GUIDE

Experience the Northern Lights in Skellefteå

Skellefteå is not only known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural history. Here you can also experience one of nature's most fascinating phenomena - the Northern Lights. With it's dark winter months and clear nights, Skellefteå is a great place to both see and capture the green sky on camera. Here are some tricks on how to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights and tips on how to best experience it in Skellefteå municipality.

What are auroras?

The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere near the magnetic poles. This creates a glow of light that can change colors from green to red and violet, depending on which gases the particles hit. In Skellefteå, the northern lights are usually seen as a soft green glow over the horizon, but during stronger activity, the whole sky can light up in green, blue and pink.

Where and when can you see the Northern Lights in Skellefteå?

Skellefteå is located at a perfect latitude to experience the Northern Lights during the winter months. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Skellefteå is between September and March, when the nights are long and dark. As the Northern Lights are at their best when it's really dark, it's important to get away from the city's light pollution. Fortunately, there are many places where you can enjoy the Northern Lights without the interference of artificial light.

1. Vitberget is a popular outdoor area just outside central Skellefteå. From here you have a great view of the city and its surroundings. On a clear night, it is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
2. Bjuröklubb, south of Skellefteå, is a great place to experience the Northern Lights, even in winter when the sea is covered in ice and the ground is covered in snow. This old lighthouse site, perched high on a cliff, provides an incredible view. It's also far from the city lights, which often makes the Northern Lights even brighter.
3. Kågnäsudden, just north of Skellefteå, is a really good place to see the northern lights. Here on the coast, you have a clear view of the sea and avoid the city lights that can otherwise interfere with the experience.
4. Vitberget in Kalvträsk may be a short walk but can be well worth the effort. Here you can get high up in the lookout tower on top of the mountain and enjoy the northern lights over the vast forest landscape. Tips to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights Although Skellefteå is a great place to experience the Northern Lights, the biggest and most memorable moments can require both patience and preparation.

Tips to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights

Although Skellefteå is a great place to experience the Northern Lights, the biggest and most memorable moments can require both patience and preparation. Here are some tips to maximize your chances:

1. Keep an eye on the weather and aurora forecasts: The Northern Lights are best seen on clear nights. Use weather apps to plan your aurora excursions, and download an aurora forecasting app, such as Aurora Forecast, to know when activity is at its peak.

1. Avoid light pollution: To see the Northern Lights in all their glory, avoid areas with bright artificial light. The further away from city lights you get, the better.

1. Be ready in the early evening: Although the Northern Lights are usually visible later at night, they can appear as early as dusk. Keep your eyes open from early evening onwards.

1. Equip yourself to capture the Northern Lights on camera: If you want to photograph the Northern Lights, a system camera with a manual setting and a tripod is essential. Use a slow shutter speed and a wide-angle lens to capture a large area and as much light as possible.

Seeing the Northern Lights is a special experience where you get the chance to enjoy one of nature's most awesome phenomena in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Whether you live here or are just visiting, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the Northern Lights. Bring a thermos with something warm, head out into nature and get ready for a memorable evening under the night sky.

Text: Visit Skellefteå

Photo: Visit Skellefteå