As you look up into the winter’s sky, a green light dances across it, changing to blue then yellow in front of your eyes. You wipe away a tear as you realise it’s not the nuclear destruction of all life on earth, but the rarest of natural wonders: The Northern Lights.

Aurora Borealis (as nobody’s calling ‘em) are a wily beast. You could go to wildest Lapland with a thermos flask, tent and telescope for weeks and never see them. But you could happen to glance at the sky, from a pub in Reykjavik and see it lit up like the Vegas strip. There’s no guarantees, but here’s the best way to chase The Northern Lights.

Where?

The ‘auroral zone’ sounds like bad internet, but it’s actually the top part of the Earth where seeing the northern lights is most likely to happen. We’re talking the far northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland, as well as Iceland (when it’s not too cloudy).

On a clear night, head away from the distracting lights of towns and cities to try and catch a glimpse - the further you are away from civilisation the better. Try not to think about angry polar bears or serial killers at this point.

When?

Loosely, winter and spring are your best bet, particularly between September and March. Any time it’s so cold your tears will freeze, you’re on to a goer.

Check this handy Aurora Alert System for exact info on the magnetic goings on in the sky...

Why?

For views like this...

Find Northern Lights tours from most north Scandi destinations, or head out into the wilderness yourself.