In Pictures: Northern Lights Cast Their Spell Over Scandinavia

When October’s long nights settle over Scandinavia, the sky puts on its greatest show. The northern lights — dancing curtains of green and violet — draw hundreds of thousands of travellers north to Norway, Sweden and Finland every year.

FAKTA: The northern lights

• Season: September to March — the darker the night, the better the view
• Best spots: Tromsø (Norway), Abisko (Sweden), Lapland (Finland)
• Best time: Around midnight; get away from city lights
• The science: Particles from the sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field

Dancing over the fjord

Northern Norway’s fjords rank among the world’s finest aurora viewpoints. When the sky is clear and solar activity runs high, the lights grow so bright they reflect in the water — a double spectacle.

The village of red cabins

In Norway’s coastal villages the aurora feels like a fairy tale: red cabins with snow-dusted roofs, warm light in the windows, and green light-storms wheeling overhead. Locals say the best shows often come after midnight.

The mirror in the lake

Swedish Lapland’s lakes turn to mirrors when the wind drops. Photographers wait for hours for the moment sky and water become one — that is the northern-lights shot that travels the world.

Tips for aurora hunting

Success needs three things: dark skies, a clear horizon and patience. Get at least 20 minutes out of town, dress warmly and check the aurora forecast. A tripod is a must for the camera.

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