freezing conditions.
I am as yet to witness this fascinating light experience. However, It is very much on my ‘to do list’, and one I will endeavor to pursue in the not too distant future.
| Comments | Post a comment |
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Becky, East Grinstead 22 November 2010, 10:34AM | |
This is something I would love to do. I would also like to visit the Ice Hotel too. I would imagine this would be a truly unique experience. | |
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Josh, Epsom, Surrey 22 November 2010, 04:09PM | |
We went to the Ice Hotel last year, it was fantastic, but not something you could do for long as it was so so cold. Unfortunately we did not get to see the Northern Lights although we tried a couple of times. Each time the conditions were not right. I would go again though. | |
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In Northern Sweden we have the light days and night that run for 24 hours in the summer. It is possible to see the Northern lights quite often when the conditions are right. | |
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Helen Clarke, Southampton 24 November 2010, 03:03PM | |
This is an intriguing phenomenon. I too would like to have the opportunity to experience this. I would like more information on the Ice Hotel too. | |
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Jane, Margate 24 November 2010, 05:08PM | |
I would personally love to see the Northen Lights unfortunatly we was very unlucky on our last trip, as described in the article it really is a true phenomenon. As said by Josh the Ice Hotel is also a fantastic place. | |
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Annabelle, Rochester, Kent 25 November 2010, 02:22PM | |
I would really like to do this but it is not a cheap option. Anything that is remotely unusual seems to cost the Earth. It would be great if tour operators could make it more affordable. | |
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Amelia, Hartley 1 December 2010, 05:46PM | |
I agree with Annabelle. This does soound like a amazing experience but not one that alot of people would be able to take advantage of because of the price. | |
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Shellie, Bristol 6 December 2010, 01:45PM | |
I am hoping to visit the Ice Hotel and see the Northern Lights however as people have commented above it really depends on the conditions. It will be an expensive trip and dissapointing if I don't get to see it as I would probably not be able to afford to visit there more than once. | |
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