by Carmen Schwartz
The outdoor lover and avid traveler is always looking for the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to the view. There are mountains, valleys, springs, countries with safari animals that roam the land – you name it, this globe offers everything you can possibly ask for.
But no matter what ‘list’ is recorded out there on the Internet regarding the top places to visit, or the ultimate vacation you must add
to your ‘bucket list’ – it is the view of the Northern Lights that stands alone. Let’s face it, the Aurora Borealis is hands-down the most phenomenal sight this solar system has to offer.
Scientists stated that with the sun moving through the eleven-year solar cycle, the beauty and majesty of the Northern Lights would increase dramatically – leading to it’s most stunning in 2013. This has been correct. People began heading to places in order to view this phenomena; watching those solar particles smash into atmospheric gases have brought about the most Technicolor skies that have ever occurred.
Yes, this is not a vacation filled with warmth. But there are stunning chalets and hotels that can be found no matter where you decide to venture in order to view this beauty. This is THE light show extraordinaire; forget July 4th – forget everything you’ve ever seen – because only the Northern Lights can offer you perfection.
So…where to go? Where can you see the Northern Lights so well that you feel as if you are being swept away into a glorious realm that only exists in fantasy novels? One of the first choices, of course, is Norway. Here you can view the Lights perfectly because you’re above the Arctic Circle. The emerald green shimmers in the sky, making it a sight you will never forget.
Leaving green and heading for the ‘blue’, you can see the beautiful Blue Holes that Sweden has to offer. Abisko, located in the Swedish Lapland, has actually been proven by the scientific community to be the best spot for Northern Lights viewing. The clean, crisp sky is lit up brighter than Vegas; and the Torneträsk Lake that resides there creates the very famous ‘Blue Hole of Abisko.’
For those who are unaware, this is an area of the sky that always remains clear no matter what the weather, which makes for perfect viewing. And, just as it is with Norway, this is a location that serves the tourist very, very well. Stations for viewing offer restaurants and pampering that you would never expect.
UNESCO is a name that appears frequently in articles regarding ancient lands, structures, and the most beautiful – endangered – places and species in this world. A UNESCO Heritage Site means that the site is well-protected and maintained by an organization that’s only goal is to make sure that the wonders of the world never disappear.
Tingvellir National Park is one of those places. Located in Iceland, the Northern Lights appear here, while the vacationer is also given an open door into cultural and historical monuments. This park is home to many interesting things, seeing as that it’s a monument for tectonic and volcanic environments.
From earthquakes to the faults and crevices formed from the continental drift, tourists can witness mighty waterfalls, geysers, and even delve into legends.
One of the rifts located here, in fact, is called the ‘coin fissure’ because tons of coins have been thrown in over time. A European legend was why visitors began to throw coins in the fissure, and the tradition has not stopped since.
But when it comes to an absolute guarantee to see the Northern Lights in all their beauty, Alaska can provide it. This state is in ‘the zone’ of these incredible displays of light; and when you are venturing out into the Alaskan wilderness, it almost feels as if the angels, themselves, are lighting up the sky above so you can find your way.
Sites, countries, five-star restaurants, exploring myths and legends – all of these things come with traveling. But the Northern Lights are the most mystical, amazing, and thrilling sights you can possibly set your eyes upon.
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