14 Reasons You Should Chase the Northern Lights at Least Once
Going after the Northern Lights feels like getting inside a world of magic. There’s nothing like the natural light show, something you can’t even imagine experiencing in day to day life. It’s a surreal thing watching the vibrant colors swirl and dance across the sky and you’re never quite sure it’s going to end until it finally completes its last streak. It may take a dose of planning and patience, but it’s definitely worth it.
It’s a transformative way of connecting with nature in a way that few other adventures can provide. In this article, we take a look at 14 reasons why you should chase the Northern Lights on your next adventure.
Unforgettable Beauty
That’s why the Northern Lights are often called nature’s greatest light show. Green, purples, blues and reds’ swirling ribbons of color seem to go along to their own beat. No two displays are the same, making for an ever changing spectacle, promising you something different each time. Basically, it’s a beauty that will stay with you forever.
Arctic Without Frostbite
While the Arctic may not sound like the place to go to find warmth, the places where you can see the Northern Lights best—like Iceland, Finland and Norway—can actually be quite mild in winter. These areas have a much more temperate climate than you’d expect for such northern latitudes, thanks to the Gulf Stream. This means that, although it’s cold, you won’t experience the extremely cold temperatures common further inland.
The Journey Is A Relatively Easy One
Modern travel options mean that you can be in prime Northern Lights territory in a few hours from major international airports. A century ago it may have been a trek, but today there are many cities in the far north that are well connected and easy to get to. Regardless of whether you are flying to Reykjavik, Tromsø or Rovaniemi you will find at your fingertips a world of adventure, not mentioning cosy accommodation and professional guidance.
Awaken Your Spirit of Adventure
There’s something about going on a trip that involves a little bit of work. Hunting for the Northern Lights becomes its own adventure of its own. No matter if it’s somewhere remote or if you’re braving the cold the chase itself is part of the magic. It’s about not knowing, and trusting the journey. One experienced traveller puts it down as ‘sometimes the best rewards follow the longest wait’.
Connection to Nature
Seeing the Northern Lights is a reminder of how big and wonderful the planet we live on is. As you watch the lights dance above, you come to realize that even in a scheme of things you’re small, but you are so lucky to see such a beautiful thing. It’s a humbling thing that makes you love the natural world more.
Stargazing at Its Finest
Chasing the Northern Lights is a whole new level of stargazing if you’ve ever been a fan of it. In remote areas, you won’t have the light pollution that prevents you from seeing a clear sky full of stars. Add that to a potential viewing of the aurora and you’ve got yourself a mind blowing celestial adventure. With dark skies and your own personal light show to feast your eyes on you’ll feel like you’ve just entered a moving, breathing work of art.
Learning About Astronomy
Not only are Northern Lights pretty to look at; they’re also a fascinating natural phenomenon linked to activity of our nearest star. The light display we all know and love is the result of charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. It’s a great opportunity to learn a little astronomy, to learn more about space, to learn about all the incredible forces at work in our universe that you can’t see.
Magic of the Winter Landscape
The Northern Lights are not just in the sky, they’re also in the landscape below. Picture snow covered mountains, frozen lakes, snow covered forests, all lit up by the dance of the aurora above. The whole experience, though, seems to take on more of a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere as the winter landscape comes into play, right down to your sense of touch.
A Once in a Lifetime Experience
While you can see the Northern Lights on multiple occasions, the chance of seeing a particularly vibrant aurora is so rare that each time you see them, it feels like a once in a lifetime event. Travelers say they’ve been dreaming of seeing the lights for years, and when they finally do, it’s life changing. They are the memories that you share with your children, for generations.
Boost Your Well-Being
Who knew that chasing the Northern Lights could also bring you inner peace? Spending time in nature, particularly mind blowing environments has been found to reduce stress, enhance mood and overall boosts mental health. Not only does watching the aurora give you an emotional lift, it also gives you a spiritual one. It’s like a reset button for your soul.
Take Amazing Photos
The Northern Lights are a photographer’s dream subject. It’s the challenge of capturing the perfect shot in the low light, and quickly changing patterns, that’s the rewarding experience in itself. If you’re a pro with an expensive camera or just someone with a phone, you’ll be taking photos everywhere. The result? Infinite collection of stunning memories.
Make Memories With Loved Ones
Chasing the Northern Lights is an incredible solo experience, but it’s a great chance to bond with friends and family too. Whether it’s sharing a hot drink in a remote cabin or going out together into the night to hopefully catch a glimpse of the aurora, it’ll bring you closer. Such a rare adventure that forms memories that you’ll be talking about for a lifetime.
A Rare Feeling of Accomplishment
Completing a Northern Lights chase is a special kind of pride. There’s nothing more triumphal than seeing the spectacle of the aurora after braving the elements, planning the trip and waiting patiently for the sky to light up. That’s a reminder that the good things in life are never easy, but they are worth the work.
Learn About Local Cultures
When you’re out in the far north chasing the Northern Lights, you spend a lot of time immersed in local culture. For centuries the Sámi people have lived in the Arctic and have centuries of stories and traditions about the aurora. Visiting these regions provides important cultural contexts for you to connect with the people and stories with which we understand the Northern Lights today.
A Great Place for Soul Seekers & Introspective Travelers
The journey isn’t always about the destination sometimes. The Northern Lights can be the perfect backdrop if you’re into reflective travel and what you want is self discovery or just to relax. The nearly empty sky above you surrounding you and the peaceful, quiet setting can help you come to some clarity or sense of purpose. It’s a trip that feeds the mind and the soul and lets you ponder about and grow.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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