The Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, are undoubtably one of Mother Nature’s greatest spectacles and rightly on many a family bucket list. Nothing can really compare to what it is like to be in a remote snow-covered winter wonderland with your family as you gaze up at the starry sky above as incredible colours start to dance in streams above your heads. As we have such a passion for the Northern Lights, we have put together this quick guide to help you find out all you need to know about the magnificent Aurora Borealis to help you choose the perfect destination for your family this winter!
Where to go
Though there is no one place that can guarantee you will witness the Northern Lights on your family holiday, there is an area where they appear more often than anywhere else in the Northern hemisphere, the Aurora Zone. Situated at a latitude of approximately 66°N - 69°N, this area covers much of the Arctic Circle, including Finland, Sweden and Norway. However, as well as heading north you also need to make sure that you escape any light pollution and this means escaping the cities and towns if you want to maximise your family’s chances of seeing the Northern Lights. This is why all of our Northern Lights activities featured in our family holidays to the Arctic will make sure you are guaranteed the darkest skies by venturing out into the wilderness for the best possible Aurora viewing potential!
When to travel
The Northern Lights can occur throughout the year, however they only become visible once the dark skies return to the Arctic Circle. Although the Aurora Borealis are visible from late August until April, we like to combine the magic of the Northern Lights with some truly unforgettable winter landscapes to give your family some wonderful experiences and the chance to create some truly special memories, which is why our Northern Lights holidays run from December to April to help you make the most of the snow-covered scenery.
How to hunt for the Northern Lights
As your family will need to head to a remote location to have the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, expert local knowledge is always crucial to any successful Aurora excursion. Thankfully our friends in the Arctic all have such experts leading their Northern Lights activities to help give your family the best possible chance of witnessing the wonder. However, not only do our Arctic friends have expert guides, they also have a range of thrilling ways for your family to go in search of the elusive Aurora. With Northern Lights reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horse riding and even limousines on offer there are plenty of exciting ways to search for the Northern Lights with your family on an Activities Abroad holiday. So even if you Mother Nature decides not to play ball, you are sure to have a memorable experience!
Ask an expert
Although witnessing the Northern Lights might be the top of your family’s bucket list, we understand that you also want to make sure that the whole family has a memorable time in the Arctic. That is why we make sure that all of our Family Travel Experts have visited our destinations and taken part in the activities too, so that they can help you pick the best destination for you and your family. So, whatever you are after our Family Travel Experts will be happy to help you choose your perfect family break! Call 01670 789 991 to start planning your Northern Lights adventure.
Image credits: Antti Pietikainen
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