The Northern Lights are one of the most well-known holiday destinations on the planet. Almost everybody has heard of them, with quite a few going to see them. Many people have some assumptions about the Lights, however, that may be slightly inaccurate.
One of the more notable is that “they’re just some natural lights” and that there’s no point in going to see them. After all, why do that when you can just Google what they look like? As it turns out, there’s much more to them than you might think.
Instead of being something to look at, the Northern Lights are much more of an experience. After all, holidaymakers go there for days at a time and enjoy every minute of it. That’s because the Lights themselves are just a part of the reason to go.
While they’re a large part, they’re not the only reason you should visit. There’s also much more to know about the Lights themselves that you might not be aware of. That could make them worth a second or even third holiday.
Why Visit The Northern Lights
They’re Different Each Time
The majority of people believe that the Northern Lights are the same no matter when you see them. That isn’t the case. Instead, it changes on an almost constant basis. That doesn’t apply just to the movement and overall ‘design’ of the lights.
Instead, it also applies to the colours. Oftentimes, they’ll appear a mix of green and blue. In a lot of cases, however, they can appear red and even white. That could lead to some of the most beautiful ‘rainbows’ you’ve ever seen.
If you’re visiting for the first time, then it could be enough to bring a tear to your eye. At a minimum, it’ll be impossible to forget.
They’re Impossible To Predict
As constantly changing as the Northern Lights are, they’re impossible to predict. In some cases, they can even disappear for quite some time. As a result, not even the most experienced travellers know exactly when the best time to see the Northern Lights are.
While there are general time periods when it’s recommended you visit, these are just rough timelines. Because of that, you can’t predict exactly what you’ll see. That shouldn’t be seen as a negative, however.
While it does mean that there’s a small chance you won’t see them on a particular night – especially if you visit at the wrong time of year – they should come back with a passion. The surprise and wonder associated with this could make the experience worth it.
There’s More To See Than Lights
When you’re visiting the Northern Lights, they won’t be the only thing to see. As they’re typically only seen during the night, you’ll have plenty of time to kill during the day. You can take in the local sites and get some culture while you’re there.
Reykjavik would be the perfect example of this, with its bar and cafe culture providing a nice few days of entertainment. There are also multiple other day trips and other events that you can take part in, although some of these will depend on the time of year.
Coupled with the Lights themselves, you shouldn’t have any problem enjoying your holiday.
Check Out The Wilderness
While the city is a great place to enjoy Iceland when you’re seeing the Northern Lights, it’s not the only thing. The wilderness is also quite enjoyable, with many trips being centred around this. In fact, many people recommend enjoying the Lights in the wilderness.
Not only will they appear brighter and be much more visible, it should form a much better experience for you. That’s especially true if you’re a hiker or a fan of the outdoors. There are many camping areas that you can escape to, with these being strategically placed to ensure maximum enjoyment of the Northern Lights.
Wrapping Up
Iceland is a beautiful country, with The Northern Lights being one of the main attractions. That doesn’t mean that it’s the only place you should visit while in the country. Instead, you could end up taking in many other sites and locations while there.
The wilderness is a prime example. Even if you simply want to take in the Lights, then you wouldn’t be disappointed with the holiday. What’s stopping you from taking them in this year? It’ll make a perfect Winter holiday, especially if you want something nice and romantic.
A combination of a city stay and a few nights in the wilderness might be the best way to enjoy the Northern Lights. What more could you want?
