Key Highlights
- Iceland and multiple countries join forces to promote Northern Lights tourism with new campaigns.
- Countries highlight unique features such as geothermal wonders in Iceland, glass igloos in Finland, and Arctic cruises in Norway.
- The campaigns aim to attract eco-conscious travelers and adventure seekers during the aurora season.
- Each country offers distinct viewing locations and activities for Northern Lights enthusiasts.
New Campaigns Unite for Northern Lights Tourism
In a coordinated effort to enhance Northern Lights tourism, Iceland has joined forces with the United States, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Greenland, and others. This strategic alliance aims to promote aurora viewing across various destinations, offering travelers unique experiences in breathtaking landscapes.
Iceland’s “A.U.R.O.R.A.S.” Campaign
Iceland has launched a creative campaign called “A.U.R.O.R.A.S.” which features a mockumentary-style approach. This playful storytelling highlights Iceland’s geothermal and volcanic wonders, making it an attractive destination for eco-conscious travelers. The aurora season in Iceland runs from late August to mid-April, peaking between November and January.
Visit Iceland, the tourism board behind this campaign, emphasizes the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights alongside Iceland’s unique natural features such as hot springs and glaciers. This approach not only draws attention to the aurora but also encourages visitors to explore other captivating aspects of Icelandic nature.
Finland’s “Lapland: The Magic of the Aurora” Campaign
In Finland, the tourism campaign “Lapland: The Magic of the Aurora” focuses on Lapland’s enchanting appeal. Glass igloos are a key feature, providing guests with warmth and comfort while enjoying the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi, known as the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus,” plays a central role in attracting families and romantic travelers.
The campaign emphasizes the serene beauty of Lapland, where visitors can combine aurora viewing with winter activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling. The best time to visit for Northern Lights sightings is from November to March, taking advantage of Lapland’s long nights that enhance the experience.
Norway’s “Gateway to the Arctic” Campaign
Norway promotes itself as a gateway to the Arctic through its campaign “Gateway to the Arctic.” Tromsø and Svalbard are highlighted as top Northern Lights destinations. These locations, situated directly under the Auroral Oval, offer exceptional aurora viewing experiences. The marketing emphasizes comfort and adventure in chasing the lights with offerings such as Northern Lights cruises and high Arctic expeditions.
The Lofoten Islands and Narvik also provide unique views of the lights over dramatic fjords and peaks, making them prime locations for aurora chasers. Norway’s aurora season runs from late August to April, with peak conditions often occurring in winter.
Sweden’s “Aurora Sky Station in Abisko” Campaign
Sweden’s campaign “Aurora Sky Station in Abisko” leverages the unique atmospheric conditions at Abisko National Park. This location is known for its clear skies, even when surrounding areas are overcast. The park’s phenomenon of a “blue hole” ensures reliable aurora sightings, making it one of the most sought-after locations globally.
The campaign also highlights luxury accommodations like the renowned Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, providing a premium Arctic experience.
Visitors can enjoy immersive aurora adventures with dog sledding or guided scientific viewing sessions. Sweden’s aurora season runs from late August to April, with peak conditions often occurring in winter.
Canada’s “Northern Lights in the Canadian Wild” Campaign
Canada promotes its Northern Territories as ideal locations for Northern Lights viewing through its campaign “Northern Lights in the Canadian Wild.” These regions offer vast wilderness and minimal light pollution, creating an authentic frontier-style adventure. The campaign targets travelers seeking a unique, all-inclusive experience that combines aurora viewing with thrilling winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and Indigenous cultural exploration.
Yellowknife is highlighted as the “Northern Lights Capital of the World,” offering aurora visibility up to 240 nights per year. The campaign promotes this destination during a season that spans from late August to April, emphasizing its prime location for Northern Lights enthusiasts.
United States’ “Fairbanks: The Best Place for the Northern Lights” Campaign
The United States joins the initiative with Alaska’s Fairbanks campaign, “The Best Place for the Northern Lights.” Located directly under the Auroral Oval, Fairbanks offers a statistically high chance of aurora sightings. Visitors can enjoy lights from warm viewing lodges or experience them while soaking in natural hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
The campaign targets adventurous travelers looking to combine the aurora experience with other Alaskan winter activities such as snowmobiling and Arctic Circle tours. The best viewing time is from mid-August to mid-April, emphasizing Fairbanks as an optimal destination for chasing the lights.
Greenland’s “Experience the Northern Lights in Greenland” Campaign
Greenland’s campaign “Experience the Northern Lights in Greenland” focuses on the raw, untouched beauty of its wilderness. The country positions itself as a destination for aurora viewing in a serene, remote setting with minimal population and light pollution. Key locations such as Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, and Nuuk offer clear, dark skies ideal for optimal viewing.
Tours involve excursions via dog sled or snowmobile away from artificial light sources, appealing to travelers seeking solitude and the grandeur of the Arctic environment. The campaign runs from September to April, providing an immersive experience that combines natural beauty with unique cultural elements like Inuit culture.
Conclusion
The collaborative efforts by these countries aim to make Northern Lights tourism more accessible and engaging for travelers. Each destination offers a distinct combination of natural wonders, activities, and experiences that cater to various preferences and interests. From Iceland’s geothermal hot springs to Greenland’s vast wilderness, the campaigns ensure that aurora chasers have a memorable and unforgettable journey.
