In search of the Northern Lights

Firstly I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and a happy and healthy 2014.

I would like to share with you my experience of a lifetime to Levi in Finland, firstly to ski and meet Santa, but secondly to experience the Northern Lights. Sadly, this time, they never appeared.

We booked a log cabin in the woodland with log fire and sauna, complete with Christmas tree and all the trimmings that one would expect with Christmas. It was truly amazing to experience husky sled rides, snow mobiles, dinner with the “real” Father Christmas who did not disappoint. We met Comet who was tired out after his big night and Santa made it back in time for Christmas dinner. Also the skiing and boarding was amazing and perfect for my daughter to learn with uncrowded slopes and lifts. So yes it was a shame not to have seen the Aurora Borealis, but everything else more than made up for this and the trip was just magical.

This winter season is likely to be one of the best displays of the Aurora Borealis for 50 years according to Nasa, so if you are thinking of going in search of The Northern Lights then Hurtigruten offer some fantastic packages on board their vessels. P&O, Fred Olsen amongst others also offer some great voyages, some of which you can  cruise and stay.

Advice for the Northern Lights, it has to be a clear sky with the stars shining bright, head through the woods into open clearings away from streetlights, particularly around midnight when activity is at its highest. No-one can predict the Northern Lights but follow the forecast on the Northern Lights app, which is a free app, it rates from 1 – 5 with 1 being low and 5 being high activity. Around a 3 means high probability of seeing them. It also gives satellite images from space of where the most activity is so you know if its worth venturing out into the cold.

If anyone has seen the Aurora Borealis I would love to hear your tips and see your photos, so please share with me. We will be going back for sure.