Nothing can match the exhilaration of watching the Northern Lights shimmer and swirl across the inky sky, a spellbinding performance of light and wonder that fascinates the minds of savvy travellers. Over the decades, Norway has charmed hundreds of discerning travellers, and it is a dream destination for this cosmic show, where the nights are adorned with green and red streaks for long periods of time. But many travellers are daunted by the steep cost of flying to Norway, and wonder if there is a more affordable way to behold the glorious Aurora Borealis. Well, there is!
Here are the alternative places where you can savour the Northern Lights without spending a fortune.
1. Kiruna, Sweden
Far away from the cacophony of the modern metropolis, nestled in the untamed wilderness of Swedish Lapland that makes up a quarter of the country, Kiruna makes for a perfect destination to witness the magical Northern Lights and the endless Midnight Sun. It is part of Sápmi, the ancestral land of the Sámi people, who have lived here for centuries. Their culture and traditions are still alive and vibrant - and add as a bonus for those who want to experience the cosmic show with a sprinkle of old-world charm.
How to reach?
From New Delhi/ Mumbai, you can take a flight to Stockholm, and from there you can take another flight to Luleå which takes about 1h 20 minutes or directly to Kiruna which takes about 1h and 40 minutes.
Cost of Travel (Approx): INR 2,50,000 to INR 4,00,000 per person for a week-long trip
2. Manitoba, Canada
Majestic lakes, roaring campfire, and Northern lights dancing across the sky: Manitoba ticks all the boxes. You ask why? Because, this province is tucked away just under the Auroral Oval, and the Northern Lights are visible up to 300 nights a year, which makes this place a heavenly destination to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights in all its glory.
How to reach?
You can fly to Winnipeg, the capital and largest city of Manitoba, from either New Delhi or Mumbai. There are no direct flights, so you will have to make one or more stopovers along the way. The flight duration can vary from 22 to 36 hours.
Cost of Travel (Approx): INR 2,80,000 to INR 4,50,000 per person for a week-long trip
3. Murmansk, Russia
If you are looking for a place to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights, away from the touristy buzz, look no further than Russia. This vast country spans across the high-latitude zones above the Arctic Circle, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Where you can hear the whispers of the wind, smell the freshness of pine, and taste the crunch of the snow. While Murmansk is the most popular destination for aurora hunters, you can also explore other hidden gems like Yamal, Chukotka, Karelia, the Komi Republic, and more. Each of these places will enchant you with its unique charm and culture, making your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How to reach?
Murmansk is a port city in the far northwest of Russia, near the Arctic Circle. To reach Murmansk from New Delhi or Mumbai, You can fly to Murmansk Airport via Moscow. There are no direct flights, so you will have to make one or more layovers along the way. The flight duration can vary from 18 to 36 hours, depending on the route and the airline.
Cost of Travel (Approx): INR 2,30,000 to INR 3,50,000 per person for a week-long trip
4. Shetland, Scotland
Did you know. Scotland has some of the most marvellous locations to behold the enchantment of the Northern Lights. But none can rival the Shetland Islands, where the polar nights are long and clear. There, the Aurora Borealis dances in the firmament, with hues of emerald, violet, and azure, from mid-October to mid-March. The Shetland Islands are the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, far away from civilization with almost zero light pollution, making it a top-notch destination to choose over Norway for witnessing the bewitching Aurora Borealis.
How to reach?
You can fly to Shetland from either Delhi or Bangalore, but there are no direct flights. You will have to make one or more stopovers along the way, usually in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen. From Aberdeen, you can take a ferry to Shetland, which is a more scenic and relaxing way to travel. The ferry runs daily and takes about 12 hours to reach Lerwick, the main town in Shetland.
Cost of Travel (Approx): INR 2,45,000 to INR 3,50,000 per person for a week-long trip,
5. Faroe Islands, Denmark
Away from the manipulative touristy traps, the Faroe Islands are a hidden gem, where the sky is often lit up by the northern lights. If you are fortunate enough to witness this cosmic phenomenon, you’ll be enchanted by the sight, the soft green lights swirling and dancing above your head, creating a lasting memory of beauty and awe. Winter season is the perfect time to experience a slice of serenity and solitude of this Nordic paradise. During this time, you’ll have the place to yourself, as there are few other visitors. You can find cozy and comfortable hotels with irresistible deals, and relax after a day of exploring the stunning scenery. You can also savour the delicious local cuisine, inhale the crisp winter air, and listen to the soothing sound of the crashing waves.
How to reach?
Sandwiched between Norway & Iceland, getting to Faroe Islands isn't a cakewalk. You can take a flight from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore to Vágar Airport, the sole gateway to the islands. You'll have to hop on multiple flights, as there are no direct connections yet. Or you can choose to cruise from India to Faroe, but that's a super expensive and rare option. Only a handful of cruise liners sail to the Faroe Islands, and they do so only once or twice a year.
Cost of Travel (Approx): INR 2,60,000 to INR 3,80,000 per person for a week-long trip
Each of these above-listed places is a wonderland of winter bliss, peppered with a streak of the Aurora Borealis, where the northern lights paint the sky with dazzling colours. So, what are you waiting for? This winter, make your friends go green with envy by crossing off the northern lights from your bucket list at a fraction of the price of visiting Norway.
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