Seeing the Northern Lights is almost as high on many people’s Lapland bucket list as sled dog driving 😉 We’ve all seen the pictures and videos of the Northern Lights dancing over the snowy landscapes of Lapland (if not, you’ll find some great shots at the end of the article).
This of course begs the question, can’t I combine the two? My Husky Sledding Holiday with the Northern Lights search? Then let’s shed some light on the darkness!
What are Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. These luminous phenomena occur when charged particles from the sun, known as solar wind, interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. The Earth’s magnetosphere directs these particles toward the poles, where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere. This collision releases energy in the form of light, creating the stunning displays of greens, pinks, purples, and reds typically associated with the Northern Lights.
For those looking to witness this spectacular phenomenon, locations close to the Arctic Circle, such as Lapland, Alaska or Canada.
So it seems like you’ve already found the right place, since we are located in Swedish Lapland. But can you actually see them?
Can you actually see Northern Lights when you go dog sledding?
Yes, you can. Especially since on our 5-day tours and expeditions we come to places in Vindelfjällen national reserve that are so far away from the nearest places that there is absolutely no light pollution. The perfect starting point to see the Northern Lights in all their beauty. We are also far away from any roads, so during your dogsledding holidays you don’t have to worry about busloads of tourists crowding into your picture at the first sign of the Northern Lights.
By the way: You can find the best tips for taking photos of Norther Lights with your smartphone during the husky tour here.
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights on your dog sledding holidays?
Our dog sledding tours run from early December to late April. The best time to catch the Northern Lights is between early December and mid-March, when there are fewer daylight hours. However, remember that while we can hope for clear skies and vibrant auroras every night, we can’t guarantee them.
Sources:
[NASA – Aurora](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/news/gallery/aurora.html)
[National Geographic – Northern Lights](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/northern-lights)
[NOAA – What are the northern lights?](https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/northernlights.html)
[Space.com – Northern Lights](https://www.space.com/15139-northern-lights-auroras-earth-facts-skywatching.html)
