Found on many a bucket list, just next to visiting Iceland, the aurora borealis, a.k.a. Northern Lights are one of nature’s true wonders that you really have to witness to believe! Are they even for real? Yes! But it takes a bit of luck though. A bit of effort as well. You have to head north, face the cold, be patient and hopefully the magic will unfold…
No way in Norway
Excited by the idea of witnessing Mother Nature’s very own light show, I signed up for a 5-day cruise along the Norwegian coast, not realizing the full extent of expenses I was about to take on. Flights to the northern tip of Norway, a cost-hefty hotel night there and a pretty pricey return flight from Bergen as well. But, I thought, it’s worth it all to experience this natural wonder. Norway… Famously picturesque fjords. Spellbindingly beautiful coastlines. Pure bliss! Little did I know a major storm was to accompany me and my co-traveler from the get-go, almost all the way down to Bergen. Meter-high waves with hours spent in the cabin to avoid nausea—check! Gym weights rolling from one end of the fitness room to the other—check! Admiring the wondrous Northern lights on a night sky sprinkled with stars, and it’s twin reflection on the tranquil Norwegian sea… Not so much.
Night after night spent waiting for magic to no avail. It felt as if the Norse goddess of the sea, Rán, had decided the time was not right for us to experience the coveted cascade of colors across the night sky. I’ll have to revisit the polar circle and perhaps make some kind of Viking offering rite for good measure… Luckily for you, dear reader, some of my fellow ‘tourradians’ have ventured north and won more favor with the old Norse gods…
Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland, with its unpredictable weather and vast, untamed landscapes, is a destination that truly benefits from expert guidance.
While the aurora borealis, as the lights are scientifically called, can sometimes be seen as far south as Stockholm, hitting up Iceland is a safe bet. Why not combine these natural wonders with some Nordic minimalism and dry humor? That’s exactly what Anne, our Digital Marketing Manager did. She opted to go in February when you’re likely to catch the lights, although they can be seen from late September until early April.
“My journey through Iceland lasted seven days, and I must admit that choosing an organized adventure was one of the best decisions I made, despite it not being my usual travel style. Iceland, with its unpredictable weather and vast, untamed landscapes, is a destination that truly benefits from expert guidance.
Our guide shared his insights to the Northern Lights in Iceland, explaining the science behind this natural phenomenon in an entertaining way, including the role of solar storms and how to interpret the forecasts. His dedication was evident when he woke us in the middle of the night, alerting us to changes in conditions that led to our long-awaited sighting of the auroras. Watching the lights dance across the sky was nothing short of magical!”
“Before this trip, I often wondered about the reality of the Northern Lights—whether they move quickly or slowly, whether they flicker? And if they are truly as vividly colored as they appear in photographs? While it’s true that long exposure photography can enhance their intensity, the actual experience is still profoundly mesmerizing. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting a place where you can witness this natural spectacle.
That said, even if I hadn’t been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, my love for Iceland would remain undiminished. The country’s raw, untamed landscapes, combined with its unique cultural heritage, make it a destination unlike any other—a true land of fire and ice.”
Northern lights—Myth vs. Method
Over three nights, we got to experience the eerie dancing green glow with tails of purple in the dark skies…
Many Inuit, Sami and North American Native legends imagined the Northern lights as something ominous. Spirits of the dead making their way across the sky, but the Vikings regarded them as a good omen. To them, the lights were connected with the honorable dead heroes being led to Valhalla by the female Valkyrie warriors. The lights being reflections from the Valkyrie’s shining armors. Today we have more insight on what’s going on and to shed some light on the matter (dad joke—check!), our design lead, Roann, shares his experience.
“As a big sci-fi fan, seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland felt like something straight out of a movie! When it got dark, our tour guide explained in a detailed presentation how it worked and what the conditions should be for the lights to appear. It was more science, less science fiction. I was in awe.
Over three nights, we got to experience the eerie dancing green glow with tails of purple in the dark skies. It was very cold, but it was worth sitting outside in the crisp night air, waiting for them to appear!”
Managing expectations
“Seeing the Northern Lights makes you understand how the Vikings and other groups of people in the north could believe there is something mythic about them.
As our guide told us, the strength of the lights can vary depending on the solar activity interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. So you might not always see them with the same intensity as other travelers. It is important to manage your expectations. But once you get a glimpse of them, it is all worth it!
With the naked eye, they can seem fairly faint (depending on the conditions), but using a camera with a long exposure setting helps capture them best. Most iPhones these days have that feature.”
Iceland delivers, at the final hour…
I had enjoyed the beauty of the country but missed out on one of its most magical highlights…
Even when the aurora has shone with its absence rather than presence, the gods may still decide to favor you. Or you can use the forecast, of course! Our community manager, Raffa, ventured north hoping to catch the Northern lights in Iceland. But as he reached the end of his tour they remained elusive…
“I spent eight nights searching for the Northern Lights but never really saw them, even in January! After a fascinating but somehow unfulfilled adventure in Iceland I found myself on the plane back home, with a bittersweet feeling—knowing that I had enjoyed the beauty of the country but missed out on one of its most magical highlights.
Then, suddenly, as I was looking out the window contemplating my Nordic adventure, the Northern Lights appeared, as if in a dream! I only got this one picture, but it was a very special moment I’ll never forget!”
Why wait for magic when you can go get it?
Feeling ready to venture north and hunt the hauntingly beautiful lights? Catch them in Canada, Alaska, Finland… or Iceland of course! As you know by now, seeing them is not 100 percent guaranteed but it’s definitely worth a try! Chances are you’ll be luckier than I was and get at least a glimpse. The best thing with adventure is your destination and all the magic it brings, the people you meet. The experiences you have means you’ll never regret setting off. Lights on or off!
Just when you’re wrapped your head around this magical wonder, here’s a newsflash for you… There’s also aurora australis! That’s right the Southern lights do their own tango across the winter skies of Tasmania and New Zealand. But that’s a story for another time…
Keep reading and, always, keep exploring!
