While our planet offers countless wonders, few compare in pure whimsy to Northern Lights. What causes them? Well, when solar winds are powerful enough to hit the magnetic field in the Earth’s atmosphere, the magnetic field reacts with them and unleashes magnificent energy in the shape of light dancing towards the North and South poles.
Travel to the Arctic
Go on an epic adventure to the arctic and enjoy incredible sights and sounds. The arctic is a massive region made up of water, islands, and landmasses that touch Canada, Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russian, Sweden, and the United States. Travel with an experienced and safe expedition team like Quark Expeditions for an adventure of a lifetime.
Greenland
Head to Greenland in September or October when it’s darker and cooler to see Northern Lights in their complete splendor. You can also catch Aurora Borealis anytime from autumn through April when the sky is clear, even if you’re in an urban location.
But there is so much more to do on the world’s largest island!
- Ilulissat Icefjord: This must-see location features countless beautiful icebergs of various sizes. Protected by UNESCO, Ilulissat Icefjord is renowned for the world’s fastest glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq.
- Blue River: Think of the purest blue you’ve ever seen.The Blue River is even bluer! This stunning ice blue waterway looks like the blood of an ice dragon. It draws many scientists, romantic tourists, and adventurers every year.
- Nuuk: The capital city of Greenland is the best place to absorb its rich and fascinating culture. You can also enjoy the country’s generous exchange rate to shop, eat traditional cuisine like the suaasat, or go on hiking or mountain biking adventures.
- National Park: Animal lovers can visit the world’s biggest national park to see astonishing landscapes and many magnificent creatures like the white-tailed eagle, red-throated loon, and stoat. The right expedition cruise can help you secure a permit from Greenland’s Ministry of Nature & Environment in order to visit the park.
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The Svalbard Island
Svalbard is Norway’s largest Island and one of the only accessible places in the world where you can watch North Lights during the day. Interestingly, according to many adventurers, this is also the best place to see polar bears and northern lights in the world. Of course, there are many more fascinating things to see here:
- Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Featured in various documentaries, this seed bank can store 2.25 billion seeds. Already, it hosts one million. Scientists created the vault to preserve seeds in case of a global crisis. While it offers no tours, it has become a hotspot for curious tourists.
- Svalbard Museum : For a dose of culture, visit the Svalbard Museum to see relics and exhibits of regional vegetation and creatures.
- Wildlife: Travel with a prominent expedition group to see polar bears, walruses, arctic wolves, arctic foxes, reindeers, musk oxen, and fascinating sea creatures.
Whether you visit Greenland or Svalbard, a fantastic journey awaits you. With the right expedition team, you can see sights, sounds and enjoy a safe and secure adventure of a lifetime.